SPRINGVILLE — The annual Springville Art Ball makes money for the museum, and it introduces the Spring Salon art exhibition. But it really is just a glitzy party that offers attendees a chance to get all gussied up, say those in charge.
"It's always been just a big-city party, and everyone is invited. We always have dancing, a nice buffet, a program where we introduce the art royalty. It's fancy and fun. It's semiformal, so you can wear a pretty dress. You see all kinds of dress, but mostly people dress up," said Pat Conover.
Conover has been involved since the ball was started in 1966 by Yvonne and LaRell Johnson.
Conover said each year a different couple is asked to chair the event and they, in turn, invite six more couples to help out.
"That way we get new blood, fresh ideas all the time," Conover said.
But the mission of the ball stays the same: Everyone is to feel welcome.
Even the instructions passed on year to year to the new chairmen spell out that the main purpose behind the ball is to bring warmth and sociality to the community.
"I love the Art Ball," said long-time resident Christi C. Babbitt, who chaired the event in 2001 with her husband, Ray. "It's a hoot."
"I think it's a good excuse for a new dress," said Stephanie Leavitt, also a resident but new to the area.
"The purpose is not fund-raising although they like to break even," said Natalie Petersen, associate director for the museum. "They have a budget of about $13,000, and they usually raise a few thousand more. It's a celebration of the opening of the Spring Salon and an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the gem of a museum we have here."
This year, the couple chairing the ball, Brooke and Kevin Scholz, have planned activities all over the museum for the 39th Art Ball. "An Evening for the Young at ART," which includes the new George S. and Delores Dore Eccles wing partially paid for with money raised at the art balls.
"We wanted to be the chairmen this year because we wanted to invite and encourage young people to come," Scholz said. "They'll be doing their art at the ball in all different mediums, sculpture, water color . . . . We have BYU dancers coming and the "Fiddlesticks" family. We'll have food and entertainment in all different areas. We are very excited."
Over the years, the ball has been done up in a number of creative ways with themes including a costume ball and a museum-expansion "Space Odyssey." Chairmen have included a buffet, dancing — usually to a live orchestra — entertainment ranging from a string quartet to J. O'Neill Miner's dance band and the introduction of the spring art collection. Sometimes there's a silent auction. This year the events include the unveiling of a new piece by sculptor Cyrus Dallin.
One constant over the past 38 years has been the choosing of the Museum of Art royalty, young women of good character who are selected on the basis of scholarship and service and then serve year-round in various capacities benefitting the museum and the arts.
Typically, the ball draws between 500 and 800 guests from all over the valley and the state. Former Gov. Olene Walker attended last year along with Elder W. Rolfe Kerr of the LDS Church's Quorums of the Seventy.
"I think there's a really good mix of old and young," said Judy Luther, a newcomer to Springville. "My husband enjoys it. The food is always good. There's a lot to do. Last year, my 13-year-old daughter went and she loved it. She dressed up fancy and everything."
Luther said it really is a party for the community, a place where she can expect to run into her neighbors, the school principal and the occasional governor.
"I recommend it. It's not too formal but you can get dressed up, and there aren't many opportunities for that. Last year, I splurged and bought a sparkly dress."
If you go
What: The Art Ball 2005
Where: Springville Art Museum, 126 E. 400 South
When: 7-10:30 p.m., Saturday, April 30
Cost: Tickets are $22.50 per person at the door, $20 in advance, $15 per student. For more information, call 489-2727 or visit: www.sma.nebo.edu
E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com