Photo Friday: Inspired by place with local artist Claire Wiley

View of Old Town during our first snowfall of the 2022/23 season. Photo: Claire Wiley

PARK CITY, Utah — People come to Park City for many different reasons, but it’s the ones who feel the magic of the mountains that never leave. Claire Wiley’s story is very much in line after a trip to Park City (she lived in Michigan at the time) to visit her dear friend’s girlfriend. “[My friend] had fallen hard and thought she might be the one,” Wiley said. “She was. She fell in love with him, and I fell in love with Park City, so we swapped houses.” That was in 2004, and now, 18 years later, Wiley has a successful business in Park City where she creates art, works with nonprofits, and can explore everything the Wasatch has to offer.

Claire’s business, Eclectic Brew Productions, combines her photography and video production talents and her passion for storytelling. A highlight of her work has been with nonprofits around Park City and Summit County.

“Nonprofits shape the way we live every day. As a girl who loves to share stories through photographs and film, it seemed only natural to help create touch points for the local nonprofits to the community through these mediums. I feel so lucky to have been able to work closely with a great number of nonprofits in Summit County. These organizations are doing wonderful work. They are changing lives. They have all certainly changed mine for the better. I love them deeply and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with them. I’m excited about Live PC Give PC when we can all come together and support them,” said Wiley.

Claire Wiley not only channels her creativity through her business but through fine art and her love for artistry. The story behind the creation is of particular interest to her.

“I have a special place in my heart for artists and enjoy telling their stories. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Gallery MAR, Kimball Art Center, and the Arts Council of Park City and Summit County to create pieces on a number of fascinating and talented artists.”

“A short documentary I created with local artist Bridgette Meinhold is about to screen at our final film festival in Sydney, Australia. ‘REVERIE’ has received seven awards and screened at 21 film festivals around the world,” said Wiley.

When not working with clients or working with the stories of the community, Wiley spends most of her time experiencing nature for herself through the lens of her camera.

“I like to spend my time wandering about the mountains photographing the sweeping landscapes that surround us, as well as capturing the details. With each passing hour and changing season, the light and shadows change, so the exploration and image possibilities are endless. I feel a reverence for nature and I cherish moments when I experience that true feeling of wonder. I find that sense of wonder often when I’m traveling, but I can also still find it right here every day,” said Wiley.

TownLift will choose images from the submissions to feature in our Photo Friday post each week. To have your photo featured, please send your photo and a brief description of what the image is, where it was taken, and your name. If you have a fun story to go along with it, please include it.

Submit your photos to: tips@townlift.com.