The Springville art movement began in 1903 with a donation of art by John Hafen and Cyrus Dallin. It was followed in 1907 by a donation from seven other Utah artists. The Smart collection came in 1925, followed by the Steed Collection, and the Lund-Wassmer Collection in 1986. The Art Association Board of Trustees and the City of Springville continue to contribute to the growth of both the museum and its art. The museum is noted for its collection of Utah art spanning from pioneer days to the present. Most of the major artists and styles of Utah are represented in nine permanent galleries in the museum. All 275 of the pieces are arranged in chronological order and show the development of art in Utah. The works of 250 artists are featured, including those of Doug Snow, Lee U. Bennion, Mahonri Young, Dan Weggeland, and LeConte Stewart. The museum is divided into two main sections:
Museum timeline
1901: An art committee is commissioned to promote art in Springville schools.
1903: John Hafen and Cyrus E. Dallin make a gift to begin a collection of sculpture and paintings.
1907: Faculty and students at Springville High begin setting aside funds for the purchases of works of art at their school.
1921: The very first Spring Salon art Exhibition is held.
1925: The Springville High Art Association is formed for the protection, collection and presentation of fine art. 65 works of Utah art are donated by Emma and George Smart.
1937: The Hafen-Dallin club is formed to promote the fine arts. The Springville Art Museum building is completed as a WPA project.
1948: Alice and Merlin Steed donate 133 works of art.
1964: The families of Hyrum Smith and Elanora Johnson Clyde donate funds for the construction of a new west wing in which two new galleries are housed.
1975: The museum building is transferred from the Nebo School District to the city of Springville.
1986: 300 works of art are donated by Theodore Wassmer and Judy Lund-Wassmer.
1986: Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1993: The City of Springville gives permission to the Springville Museum of Art Board to raise funds to build a new wing.
1998: Construction begins on a 20,000 square foot addition to the museum which emphasizes education for children and provides extra gallery space for the museum's permanent art collection.
Permanent collection
Selections of the museum's collection of 2,300 works are displayed on the second floor. They consist of art from Utah, the former Soviet Union and the United States.
Temporary exhibitions
The 7 main galleries on the first-floor display temporary shows and consist of a wide variety of styles dealing with both historical and contemporary issues. Some of the most popular exhibitions include the annual exhibitions: the All-State Utah High School Art Show, the Quilt Show, the Spiritual and Religious Show, and the Spring Salon.
