Sherry and Johnny Adolphson
Sherry Adolphson has spent years traveling the west with her husband Johnny, setting up their fine art landscape photography at festivals far from home. After seeing how warmly those communities embraced local artists, the answer seemed obvious: why not bring that experience back to Heber City?
That instinct became the Wasatch Back Art Festival — now in its third year — and the response has exceeded every expectation.
“The support from the community was so immediate,” Sherry recalls. “It was so great to meet more individual artists from right here in the valley and to be able to showcase them.” For Sherry, the festival was never really about the event itself. It was about creating a space for the remarkable creative talent already living in the Heber Valley.
The festival draws all kinds of visitors, but Sherry says one image keeps coming back to her: grandparents and grandchildren standing side by side in front of a painting, talking about what they see and how it makes them feel. “That has been really neat to witness,” she says. “And the joy on the faces of the artists watching their work go home with someone who truly appreciates it — that is very satisfying.”
For Sherry, arts festivals aren’t a luxury for a community like this — they’re an asset. Visitors leave with more than art. “They are able to take away inspiration, hope, and a sense of community,” she says, “even if they don’t make a purchase.”
Looking ahead, the Adolphsons want to grow carefully — preserving the small-town feeling that makes the festival special while opening the door wider for artists and community members alike. “We would love for the event to feel inclusive to everyone,” Sherry says.
This year, the Wasatch Back Art Festival comes to two locations. The Midway festival runs May 22, 23 & 25 at the Midway Community Center, and the Heber City festival returns July 24–26 at Heber Main Street Park. All work on display is original, created by the artists themselves.
Local artists are invited to apply to exhibit at either or both festivals. All work must be original. The application deadline is May 1 for Midway and June 15 for Heber. Get more info and apply online here.