Shilo Jackson

This is Shilo and this is her place.



Who are you? I'm Shilo Jackson. Artist, Gallery Owner...and student.

What is your place? Kayo Gallery, Frosty Darling and the shops on Broadway.



Why is this place special to you? This is a new special and favorite place for me.

I took over Kayo in January. Since then, I’ve developed close friendships, admiration and respect for the small local business owners on our little strip of shops. Owning a business is not for the faint of heart. I have a new drive and passion to buy from local merchants and frequent businesses that are locally owned, and to shun the corporate evil empires that turn every city into the same ticky-tacky strip malls they’re all becoming. Along Broadway, we’re a small community and very supportive of each other. These people have amazing drive, stamina and passion to do what they do.

As for Kayo – I’m fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented artists and fabulous art all day, every day. I now have my studio space in the back and it’s my sanctuary, inspiration and haven. Even if I’m not working, I can step into that space and feel completely at home. My walls are covered with work by artists whom I admire. This building is old and rickety, but it’s charming, too. I have a ghetto bathroom, complete with a sink whose legs fall off and no hot water. But I get great light and have high ceilings. It’s a trade off, right?

What do you enjoy most about Salt Lake City? I love living in a metropolitan city and being able to walk around downtown and feel fairly safe.
It’s a big small town. It gets better all the time, and the more time I spend here, the more I enjoy what the city has to offer. The arts scene has definitely improved since I first moved here 15 years ago. It went from non-existent to a lot more prominent. I’m glad Kayo came about to offer up progressive art. There isn’t enough of that yet!

It’s also really great to be so close to so many amazing things to do in regards to natural resources, national parks and ski resorts. It’s gorgeous here, with the mountains.

What do you dislike about Salt Lake City? I hate the LDS religious undertones that control the media and the city. The church is way too strong in our local government. I can’t believe how much of downtown they own and as a result can control. I thought government and religion were supposed to be separate, but that’s really not the case here.

Utah drivers are aggressive, mean and scary. They’re more courteous in Los Angeles than they are here! And the smog here is worse than California. (Did I mention I moved here from Southern California?)

Do you have any additional comments about living here? When I first moved here, I ordered a margarita at a restaurant. The waitress asked me “With or without” I said “With salt, please!” She said “No...I meant alcohol.”
How do you get around town? I drive.





More information about Shilo and her place:

• Kayo Gallery
  
• Map [Google]
  

You can also view these photos as well as outtakes in this Flickr gallery/set.