Modern West

Address: 412 South 700 West, Suite 150

Telephone: 801-355-3383

Website: modernwestfineart.com

District: Depot

“I’ve always believed in the power of art to inspire, to challenge, and to bring people together,” said Shalee Cooper, director of Modern West. That belief is at the core of the gallery’s mission established under the vision of its founder, Diane Stewart.

Diane, originally from Arizona, settled in Utah after studying interior design at Brigham Young University. As an avid art collector and passionate supporter of the arts, she recognized a gap in the local art scene. Her goal was to create a space that fostered both established and emerging artists, with an emphasis on contemporary Western art. In 2014, she opened Modern West in a small location at 200 South and 200 East in Salt Lake City. The gallery quickly gained recognition for its unique approach, blending traditional Western influences with a more contemporary aesthetic.

Over time, Modern West outgrew its original space. In 2019, the gallery moved to its current, larger location, allowing for more ambitious exhibitions, expanded programming, and a deepened commitment to the artists it represents. “The move was transformative,” said Cooper. “It gave us the ability to support our artists in new ways, to host larger exhibitions, and to engage more directly with the community.”

Cooper, an artist and curator, joined Modern West after working with Stewart’s son, Clifton Tolboe. At the time, Cooper was developing a platform to help artists sell their work more easily and had a background in photography and curatorial work. “When Clif introduced me to Diane, I immediately connected with her vision,” she recalled. “I knew I wanted to be part of it.” Cooper joined the Modern West team in 2015 and has been a part of the evolution ever since.

Modern West’s focus on contemporary Western art sets it apart. While Western art has long been associated with traditional landscapes and cowboy imagery, the gallery redefines the genre, showcasing artists who explore the region’s cultural and environmental complexities in fresh and innovative ways. “We are interested in artists who are either from the West or inspired by it,” said Cooper. “That definition allows for a broad range of voices and perspectives.”

The gallery represents around thirty artists, features a mix of solo and group shows, and has also hosted artist residencies, workshops, and collaborations with local institutions and museums. Beyond supporting Modern West artists, Stewart is deeply committed to both local and global arts communities, frequently visiting art fairs and networking with professionals to bring new ideas to the Salt Lake market. “Diane has always believed in the philosophy that high tides raise all ships,” said Cooper. “She wants to support not just individual artists, but the broader art ecosystem.”

Despite its physical presence in Salt Lake, Modern West has cultivated a strong national and international following, with a significant portion of its sales happening online. “It’s interesting - so much of our work is about creating a space for art to be experienced in person, yet the market is shifting,” Cooper observed. “We’re constantly thinking about how to balance the two.”

The gallery space plays a crucial role in how visitors engage with the art. Housed in a historic former furniture foundry from the early 1900s, the building offers an open, light-filled environment that enhances the work on display. “We want people to see how art can be contextualized in a space,” Cooper explained. “That is why we enjoy having a traditional gallery on our main floor as well as a more flexible area upstairs.”

As Modern West looks to the future, it remains committed to its core mission: supporting artists and fostering a dialogue about contemporary Western art. With Diane Stewart’s unwavering support and Shalee Cooper’s leadership, Modern West continues to evolve, ensuring that its impact on the art world - and the community it serves - remains as dynamic and meaningful as ever. “This is more than a gallery,” said Cooper. “It’s a place to be inspired, to foster collaboration and to challenge the expectations of what Western art can be.”