Art Barn photograph collection

Collection

Identifier: P0096

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Art Barn photograph collection contains photographs of persons attending a function at the Art Barn in March, 1972.

Dates

1972

Creator

Art Barn (Salt Lake City, Utah) (Organization)

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Historical Note

In 1930 Salt Lake City had no public art gallery. The person most responsible for conceiving of, and nurturing, the Art Barn's early beginnings was Alta Rawlings Jensen. The inspiration and determination to establish such a center came to her as a result of a visit to Carmel, California, a Mecca for artist and writers. The original site chosen was the large two story, unused old Judge family barn on South Temple between J and L streets, hence the name "Art Barn." An adequate lease could not be secured and a new site was chosen. A new building was to be erected on a site donated by the city in Reservoir Park. Taylor Woolley, a Salt Lake architect are art enthusiast, drew up plans, and on October 19, 1931, ground breaking ceremonies took place and the cornerstone was laid.

In addition to a gallery, the idea was to provide a gathering place for all the arts: literature, music, drama, and crafts as well as paintings, and to create an environment in which the artist would be as free as possible to create.

It was important to this art project that it be self-supporting through proceeds from members' dues, a tea room, and the rental of auxiliary rooms by art organizations.

The raising of enough money and material for a new building was extremely difficult because the country was deep in the depression. Other galleries throughout the nation were having to close their doors. The fact that donations were so difficult to come by made the ultimate success of the project all the more remarkable.

Formal opening ceremonies were held of June 11, 1933. Teas, musical, literary and theatrical organizations, and the annual Beaux Arts Ball contributed to the Art Barn's financial stability in those first years.

An art school was opened at the Art Barn in 1934, offering a place for students and teachers alike to study and display their work. One of the primary purposes of the Art Barn was to present works of Utah artists to the public, as well as those of regional, national, and international artists.