Vault Episode 16: Why Everyone Should Make Art with Micah Christensen

What if getting good at art has less to do with talent—and more to do with learning how to see?Micah Christensen is an art historian, educator, painter, and the owner of Anthony’s Fine Art and Antiques in Salt Lake City. His path to the art world was anything but straightforward, taking him through opera, business, Harvard, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and a PhD studying how artists were trained from the Renaissance through the 19th century.In this episode of Small Lake City, Micah breaks down why painting is a skill anyone can learn, why repetition matters more than finding your “style,” and why adults shouldn’t be afraid to pick up a brush for the first time. We talk about approaching art the way we approach sports: you don’t have to become a professional for participating to make your life better.Micah also shares the remarkable story of taking over Anthony’s Fine Art and Antiques after his father collapsed, what decades of looking at art taught him about connoisseurship, and how experts can sometimes recognize a questionable masterpiece within seconds.We explore Utah’s surprisingly deep artistic tradition, the Springville Museum of Art, the importance of galleries and collectors, and why acclaimed Spanish painter Antonio López García described Utah as one of the great art capitals of the world.More than anything, this is a conversation about beauty, stewardship, and learning how to see. Whether you want to start painting, collect your first original piece, or simply understand why certain works of art move you, Micah makes the case that art isn’t a luxury reserved for experts—it’s something all of us can participate in.🎙️ Small Lake City is a podcast about the people, ideas, and stories shaping Salt Lake City and Utah.50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY Visit www.luxeautomotive.com or use this link to request a quote Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the showSmall Lake City Calendar, add for all the events coming up straight to your iCal, Google Calendar, or Outlook: https://42b1ul.share-na2.hsforms.com/2NEaCwuBsSH-fY1z5Hr7DkgJoin the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeKSubscribe to the Newsletter! https://www.smalllakepod.com/newsletter-landing-pageInstagram: @smalllakepodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcastTikTok: @smalllakepod