Hafen, John, 1856-1910

Utah artist.

Hafen was a Utah artist, Brigham Young Academy instructor of art (1892-1894), and one of the founders of the Springville Art Museum in Springville, Utah. John Hafen was born March 22, 1856, in Canton Thurgan, Switzerland. When he was six years old his family emigrated to Utah. In 1879 he married Thora Twede and to their union were born ten children. Much of their married life was spent apart as John traveled around the country trying to find a market for his paintings. In 1890, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sponsored John's art training at the Julian Academy in Paris. After his return he painted wall murals in the Salt Lake Temple. During this time period he also won several awards. In 1900 he was awarded the State Prize by the Utah Art Institute. In 1902 he won the medal of honor from the Utah Art Institute and first prize for both the best work of art and the best landscape from the Utah State Fair. Hafen concentrated primarily on landscapes, however, he later became a successful portrait painter in Indiana. He died June 10, 1910 at the age of fifty-four.

Hafen was a Utah artist, Brigham Young Academy instructor of art (1892-1894), and one of the founders of the Springville Art Museum in Springville, Utah.