Bringing joy through art in Park City
For 25 years, Thomas and Carolyn Anthony have been sharing their passion with the mountain town
The Home Issue 24-25
Written By: Brandi Christoffersen | Images: Gillian Hunter
The most important reason for purchasing art is because you fall in love with it,” says Thomas Anthony, owner of Thomas Anthony Gallery. “If you buy for the right reasons, you will take your artwork with you throughout your lifetime.”
Art has always been a passion for Thomas and his wife, Carolyn. Since they opened their first gallery in Fort Collins, Colorado, they have delighted in sharing their obsession with others.
“We love to help collectors, young and old, find a piece that touches them,” Thomas says.
Over the years, Thomas and Carolyn have become known for their unique, one-of-a-kind curations. And in 1999, after owning galleries in Colorado and Texas, the couple brought their sought-after art collection to Park City.
When they first opened their doors on Main Street in Old Town, Park City wasn’t as developed as it is now — but the cultural scene was alive and thriving. Painters, sculptors, photographers and performers frequented Old Town. “The town has always attracted talented artists,” Thomas says.
“Main Street is incredible. You won’t find a better selection of quality art on one singular block in the entire country. In a few hours you can experience an amazing display of creativity, imagination and talent,” he says.
Art connoisseurs who enter the gallery at 340 Main St. are greeted by bright colors, stimulating images and welcoming smiles. A joyful attitude can be felt throughout the showroom, where all forms of genres and mediums are represented.
“We have sculptors from the United Kingdom and from various states in America. We have painters from Spain, Italy, Belgium, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Korea and China. And of course, we have local artists from Utah,” Thomas says.
While Thomas delights in supporting gifted artists and curating rare pieces, his greatest pleasure is sitting down and speaking to each of his patrons, one-on-one. “How people view art is very personal. I like to learn about a person’s life, their backstory, where they are in life — all of it.”
This desire to help a client find their own distinctive piece or collection grew during the pandemic. “People were isolated in their houses, and art became a necessity rather than a want. A special painting or sculpture can be the centerpiece for a room or for the entire home.”
Likewise, if an art enthusiast — whether novice or experienced — connects with one of the gallery’s compositions, Thomas feels a responsibility to try and help them obtain it. Why? Because he has his own memory of “the one that got away.”
While honeymooning in Hawaii, Thomas fell in love with his first piece of original art. Unfortunately, funds were tight, and he decided against purchasing the artwork.
“To this day, that painting haunts me,” he laments. “I don’t want anyone to feel the sting from that type of regret.”
Because of this, Thomas and Carolyn go out of their way to personally facilitate a purchase, including layaway plans and temporary storage. They also offer complimentary local installations and personally oversee the packaging and shipping of their art.
This year marks Thomas Anthony Gallery’s 25th in Park City, and while musing upon their silver jubilee, Thomas says, “My life has been blessed and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Indeed, it is because of his deep devotion to art and the joy of sharing it with others that Thomas and Carolyn have “no plans to retire in the near future.”
It is upon this announcement that Park City, and the art world at large, should perhaps breathe a little sigh of relief.
