MINERS9 rebrands as MinersART, returns to historic venue under new local leadership

The MINERS 9 Art Show is being rebranded at Miners Art. The first show will be the last weekend in April. Photo: Peg Bodell.

PARK CITY, Utah — A familiar pop-up art experience at the historic Miners Hospital is returning under new leadership — and a new name.

Formerly known as “MINERS9,” the monthly-style exhibit has been rebranded as “MinersART” after longtime Park City artist Kirsten Kohlwey stepped in to continue the concept following the retirement of Peg Bodell, the show’s founder.

“I thought about it a lot and thought this was a great venue for local artists, and I didn’t want it to not exist anymore,” said Kohlwey. After picking up the event, she said the name change reflects a broader and more descriptive vision for the event.

The exhibit will continue to be held at the Miners Hospital, and while the concept remains similar — a rotating showcase of local artists with work available for purchase — scheduling will look a bit different this year.

Due to construction impacts and summer programming at the building, MinersART will run April, September, November, and December this year.

The first event is scheduled for April 24-26, with hours from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The April show will feature a mix of photography and ceramics, with additional artists still welcome to join.

Adding new elements

One of the biggest changes to the event this month is the expansion into the building’s third floor, including a collaboration with a local independent bookstore featuring Utah authors.

The bookstore will be open Friday and Saturday, coinciding with the exhibit.

“We’re hoping that a lot of people come by and check out these marvelous books by Utah authors and look at the arts as they’re wandering up,” Kohlwey said.

Future events are also being scheduled with timing in mind. The September event will coincide with Labor Day, and November and early December dates will aim at capturing holiday foot traffic.

Supporting local creatives

Kirsten said a key goal of continuing the exhibit is to provide more accessible opportunities for local artists to show and sell their work.

“There aren’t that many venues to display their work,” she said. “We have CREATE PC, but they have limited space. And then we have Main Street galleries, but very few of those truly carry local art.” The Miners Hospital offers a more approachable entry point for artists who may not have gallery representation.

“It’s a place for local artists to try out exhibiting their work in a nice space,” she said.

All artwork in the show will be available for purchase, and the event is free for the public to attend.

Longtime ties to Park City’s art scene

Kohlwey brings decades of experience in Park City’s art community to the project, dating back to the 1980s when she participated in the Kimball Arts Festival as a photographer.

She has since worked across multiple disciplines and previously organized a large-scale pop-up art space at what is now Junction Commons.

Beyond providing a venue, Kohlwey sees local art as a way to strengthen community connections.

“I think local art connects the community,” she said. “It helps them get to know each other and discuss topics and enjoy what’s out there. I think it’s great for mental health. I think everybody should do art, and if they don’t they can come out and appreciate art.”

Organizers say the April launch is just the beginning, with plans to expand the program in the future depending on participation and scheduling.