From Allentown to Granger: The Luchs Who Painted Utah’s Stories

*I often go walking in meadows of clover, And I gather armfuls of blossoms of blue.
I gather the blossoms the whole meadow over, Dear Mother, all flowers remind me of you.

-words and illistrations by Phyllis Luch-
 

 Warren and Phyllis Luch — Renowned Artists and Illustrators

Warren and Phyllis Luch were a gifted husband-and-wife art team whose creativity left a lasting mark on Utah’s artistic and cultural landscape. Both were born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where they first met in high school. Their shared love of art led to a lifelong partnership devoted to creativity, faith, and family.

Phyllis. Luch (1937–1995)

was an illustrator of remarkable warmth and imagination. She was employed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints beginning in 1957, where her artwork appeared in a wide range of official church publications. Her gentle, expressive style helped define the look of many beloved materials — including the cover illustration for the Family Home Evening manual and the Primary Songbook, both of which touched millions of Latter-day Saint homes around the world.

Phyllis’s talents extended far beyond illustration. She loved gardening, decorating antique furniture, collecting rocks, and exploring the beauty of nature and art. She had an enduring appreciation for literature, music, travel, and museums. Deeply spiritual, Phyllis combined artistic vision with faith, using both to bless her family and those around her.

Together, Warren and Phyllis brought art to public spaces as well. In 1964, they were commissioned to create murals for the new Salt Lake City Public Library. The result was five giant murals — three of which still grace the children’s library area on the second floor. Each mural, about five feet wide and eleven feet tall, captures the joy and imagination of childhood through color, story, and wonder.

Warren Luch (1935-2022)

graduated from the Philadelphia Museum College of Art and went on to teach art at Brigham Young University. His commissioned works included the celebrated “Independence Hall Park” painting, praised as “one of the finest Bicentennial prints available.” His artistic range, from realism to expressive public art, reflected his lifelong dedication to beauty and historical storytelling.

*From the song you would assume Phyllis wrote that song about her wonderful, perfect mother. Actually, Phyllis had a schizophrenic mother. Her youth was at times unbearable. She gave a 1980 fireside to the female teenagers (Young Women of the Granger Stake) and shared some wonderful advice about overcoming adversity. She said " We can use our failures, hurts, bad circumstances, etc. as DIRT to cover ourselves with OR as MULCH to grow a violet or a sunflower or a giant redwood for many birds to nest in."

Phyllis overcame her adversity and used it as MULCH, growing into a beautiful woman!

The Luchs made their home at 2614 Westshire Drive in Granger (now West Valley City), where they raised their family and continued their artistic pursuits. Together, they blended talent, education, and faith — leaving a vibrant legacy that continues to inspire.