On Valentine’s Day, 2024, Karen Horne and Michael Rowley were fortunate to be invited to witness the passage of a Utah Senate resolution honoring Alice Merrill Horne ’s 1899 Art bill. This forward-looking bill, established the institution that is now called the Utah Division of Arts and Museums. This important state agency, the first of its kind in the nation, is now celebrating its 125th anniversary of fostering culture and art in the Beehive State. The State Archivist, Ken Williams, brought the original working copy of the bill and it gave everyone chills to see this slice of history. Karen donned one of great-grandmother’s hats and was honored to be presented to the senate. Many thanks to Senator Karen Kwan for co-sponsoring the bill, Senator Jennifer Plumb and Vicki Panella Bourns of Arts and Museums for all their work and for the opportunity to attend. For further information on the Arts & Museums 125th anniversary, see https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/125th-anniversary/
