Arts Council Blog

Lisa and Don see their artworks as sparking conversations that can go in many different directions: “Our first task as artists is to cut through the noise in the general environment. We ask our viewers for one of their most valuable assets: their attention…Even if the viewers are all in separate cars driving past the sculpture, they are all part of a conversation that includes a 25 foot tall moose, for example. We believe that those conversations create opportunities for social engagement and for creating community.”

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Kent Youngstrom might be a newcomer, but he indicates a strong desire to be part of life in Summit County in all its aspects; “I am excited to fold my way into the fabric of the community here. And by that I mean all of the community—not just the ‘creative community.’ So often I think that as artists we want to be accepted by the art community and forget that our responsibility (at least I feel mine is) is to add something unexpected to the everyday lives of others—artists or not.”

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“My journey as a full-time artist accelerated this year, 2024, when I connected with the Arts Council of  Park City & Summit County’s CREATE PC Artist In Residence program,” says Sherry Elshaug. Joining the Local Artist Collective has opened up new opportunities for Elshaug to exhibit and form friendships, stoking a new love of painting and “sharpening my creative edge, palette knife in hand,” she puns.

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The Prospect Building on Park City’s Historic Main Street hosts a number of hidden gems, not least of which is a place you can go to create your own jewelry alongside experienced silversmiths. They host workshops in silversmithing, charms, and permanent jewelry, and visitors are welcome to their studio or they can arrange for a pop-up workshop offsite.

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Canyons Village Management Association (‘CVMA’) and Historic Park City Alliance (‘HPCA’) are seeking Utah-based artists/artist teams to creatively decorate the interior of 5 inactive Gondolas and 7 Snow Globes.

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Citing CREATE PC as a “fantastic resource…connecting me to local collectors and offering additional display opportunities,” Englebrecht encourages others to partake in the local creative wares displayed by her fellow exhibiting artists. “I think it's a great destination for people specifically interested in supporting local artists, where they can see painters, ceramicists, photographers, sculptors; any media, all local, all in one space. It's a resource and an opportunity that is really unique.”

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BAlletNEXT Founder Michele Wiles highlights how she loves “the engagement of children here, many seeing ballet for their first time. We are getting a flood of interest from children wanting to participate in some of our excerpt classical productions like Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.” Additionally, all BalletNEXT tickets are free and donation-based. Wiles says this is because it is part of her mission “to have every child in Summit county see their first ballet for free.”

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A year and a half ago Crane started his nonprofit, Cultural Fire Events, as a way to provide more spaces for Indigenous, First Nation, and Native American people to celebrate their cultures and communities. “Now I put on powwows because of singing and dance. It’s been a blessing in my life so I hold that close to my heart. I want to make sure young people have a place to dance, a safe place to be themselves—it's such a small thing and a big thing.”

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One aspect of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s work is the cultivation of artists. “Everyone’s path into arts is unique,” says Kipp, “and our goal is to create a welcoming environment so people can come in and be naturally curious as to what this world is, in education and community. ‘Spark Engagement, Foster Belonging, Make Memories’ is our department saying.”

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Marshall found living in Park City gave her artistic latitude; “it has been remarkable how many opportunities have been presented for art shows, gallery opportunities, artist in residence programs, and cultural events.” She goes on to say that “art enhances and complements the natural beauty we find in Summit County and the Arts Council has such an inclusive perspective of art that it seems to encompass anyone looking for an art experience.”

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Eskind is a proponent of Summit County’s expanding Arts & Culture scene: “I'm thrilled that the Arts Council is expanding its offerings. Public art is not a luxury, it is essential. It teaches us to reflect, to feel and be deeply human, to be connected and care about each other and about all of the precious creatures on Earth, and even care about Earth itself.”

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For Executive Director Lena Goldstein, Park City Opera represents a thrilling opportunity to bring an older artform to modern audiences while encouraging community engagement and artistic collaboration: “Opera is a spectacle. At its core, it brings together an orchestra, singers, and staged drama to convey a story in a way most mediums cannot. Since it was created in 16th century Italy, opera has evolved for centuries to become the global art-form that it is today.”

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For Gallagher, equipping CREATE PC with modular art walls was more than a chance to put her skillset to work; the project symbolizes the resourcefulness and collaboration of the local creative community, and gives Summit County artists reasons to hope for more investment in Arts & Culture moving forward.

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Miller is adamant that Summit County’s Arts & Culture scene represents a huge win for all who live in and travel through our community: “for residents & visitors to be able to access high caliber Arts & Culture events shows that we are a multifaceted place with so much talent, creativity, and a strong commitment for art to be present and accessible for everyone…Art not only makes spaces beautiful, but it challenges us to think differently and appreciate creativity. For visitors and locals to see a vibrant art world in Summit County elevates the overall experience.”

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The support of such artists is, according to Kendall, one of the Arts Council’s crucial roles in Summit County. “The Arts Council has been a huge supporter and benefactor for middle level professional and emerging artists. They have worked tirelessly to find space for us, and put on exhibits that support our demographic. Through their programs CREATE PC and BRAND PC, local artists and makers have been able to be seen, share their work with the community, and sell their pieces. Thankfully, I have had the opportunity, and honor, to participate in these ventures, and they have been life-changing for me as an artist here in Park City.”

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Not only is the Jeremy Ranch Roundabout Project an opportunity to create a stunning visual impact in an area that serves as the gateway to Summit County—the artworks could improve traffic safety in the roundabout.

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