Kimball Art Center is offering a vibrant lineup of events and exhibitions to celebrate the season and welcome 2026 with creativity. Photo: Kimball Art Center.

PARK CITY, Utah — As 2025 draws to a close, Kimball Art Center is offering a vibrant lineup of events and exhibitions to celebrate the season and welcome 2026 with creativity and community connection.

Noon Year’s Eve

For families looking to celebrate the new year without the late-night commitment, Kimball Art Center’s annual Noon Year’s Eve event returns Dec. 31. The 90-minute celebration offers a kid-friendly alternative to traditional midnight festivities, complete with art projects, snacks, and a countdown to noon.

“Kids get to celebrate with the excitement of the countdown, but it’s a kid-friendly time,” said Alex Regenold, director of communications at Kimball Art Center. “They get little confetti poppers, and we have a dance party afterwards. Then you can go on and have your day and not be up super late with the kids.”

The event costs $5 per child, while supervising adults attend free. Parents can accompany their children through various art activities led by on-site teachers.

Final Days for Gazing Eyes and Giving Ears

Before the calendar turns, art enthusiasts have one last chance to experience the center’s current exhibition focused on portraiture and identity. The show closes Jan. 4, but not before a special evening of slam poetry on Jan. 2. Poets include Sammi Walker, Chris Atkin, Isabella Merritt-Khulmann, Monica Lisette, and RJ Walker

“Gazing Eyes and Giving Ears” will feature local performers offering fresh perspectives on the exhibition’s themes through spoken word. Regenold described the event as “the last hurrah” for the show, offering audiences a new medium to engage with concepts of identity and self-representation.

K-Pop Meets Korean Art Traditions

In a nod to contemporary youth culture, the center’s education department is launching a new class inspired by the animated film “K-Pop: Demon Hunters.” The Family Friendly: K-Pop Demon Hunters Tiger Workshop proved immediately popular, with record signups arriving within minutes of the announcement.

Education coordinator Aislinn designed the class to go beyond simple replication of popular imagery, incorporating traditional Korean art styles and techniques. Students will engage with Korean culture while developing skills that extend beyond their immediate interests.

“It’s a little bit more than just replicating what you see in something you like,” Regenold said. “You’re going to engage with the culture and learn these traditional techniques.”

‘Returning to Wonder’ Opens Mid-January

Following a two-week transition period, Kimball Art Center will unveil its next exhibition, “Returning to Wonder,” on Jan. 16. The show explores moments of awe in nature, featuring works that examine the natural world at both macro and micro scales.

“It’s finding moments of awe in the natural world,” Regenold said. “A lot of the artists focus on cosmic nature and beauty in the world around us — these moments of jaw-dropping beauty that we’ve all experienced.”

The exhibition will include work from a local artist and feature special programming, including possible performance pieces and classes that showcase the artist’s creative process. The opening coincides with Sundance Film Festival’s final year in Utah, creating what Regenold called “a fun cultural moment for Park City.”

Artists featured in this exhibition include Erika Blumenfeld, Kellie Bornhoft, Chris Doyle, Alexandra Fuller, Lia Halloran, Nina Katchadourian, Josiah McElheny, Pipilotti Rist, Katie Paterson, Diana Thater, and Reuben Wu.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Those seeking last-minute holiday gifts can purchase gift certificates or memberships at the center. Gift certificates can be used toward classes, supplies or clay purchases, while memberships provide class discounts and special perks throughout the year. Information about gift certificates is available on the center’s website, with additional details available in person.

Supporting Year-Round Arts Programming

As the year ends, Kimball Art Center is working to meet its annual fundraising goals. The nonprofit relies on community support to provide year-round programming, much of it free to the public.

“We’re really grateful for all the community support, and we’re kind of at that last little hurdle as we cross the finish line of 2025,” Regenold said.

For more information about upcoming events, exhibitions and classes, visit Kimball Art Center’s website or stop by the center in Park City.