George Dibble

George Dibble was a Hawaiian-born, Utah-based artist best known for his work as a teacher, painter, and art critic for the Salt Lake Tribune. He painted a variety of scenes and landscapes in Utah, often in the cubist style. Dibble had a strong influence on the many artists and students he came in contact with throughout his lifetime. His influence on the Utah art scene has been lasting and impressive.

George was born on the island of Oahu, Hawaii in 1904. He received his first instruction in art via mail from a Cleveland cartoonist, but didn’t follow through with his interest immediately. In 1926, Dibble received his teaching certificate from the University of Utah and went on to teach elementary school for two years. He began attending the University again but didn’t feel he was fully invested until he started his studies at the Art Student’s League in New York City. Dibble also studied at Columbia and recieved a master’s degree from that university.

Upon completing his art education, Dibble took a post as a visiting instructor at Utah State University, and then as a teacher trainer at the University of Utah. While working at the University of Utah, Dibble inspired many of his students to develop their own artistic styles. Later, Dibble became Associate Professor at the University of Utah. In addition to his work in art education, Dibble was an advocate for modern art in the Utah art scene. Many renowned artists in the area were skeptical of modern art, but Dibble worked hard to make a strong case for contemporary styles. He belonged to the first Modern Artists of Utah, wrote a statement encouraging the public to support modern art, and exhibited his work in what is considered to be the first non-objective art show in Salt Lake City. George Dibble was a proud member of the art community and continued to serve it until his death in 1992.