The Marion Hyde Retrospective has opened at the Tippetts & Eccles Galleries in the Chase Fine Arts Center at Utah State University, celebrating the life and work of the late Utah artist and longtime USU professor. Curated by his son Matt Hyde, a current art teacher, alongside department head Kathy Puzey, the exhibition spans Hyde’s career from his master’s thesis to his final painting, showcasing his evolution through figurative work, woodcuts, and Utah landscapes. Hyde, who taught painting, drawing, printmaking, and art education at USU for 35 years, died in his studio while working on his last piece.
This retrospective matters because it honors a dedicated educator who profoundly influenced generations of students, many of whom became artists and teachers themselves. The exhibition highlights the deep connection between Hyde’s personal artistic journey and his commitment to mentorship, underscoring the lasting impact of university art programs on local communities and the broader art world. It also serves as a final tribute within the institution that was central to his life and career.