The Springville Museum of Art celebrated its 100th Annual Spring Salon with a themed Art Ball, hosting a community event that featured a prom theme, live music, and the presentation of Art Royalty. The landmark celebration marked a century of the institution's signature Spring Salon exhibition.
Centennial Art Ball Celebrations
The museum's annual Art Ball, held on May 18, 2024, served as a central component of the centennial festivities for the Spring Salon. The event provided attendees with a light dinner, dancing accompanied by a live band and a DJ, and various activities.
During the celebration, the museum held its Art Royalty Presentation, a traditional element of the festivities. The event was organized by the museum to bring the community together in honor of the 100-year milestone of the Spring Salon exhibition.
Historical Architecture and Ownership
The Springville Museum of Art is situated at 126 East 400 South in Springville, located approximately 60 minutes south of the Salt Lake City International Airport. The museum is housed in a Spanish Colonial-style structure designed by architect Claude Ashworth.
Originally completed in 1937, the building has served as an art museum since its inception. It was initially funded and constructed through a partnership involving the Works Progress Administration, the Nebo School District, the City of Springville, and the LDS Church. While the museum is no longer owned by the school district, a strong partnership remains between the museum and the district. The City of Springville currently owns and maintains the facility.
Educational Roots and Public Access
The museum's historical connection to local education is rooted in its origins as part of Springville High School. While the old high school was located east of the museum before being razed in the 1970s, the building has periodically hosted theater, music, and art classes.
Today, the museum operates as a free institution open to the public, though it accepts suggested visitor donations of $5 per guest. To assist with visitor studies, the museum requests that guests provide their zip codes at the front desk.
Visitor Information and Hours
The museum's operations include various programs and accessibility features. Visitors can tour the museum Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 8:00 p.m. The museum has also expanded its availability to include Monday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The museum is closed on Sundays and holidays. For those traveling with children, the museum allows children over the age of 15 to visit without adult supervision.
Funding and Exhibition History
The Springville Museum of Art maintains its collections and exhibitions through a variety of partnerships. Funding and support are provided through volunteer and in-kind services, grants, donations, memberships, and support from the City of Springville.
In addition to its major annual events like the Spring Salon, the museum hosts a wide array of exhibitions, including the 54th Annual Utah High School Art Show, the 51st Annual Quilt Show, and various specialized collections such as the Soviet Collection and the Gail Miller & Kim Wilson Collection.
Community Engagement and Programming
The museum remains a central hub for the arts in the region, offering a diverse schedule of programming ranging from family programs and teen programs to K-12 education and community concerts. Visitors can stay informed about upcoming exhibitions and education programs through the museum's website, social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram, or by signing up for email updates.
