Provo arts center to bear Covey name

PROVO — As a tribute to Sandra Covey's passion for music, theater and art — and her $2 million donation — the Provo Center for the Arts now bears her name.

The Covey Center for the Arts was officially unveiled Thursday as the name for the new performing arts facility at 425 W. Center.

"(The Coveys) have made a difference in the world, but they found time to make a difference in Provo, Utah, their home," said Provo Mayor Lewis Billings.

The new facility will officially open in October, but Billings and Kathryn S. Allen, executive director of the Provo Arts Council, publicly thanked the Coveys Thursday afternoon with an unveiling of a symbol and the official name over the center's entrance.

"We're very grateful," Allen said. "They have such generous hearts. (Their donation) has been a driving factor for us in our campaign."

The center will serve as a performance hub for operas, ballets and symphonies as well as a place for local artists to showcase their work.

"I pay tribute to Sandra," Steven Covey said. "For over a decade, she's had the vision and passion and discipline, governed by conscience. This is my first time in seeing this place and I'm literally overwhelmed."

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