We’ve just finished hosting Recycle Utah at Gallery MAR for the “Charity Gallery Stroll,” here in Park City.  Recycle Utah has some new members, we gave away a gorgeous art gift basket, and educated some newbies about recycling practices and “going green.” Did you know that the most “eco-friendly” time to run the dishwasher is at night? A little white noise for your slumber.

Here at Gallery MAR we recycle, well, almost everything! We reuse cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and peanuts, and re-use and recycle our paper products as well as cardboard, plastic, and aluminum. We’re very fortunate to enjoy  the recycling capabilities that we have here in Park City.

A few of our artists also recycle products and found-objects and use them in their artworks. Sustainable metal and wood artist Joe Norman makes tables and pedestals out of found objects, reclaimed palette wood, and car and bike parts. And Michael Bingham has used reclaimed highway signs and car parts in his wall pieces, towers and beacons. Bingham’s work is featured above; the wing of this sculpture is from an old Coca Cola billboard.

When shipping artwork (or moving house, as I am this week), you can re-use a well-made cardboard box at least 4 times before the edges start to fray. At that point, the cardboard gets cut into rectangles and becomes a shield between paintings in our back storage area. The life of the tree keeps on giving! Bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, and other “fillers” can be re-used indefinitely and there are some fantastic new biodegradable options in the packing department.

I know my collectors appreciate that their fine art purchases are brought to them in the most “green” way possible. Now, if we could just get Federal Express to offset their carbon imprint…

“Casting Survivors” A Benefit for Image Reborn, Park City

TODAY–Saturday, October 24th from 4-7 p.m.

Join Gallery MAR and Image Reborn for a celebration of life. New art work by Ashley Bennett-Stoddard, inspired by breast cancer survivors. The exhibition will feature a new series of paintings dealing with the emotions of the healing process as well as bust reliefs of breast cancer survivors. The journey of the survivor is Bennett-Stoddard’s inspiration for these paintings. Nine of Bennett-Stoddard’s new pieces will be donated to “Image Reborn” and will be sold through a silent auction on the night of the show. “Image Reborn” is Park City retreat for women who have breast cancer. Together we can inspire a difference. In addition, Ashley Bennett-Stoddard has designed a gorgeous silver pendant for “Image Reborn.” It is a fund raiser for their cause, and viewed at abennettstoddard.com. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. RSVP to Gallery MAR is required, so call today: 435.649.3001.

Thanks to (a)perture marketing for their fresh and funky night of art and fashion at The Yard in Park City. Elegent estate pieces by Nicole Miller, artwork from four local galleries, and a fashion show featuring a bevy of local boutiques were the main attraction… although Jean Louis’ delicious food and drinks were favorites as well. Mayor Dana Williams even got in on the action and stomped the catwalk with a stylish scarf from Mary Jane’s. The Yard was transformed by a Salt Lake graffiti artist and the talented divas of (a)perture marketing. I think that we need more if these atypical events here in Park City. Just a thought: more art, design and fashion…  and less celebrity ski race and auction. Featured Gallery MAR artists: Ronald Ray Rogers, Fred Calleri, Mary Scrimgeour, and Lisa Lamoreaux.

“Art Meets Fashion” Supported by Gallery MAR and presented by (a)perture marketing and Park City Magazine at The Yard, Park City

This Saturday, October 17th at 6 p.m.

Art Meets Fashion, Park City, will open with an exclusive cocktail hour from 6-7 pm and will offer a selection culinary delights and a selection of fine beverages from Park City’s finest establishments. By showcasing the fashion arts amidst a backdrop of fine art, (a)perture aims to bring attention to all aspects of the artistic experience. Fashion shows will commence at 7 pm through close of evening. An after party of dancing will conclude the festivities.

Ticket sales will benefit two local Park City charities; The Peace House and Summit County Friends of Animals. AMF is a diverse event that presents runway inspired fashion shows in alternative artistic settings. Each event is unique to the host city and features local artists, fashion boutiques and designers. The community inspired event is designed to benefit local charities. For information regarding this event please contact (a)perture marketing at 801.953.0109 or visit www.apertureslc.com