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.

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


Nominations of Artwork

We welcome nominations from the public and self-nominations from artists for additions to the Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection. Artwork is reviewed biannually by the Art Acquisition Council.

Nomination Form

Donations of Artwork

We are happy to consider donations of artwork to the Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection for review by the Art Acquisition Council. Please contact Hannah Barrett.

General Collection Questions?

Hannah Barrett
Collections Manager
801.690.3171

Courtney Miller
Registrar 
801.970.3124

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.