The William J. Kranstover Gallery: Painting in the Heart of Peoa
William J. Kranstover’s journey as an artist began in the midwest, where he received a Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin. After teaching there and in Australia, Kranstover moved to Park City, where he taught for the 1972 and 1973 ski seasons. He no longer teaches art, claiming he lacks the patience necessary.
However, Kranstover loves talking with people about art, which led to the unique operation of his gallery in Peoa, Utah: there are no regular hours, but Kranstover encourages anyone interested in seeing his collection and discussing art to stop by and give him a call or text at the number listed on his website— he’s rarely more than 20 minutes away, and is happy to open up the studio and offer a personalized tour.
“When people come out [to the studio] we have a discussion about process, materials, and what I’m doing,” says Kranstover. “We have fun conversations…it’s a little bit of education for everybody.” Visitors may get to watch the artist at work on one of his latest pieces; he typically creates 2 or 3 simultaneously, moving back and forth between the pieces whenever boredom or artistic block strikes— “If I don’t get excited about a piece, I move [to another piece] until I do.” Studio guests may also be greeted by Macy, Kranstover’s 40 pound standard poodle, whom he often refers to as a substandard poodle. When asked if Macy took offense to this categorization, Kranstover offered his assurance: “She’s fine with that.”
The William J. Kranstover Gallery opened in Peoa 15 years ago, born from the artist’s desire for a “spot to throw paint and exhibit.” The building that houses the Gallery was built in 1896, and Kranstover says he continues to learn historical tidbits about the space from other Peoa residents. Of his Gallery, Kranstover praises it as “such a pleasurable place to be, and it is such a meditative experience to paint. The Gallery lends itself well to that.”
Kranstover also speaks highly of the creative community in Peoa, citing it as a wonderful area for artists; several of his neighbors are creatives, and there is much foot traffic between the local studios. Peoa is, in Kranstover’s words, “an undiscovered hub of creativity.”
For more information about Kranstover and his Gallery, or to schedule a tour, visit his website. You can also check out more of his artwork on his facebook and instagram.