Transcendence of Art: A clue in the 2023 Utah Treasure Hunt?

It’s time for the annual Utah Treasure Hunt

It's time again for the annual Utah treasure hunt! Treasure hunters from Salt Lake City to St. George have become obsessed with the recent treasure hidden by John Maxim and David Cline.  I’ll admit as well, that ever since last year I too have waited for this year's hunt and the poem containing the clue to be leaked. I have since patiently waited for the additional hints to be released, so that maybe I can figure it out and find the hidden chest containing the grand prize.  

For those who are not from Utah, here is a brief synopsis of what I am talking about:

Local Salt Lake City residents, John Maxim and David Cline hold an annual treasure hunt in which a significant amount of money (25K this year, 20K last year) is hidden in a treasure chest somewhere in the Utah outdoors.  They then release a set of clues in the form of a poem which ultimately leads to the location of the treasure chest.  If the treasure chest is not found within a set amount of time a new clue is released weekly.  

Treasure hunters come out in troves to search for the hidden treasure chest. The treasure hunt is all people talk about on social media. A lot of people scourer the internet in search of random hints or at least some additional hints and insight into them. Everyone waits for the new clue.  Everyone wants to find the cash prize.  

The reasoning behind this annual treasure hunt, according to both John Maxim and David Cline, came about during the Covid Pandemic.  The treasure hunt was envisioned as a safe way for people to get outdoors, enjoy some fresh air,  and not lose their sense of adventure. The pair's annual treasure hunt has become a passion project with a lot of people becoming amature treasure hunters. This year's hunt is no different.

 

Transcendence of Art

The first line of this year's annual Utah treasure hunt is “Begin your search where time was transcendent”.  Immediately my mind went to art.  Obviously art has a unique ability to transcend boundaries and surpass limitations, reaching deep into the core of human existence. Through the ages, art has served as a bridge that connects individuals, cultures, and civilizations, transcending time and space.

Art communicates through a universal language that surpasses verbal barriers. Whether it's a captivating painting, an evocative sculpture, or a soul-stirring melody, art has the power to evoke emotions and tell stories without the need for translation. It unites a lot of people from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to share in the common human experience. 

The more I thought about this the more I realized how transcendent art really is.  I thought this was it and maybe I was onto something.  What else is transcendent of time? Knowledge?  Love?  A quick search of the the official website, and I realized that there were multiple museums, universities, churches, and temples, within the search area. The dream of finding the hidden chest, winning the grand prize, and collecting the cold hard cash it contained quickly started to fade away.  

Obviously, it did get me feverishly searching the internet for current hints and I have probably gotten more fresh air in the last month than all of last year combined, but it also got me thinking more about the idea of art being transcendent of time.  This is probably not what the treasure hunt organizers envisioned, but short of actually finding the treasure chest myself I am glad it has encouraged a lot of people thinking more deeply.  Full disclosure... I will still be out looking for the hidden chest, just like last year, and will keep looking until the grand prize is found.  

How art is transcendent of  time

A lot of people use art as a vessel for emotional expression, providing an outlet for artists and viewers alike to explore complex emotions and feelings. Whether it's the joy of love, the pain of loss, or the hope of a new beginning, art captures the essence of human emotions in a way that words alone often struggle to convey.

The true essence of art lies in its timeless nature. Masterpieces created centuries ago continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. From the mesmerizing strokes of a Leonardo da Vinci painting to a timeless classic verse of a Shakespearean play, these creations have stood the test of time, bridging the gap between past and present.  For the treasure hunt organizers to use a form of poem to to get the clues out to treasure seekers was not only a great idea, it was brilliant! 
 
Art serves as a vessel for preserving cultural heritage and history. It encapsulates the beliefs, customs, and values of different societies, ensuring that their legacy lives on for generations to come. Through art, we gain insights into the minds of our ancestors and understand the evolution of civilizations. 
 
Art challenges our perceptions and stimulates critical thinking. It has the power to confront societal norms, raise awareness about pertinent issues, and inspire change. From political satires to thought-provoking installations, art sparks conversations and encourages us to question the world around us.
 
Art has an exceptional ability to cultivate empathy within individuals. By presenting various perspectives and experiences, art encourages us to step into the shoes of others, enhancing our understanding of diverse cultures, struggles, and triumphs. With so many possible interpretations, every work of art is bound to mean something differently.  A quick search of social media will show that wile this treasure hunt may not bring about empathy,  each line of the poem has different meaning amongst treasure seekers. 
 
Art often carries a profound spiritual dimension, connecting individuals to something beyond themselves. Whether it's the awe-inspiring beauty of nature depicted in a landscape painting or the meditative quality of sacred music, art can evoke a sense of the divine and provide solace in moments of contemplation. The last couple of days this has become even more apparent to me as I have looked out over a mountainside or wandered through the desert in search of treasure.  Getting off of the main road and exploring nature is inspiring and a place I often turn to when I am looking for painting ideas.

 In its transcendence, art elevates our existence, nourishing our souls with beauty, emotions, and profound insights. Through its universal language, timeless appeal, and ability to foster empathy and connection, art unites humanity and helps us navigate the complexities of life. As we continue to create, appreciate, and celebrate art, we contribute to the perpetuation of this extraordinary phenomenon that has the power to transcend barriers and transform lives.  This is why art is so important for our youth.  With all the negativity of social media, the news, and within our society as a whole, art is still seen as a safe place for expression.  

 
Even though it is unlikely that I find the treasure chest and walk off with the grand prize, I am thankful for what both John Maxim and David Cline are doing for our community. It has gotten people out of the house, into nature, experiencing the fresh air and enjoying the thrill of a treasure hunt.  And after all, isn't that the real treasure?

If you would like additional information on the annual Utah treasure hunt the official website is https://utahtreasurehunts.com/