Arts council slates symphony, Dixon exhibit

By Sun Advocate

The Helper Arts Council recently announced that the Utah Symphony has agreed to perform in the town later in the year.
Councilmember May Lou Dornan explained that she was able to get a confirmation from the symphony for Oct. 13. The performance will be the first visit for the Utah Symphony to the Helper Rio Theater.
The 50-member chamber-size orchestra, will perform two local concerts on Oct. 13. The first is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The second performance will follow at 8:30 p.m.
In addition to the Utah Symphony performance, Helper will also host an exhibit by western artist Maynord Dixon.
The exhibit will be presented in conjunction with the Utah Symphony performance, according to the arts council
Dixon’s work is regarded as a pivotal connection between the late 19th century and contemporary American art. The artist was, for much of his life, a solitary desert pilgrim.
From 1900 until his death in 1946, Dixon roamed the West’s plains, mesas, and deserts on foot, horseback and automobile-drawing, painting and writing.
It is the artist’s uniquely modern style, one that gave the West a new language of the expression, that makes Maynard Dixon’s work so interesting and exciting, pointed out the members of the local group
The Helper Arts Council hopes to involve all downtown businesses during the events, to help accommodate local and out of town patrons alike.
The members of the Helper Arts Council expect the two events to attract out of town visitors to the Carbon County area.
Dornan would like to see all restaurants and shops open, serving appetizers and running specials promotions, exhibiting other art work, antiques etc.
The council encouraged the businesses to use the upcoming events as an opportunity to promote the rich history and art culture that is always available in Helper.
Planning is in progress to deal with expected traffic overflow. Parking may prove to be an issue during the symphony concert and the Dixon art exhibit.
Mayor Mike Dalpiaz has suggested considering setting up a busing or shuttle system such as used during the Christmas light parade. More planning on the parking situation will be brought to the city council, as the event draws closer.