As an eventful Utah Arts Festival 2012 came to a close Sunday evening, here's a look back at some memorable moments. ---

* Visitors on Thursday and Friday were treated to artist Ted Siebert working on a sand sculpture near the festival's northern perimeter. But gusty winds taught the hard way to those observing that it was best to check out the process while standing upwind.

* Friday evening saw the premiere of Tom Mattingly's new dance commission Saru, a wonderfully energetic piece that found the five participating dancers cavorting like playful animals in alternating moods of enthusiasm and suspicion. Combining elements of traditional ballet with jagged modern-dance movements, it made for a frisky end to a beautiful 30-minute program.

* Saturday's lineup of poetry and spoken-word artists featured terrific performances by Adam Love, Melissa Bond and Alex Caldiero, including Bond's poignant monologue about coming to terms with her son's diagnosis with Down syndrome.

* The wandering wonders of Dragon Knights Stilt Theatre captivated visitors throughout the festival, as the ostrich puppeteer in particular interacted with curious and sometimes skeptical children (and adults).

* The nightly Wiseguys Comedy spot at Big Mouth Stage included a hilarious set by Spencer King, who touched on his overly playful cat, being an adult with braces and putting funny slogans or designs on baby onesies.

* Fear No Film once again proved to be not only a wonderful way to catch a little air-conditioned respite from the hot days, but also delivered programs of entertaining and thought-provoking short films.