Saturday, August 14, 2010

Things To See...Springville, Utah Museum of Art

This week we spent a lot of time "site seeing" This is a MUST stop if you are in the Provo, Utah area. (only 2 exits south of my apartment)
It is the Spingville Utah Museum of Art It is located at 126 East 400 South, Springville, Utah Take Exit 260 off of I-15

It is an amazing peaceful setting.
They have the largest public collection of 20th century Russian and Soviet Impressionist and Realist art in the Western United States. (from the guest flier)

It also houses over 2000 American paintings
But the reason I found this museum was because my dad's cousin, Jean Carlson was married to Warren Dallin (1950- 2006), a relative of
Cyrus E. Dallin
1861-1944

If you have never heard of C.E. Dallin you may recognize one of his sculptures, that of Angel Moroni on top of the Salt Lake City, LDS Temple. or maybe "Appeal to the Great Spirit" 1909
I loved looking at all of his sculptures but I believe this is my favorite.
Pretty Eagle 1926 He is done in Bronze.But, by taking the flash off, it might not be as clear...but his eyes are...
I LOVE IT!
Dallin was well known for his Indian sculptures, but also his work of the American fore fathers. This is John Hancock and Paul Rever
Not all of the history of art was found on the walls or in statues.
The floor and windows are their own.

and the history: Utah’s first museum for the visual arts, this beautiful Spanish Morrocan Style building would be worth visiting even if there were no art. Dedicated as a “Sanctuary of Beauty and a Temple of Contemplation ” by David O. McKay, the Museum houses over 2,000 works; 1,500 of which are Utah art. The impressive collection of 150 years of Utah fine art, twentieth century Soviet Socialist Realism and American art, and 15 exhibitions per year are displayed throughout 29 galleries.

and the founders: As expressed by the Museum's founders, our vision is that the absolutes of truth, beauty and pathos, sensitivity and power of fine art to "refine the minds of youth and build character in all people," [John Hafen] and that "art is a necessity for a well ordered life" [Cyrus E. Dallin]. Our goal is to promote the Museum as "a sanctuary of beauty and a temple of contemplation" [David O. McKay].

Enjoy your visit as much as I did!

4 comments:

Lourie said...

How very cool!! Thanks for the tour.

Mindy H. said...

The State of Utah needs to pay you for all of your great tourism boosting posts. I have added the art museum to my list of things to see the next time I am down that way. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

MaryRC said...

so much history

Lene said...

I had no idea it was even there. I might have to stop by and visit next time I am through Springville...like in October!