Unique, scenic atmosphere of Spring City seems to inspire artists

SPRING CITY, Sanpete County — You could say there's something in the water in Spring City.

After all, it was the presence of fresh spring water that drew the first Mormon pioneers to it in 1852 and eventually gave the town its name.

But you could also say there is something in the air — something about the scenic atmosphere that seems particularly conducive to inspiration and art. While agriculture and education were and are important activities, in recent decades increasing numbers of artists and artisans have arrived on the scene.

With a population — on a good weekend, when midweek city dwellers return home — of about 1,000, "there are probably more artists per capita here than in any other town in Utah," says John Stevens, executive director of the Spring City Arts association.

The association has about 60 members, not just visual artists, but also writers, musicians and artisans who do blacksmithing, silversmithing, pottery, stained glass, knifemaking and other such things.

Among the visual artists, landscape dominates, he says, but there is a wide variety of mediums and genres represented. "I'm one of the few who does abstract art. I love the bright colors and shapes. But with this kind of a background," he says of the scenic location, "it's not surprising that people are drawn to nature. If you love landscape, there are a lot of possibilities" not just for painting, but for lifestyle, he says.

In addition to its artists, Spring City is famous for its old homes and buildings — the whole town is listed on the National Historic Register, and many of the old homes and buildings have been restored, including that of Mormon apostle Orson Hyde, the stone LDS church, and the Judge Jacob Johnson home, which has been turned into a bed-and-breakfast by Alison and Chris Anderson. (They were recently recognized by the Utah Heritage Foundation for their preservation efforts.)

The history and heritage of the town combines with its setting to create a unique atmosphere. It will be even more in the spotlight this week, as local artists and others from around the West will be participating in the 4th annual Plein Air Competition and Artists Studio Tour.

As the name implies, Plein Air means painting in the open air, a practice that increased in popularity and significance in late-19th-century France, when the rise of Impressionism coincided with the introduction of paints in easy-to-transport tubes.

The Spring City competition will draw more than 50 artists, Stevens says.