Tyler Alexander’s first exposure to art came from his older brother who had a studio in Salt Lake. “I didn’t know it at the time, but eventually I would be following in the same path, wanting to be an artist.” His life’s canvas is now painted with an associate degree in photography and a bachelor of fine arts in studio art from Weber State. He has assisted well-known names like J. Kirk Richards and Caitlin Connolly. Beyond his own art, Tyler opened the doors to Alma Gallery at the end of 2024 — located on lively Center Street in Provo. The gallery was named after his daughter and showcases evocative pieces by various artists. Tyler is truly varnishing the valley.
Dealer’s Choice I’m a night owl because my days are mostly filled with my kids. I spend the early hours with my daughter, Alma, who inspired the name of the gallery. Then I pick up my son, August, from preschool, and we try to balance play and work. When my wife finishes work, I head to the gallery for the evening shift. Afterward, I return home and “relax” by doing more work — either painting at the easel or working on the computer.
Hand You Were Dealt Growing up without a father figure led me to rely on and seek out replacements, which taught me valuable lessons because of the variety of father figures I’ve had in my life. When I became a father myself — an experience that in itself is a challenge — I gained a new perspective on the role of fatherhood and its importance.
Shuffle the Cards Marrying MacKenzie and settling down helped me focus on the essential things in life, ultimately leading me to open an art gallery.
Preferred Playing Partner Playing Risk with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson would give me enough time to try to understand his genius.
Wild Card I love sports. When I was young, the NBA held its summer league at the local community college where I grew up. It was relatively unknown compared to what it is today, so I had the chance to see future stars like Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony play up-close, as well as meet Larry Bird and Jerry Sloan.
Tomorrow’s Bets Hopefully I’ll still be operating Alma Gallery and definitely working to usher in the new wave of art collectors slowly developing in Utah County.