Springville Art Ball is more of a party

SPRINGVILLE — The annual Springville Art Ball makes money for the museum, and it introduces the Spring Salon art exhibition. But it really is just a glitzy party that offers attendees a chance to get all gussied up, say those in charge.

"It's always been just a big-city party, and everyone is invited. We always have dancing, a nice buffet, a program where we introduce the art royalty. It's fancy and fun. It's semiformal, so you can wear a pretty dress. You see all kinds of dress, but mostly people dress up," said Pat Conover.

Conover has been involved since the ball was started in 1966 by Yvonne and LaRell Johnson.

Conover said each year a different couple is asked to chair the event and they, in turn, invite six more couples to help out.

"That way we get new blood, fresh ideas all the time," Conover said.

But the mission of the ball stays the same: Everyone is to feel welcome.

Even the instructions passed on year to year to the new chairmen spell out that the main purpose behind the ball is to bring warmth and sociality to the community.

"I love the Art Ball," said long-time resident Christi C. Babbitt, who chaired the event in 2001 with her husband, Ray. "It's a hoot."

"I think it's a good excuse for a new dress," said Stephanie Leavitt, also a resident but new to the area.

"The purpose is not fund-raising although they like to break even," said Natalie Petersen, associate director for the museum. "They have a budget of about $13,000, and they usually raise a few thousand more. It's a celebration of the opening of the Spring Salon and an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the gem of a museum we have here."

This year, the couple chairing the ball, Brooke and Kevin Scholz, have planned activities all over the museum for the 39th Art Ball. "An Evening for the Young at ART," which includes the new George S. and Delores Dore Eccles wing partially paid for with money raised at the art balls.

"We wanted to be the chairmen this year because we wanted to invite and encourage young people to come," Scholz said. "They'll be doing their art at the ball in all different mediums, sculpture, water color . . . . We have BYU dancers coming and the "Fiddlesticks" family. We'll have food and entertainment in all different areas. We are very excited."