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Exhibit Openings
The collective work of volunteers and donors provided the community something to celebrate and honor Monday, July 6.
Around 800 people gathered in the newly-completed Stewart Sculpture Garden for the dedicatory event. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offered the dedicatory prayer. Lt. Governor Gary Herbert and other dignitaries were present for the celebration.
Before offering the dedicatory prayer, Elder Oaks explained he couldn’t refuse the offer to participate in the dedication because of his 60-year tie to the Museum. As a child his mother would make the long drive from Twin Falls, Idaho to visit the Museum every year.
"It was one of the formative experiences of my life, as it relates to appreciation of the arts," Oaks said.
Elder Oaks also shared that his mother named him after the famous sculptor, Cyrus E. Dallin, one of the Museum’s founders, after she attended the unveiling of his statue "Pioneer Mother" in Springville.
Before the new wing of the Museum was dedicated in 2003, Dr. Vern Swanson, Museum director, envisioned transforming the barren field next to the Museum into a sculpture garden. After Swanson spoke with Diane and Sam Stewart about his vision, the plans to transform the barren field into a sanctuary of art were underway.
Since then vision has come to life and will help the Museum fulfill its mission to “provide life-affirming art, cultural and educational opportunities to the community of Springville, the arts community, students and educators, and the public at large.”
The public is invited to visit the Garden during regular operating hours.
Press Coverage of the Event:
Deseret News
BYU Daily Universe
Daily Herald
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