Keeping in line with the state's Sesquicentennial Celebration, this year's annual Art Ball at the Springville Museum of Art carries the theme "This Is the Art Place." The event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the museum, 126 E. 400 South.
Dedicated as "a sanctuary of beauty and temple of meditation," the Springville Museum of Art has announced the building of a new wing to house its growing collection. The Art Ball will serve as a fund raiser with all proceeds going to the building of the wing. The event also serves as the premiere of the museum's Spring Salon."It's a big party, a celebration," said Jay Knight, event co-chairman."Dancing at the end of the evening is just a small part of it."
A reception begins at 7 p.m. and entertainment by Utah artist Marvin Payne starts at 8 p.m. Dancing with the O'Niel Miner Band will be from 9 to 11:30 p.m.
The event will include announcement of the 1997 Art Queen and her attendants. A light buffet will also be offered through the evening. Dress is black-tie optional. Tickets are $15 per person, $30 per couple and $20 per couple for high school students. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the museum, from committee members, or at the door.
Springville has been a haven for artists and art collections for decades. Even the city's logo touts the museum and its nickname "Art City." The Springville art collections began in 1903. Since 1922, work from the annual Spring Salon has been a major source of art work for the collection. To house the collections, a new facility was built in 1937 and enlarged in 1964.
"It's an honor for our citizens to have the museum in our city," Knight said. "The museum has a nationwide reputation and shows the greatest Utah artists' works." Knight said the primary goal and function of the museum is to focus on Utah artists.
In addition to the museum's collection, art exhibits from around the country are on display throughout the year. Two exhibits garnering national attention are the annual Quilt Show and the Children's Crayola Show.
The museum will break ground this summer with the first of three phases on the new wing, expected to be completed in 1998. The addition will double the museum's exhibition space and will cost $3 million. The museum currently has half of the funds needed to complete the phased project. Knight said the committee hopes to raise $15,000 from the Art Ball.
The museum's permanent collection includes 1,431 works of art valued at more than $6 million. The museum acquired 39 works of art in 1996. John Hafen, cofounder of the museum, believed the museum's mission was to refine the minds of youth and build character in all people.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts more than 18,000 elementary, secondary and college students. The All-State High School Show, held at the museum, gives art students the opportunity to participate in a juried competition.
For more information about the Art Ball, Spring Salon or the museum, call 489-2727.