Home of an American Master

Maynard Dixon masterfully captured landscapes and cultures of the American West throughout the early 20th century. Considered by many to be the region’s premiere artist, Dixon surrounded himself with the natural beauty found in much of his work by moving to Mt. Carmel in southern Utah in 1939.

WSU alumni Susan and Paul Bingham BA ’67 preserve Dixon’s Utah property through the nonprofit Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts, named for the symbol found on many of Dixon’s early paintings. The Binghams offer tours of Dixon’s home and studio, and host regional artists. Guests may also visit Dixon’s gravesite, and see high-quality reproductions of his work.

“It’s a living history museum,” said Paul, adding that Dixon came to the picturesque property to “find his peace.” In 1997, Paul and Susan bought and restored the Mt. Carmel property, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photos by Dan Bingham, The Thunderbird Foundation