The sun has set on Sunrise Lift, but its chairs are getting makeovers for auction

Approximately 50 lift chairs from the original Sunrise Lift will be auctioned off. Twelve chairs will be set aside for artist and nonprofit collaborations. Photo: Park City Mountain Resort.

PARK CITY, Utah — The Arts Council of Park City & Summit County, in collaboration with Park City Mountain and Vail Resorts EpicPromise, announced a community-focused initiative that brings art, philanthropy, and the mountain’s legacy together.

The Sunset on Sunrise initiative centers around the upcoming auction of chairs from the retired Sunrise Lift. Scheduled for June 11 at Canyons Village, the auction will feature reimagined chairlift seats transformed into works of art. The event honors the lift’s history and channels its legacy into community impact.

Approximately 50 lift chairs from the original Sunrise Lift will be auctioned off. Twelve chairs will be set aside for artist and nonprofit collaborations. Selected artists will partner with local nonprofits to create custom-designed chairs under the theme “What community means to me.” These chairs will be auctioned to directly benefit the nonprofits they represent.

The classic two-seater Sunrise Lift has been retired while Park City Mountain undergoes major upgrades. One such upgrade is the construction of the new 10-person Sunrise Gondola, which will debut for the 2025/26 season.

“This is another great example of art connecting our community,” said Jocelyn Scudder, Arts Council of Park City & Summit County Executive Director. “Bringing people together through creative endeavors can help build and support our friends and neighbors in a powerful way. We are thrilled to partner on this project, which will positively impact our community where it is needed most.”

The remaining chairs from the lift will also be auctioned, with 100% of proceeds benefiting local causes. Specifically, funds from non-artist-designed chairs will go to the Park City Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Alliance, supporting crucial early education efforts.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see so many parts of our community coming together in one event,” said Deirdra Walsh, Park City Mountain Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “From the slopes to the studio to the heart of local giving, this reflects the spirit of Park City – where skiing and riding, creativity, and community support are all deeply intertwined.”

Call for Artists: Apply Now

Local and regional artists are invited to apply for the chance to be part of this community-centered project.

Eligibility:
Artists or artist teams residing within a 30-mile radius of Park City, UT (Summit County/Wasatch Back).

Compensation:
Selected artists will receive $1,750 for their completed chair artwork (inclusive of all labor, materials, and insurance).

Application Deadline:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, by 11:59 PM MST

To Apply:

Artists must:

• Fill out this application.
• Email the following materials to thea@pcscarts.org:
• • Brief artist bio
  • Three (3) images of previous artwork (JPG, PNG, or PDF)
  • Visual rendering and description of your proposed chair design

More details and the official Call to Artists can be found at pcscarts.org.