Neighbors Magazines
From Captain Underpants to powerboxes, the evolution of a local artist

Photo: Neighbors of Park City // Deb DeKoff.
The inspirational power of art can come from all kinds of places—but for Cormac Harrington, it all started with Captain Underpants. “When the Captain Underpants movie came out in 2017, I immediately wanted to make my own comic books. So, my mom made me these little blank booklets out of paper and all I did was make comics.”
That spark turned into something more. Today, Cormac’s process begins with a sketch using an HB pencil on watercolor paper. He prefers working with graphite, watercolor, and colored pencil for their flexibility.
One standout piece is a watercolor of a coal miner, pickaxe mid-swing, shards of rock flying. This one holds special meaning: his great-great-grandfather was a hard rock miner in Park City. Other striking works capture movement and strength—an Olympic skier, a water ramp athlete at the UOP, and a lacrosse player.
Like many artists, Cormac has faced challenges—mainly finding time to create. “I’ve been in dual immersion in the Park City schools and had early release for skiing, so I didn’t get to take art in middle school. I had to learn on my own—mostly by watching YouTube.”
Things shifted when he was accepted into the Kimball Art Center’s Young Artists’ Academy. “That’s when I really got to explore different styles—thanks to Heather. I also took a Photoshop class with Ms. Cier last year. She was super helpful and supportive.”
Despite an intense schedule for a ninth grader—orchestra, two AP classes, competitive ski training six days a week, golf practice three times a week, water ramping at the UOP, plus three online high school classes—Cormac still finds time to create. “It’s been really hard to keep up with art this past year… but I still try to make at least one piece a month.”
Because for him, “Art is a passion, not a chore.”
You can view Cormac’s art in person on three powerboxes in Park City: The lacrosse player: behind McPolin Elementary
The Minor: outside of Alberto’s
The skier: across from Deer Valley Fire Station.
