Celebrating the Utah Division of Arts and Museums’ 125th Anniversary with Vicki Bourns and Ben Steele

Vicki Bourns (Director of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to remember Alice Merrill Horne, an innovative Utah artist and politician who helped establish a state arts organization and a state collection of artwork in 1899, and how the Utah Division of Arts and Museums helps care for art throughout the state. Then Vicki talks about a new state-of-the-art storage space that will protect Utah’s art for years. 

We are also joined by Ben Steele (Helper-based Artist), who opens up about finding his unique art style, how Helper’s booming art community has helped give the town new life, and his commissioned piece honoring Alice Merrill Horne. 

Lastly, in honor of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums’ 125th anniversary, we preview an upcoming exhibit set to open on December 10th at Utah Valley University’s Museum of Art.

Related Links

UA&M: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/

Alice Merrill Home Art Collection: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/alice-merrill-horne-art-collection/

UA&M 125th Anniversary: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/125th-anniversary/#:~:text=On%20March%209%2C%201899%2C%20the,makes%202024%20our%20125th%20anniversary!

Ben Steele: https://bensteeleart.com/