The Central Utah Art Center is located in
Ephraim, Utah and was created in 1991 when it moved
into the newly renovated Ephraim Roller Mill. The
mill had originally been built in 1876. When it was
built it was in part of Fort Ephraim and surrounded
by walls to protect the settlement. During its 130
year history the mill was initially run by the
Relief Society of the local Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints and then went through several
commercial owners before it was vacant for several
decades before its renovation. In the early days of
the mill, the grain processed there was sent around
the world for charity relief purposes—some was sent
to China near the turn of last century and a large
amount was sent to San Francisco after the
earthquake there in 1906.
Currently, the mill is used as a public art space.
It has been beautifully renovated, leaving the
oolite limestone bricks (typical of early
architecture of the valley) exposed on both the
exterior and on the inside walls of the upper
level. All of the rafters and old floor joists have
been left expose.
Directly behind the CUAC is the old residence
and studio of C C A Christensen (1831-1912), a
pioneer artist from Norway who settled with his
family in Ephraim about the time the mill was
constructed. He lived in Ephraim for 30 years
except for several church missions to Denmark and
Norway and for art studies in Denmark.
Christensen was known for documenting the
lifestyle, struggles, and religious events of the
young Mormon culture. His art was featured on the
cover of Art in America in 1970.
