A performance by the Utah Symphony and a rarely viewed private collection of Maynard Dixon drawings will be showcased in Helper’s downtown district on May 17.
“Maynard and Mozart” is the initial project of the Helper Arts Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing new cultural opportunities to Carbon and Emery County residents.
The group also focuses on highlighting local artistic assets, according to council co-director Marilou Kundmueller.
“Getting the opportunity to view the timeless artwork of Maynard Dixon or experience the phenomenal quality of the Utah Symphony is an honor in and of itself,” commented Kundmueller. “Having both events here together in our community is something the arts council is extremely excited about.”
The Utah Symphony will present two performances at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Rio Theater in Helper.
The organization last performed in the area at Emery High School in September 2007, honoring fallen coal miners, their families and the affected community after the Crandall Canyon disaster.
Tickets to attend the symphony performance are currently available through the Helper Arts Council.
Discounted group and youth tickets are also available for the symphony performance.
The Maynard Dixon exhibit, in addition to an open gallery stroll of local artists, will be displayed throughout the evening in various buildings in downtown Helper.
Born in 1875, Maynard Dixon, a one time resident of Mt. Carmel, painted until his death in 1946.
Dixon historians Paul and Susan Bingham indicate that it was Dixon’s “uniquely modern style, one that gave the West a new language of expression” that makes the artist’s work so exciting.
Dixon’s work was an honest vision of his life and experience in a vanishing era of the American West, commented the Binghams. Is it any wonder Maynard Dixon’s works continue to gain new admirers and inspire us as no other? Wherever the wide-open spaces of the West – its canyons, mesas, cottonwoods, clouds, sagebrush, and people – strike a chord in the heart,
The Dixon exhibit is free to the public.
“We encourage the entire community to come and participate in the gallery stroll whether they are attending the symphony or not,” said Kundmueller. “Additionally, Helper businesses and restaurants will be staying open late and offering specials for this exciting event.”
The sale of tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the May event are limited to availability, according to the arts council.
For more information on ticket prices, Carbon County residents may contact Kundmueller at 472-5822.
Residents with Internet access may also contact the Helper Arts Council co-director via e-mail at mkundmueller@emerytelcom.net.
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