Born and raised in Park City, Utah, Blake Peterson grew up with an appreciation of steep skiing and fine art. She believes that skiing is a form of art. "It is drawing your line through the snow, and it is up to you how creative you want to get with it," she says. Her passion for art led her to study art administration at Westminster College as well as photography at California College of the Arts. Now, as a graphic designer and photographer, she uses her unique perspective to blend both elements into cohesive projects that involve digital media, advertising, and branding. Currently, Peterson works with The Colony at White Pine Canyon as director of digital strategy, and as a graphic designer and photographer with Panic Button Media. She has had the pleasure of working with companies such as Outside Magazine, South West Airlines, Billabong, and Backcountry.com.

Peterson’s skiing career started at age 12 when she joined the Park City Ski and Snowboard Freeride Team. She went on to compete in the World Cup at age 17 and eventually retired with a broken back at age 19 after becoming a US Ski Team Rookie. She feels that her skiing experiences have aided her professional life from creativity to commitment, describing how she would have to land 100 clean and concise flips on the water ramps at the Utah Olympic Park before implementing it onto the snow. She draws from this in her professional practice, by “drawing 100 logos until I find the perfect one”. To Peterson, art and skiing go hand in hand. “They are very parallel (pun intended). I love them equally every day, except for a powder day.” Peterson is also a member of PC Bladies, an all-women rollerblade group, started by a bunch of US Ski Team girls. “We dress crazy and blade through town, usually ending up at Old Town Cellars for some rosé,” says Peterson. “It’s a fun way to take a break from this macho town, put on some glitter and help raise money for non-profits.”

Favorite ART ADVENTURES FROM THE
Artistic skier:

1. You grew up in Park City. How did your upbringing in the mountains of Summit County influence your development and work as an artist? Now as a professional living and working here, where do you find artistic inspiration around the county?

Growing up here I have constantly been surrounded by the arts. My earliest memories are: The cool crowds of Sundance Film Festival and seeing movies in our school auditorium. The mix of talented artists at the Park City Kimball Arts Festival where I saved up all my money to buy my first piece of art - a collaged mirror. The Olympics! We had a month off of school! I got to go to the opening ceremonies and to all kinds of events around town, this definitely launched my love of art and skiing as one. I also basically grew up in the Kimball Art Center, from taking a great mix of art classes as a kid to being in the Young Artist Academy throughout high school, then interning there in college. My art interest has everything to do with Summit County.

I find inspiration continually in these places and events to this day. To add to it, I’ve worked with wonderful galleries like Gallery Mar, been part of Monster Drawing Rally several times, always go to Park Silly Sunday Market, love visiting ARTique, and want to be part of the CREATE PC pop-up some day!

2. As part of the close community of artists and creators in Summit County, what are your top five picks on where to discover local art??

#1 The local galleries – Once a year, I make a point to walk slowly through each gallery on Main. Trove Gallery– they have some cool skiing themed pieces, Susan Swartz Studios, etc. (even the ones that aren’t my style – sometimes I find more inspiration in those).

#2 At events – The different art showcases, Park City Kimball Arts Festival, Monster Drawing Rally (My most favorite event!).

#3 Museums – The Alf Engen Ski Museum is my favorite. Classic neon ski outfits, the science behind our amazing Utah snow, the Olympic swag… It’s too good. Also, love the old images in the Park City Museum.

#4 Cafes/restaurants – Atticus Coffee and Teahouse has the best coffee and artsy gifts, Five5eeds has a beautiful interior design to enjoy while working on your computer, and Handle has the most photogenic food of all (I’ve shot lots of their food!).

#5 A Park City Film movie – Throughout the fall they show ski movies with many of the athletes that are usually close friends!

3. As a busy artist, entrepreneur, and athlete who may need some down time, what are some of your favorite ways/ favorite places to relax and recharge in Summit County?

I’m not so great at relaxing, but I’d say a hike or a ski tour around Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway, followed by a drink at Old Town Cellars, a hot tub/staycation at Washington School House Hotel, and dinner at Handle. Wow, yeah, that sounds like a perfect day…

4. You are sitting on a chairlift and strike up a conversation with some visiting art enthusiasts. What are your “Must See” recommendations for them to see or do while they are here?

If at Park City Mountain - I’d say ski down from the town lift and do a gallery tour in their ski boots (starting with Gallery Mar!). If at Deer Valley – the Montage Deer Valley has a beautiful gallery or Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley has a massive gingerbread sculpture during the holidays. Our town’s access from the ski hill to the art gallery is pretty amazing.

5. Artists and creators have always been an important part of the culture and fabric of life in Summit County. What do you hope to see for the future of the area’s artistic community?

I am most excited about the new Arts and Culture District. The dream is to be in one of the studio spaces! This will be such an amazing addition to our already very artistic community, and it will only enrich it more. I can just imagine the amazing artists and talent it will bring in.

Dang, we live in a cool place… And it just seems to be getting cooler.