Donna: The Chamber recently moved offices. After 22 years in the Historic Courthouse in downtown Provo, we moved a block over to a more visible and accessible spot on the corner of 100 South and University Avenue. With the new space came a great opportunity to showcase some of Utah Valley’s great artists. We reached out to local painters, sculptures and photographers to procure some pieces for our office. Now we will be joining the Downtown Provo Inc. First Friday Gallery Stroll.

Russell Ricks a local landscape artist, has the most prominent pieces up in the office, including a spectacular golden sunset mountainscape that is one of my favorites. Other artists including Marty Ricks, Brittany Scott, Gary Price and Willie Holdman also contributed to our decor. It is great to work in a setting surrounded with fantastic interpretations of life in Utah Valley.

When we surveyed residents in 2011, we asked why they liked living in Utah Valley. We learned that ‘beauty of the area’ came second only to ‘family-friendly communities.’ Displaying a few of the beautiful vistas and aspects of Utah Valley was a priority for us as we contemplated our new office space. We could not be happier to invite people to stroll through our offices on the Gallery Stroll held the first Friday of each month in the summer. It’s free for anyone to walk through a dozen galleries in downtown.

Before I looked at the map of art displays, I did not realize the full impact of local art on the economy of Provo. I knew of a few galleries and companies promoting local artists, but I had no idea there were so many. It’s worth checking out tomorrow night or any other first Friday of the month this summer.

Val: We love our new offices on 100 South and University Avenue. The location is perfect to showcase the Chamber. It is visible and accessible. As great as the facility is, we needed something to spice up the office, so we approached some local Utah Valley artists to see if they would donate or loan some pieces that showcase the incredible talent we have in our Valley.

I called my friends Gary and Leesa Price, with whom I worked at UVU on the Statue of Responsibility, to see if they had any leads. They immediately put me in touch with Marty Ricks, who has a gallery and a frame shop on Main Street in Springville. Marty loaned us some impressive art and put us in touch with his brother, Russell, who brought over several paintings for the office. Gary loaned us a beautiful statue that sits in the lobby.

I also contacted one of my favorite photographers, Willie Holdman, and asked if he would be interested in donating one of his breathtaking Timpanogos photos to be displayed in the lobby. He graciously agreed, and now visitors to the office are greeted with a spectacular panoramic shot of the east side of Timp taken from Silver Lake. It is a perfect showcase of the beauty that we have in this area.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all the artists who graciously agreed to help the Chamber by loaning their art. We encourage people to stop by the office and see it for themselves. Come by anytime during business hours or take advantage of the First Friday Gallery Stroll. You will see some impressive work done by Utah Valley artists.

• Val Hale is the president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. Donna Milakovic is the vice president of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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