Park City Galleries, Top 7
During my visit to Park City, Utah, I took a long walk up and down Main Street to visit the local galleries. I was excited to see so much contemporary art and sculptures. Each gallery had a different vibe and it was hard to pick a favorite, so here are my Top 7 Galleries:
The most unexpected art moment I had on Main Street in Park City was coming across a Banksy. This was truly a wonderful surprise and a perfect ending to my art stroll, so it deserves a mention.
I was busy looking at the pictures on my phone that I had just taken when a crossing guard stopped us while a car passed through the alleyway. When it was time to cross, I started walking and then immediately stopped in my tracks. There was no one else around, and I felt butterflies when I laid my eyes on this Banksy at 402 Main Street.
I snapped a few pics and inspected the plexiglass protection that was installed over the artwork. I have seen this before in New York City and love that great lengths are made to take care of this valuable painting. Park City is the home of the famous Sundance Film Festival, so I was delighted to see that Banksy honored this tradition with an appropriate image.
I’m lured into the Rich Haines Gallery by an adorable little bronze Cowboy Sculpture by Rich Haines himself. This space is quiet and it has a variety of options to look at and purchase.
I spy a beautiful giclee painting by Thomas Stiltz that portrays a Grey Goose martini and another that depicts Bombay Sapphire. They are magnificent and are starting to make me thirsty just looking at them.
Towards the front of the gallery I see a collection of Dr. Seuss serigraphs on paper and an interesting description of “The 500 Hats of Dr. Seuss”. If you didn’t already know, Dr. Seuss was an actual person and he was a brilliant illustrator.
On the way out, I see a grand, walnut-wood sculpture of a donkey and moose by Chester Armstrong that I desperately want to pet, but I didn’t dare 😉
I walk into Prospect Gallery to see the exclusive solo exhibition by DeVon who is an iconic pop artist. I’ve never seen so much of his work in one place, so I’m excited to be here!
DeVon is a local artist in Park City and he also shows all around the world, so it’s no surprise that his work is owned by many celebrities and well known collectors. He creates large, colorful, glittering pieces with images like: Frida, Marilyn Monroe, David Bowie, and my favorite, Wonder Woman. Each artwork is comprised of layers of collage and finished off with embellishments like glitter, rhinestones and resin.
There are a lot of pieces available, but many already have red dots next to them (sold). DeVon has something for everyone; I spotted a piece with Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler that my mother would absolutely love, and a Pink Floyd piece for my husband! One thing’s for certain, DeVon’s art really captures your attention!
When I walk into Art Elevated, I’m greeted by a gigantic, colorful bronze ostrich sculpture by Nano Lopez titled, “Elizabeth”. It makes me giggle out loud.
I see an interesting piece titled, “X-Ray” by artist Nick Veasey of a skier in action. The black and white image is incredible, you have to take a closer look. If I had a home in Park City, this piece would be a no brainer!
I’m thoroughly enjoying this gallery when I see against the back wall a large horse with wings. I am taken aback because I have seen this artist before, 5 years ago when I was poking around another gallery. For me, this was a magical moment & I’m delighted to have re-discovered artist, Ashley Collins.
I take a much needed rest on a plush pink chair and shag pillow while gazing at a Dale Mathis‘ mechanical “Wicked Clock Table”.
Inside an old bank-turned-gallery, Meyer Gallery greets me with a large, bronze chubby hippo wearing a ballerina outfit and pointe shoes. by artist Bjorn Skaarup. Around the corner is an interesting carved box of items by Shirley Tegan titled, “choices”, that depicts the Covid-19 experience with images like a medical mask and the word ‘Zoom’.
Most interesting was a Brian Kershisnik oil painting of a woman titled, “Healer in the Plague” which I found quite haunting.
Meyer gallery gets an extra shout out for their little dish with some wrapped chocolates in it. I was in need of a snack and thought that was a nice gesture ~ take note galleries! It makes me wonder if more people were offered some wine or chocolate, would that kind gesture turn into more purchases?
A 6.5 foot bronze sculpture by Jane DeDecker of a man on a unicycle captures my attention on the way out.
Artist: Taralee Guild — J-Go Gallery
I enter J-Go Gallery and encounter the delightful owner, Jude Grenney. She tells me that this is her 3rd gallery in Park City and absolutely loves this new space! It is over 4,000 square feet, is connected to a coffee bar, and includes a small stage for live music, both of which bring in visitors that might not otherwise be drawn into an art gallery.
Suddenly, I realize that I have been here before. Back in 2017, when the space was used by the Sundance Film Festival, I was in this space for Q&A with Elijah Woods and Laura Dern. I digress…
The art is perfectly hung around the perimeter of the space. I gaze at a piece with the word “love” scratched into the background and Jude tells me that it just sold and she’s got to pack it up this art by Marketa Sivek. I’m very hopeful for this space because not only is the artwork well curated, the owner is super kind, unlike the previous gallery that I was just at. (They did not make the Top 7)
Main Street Gallery, Park City, owned by Amanda Sorenson, is nestled right behind the Town Lift and is the only Ski-In/Ski-Out art gallery!
The brightly colored Moose by Brandon Bouck captures my attention. There is a lot of nature art in Park City, but this style is a refreshing take. Next, I stop to admire the gorgeous hand blown glass bowls with spikes for the base by Andrew Madvin. I also loved the original oils of skiers in action by Wayne McKenzie!
While talking with Amanda, I learn about the unique perk of being able to shop in this gallery while in your ski boots! You have the option of getting your boots air-dried and heated while you browse the art. Should you want to stroll Main Street after a day of skiing, boot storage is also available!
This perk seals the #1 spot on my Park City Gallery Stroll!
