Explore modern art by Utah artist George Smith Dibble

Cedar Breaks II by George Smith Dibble, undated | Photo courtesy Southern Utah Museum of Art, St. George News

CEDAR CITY — Influenced by many styles and artists, including Cezanne and cubism, the work of Utah painter, teacher and art critic George Smith Dibble will be on display at the Southern Utah Museum of Art from May 12 through June 30.

The exhibition, titled “George Smith Dibble: A Revolutionist for Modern Art in Utah,” allows museum visitors to explore the artist’s abstract style and experience his vision for modern expressions of art. According to a press release from SUMA, Dibble has fostered an understanding and appreciation of modern art in Utah through his exhibits, as well as a column in The Salt Lake Tribune.

About George Smith Dibble

Dibble received his teaching certificate in 1926 from the University of Utah and continued to take additional art classes as an elementary art teacher. In New York City, he began studying at the Art Students League where he found his own personal art style. After continuing his education at Columbia University, he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1938 and his Master of Arts in 1940.

After completing his education, Dibble taught at Utah State University and the University of Utah for several years. In 1950, he became visiting professor for the College of Southern Utah, now Southern Utah University. As a teacher, Dibble encouraged students to explore and find their direction, an approach that contributed to his progress as a former student.

Dibble was a member of the first Modern Artists of Utah and helped write a formal statement to the public to increase the understanding and acceptance of modern art in Utah. He served as an art critic for The Salt Lake Tribune for over 38 years and was the recipient of numerous painting awards throughout his lifetime.

“SUMA is the perfect venue for exhibiting important pieces of George Dibble that show his transition from the representational to the abstract,” Jonathan Dibble, son of the artist, said. “After teaching in a more conservative environment at the University of Utah, his summers in Cedar City allowed him to let loose and paint without restraint. Because of his experience in Southern Utah, the art department at the University of Utah became known for modern painting and abstract expressionism.”

The exhibition features more than 50 works by Dibble spanning from his early work to paintings he created of Southern Utah, the Wasatch Mountains, California, Hawaii and Europe.

“George Dibble was a professor of Jimmie Jones when he studied at the University of Utah,” Jessica Farling, director/curator at SUMA said. “The museum is using this exhibition as an opportunity to display many of Jimmie’s final paintings that he created in 2009. Since many of Jimmie’s work has been up since the museum opened in 2016, the work will need to go into storage for proper conservation efforts.”

The museum will offer related programming for the special exhibition. On May 12 at 1 p.m., Jonathan Dibble will lead a walking tour of the exhibition. He will discuss how Cedar City was a pivotal point in his father’s longtime career as a painter. Before the exhibition closes, visitors can join the museum for the Cedar City Arts Council’s Final Friday Art Walk on June 29 for watercolor demonstrations, hands-on activities and live music.

Uncover the story of how modern art began in Utah with artist George Smith Dibble.

Event details

  • What: Utah artist George Smith Dibble’s work will be on display.
  • When: May 12-June 30 | Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours Thursdays until 8 p.m.
  • Where: Southern Utah Museum of Art, 13 S. 300 West, Cedar City.
  • Details: For more information, click here.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.