Helen, Lee Greene Richards, oil on canvas

Utah’s state-owned art collection began in 1899. Alice Merrill Horne was a candidate for the state legislature on a platform of support for the arts. Once she was elected to the House of Representatives she sponsored a bill to create a state arts organization and to establish a state collection of artwork. In honor of that sponsor, the collection was named the “Alice Art Collection.”

A letter written by Alice Merrill Horne lists a number of paintings that formed the first acquisitions of the collection. Some artists, but no titles, were also mentioned in the letter. It is this information that begins the history of the State Fine Art Collection.

The continued acquisition of artwork by Utah artists comes from purchases selected by the Collection Acquisition Committee and generous donations from patrons and artists.

To view online directory of highlights from the
State Fine Art Collection

CLICK HERE

Contact:
Lila Abersold labersold@utah.gov
(801) 533-3581
Laura Durham ldurham@utah.gov
(801) 533-3582