KAYSVILLE—The Canyon Gallery has been a feature of Main Street for the last six years but a staple for the artistic community for much longer. March marks 32 years of business serving the Kaysville and Fruit Heights communities. The business was founded in 1991 by Ernest Davenport and was originally a part of the Rock Loft but moved to Main Street in 2017. They are best known for their expertise in custom framing; however, the Canyon Gallery has expanded over the years, now proudly featuring gallery works by distinguished Utah artists from all over the state. It is now owned and run by Katherine Dahlstet, who bought the gallery in 2017 when the Rock Loft building was sold. 

Previously a travel agent, Dahlstet had been long-time friends with the previous owners. 

“I decided to take the jump,” she said about purchasing the business. “This seemed like a more pleasant place to be. And it is. I love being around the art and having people bring in all the things they want to have framed.” 

Within the shop's retail space, the Canyon Gallery displays an elegant selection of some of Utah's most recognized artists. Included within this is a special section devoted to LaConte Stewart, a well-respected artist, and professor who was based out of Kaysville. The section houses an impressive collection of some of Stewart's original works and several books detailing his life as an artist. Stewart was best known for his paintings featuring local Utah landscapes, highlighting the area’s natural beauty. 

“He was quite the character,” Dahlstet said. “Everyone knew him around town.”    

While the selection of artwork is an impressive feature, the Canyon Gallery makes custom framing into an art form in and of itself. Offering a wide variety of frames, mats, fillets, and glass, Dahlstet and her staff do private consultations with all of their customers, lending their expertise to create truly magnificent pieces of art.

“What works for the art is my first goal,” Dahlstet said.

From paintings to shadow boxes, the Canyon Gallery is ready to frame even the most challenging pieces. Dahlstet spoke of some of the more unique pieces brought in to be framed, including a bit of wallpaper from a grandmother’s kitchen to knick-knacks collected on trips. 

“Unlike McDonald’s, we don’t have the same people come through the drive-thru every day,” she said. “We never know who’s going to walk in the door. It’s kind of an ongoing surprise party.”

Main Street has evolved over the years into a primary road, but many businesses, such as the Canyon Gallery, continue to bring history and community to the area. 

“Parking's a challenge,” said Dahlstet. “But we're worth it.”