For Heather Finney, creativity has never been a phase; it has been a constant thread woven through every stage of her life. From childhood curiosity to a thriving creative practice rooted in nature, her work reflects a deep commitment to making, experimenting, and engaging with the tactile world.

A Lifelong Maker

Heather’s artistic journey began early. As a child, she was endlessly curious, drawn not just to creating, but to understanding how things worked. That instinct to reverse engineer and explore processes became foundational to her identity as an artist.

Originally interested in fashion design, she followed that passion to Parsons School of Design in New York City. Immersed in a culture of high-level creativity and craftsmanship, she expanded her understanding of what art could be.

Professionally, Heather built a career as a Creative Director, shaping brands and digital experiences. But her personal work offers a meaningful contrast, analog, hands-on, and deeply connected to the natural world. “In many ways,” she shares, “it is the inverse of my professional life.”

Rooted in Community

Heather is an active and familiar presence in Summit County’s creative scene. Her work can be found at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, where she has a public art installation, and she has been a regular vendor at both the Park Silly Sunday Market and the Park City Farmer’s Market for years.

For Heather, these spaces are about more than selling work; they are about connection. “I genuinely enjoy connecting with people,” she says, reflecting on the many relationships she has built throughout the community.

A Place That Values Creativity

Heather speaks passionately about the role of art in Park City and Summit County. “This community is more than a ski town; its soul is shaped and sustained by vibrant, high-caliber arts and cultural experiences,” she explains.

From public art installations on electrical boxes to thoughtfully designed bus shelters, she sees these creative touches as essential to the town’s identity. They create moments of surprise and joy while signaling to both residents and visitors that creativity is deeply valued here.

She also highlights the importance of organizations like CREATE PC Local Artist Collective, praising its inclusive approach to supporting artists across disciplines. “Not all art hangs on walls,” she notes, appreciating the recognition of makers ranging from bakers to woodworkers alongside more traditional visual artists.

Silver Sage Garden Co. Where Art Meets Nature

At the heart of Heather’s current creative practice is Silver Sage Garden Co., her small but prolific cut flower farm. On just a quarter acre, she produces an impressive variety of blooms, along with herbs, garlic, and dried botanicals.

These elements flow directly into her work, informing everything from candle scents to bath salts to dried wreaths. While she admits that growing flowers does not always feel like “art,” it plays a vital role in her creative process, constantly inspiring new ideas and directions.

Heather is currently exploring screen printing, drawn to its tactile, hands-on nature in contrast to today’s digital and print-on-demand world. She is particularly interested in the imperfections that come with the process, the subtle variations that make each piece unique.

It is a philosophy that aligns with her broader approach to making, slowing down, embracing the physicality of materials, and allowing room for individuality and nuance.

A Market That Feels Like Home

When asked about a favorite local creative experience, Heather immediately points to the Park Silly Sunday Market. On her first visit in 2008, she recalls being instantly captivated by its energy and charm, an experience that ultimately influenced her decision to move to Park City.

Though the market has grown over the years, she still considers it one of the community’s true gems. With its blend of music, art, food, and connection along historic Main Street, it continues to embody the spirit of the place she now calls home.