Dumke Arts Plaza Funding Honors Namesakes Love for Ogden | News, Sports, Jobs

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The Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation is the main funder of the Dumke Arts Plaza, which will open on Friday, December 3, after donating over $ 2.2 million to support the new space. civic center located in the heart of the Nine Ogden Rails. Creative District in honor of its founders and their commitment to the city.

The current Foundation Board of Trustees Dr Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke note how much their grandparents loved Ogden: “We, their grandchildren, want to express how important this project is to the Foundation. Our donations for the design and construction of the Dumke Arts Plaza, the Beacon sculpture and the improvements to Ogden Avenue are made in honor of our founders – Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke.

Edna Wattis Dumke was one of eight Wattis children born in Ogden. Zeke Dumke arrived in Ogden after his medical studies, married Edna, and in 1919 started his practice not far from the site of the new place of the arts. Their home on Van Buren was a gathering place for family and friends. Zeke and Edna later built a house on 29th Street where they cherished the sunsets and their view of Ben Lomond.

Zeke loved sports, Weber football, fishing, his patients and the community. Edna also loved sports, horses, skiing, the arts and community service. Interestingly, she was one of the first skiers at Snowbasin.

Zeke and Edna created the Dr. Dumke Foundation 64 years ago with a commitment to support medical education and their other charitable interests. The Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation has donated $ 40 million for the improvement of communities in Intermountain West throughout its history.

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During Dr. Dumke’s 42 years of practice in Ogden, his main interests included continuing medical education for surgeons and bringing the latest medical techniques to the community. Ms. Dumke’s interests and donations were directed towards the artistic and cultural activities of the region.

The Board regards the foundation’s support for Dumke Arts Plaza as its “triumphant legacy gift,” which they say recognizes their grandparents’ commitment to Ogden, their interest in the arts and their love. outdoors. “As a major funder, the Foundation is extremely excited to be able to help create this incredible new civic asset for residents and visitors of Ogden. “

The foundation is proud to partner with RAMP, Ogden City, Weber State University and Ogden Contemporary Arts to create this civic space where the community is invited to engage in art in all its forms.

The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of Dumke Arts Plaza on Friday, December 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 445 25th St., corner of 25th Street and Ogden Avenue.

The event will be the premiere of the square’s inaugural exhibition by internationally renowned American sculptor Chakaia Booker, hosted by Weber State University. The Beacon will also be on display, a permanent sculptural piece that spans the plaza on 25th Street. Guest speakers will deliver brief remarks at 6:15 p.m. and performances will take place throughout the evening. All are encouraged to attend and celebrate Dumke Arts Plaza as a new arts-focused space for the community.

For more information on Dumke Arts Plaza, visit ogdencity.com/DumkeArtsPlaza. Ogden City encourages community members and organizations interested in hosting arts programs and events at Dumke Arts Plaza to visit the website for more information.

For more information on the Chakaia Booker exhibit presented by Weber State University, visit https://weber.edu/shawgallery/upcoming.html. The exhibition will be on display to the public from December 3 to May 15, 2022. The exhibition is presented in partnership with Ogden City and Ogden Contemporary Arts and is made possible through the support of Dr Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation, the Matthew S Browning Center for Design and the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities.

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