J B Fairbanks

John B. Fairbanks was born in Payson, Utah in 1855. Fairbanks showed interest in art from a young age, however it was not until he was a young adult that he decided to pursue a career in art. His sudden decision to focus on art came from a visit to the studio of another Utah artist: John Hafen. Hafen encouraged him to chase a career in art, Fairbanks did, and the two became lifelong friends.

J. B. Fairbanks, John Hafen, and a handful of other Utah artists were commissioned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as art missionaries and sent to study in Paris. Fairbanks and the others established themselves as talented artists and won multiple competitions while in Paris. The efforts of these artists brought new techniques back to Utah, and set a higher standard for Western fine art.

Upon completing his studies in Paris, Fairbanks returned to Utah to work on murals for the Salt Lake City Temple and other church buildings. Fairbanks then moved to Arizona where he completed more work for the LDS church in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. Fairbanks also worked as an educator and supervisor in the Ogden school district. Additionally, Fairbanks had the opportunity to go on an expedition to Latin America where he would sketch, and later paint, the wonderous landscapes of that area.

Fairbanks is best known for his landscapes of Utah and other western states as well as his portraits of prominent Utah figures. Fairbanks didn’t see much artistic success during his lifetime, although he was very talented and painted scenes that were relevant to life in Utah at the time. Fairbanks painted all throughout his life, and although he never received the same recognition he did while studying in Paris he did experience a surge in positive recognition toward the end of his life. Fairbanks passed away in 1940 while living in New York City.