The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is asking local communities to be on the lookout for artist Joseph Pachak, 75, who has been reported missing from Bluff, Utah, on Nov. 27.
The last time anyone heard from Pachak, according to his missing-person poster, was Nov. 18. He was reported missing after failing to show up for a group meetup and Thanksgiving events he planned to attend.
Though he is known to take spontaneous hikes, the poster said he typically informs someone of his plans. His cellphone, wallet and truck were located at his residence in the South Sagebrush area of Bluff.
Pachak is described as Caucasian with white, balding hair and green eyes. He is 5, feet 7 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office at (435) 587-2237.
According to the Moab Sun News, Pachak was a “well-known artist, guide and cultural figure,” who created sculptures and drawings from natural materials and rock.
Each year, one of his major projects included creating sculptures out of natural materials in the shape of various animals such as elk, bears and ravens that were burned as part of an annual community winter solstice celebration in Bluff.
Pachak told Bear Ears Partnership that some of the sculptures were as tall as 20 feet and built with donated sticks, wire and other materials from the community.
He shared that he wanted his sculptures to use materials that could return to the earth.
Pachak was also a speaker and guest at various events. He moved to southeastern Utah in the 1980s and taught drawing and art history at Utah State’s former White Mesa Institute.
In a public Instagram post from Terry Tempest Williams about Pachak being missing, Williams said, “Joe is loved and has given so much to so many regarding his deep understanding of Utah’s desert landscapes and ancient histories. An artist and insightful, attuned storyteller like no other.”
