Susan Swartz Studios Hosts Open House in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of 2002 Winter Olympic Games
In 1994, the International Olympic Committee added “environment” as the third principle of Olympism alongside “sport” and “culture”. Then in 2002, Susan Swartz was named the first Spirit of the Land Environmental Artist for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games.
“It's not just about sports, but all viable areas that carry off the essence of the Games. For the first time, the environment is being considered,” Susan remarked.
Working from a place of impassioned reverence for the earth and a fierce determination to inform and educate about nature’s fragility, Susan was a natural choice for the role of official Environmental Artist.
"I’m often described as an environmental artist and that is an honor, but it is not a political stance for me,” says Susan. “I seek to pay tribute to nature by painting the world as it is meant to be so that we are inspired to protect it and take care of it.”
Susan was commissioned to create two paintings to commemorate the 2002 Games. Cascade Springs showcases the aspens of the Wasatch Back near Mt. Timpanogos through a delicate winter-palette. The more vividly colored Soldier Hollow features the mountains of Heber Valley, the backdrop of the biathlon, cross-country, and Nordic events.
Cascade Springs, Acrylic on linen, 60x36” 2001.
Soldier Hollow, Acrylic on linen, 60x60” 2001.
Susan’s work was also selected for the cover of the Cultural Olympiad program and Olympic Aid (now Right to Play), a non-profit event comprised of Olympians dedicated to using sport for development in under-developed countries. Susan’s painting A Stand Alone was signed by 100 of the 2002 Olympic Athletes and former medalists and was sold for a record $155,000 at an Olympic Aid auction.
Susan Swartz and Olympian Johann Koss, Norwegian Speed Skater and Founder of the Right to Play Foundation (formerly Olympic Aid) pictured alongside A Stand Alone, 60x48”.
On Saturday, February 12, Susan Swartz Studios will host an Open House and pop-up display of the two commissioned paintings in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Winter Games. Susan will be present from 1-3PM to personally sign copies of Natural Revelations, a 108-page catalog that features the Olympic paintings and text by Robert Coles and Dr. Jane Goodall.
Soldier Hollow and Cascade Springs currently on display at Susan Swartz Studios.
Published in 2007, Natural Revelations includes over 100 stunning images and was a recipient of an Independent Publisher Book Award. The book is available for purchase online or at the gallery.
Susan Swartz Studios is located at 260 Main Street, Park City. The gallery is open daily from 12-7PM.
