Painting a Path to Success—Inside Josh Scheuerman’s Art World | My Member Story

Meet Josh Scheuerman, a dynamic independent artist in Salt Lake City known for his stunning murals. Artistically inclined since childhood, it wasn’t until Josh turned 40 that he embarked on his journey as a full-time artist. Surprisingly, he has only been painting since the age of 30 after a career-shifting epiphany directed him to this medium. With $500 worth of supplies, he dove headfirst into the world of painting.

Since making this career shift, Josh has poured his heart and soul into creating breathtaking pieces of art and mastering the art of marketing himself, earning him remarkable success and recognition in the art community.

Getting from here to there

Why did it take Josh so long to spread his wings and fly as an artist? He believes it’s all about the journey. “I think a life of experience is a life well lived,” he says. “I’m 46 now. It took me 30 years to quit my job, but I gained the self-esteem, the courage, and the knowledge to eventually get to that point in my career where I could make a transition to be a full-time artist. I don’t think if I tried it at 30 it would have worked. And I’m definitely sure it wouldn’t have happened at 20.”

When it came to making a living in art, Josh knew that artists needed to work with galleries to get their work out in the community. He was ecstatic when, within his first year, he painted his first mural and took part in a gallery stroll, ultimately landing a solo art show. However, he quickly found out galleries don’t often want to work with artists who have no formal art education or academic lineage. But Josh had a plan.

With a solid background in marketing and four decades of life experience, Josh chose a nontraditional approach to making a name for himself—he elected to market himself independently rather than relying on galleries.

What is art?

Josh describes his artistic style as Americana—a very broad term, which suits him just fine. He enjoys painting the ordinary aspects of life, much like one of his favorite artists, Edward Hopper, who is famous for the painting Nighthawks. “You see the mundane as beautiful,” Josh muses. “It makes you think, but it’s also just normal, and I think that normalcy is what makes it beautiful.”

Josh is an avid runner. As he runs, he often stumbles upon the most beautiful, unexpected scenes simply by taking in his surroundings. “You don’t really need to reach the destination to see the beauty around you,” he reflects.

Today Josh’s extraordinary murals can be found in 12 states and four countries. If you peruse his portfolio, you may even see a piece you recognize.

Finding a financial community

It seems like just yesterday, but Mountain America Credit Union has been a part of Josh’s life since 1999. He first became a member after college when his grandmother, who had been a long-time credit union member, helped him apply for an auto loan. “She co-signed for me, and I became a member of Mountain America,” he recalls. “And now it’s been 25 years.”

Josh uses Mountain America for both his business and personal banking. He appreciates the strong, positive community at Mountain America. Recently, he was commissioned to paint a mural in the credit union’s new branch in Vineyard, Utah. “For me, it was very much the highlight of being a member for 25 years,” he says. “Collectively, I like to be part of things. I think it’s important to be a part of something that’s in your community.”

Connecting communities through Art Adoption

As many creatives are, Josh is a passionate man, especially when it comes to bettering communities and cultures. Since he began his career as an artist, he has tried to find ways to support his communities. That’s why he helped start Art Adoption.

The term “orphaned” art refers to pieces that didn’t sell in a gallery or pieces the artist chooses not to display. Art Adoption is an annual event where artists can show their orphaned pieces, hoping to find loving homes for these neglected works. “Everyone wants art in their house,” Josh explains. “Many of us can’t afford a $10,000 gallery-style painting, but we [can afford] a $100 or $200 painting. I’d rather get [original] art out into the world than mass-produced replicas, and I think it’s important for artists to make a living on it.”

Art Adoption takes place in December with donations going to Volunteers of America to support a local youth shelter, in addition to another selected cause each year.

It’s no surprise that Josh serves on two community boards. He firmly believes that if you want to see change or improvement, you must work hard to be part of the solution.

Thank you for sharing your passions with us, Josh! We’re honored to be part of your journey and your community!