Springville Museum of Art facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Springville High School Art Gallery
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Entrance to the art museum, June 2012
Location in Utah Show map of Utah Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	126 East 400 South Springville, Utah United States
Area	1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built	1936-37; 1964
Built by	WPA
Architect	Ashworth, Claude S.
Architectural style	Mission/Spanish Revival
MPS	Public Works Buildings TR
NRHP reference No.	86000750
Added to NRHP	April 9, 1986

The Springville Museum of Art is a special place in Springville, Utah. It is the oldest museum in Utah dedicated to fine arts, which means it shows beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. In 1986, this important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings that are important to history. As of 2025, Emily Larsen is the director of the museum.

About the Museum Building

The museum building was finished in 1937. It was designed by an architect named Claud S. Ashworth. He used a style called Spanish Colonial Revival, which looks like old Spanish buildings. When it opened, it was called "A sanctuary of beauty and a temple of meditation." This means it was a peaceful place for enjoying art and thinking. The museum's goal is to help people learn and grow through art.

The building was expanded in 1964. The Springville Museum of Art was built with help from the Nebo School District, the Works Progress Administration (a government program), and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 1964 addition was a gift from the Clyde Foundation.

History of Art in Springville

The idea for art in Springville started in 1903. Artists John Hafen and Cyrus Dallin donated some of their artworks. More artists gave their work in 1907. Over the years, many other important art collections were added. These include the Smart collection in 1925, the Steed Collection in 1948, and the Lund-Wassmer Collection in 1986. The museum and the city of Springville continue to add to the art collection.

The museum is famous for its collection of Utah art. This art shows how art has changed in Utah from the early pioneer days until now. Nine permanent galleries in the museum display these artworks. All 275 pieces are shown in chronological order, which means from oldest to newest. This helps visitors see how art developed over time. The museum features works by 250 artists, including famous names like Doug Snow, Lee U. Bennion, Mahonri Young, Dan Weggeland, Francis L. Horspool, and LeConte Stewart. In 2017, the museum celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Museum Milestones

• 1901: A group was formed to bring art to Springville schools.
• 1903: John Hafen and Cyrus E. Dallin donated art, starting the museum's collection.
• 1907: Students and teachers at Springville High began saving money to buy art for their school.
• 1921: The very first Spring Salon art Exhibition was held. This is a show where artists can display their work.
• 1925: The Springville High Art Association was created to protect and show fine art. Emma and George Smart donated 65 artworks from Utah.
• 1929: A famous artist from Poland and America, Stan Poray, had a big art show at the museum.
• 1937: The Hafen-Dallin club was formed to support the arts. The Springville Art Museum building was finished as a project by the WPA.
• 1948: Alice and Merlin Steed gave 133 artworks to the museum.
• 1964: The families of Hyrum Smith and Elanora Johnson Clyde donated money for a new west wing. This added two new galleries.
• 1975: The museum building was given from the Nebo School District to the city of Springville.
• 1986: Theodore Wassmer and Judy Lund-Wassmer donated 300 artworks.
• 1986: The building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 1993: The city allowed the museum board to raise money for another new wing.
• 1998: Construction began on a large 20,000 square foot addition. This new part focused on art education for children and added more space for the museum's art collection.
• 2012: Rita Wright became the new director of the museum.

Permanent Art Collection

The museum has a collection of 2,300 artworks. Some of these are shown on the second floor. This collection includes art from Utah, the former Soviet Union, and other parts of the United States.

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  Edwin Evans, American Fork Canyon (1900)

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  John Hafen, Hollyhocks (c.1900)

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  John Hafen, Mountain Stream (1903)

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  Cyrus Dallin, The Protest (1904)

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  William Sergeant Kendall, The Artist’s Wife and Daughters (1906)

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  John Hafen, Tepees, Utah County (1907)

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  Cyrus Dallin, The Scout (1910)

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  Cyrus Dallin, Appeal to the Great Spirit (1912)

Special Exhibitions

The seven main galleries on the first floor often show temporary exhibitions. These shows feature many different art styles. They can cover historical topics or current issues. Some popular yearly shows include the All-State Utah High School Art Show, the Quilt Show, the Spiritual and Religious Show, and the Spring Salon.