Helper Art Workshops Honored with Legacy Business Community Stewardship Award

Helper Art Workshops has long been a beacon of creativity, community, and preservation in the heart of Helper’s historic district. In recognition of its remarkable contributions to cultural and economic revitalization, Preservation Utah has selected Helper Art Workshops as the recipient of the Legacy Business Community Stewardship Award. This prestigious honor will be presented on April 25 at the Memorial House in Salt Lake City.

A Legacy of Art and Preservation

Since 1994, renowned artists Marilou Kundmueller and David Dornan have played an instrumental role in shaping Helper’s transformation from a coal-reliant town into a thriving arts destination. Their ambitious restoration of the historic Hotel Utah/Helper Furniture and Hardware Building at 76 S. Main has not only preserved a vital piece of Helper’s architectural history but has also cultivated an environment where the arts can flourish.

Under the leadership of Paul Davis, David Dornan, and Marilou Kundmueller, the Helper Art Workshops have become a cornerstone of the town’s artistic identity. By providing affordable lodging, studio spaces, and world-class workshops, the organization has propelled the careers of many artists while fostering a dynamic creative community.

A Nationally Recognized Influence

Helper Art Workshops has received national recognition for its influence on Utah’s artistic landscape. The 2023 Dictionary of Utah Artists highlights its impact, stating:

“The most significant development [in the history of art in Utah] has come from the longtime efforts of Paul Davis and David Dornan in Helper, Utah.”

Their 20-year renovation project, made possible through grants and personal investment, stands as a benchmark for historic preservation. This dedication to maintaining the building’s original integrity while fostering artistic education and community engagement serves as a model for similar initiatives across the country.

Looking to the Future

As Helper Art Workshops continues to expand its educational offerings and community partnerships, its role in the visual and performing arts remains crucial to Helper’s identity as an arts hub. The organization invites community members and visitors to explore its space, which currently includes a classroom, artist studio spaces, and the Kt Gallery on the main floor.

With post-COVID programming ramping up, Helper Art Workshops is poised to strengthen its legacy as a pillar of the Utah art community. Their unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, mentorship, and historic preservation makes them truly deserving recipients of the Legacy Business Community Stewardship Award. Their efforts serve as a powerful example of how preservation and the arts can come together to revitalize and enrich local communities.

About Preservation Utah

Preservation Utah is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping the past alive—not only for historical preservation but to inspire a more creative present and a sustainable future.

For more details, visit Preservation Utah’s website : https://www.preservationutah.org/