The Springville Museum of Art is preparing to host a major retrospective exhibition and symposium honoring John Hafen, a foundational figure in the Springville Art Movement whose work helped shape Utah's artistic heritage. The upcoming programming celebrates the life and enduring influence of the artist, who viewed his talent as a divine gift.
Celebrating a Foundational Artist
The museum's exhibition, titled "Enduring Beauty: John Hafen and the Power of Art," originally opened on August 20, 2025. The exhibition serves as a significant retrospective for Hafen, recognized as one of Utah’s most important artists. According to the Springville Museum of Art, the institution itself would not exist without Hafen's fundamental belief in the power of art.
Upcoming Symposium Details
In addition to the exhibition, the museum has scheduled the John Hafen Symposium to further explore his legacy. The symposium is set to take place on Monday, October 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with formal presentations beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will focus on Hafen's life, his professional work, and his lasting impact on the regional art community.
Mentorship and Legacy
Hafen's influence extended beyond his own canvas to mentor other Utah artists, including John B. Fairbanks of Paysont. According to BYU Studies, Fairbanks, who possessed an affinity for art since childhood, frequently visited Hafen’s studio in Payson to observe the master at work. Hafen provided Fairbanks with essential art materials and actively encouraged him to pursue painting.
The Paris Art Mission
The development of Utah's artistic community was also driven by a unique mission-based approach to art education. In the late 19th century, Hafen and fellow artist Lorus Pratt proposed a plan to George Q. Cannon, then First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They suggested that if the Church would subsidize their training in Paris, they would return to Utah to paint murals for the Salt Lake Temple.
A Vision for Temple Art
Hafen's proposal was rooted in a sense of religious and civic duty. In correspondence with Cannon, Hafen expressed a necessity to cultivate talents bestowed by God and voiced concerns regarding the decoration of the Salt Lake Temple. He wrote that he could not see any course more consistent than providing young, talented men the opportunity to develop their skills. This initiative eventually led to the inclusion of artists like Fairbanks in the Paris study mission from 1890 to 1892.
Influence of European Art
The era was defined by the global prominence of Paris as the capital of Western art, where artists flocked to academies like the Académie Julian. While Hafen and his contemporaries were influenced by the emerging Impressionist movement—characterized by light, color, and shadow—their primary goal was often to bring refined European techniques back to Utah. This movement included other notable figures such as George Ottinger, Dan Weggeland, and Cyrus E. Dallin.
Preserving Utah's Heritage
The University of Utah's Marriott Library preserves the historical significance of Hafen's work within its collections of Utah artists. Through both the physical preservation of his art and the continued study of his biographical impact, Hafen remains a central figure in the narrative of Utah's cultural development.
