Good morning, Utah Today readers! Itās going to be a rainy one: š§ļø 21 ā 41Ā° in Logan | š§ 100% chance š§ļø 36 ā 49Ā° in Salt Lake City | š§ 90% chance š§ļø 44 ā 57Ā° in St. George | š§ 60% chance Creativity is integral to the rich tapestry that makes up Utah. The state is home to incredible artists, ancient rock art and creative communities. During his journey west with the Latter-day Saint pioneers, Philo Dibble had a dream which inspired him to create and curate art. Being a poor man, he didnāt have the means to buy the materials to create the panoramic murals of church history scenes he felt inspired to, but Brigham Young became aware of his plan and offered him $2 to buy a canvas. While Dibble never realized his dream of creating a gallery in Zion during his lifetime, his enthusiasm for the arts inspired other settlers in Utah to become artists and participate in the arts. Dibble regularly held art shows in Springville until his death in 1895, and his vision served as the inspiration for Utahās first fine arts museum. The Springville Museum of Art was dedicated as āa sanctuary of beauty and a temple of contemplationā by President David O. McKay, then a member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1937. It now has a collection of over 2,500 works including pieces by artists from Utah, a 20th century collection of Soviet realist paintings and more. Additionally, the over 15 rotating exhibits every year promoting living artists from Utah and feature a western perspective. They even adorn their gallery walls with quilts at their annual summer quilt show. When I was in high school, my mother taught me how to sew. As such, she wanted me to see all that could be done with a needle and thread and took me to the exhibit. I was blown away by the craftsmanship and creativity, and I attend as often as I can. Being located in a small town doesnāt mean they only focus on traditional art. According to their mission statement, they collect works āby Utah artists regardless of style (traditional, modern and visionary, etc.), subject, or period/era.ā Itās one of the many artistic treasures in Utah. Tell me: Have you visited the Springville Museum of Art? Also on our minds: Did the FBI violate the First Amendment on Twitter, do DEI initiatives include faith and does being a religious blonde make you a villain in Hollywood? |