Small Gallery, Big Difference
Silver Queen Fine Art
Photography: Timothy Thimmes
The Silver Queen Fine Art gallery, like its namesake from a bygone era (silver millionaire Susanah Holmes), has struck it rich in Park City. Offering art that veers away from mainstream mountain landscapes and traditional subject matter, gallery staff digs a little deeper to find artists that are unique to Park City, mining a rich motherlode of talent from internationally known sculptors such as Tim “the Frogman” Cotterill and Nano Lopez, to popular painter Frank Gonzalez and mixed media artist Richard Salcido.
The 1,200-square-foot space in the Silver Queen Hotel on the corner of historic Main Street and Heber Avenue is easy to find but hard to leave. It is so visually stimulating with its colorful walls and the mixture of styles created by 21 different artists, that it will take several visits to absorb and appreciate the entire collection. Of the eclectic blend of pieces, part-owner Timm Hilty says with a smile, “We’re a little bit country, a little bit Widespread Panic.” Judging by the gallery’s sophisticated international following, that theme seems to be working.
Hilty and his gallery manager, Lisa Kaplan, are passionate about their artists. “We don’t just hand pick,” Kaplan says, “We ‘heart’ pick.” Because the gallery’s space is relatively small, they are very selective in their choices. In addition to sculptures, Silver Queen Fine Art also features photographic images on canvas by local photographer Jonny Barret, handcrafted glass by Scott Amrhein, mixed media pieces by Jenna Weston, metal and stone jewelry by artisan Terri Logan and much more.
“We choose artwork as if it were for our own collection,” explains Kaplan. Since they are interested in building long term relationships, the personalities of the artists are as important as the talent. Some artists are discovered, some are lucky enough to make an impression through submitting material independently, and others are referred by fellow artists.
Whether you’re 13 or 130, Hilty and Kaplan try to make it easy and fun for art appreciators to become art collectors. Lured here from Eureka Springs, Arkansas, after striking up a friendship with fellow gallery owners Ian and Jolie McTavish, Hilty brought his southern hospitality with him. He wants the gallery to be family-friendly and encourages youngsters to touch the bronze frog sculptures and get an early start on art appreciation. The gallery has even hosted a scavenger hunt for all ages: a “frog finding” free weekend getaway for their customers including prizes worth $3,500. And to make the joy of collecting even more approachable, Silver Queen Fine Art also offers layaway plans.
The gallery prides itself on being a “communitarian,” hosting fundraisers for Friends of Animals and other non-profit organizations. They, along with other local galleries, also regularly schedule artists’ receptions, gallery strolls and other events to help spread awareness of Park City’s burgeoning local art scene. For those lucky enough to be in Park City during this year’s Valentines Day, Silver Queen Fine Art is hosting an unusual special event, a “cohesive collection,” featuring work done by longtime friends and fellow artists, Richard Salcido and Frank Gonzales. Salcido and Gonzalez went to college together, and even though they live on opposite coasts, they will collaborate on a work of art. Salcido, known for his mixed media work, will start the piece in his home town of San Diego. It will then be sent to Gonzalez in New York City, where he will add his painterly touch before sending it back to Salcido. The piece will criss-cross the country until it is completed, and it will be unveiled at Silver Queen Fine Art in February 2010.
Since the grand opening of the gallery in August of 2006, Silver Queen Fine Art continues to redefine the art scene in town. The gallery has quickly become an international destination for art collectors and appreciators alike. The gallery welcomes guests 364 days a year and is one of the few galleries that remains open during the Sundance Film Festival in its quest to celebrate all of the arts, including fashion, film, photography and fun.
Silver Queen Fine Art, 632 Main Street, Park City, 435.649.6565, silverqueenfineart.com
Corinne Humphrey is a Park City freelance writer and the author/illustrator of the award-winning children’s book, The Tao of Rudy.
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