WASHINGTON CITY — This artist finds inspiration in the daring souls who spin life’s trials into magnificent works of art. And who better embodies that spirit than the artist herself?
“I’ve always been into the mindset and capabilities of making things happen or manifesting,” Megan Schaugaard said. “The ability of mind over matter and resiliency. That’s what a lot of my work is about.”
Schaugaard, of Washington City, reflected upon a time when she and her husband transformed a house that was in deplorable condition into a stunning home. This home flip and transformation has often served as a source of inspiration for her, highlighting the power of contrast and creativity. It also mirrors the contrasts in her own life, enriching her artistic perspective, she said.
“How do you know something is beautiful unless you know it was ugly before?” she said. “The idea is that they don’t exist without each other. Things are more meaningful when it’s been terrible.”
Growing up on a farm, she spent her days exploring the outdoors. Indoors, she was constantly drawing and finding other creative outlets. Inspired by nature, she often gazed out the window, sketching pictures of the mountains.
Watching her mother make quilts, clothing and various other items, Schaugaard was fascinated by the idea of creating something out of nothing. In high school, she took photography classes, and after graduation, she began working in photography, capturing weddings and other events.
While attending Utah Tech University, formerly Dixie State College, she took an oil painting class with Del Parson and instantly fell in love with the medium. She and her husband graduated simultaneously while she was pregnant with their first child. As a stay-at-home mom, she balanced her responsibilities by doing photography on the side and painting whenever time allowed.
Once her children were all old enough to attend school, Schaugaard said she was ready to return to her art education. Seeking technical art classes to refine her skills, she found the New York Academy of Art to be the perfect fit. Her excitement turned to worry when she received her acceptance letter just as COVID-19 struck the nation.
After discussions with her husband and realizing she couldn’t bring her family due to pandemic restrictions, she made the difficult decision to move alone to New York to attend school. She arrived in August 2020, initially believing the strict protocols would be short-lived and assuming her family would soon be able to visit her. However, she quickly realized the restrictions only allowed her to travel within New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. If she ventured beyond those areas for more than 24 hours, she’d face a mandatory two-week quarantine upon return.
“They built walls inside existing studios,” she said about attending the New York Academy of Art. “The regulations were very … New York, right? They decreased their class sizes and had strict protocols. We all had our screen protector for our individual studios. It was such a contrast from Southern Utah.”
Living near Central Park, she took advantage of the park for daily walks. With most of the city shut down, she focused intently on her classes. She maintained daily contact with her family and bought a Nintendo Switch to play Fortnite with her kids.
When Thanksgiving arrived, the family decided to have a quick reunion. Her husband and kids drove to Las Vegas, Nevada, and she flew in to join them. They spent less than 24 hours together, making the most of their time by visiting the Valley of Fire State Park before again parting ways. By the second year, the restrictions began to ease, allowing for a three-day quarantine period with a negative COVID test result.
“In the winter, time was ruthless,” she said. “We’d be in line for these clinics to do the testing. You’d wait for three, four hours to get tested surrounded by people who just tested and probably have COVID.”
Despite the restrictions and the ache of missing her family, she found fulfillment in her classes and the knowledge she gained. She said she’s grateful for the opportunity to showcase her work to a wider audience, including celebrities. During one event, Brooke Shields entered her studio. After chatting about her artwork, she said Shields was captivated enough to purchase some of her pieces.
“I totally acted like I didn’t know who she was,” she said, laughing. “She was super sweet and super nice and started tearing up when I told her about some of my artwork. At the end, she said, ‘I’m Brooke, by the way.’”
For her college thesis, Schaugaard chose a theme of resilience and the pursuit of inner peace amid tumultuous circumstances. Her inspiration for the artwork stemmed from her neighbor, who navigated the challenges of raising a nonverbal son while coping with her husband’s seizure disorder. She said she recognized her as the epitome of resilience and beauty: happy, kind and willing to go above and beyond for others despite facing trials.
The painting portrays a woman in a dilapidated environment, with a leaky ceiling above her. Despite the decay surrounding her, the water from the leak nourishes the flowers in her hand, symbolizing the transformation of adversity into beauty.
Schaugaard graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in 2022, specializing in oil painting. After returning home, she secured positions with Connoisseur Magazine and Plein Air Magazine. She’s been actively engaged in art exhibitions and fulfilling commissioned works ever since.
Schaugaard is a board member of Women Out West, an empowering female art organization that recently put on a networking retreat. The event included plein air painting at various locations in Kanab and the surrounding areas.
“We now have two tiers for artists, emerging artists and professional artists, which will allow networking and mentoring for those just starting in art, and any woman artist in Utah can join,” she said about the organization.
The organization is also planning to host an annual exhibit at various locations across the state in addition to its annual retreat. Those interested in joining can email [email protected] with “WOW Membership” in the subject line.
Another art event, Art Biz, is set for Nov. 2. The board is finalizing the venue, breakout sessions and ticket prices. Those interested can email [email protected] with “ART BIZ” in the subject line to receive early ticket sale notifications and a payment link before the general public. More details to come.
Schaugaard also holds the position of adjunct professor at Utah Tech, where she shares her expertise in 3D design with aspiring artists. And during the month of June, she’s been holding classes for budding artists ages 9 to 14 in her home. Classes include clay sculpting, which takes place every Monday. Beginners’ oil painting classes are held every Tuesday.
“I remember how much I loved art when I was that age, and just being able to explore something like oil painting would have been awesome,” she said. “I feel like I really could have developed it quicker, and I want to encourage young artists.”
She said she plans to hold future workshops for adults as well as kids. Those interested may contact her here or fill out this form to receive updates about upcoming workshops.
Schaugaard expressed gratitude for the life experiences that have shaped her journey as an individual and an artist. Visit her website for more information. Stay up-to-date by following her artistic adventures on Instagram and Facebook. For commission inquiries, contact her directly.
Photo Gallery
Megan Schaugaard draws a model in class at the New York Academy of Art in New York, New York, circa 2020 | Photo courtesy of Megan Schaugaard, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard works on her art during a class at the New York Academy of Art in New York, New York, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Megan Schaugaard, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard draws people on the subway in New York, New York, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Megan Schaugaard, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard stands in an empty Time Square during the COVID-19 pandemic, Manhattan, New York, circa 2020 | Photo courtesy of Megan Schaugaard, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard works on her art during a class at the New York Academy of Art in New York, New York, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Megan Schaugaard, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard's husband Gary visits her in New York, New York, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Megan Schaugaard, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard and her family visit Valley of Fire during her less than 24-hour visit, Overton, circa Nov. 2020 | Photo courtesy of Megan Schaugaard, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard celebrates her graduation at the New York Academy of Art in New York, New York, circa 2022 | Photo courtesy of Megan Schaugaard, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard stands next to her artwork inside her art studio in Washington City, Utah, May 23, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard's artwork, inspired by her neighbor, illustrates the transformation of hardship into beauty, Washington City, Utah, May 23, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
A piece by Megan Schaugaard hangs in her home studio, capturing the contrast between her life in Southern Utah and New York, Washington City, Utah, May 23, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Megan Schaugaard works on a commissioned art piece featuring an LDS temple, Washington City, Utah, May 23, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Art by Megan Schaugaard is pictured | Photo courtesy of bymegs.com, St. George News
Art by Megan Schaugaard is pictured | Photo courtesy of bymegs.com, St. George News
Art by Megan Schaugaard is pictured | Photo courtesy of bymegs.com, St. George News
Art by Megan Schaugaard is pictured | Photo courtesy of bymegs.com, St. George News
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