“We sit at the faucet of creation,” says art impresario Colby Larsen of running his six Park City galleries. “We are blessed with great artists and creators; it is magical to present their work on the front line of the galleries.”
Opening a tiny, 900 s.f. gallery on Main in 2010 after working in sales, a newly-wed Colby says he was “captivated by the art industry, but I barely had enough for rent. I actually donated blood a couple times a week.”
“After that gallery was cranking, I opened another, and then another and another, with some amazing people mentoring me,” he smiles. “Some have opened their own galleries or become thriving artists. It is a beautiful journey.”
“Art is the photo album of the human race, what we are and who we are,” he says of his passion. “Seeing someone connect to a particular piece of art is my favorite moment.” He senses that art helps satisfy a human “yearning for connection,” one reason he is active with school and church groups, often leading tours and speaking in classrooms. “Connection can be lost if we don’t seek it,” he believes. “Connection is important to keep the spirit of Park City thriving. If we grow with this in mind, kindness and joy will continue.”
Always optimistic and enthusiastic, Colby believes “Main Street would be amazing with three to five incredible art galleries. We plan to continue, and unique opportunities seem to manifest often.”
Staying personally connected to what’s essential, Colby relaxes by photographing the wild mustangs of Dugway in Tooele County and spending recreation time with family and friends. “I love my wife Sarah and family more than anything,” he smiles. “Raising kiddos is a total hoot!”
“Parkites carry with them a sweet humility and love for humanity,” he observes of our Mountainkind lifestyle. “Sharing our culture is pure joy.”