Meet the Women Fostering the Arts in Central Utah
Women lead the way in Utah’s regional art galleries and exhibitions.
While Utah landscapes offer inspiring, camera-worthy vistas, there’s also growing fine arts communities tucked within Central Utah that are worth similar admiration. Helper, Torrey, Spring City and Ephraim are noteworthy as emerging arts centers. And in many of these towns, women are leading the way in fostering galleries and spaces for exhibits — a feat unheard of just a couple generations ago. (Read: Where to See Women’s Art in Utah)
Here are a few noteworthy places to consider visiting.
What To See in Helper
For most travelers, Helper might just be a town they pass through, but since the 1990s things have started to change for this small town off Highway 6. Once a diverse mining town with thriving brothels and bars, the region’s economy turned more destitute in the 1970s and ‘80s. When a group of artists from the University of Utah purchased a building from the city on Main Street in 1996, they hoped to revitalize the community. They launched a series of workshops, which drew artists from all over the country to focus on their work where they could be free from distractions with beautiful surrounding landscapes. Since then, the arts scene has grown, and there are a number of women to thank for that. (Read: Turning Carbon into Culture)
K2 Gallery
102 S Main Street, Helper, Utah
Award-winning artists Kate Kilpatrick-Miller, Karen Jobe Templeton and Lisa Chamberlain run the K2 Gallery with a mission to bring “beauty and joy to our clients through pieces of art and fine craft,” and to engage the community through workshops and events. The gallery was established in 2017 and is located under the neon sign of the Strand Theatre in a state- designated historic corridor.
Kathleen Royster Studio
187 S Main Street, Helper, Utah
This Main Street studio highlights contemporary ceramics. The artist combines a passion for modern design and simplicity to create beautifully balanced dinnerware that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation.
Main Street in Helper
Photo: Andrew Burr
"In many of these towns, women are leading the way in fostering galleries and spaces for exhibits — a feat unheard of just a couple generations ago."
Artist Kathleen Royster at her studio in Helper
Kate Kilpatrick-Miller and Karen Jobe Templeton at K2 Gallery
What To See in Torrey
Torrey, nestled near Boulder Mountain, is known as the gateway community of Capitol Reef National Park, but it’s also a cultural draw.
Torrey Gallery
160 W Main Street, Torrey, Utah
Established in 1998 by Cathy Bagley, this gallery features work by local Utah artists who live or visit Torrey often, as well as nationally known artists. They also sell Navajo rugs, with an emphasis on antique rugs.
Their season is from March until November, with special openings for Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
Gallery 24
875 UT-24, Torrey, Utah
For curios and rotating local artists, Diane Barrett’s Gallery 24 offers an eclectic collection full of delights.
Wayne County Farmers Market
100 North 75 East, Torrey, Utah
The Wayne County Farmers’ Market showcases local artisans, producers, and fresh food. It's a seasonal event, typically held on Saturdays, May through October.
Artist Anne Kaferle at work in Torrey
Photo: Andrew Burr
Fellow Micol Hebron presents at Granary Arts
Sara Lynne Lindsay's "Inherited Ground" exhibition at Granary Arts
What To See in the Sanpete Valley: Spring City and Ephraim
In the 1970s, artists began to flock to the Sanpete Valley because of the area’s picturesque views and pioneer architecture. Since the mid-2000s, many of the artists have banded together to start galleries and community events. Check out the Historic Homes and Art Square auction on Memorial Day weekend, the annual plein air competition over Labor Day weekend, and other special events once the state opens safely. (Read: Gleaning a Small Town’s Harvest)
Granary Arts
86 N Main St, Ephraim, Utah
In 2012, friends Amy Jorgensen and Kelly Brooks established an art center in the historic Ephraim granary building. This contemporary art center is an exhibition space and an educational resource with workshops and special events. Granary Arts is a Local Arts Agency, which is a designation through the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, in partnership with Ephraim.
Spring City Art Gallery
150 E Center Street, Spring City, Utah
This nonprofit, founded in 2006, holds annual plein air competitions. They also offer studio tours, workshops, concerts in the gallery and other events. (Read: Spring City en Plein Air)
Snow College
150 College Ave, Ephraim, Utah
The Snow College Art Gallery presents an annual exhibition of works from teachers, students and the community, and offers space for critique and discussion. Annual showcases include Artists in Residence, a juried exhibition of student work, and a bi-annual faculty exhibition, with solo and group shows throughout the year. The gallery also houses the Snow College Permanent Collection, including the Lund-Wassmer Collection, works donated by patrons and new acquisitions.
Granary Arts Building in Ephraim
Photo: Granary Arts
"While Utah landscapes offer inspiring, camera-worthy vistas, there’s also growing fine arts communities tucked within Central Utah that are worth similar admiration."
Spring City
Spring City
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