A distinct painting development with regard to the American West’s Wasatch Range emerged in the nineteenth century and persists even today. These “painters of the Wasatch” have set many precedents through their artistic interpretations of this mountain subject matter. The retrospective exhibit, drawn from the 2005 collector’s book “Painters of the Wasatch Mountains” and produced in a collaboration with the Utah Museum of Art and History, is a survey of the gamut of painters who formed and have carried forward an expression of nature’s mighty gift to both visitors and residents of Utah.

As natural successor to the Hudson River School in the East, the “Wasatch School” persists because of the values we associate with that first of America’s art movements — a dedication to place, a careful study, and interpretation of the environment in a spiritual and cultural context. The painters of the Wasatch are not defined by a particular style or medium but by a physical presence that has unlimited appeal and inspiration.

Many paintings on loan from both museums, artists and private collectors will be on display, from the earliest examples of painting in the nineteenth century, to works by Utah’s contemporary artists.

Education

The Kimball Art Center invites schools to join the Kimball’s Education Team for a free, guided gallery tour and creative activity centered on the current Main Gallery Exhibit. Each tour includes a 45 minute guided gallery tour as well as a 45 minute age appropriate art project. K – 12 lesson plans based on the Utah State Core Curriculum Requirements and Main Gallery Exhibit are also available online. Tours are available at the Kimball or in school classrooms free of charge. For more information, lesson plans and to book your ARTS Tour, please visit kimballartcenter.org/a-r-t-s.