An Artistic Adventure

In 1939, Maynard Dixon and his young wife, artist Edith Hamlin, left their long-held studios and careers in San Francisco and headed for the magnificence and fresh air of Southern Utah. They purchased a 20 acres, set in a grove of cottonwood trees, in the small town of Mt. Carmel, Utah on historic U.S. Route 89 where they soon built a log style home. Under a two hour drive from St. George.  At this location they spent many days painting the beauty of the region, and the pastoral scenes of the area’s numerous farms. Many friends came to visit Maynard and Edith, sharing the opportunity to paint while soaking up the southern Utah sun.
After Maynard Dixon’s death in 1946, Edith, following her deceased husband’s wishes, scattered Maynard’s ashes on a hill overlooking the house and studio. She subsequently established a memorial site with a bronze plaque depicting Maynard’s signature logo, the Thunderbird. Edith kept the house until 1963, when she sold it to her artist friend, acclaimed watercolorist Milford Zornes. Zornes and his wife Pat hosted numerous art workshops on the property.
In 1998 the home was privately purchased and restored to its original glory. The non-profit The Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts, was established, and the home is now a mecca for artist retreats, tours, workshops and the annual Maynard Dixon Country Art Invitational held each year in August.  It is a
The Bingham Gallery is built on the neighboring property to showcase the finest art ever produced in the American Southwest. To schedule tours or artists retreats, or for more about the Thunderbird Foundation and Maynard Dixon, visit www.thunderbirdfoundation.com or call (435) 648-2653.