Self described as “a quality vandal,” the graffiti artist known as Bansky began his career in the early 1990’s. From his forlorn painting on a wall in the West Bank of Palestine, to his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Banksy has become famous, if not notorious, in the art and entertainment world.

During the Sundance Film Festival in 2010, the satirical figure visited Park City and delighted cultural aficionados when he produced seven striking pieces around the town. Most, like Banksy’s name written across a barn, were quickly expunged. However, three of his works remain to this day and can be easily found while strolling down Main Street in Park City.

The most well known of these works is Camera Man and Flower. The image depicts a camera man photographing a flower and is now protected by a heavy-duty frame with bulletproof glass. The piece has a sadness to it, as the flower seems to have been accidentally plucked from its roots. Part of what makes this mural easily identified is its convenient location. You can find the artwork at 402 Main Street in an alley next to Java Cow Coffee & Ice Cream Shop.  

A second Bansky mural can be found just around the corner of Java Cow on the wall of a parking garage. Praying Boy portrays a young child with pink angel wings and a halo praying hopefully on his knees. Ironically, in 2014, the painting was targeted by a jealous vandal and completely covered by brown spray paint. Luckily for art lovers everywhere, the Praying Boy was restored and is also enclosed in a glass frame.  

The last remaining Bansky piece appeared on the lower portion of a stage door at the Egyptian Theatre. It was quickly removed from the public eye and locked away to ensure its safe keeping. For nine long years it stayed hidden while the Egyptian raised money to unveil it safely. Then, in early 2020, it was proudly displayed on the northside of the theater, protected by bullet proof glass, an alarm and cameras. 

Dirty Rat, as it is most commonly called, dons a pair of 3D glasses and seems poised for action. The Cinema Rat (which it is sometimes called) not only helped to raise money for its own protection, but also helped fund the youth theater program.

While admiring Bansky’s clandestine work, art lovers can’t help but notice the plethora of additional outdoor pieces created by numerous local artists. Cultural enthusiasts can take a self-guided art tour through Old Town, either on foot or via an E-Bike while exploring the rich culture of the town. (The Summit Bike Share — an E-Bike share system in Park City and Summit County — is available during the spring, summer and fall.)

• Two of the most popular local art pieces are the sculptures of  Loosey the Moosey and Franz the Bear. Loosey can be found on Swede Alley, often dressed in festive local attire, and Franz sits quietly on a park bench waiting for a photo op and enjoying the view of Main Street. 
• On the corner of Heber Avenue and Swede Avenue is the Old Town Transit Center. On the center’s South Plaza are nine column-mounted sculptures called A Pantheon of Muses. The series features the nine daughters of Zeus, goddesses of literature, science and arts. Each muse was created by a different artist or pair of artists and holds a unique interpretation of the muse’s qualities. The muses were created from alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum and bronze.  
• In the middle of Swede Alley is the China Bridge Parking Garage. On the walls of the garage you will find a four part mural called Wild City, painted in 2018 by Emily Herr. Each level explores a different theme from open space, to arts and culture, to history and winter sports. 
• Inside the overpass on Poison Creek Trail is a depiction of Park City’s mining days with the painting, Life of Ontario. The placement of the mural within an actual tunnel adds to the impact of the piece. 
• Further down the Poison Creek Trail is A Sacred Community mural. This amazing feature presents hundreds of colored triangles painted by local artists and residents. When viewing the display, one can truly feel the spirit and camaraderie that went into the work.  
• Finally, finish your tour with Park City’s first piece of outdoor art, Park City Scape. Dedicated in 1984, the stainless steel sculpture was created by artist James MacBeth, and evokes thoughts of Aspen trees swaying in the wind. The piece is outside the Miner’s Hospital and is a magnificent shining display. 

Of course, Park City is also home to a bevy of art galleries and studios. Be sure to check out the “Last Friday Gallery Stroll,” which occurs on the last Friday of each month, and experience a wide range of artists and artwork.

Feature Image: Camera Man and Flower by Brandi Christoffersen