We’re picking back up on a series of posts highlighting some folks on the Epicenter Board of Directors!
Emily Larsen, is a Museum Director, curator, and art historian living in Provo, Utah. Below is a brief interview with Emily about her background, work, and involvement with Epicenter.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I’ve loved art since I was a kid and started working in museums when I was 15. My first job was as a guide at the Treehouse Children’s Museum in Ogden, Utah. After volunteering and working at a variety of museums and galleries, I began working full-time at the Springville Museum of Art in 2014, where I’ve been ever since! Over the years, I’ve held four different positions in various areas and am now honored to serve as its Executive Director. It’s a truly community-driven arts organization, and I feel incredibly lucky to have spent a decade here, now leading its amazing team.
In addition to the work I do at the Museum I’m an active art historian who writes on Utah art and cultural history, especially women artists working in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. I also serve on the board of the Utah Historical Society, and 15 Bytes/Artists of Utah.
What’s your connection to rural Utah? Green River specifically?
I’ve always loved the Utah desert. Anytime I need to find peace or gain a new perspective, I head out to Moab, Green River, or Capitol Reef to be surrounded by the red rock landscape. I was invited to attend Epicenter’s Summit in Spring 2022 and fell in love with Green River during that trip!
I’m really interested in how art and culture functions in unexpected places, like rural America, or small suburban towns like Springville.
Wher
e are you from and where do you now live?
I grew up in North Ogden, Utah, right at the base of Ben Lomond Mountain. Now, I live in Provo, Utah, with my husband and our dog, Tootsie. I spend a lot of my time and energy in Springville, Utah’s Art City – where we grapple with similar challenges as Epicenter. We try to find ways to use art and culture to make our community better and help solve local problems.
What made you want to join the Board of Directors at Epicenter?
I believe in the power of art to transform lives and strengthen communities. I’ve always admired Epicenter’s work and think it serves as an incredible model for other communities. I wish more places would use art and design to tackle big challenges—imagine the impact it could have in our country, and even the world! I love contributing, even in a small way, to an organization that’s making that vision a reality.
Do you have a favorite animal, plant, and/or mineral?
Lately, I’ve been really into rose quartz. I wear my rose quartz bracelets every day as a reminder to act with love and generosity in all my interactions. Our dog Tootsie is my favorite animal.