Thomas Kearns McCarthey Gallery

This place is offbeat, and has surprises every time I visit. Would definitely return.

Russian Impressionism. That phrase may not mean much to you if you’re not familiar with it. To be truthful, I’m not sure I know why I’m familiar with it. I have vague recollections of walking through an art gallery somewhere and learning the style and its name. But it’s my absolute favorite kind of art.
How tickled I was, then, to discover the McCarthey Gallery in Park City. It’s terrific. Full of Russian Impressionism. And as I walked through this evening, the art consultant was full of insight. He explained more deeply the style. He gave us background on the images we saw. He told us how the gallery had moved from across the street some 5 years previous. He made the experience that much better.
The art there is wonderful. From the huge painting as you enter (as I learned tonight, a sort of Masters thesis from the artist that wasn’t well received for its portrayal of too-​fashionable Russian women and a slouching seated woman) to the smaller, less expensive works. Completely enjoyable.
The space is long and narrow, with paintings along both walls. A few steps in the back lead you to a smaller «room» and it’s all divided by artist.
Go. Look at the paintings. Ask questions. Russian Impressionism – the realism of the here-​and-​now portrayals is extremely evocative. Each painting is the seed for a story on the subject. Their life. Their pain. Their struggle. I know that sounds quite heady, but this is art. It’s supposed to get inside your head!