Paul Smith, Salt Lake Valley, 1938 

Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection

The State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection (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. The ongoing acquisition of artwork by Utah artists comes from purchases selected by the Art Acquisition Council and generous donations from patrons and artists.

The collection continues to grow annually by purchases and donations and provides impressive documentation of the history of Utah art. Works from the collection are on display at the Governor’s Mansion, the State Capitol building, the Scott Matheson Courthouse, and other state buildings. Selections from the collection are also included in the Traveling Exhibition Program.

Browse the Collection

Donations and Purchases of Artwork

We are grateful for the support of our community in helping preserve and share our state’s rich artistic tradition. As of June 1, 2025, the Utah Division of Arts & Museums is pausing all collection acquisitions as we transition into a new storage space at the Museum of Utah. This decision allows us to focus on the care and preservation of artwork already in our stewardship and to prepare objects from our collections for loans and exhibitions. Once the Museum of Utah is in operation, we will reopen our process to consider new donations and purchases. If you would like more information, please contact Collections Manager Hannah Barrett at [email protected].

ART ACQUISITION COUNCIL

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums visual arts staff works with a community-based Art Acquisition Council to review and recommend Utah artists for placement in the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection. This volunteer group offers their considerable knowledge and expertise in advising the division and its board for terms of up to four years. The council members are:

Kathy Cieslewicz
Jake Fitisemanu
Rachel Haberman
Amy Jorgensen
Jessica Kinsey
Kathleen Peterson
Leroy Transfield
Jeni Wilson
and
Victoria Bourns, Director, Utah Division of Arts & Museums

General Collection Questions?

Hannah Barrett
Collections Manager
801.690.3171

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums is unable to assist with appraisals of artwork. Please contact the American Society of Appraisers to find a qualified professional near you.