Whether you’re an experienced craftsperson on the Martha Stewart level, or simply one who appreciates the handiwork of those who create beauty, here are some ideas for a day filled with creative endeavors in the Park City-Summit County community.

Silly Sundays

A summer tradition is the Park Silly Sunday Market. Every Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Park City’s Historic Main Street turns into a huge block party and open-air market. Booths and attractions line the street and it’s a fantastic place to discover new artisans. See artists creating on the spot – everything from spray paint to ceramics. Plus, enjoy live music, performers, and a variety of food vendors. Park Silly is open every Sunday from June 3 through September 23 (except on August 5, 12, and 19).

Kiddie crafts

If you really want to get to know a town, check out a local institution or attend a community event. In Park City, you can do both – and get the creative juices flowing at the same time. Every Wednesday from 4 pm-5 pm, the Park City Library hosts Crafternoons, where kids can complete a creative project. This hour is tailored to kids in Kindergarten to fifth grade, and the craft varies week to week. Past projects include puppets, sand art, and tracing projects. At the end of the session, kids can take home their artwork.

Nature Crafters: Another crafty kid activity takes place at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in Kimball Junction. Every Sunday from 11 am-1 pm, Swaner hosts Craft Sundays for kids of all ages. They provide instruction and materials to help kids create a nature-themed project, usually involving recycled materials. Kids have made anything from toilet paper roll binoculars to help them search for wildlife to animals made from egg cartons. It’s a creative way to appreciate the great outdoors.

If you’re travelling with kids, a Crafternoon is a great way to put some hands-on art on the itinerary. Plus, they can socialize with other kids, tap into their creative side, and maybe even do some reading while you’re at the library. Parents at least can grab a book and sit down while their kids participate.

The library also caters to younger kids and toddlers. Toys are available for play, and the walls are whiteboard, so the librarians bring out markers and crayons for them to color. What child wouldn’t want the go-ahead to color on the walls?

Cheers to Painting!

A popular new art experience is found at the Paint Mixer. At this art studio, people of all ages are directed in painting a piece by a skilled artist. The step-by-step instruction leaves you feeling successful and accomplished as an artist. It’s a relaxed, accepting atmosphere where you can mingle with your classmates and get in tune with your creativity. In adult classes, alcohol is available to purchase and enjoy throughout the session. By the end of your class, you’ll have a painting to take with you. They’ll even frame and/or ship it if you don’t want to pack your new piece home.

Each class is about two hours long and pre-registration is highly recommended. Check out the online calendar to see what images are on the schedule during your visit! There are even some Open Studio times. The Park City location is on Historic Main Street.

Fun tip: The Paint Mixer does an off site class at Townshend Tea in Park City. Head to this specialty tea house for an artistic evening on the first Tuesday of every month. An instructor will walk you through the creation of a painting  – all while you sip expertly crafted loose-leaf tea. All materials are provided. Check out Townshend Tea’s Facebook page to register for these creative evenings.

The Art of Retail

A favorite of locals, Olive & Tweed is not your average boutique. Pieces are hand-selected and the store also supports many artisans by selling their handcrafted products. There’s a vintage and mid-century style to the items and the store feels more like a collection than a store. There’s something for everyone; like most boutiques Olive & Tweed carries clothing and jewelry. However, you’ll also find beautiful pieces in other departments like home décor and craft items.

Young moms, older patrons, and teenagers alike can find something they are drawn to in the shop. Take a look inside and discover art in an unexpected place. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how affordable it is.

Knitter at Heart: Olive & Tweed is owned by Somer Gardiner, an artisan who first made her name with a popular knitting store in Salt Lake City. She started Olive & Tweed in the depth of the recession to offer affordable artistic pieces to locals. She chooses pieces she loves and that tell a story and considers herself “a curator” rather than a traditional salesperson. A unique approach to retail and her artist’s background give Olive & Tweed a personalized, creative flair.

Did You Know? Olive & Tweed has an art gallery on the 2nd floor of the shop. The Timbre Art Loft opened last year and has found a place in the local arts scene. See work from artists near and far, in a variety of styles – notably paintings and photography.

Up and coming art

New and exciting establishments are always popping up on east side of Summit County. Artique in Kamas is no exception. It’s a locally owned art gallery and gift shop, and it’s definitely worth a stop. It displays and sells handmade goods by local Summit County artists. Find works of ceramic, fiber art, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture and more. It’s actually a co-op, and on your visit you might even meet one of the featured local artists taking a turn working in the gallery.

Artique celebrates newcomers and each month, a new artist is featured in the gallery. In fact, if you’re around on the first Friday of a month, check out the opening party for the current featured artist, starting at 6pm. Browse, get inspired, and maybe take home a souvenir or gift from the local art scene.

IF YOU DECIDE TO STAY

In addition to getting the guaranteed lowest rates, booking your lodging here is another way to help sustain art in our local community. A portion of your booking goes back to the Park City Summit County Arts Council.

EXPLORE ART ADVENTURES

IN PARK CITY & SUMMIT COUNTY

While we’re well-known as a mecca for mountain recreation, there are boundless opportunities to enjoy art, music, film, theater and other cultural events in Park City and Summit County.