One assumes the Voices of Nature series at Sundance Mountain Resort—a rather ambitious title, frankly—is intended to counter the champagne consumption and fur stoles. This Saturday’s presentation featuring Jill Pelto, a painter incorporating meteorological data, is the third in the series, curated by the Sundance Nature Alliance and, one gathers, under the auspices of Emily Moench. The screening room, blessedly removed from the Eccles’ main thoroughfare, will undoubtedly be a study in gallery white and muted tones; I anticipate a predominance of cashmere and Patagonia.
Ms. Pelto's work, depicting glacial melt and river temperatures, sounds… earnest. A connection between scientific rigor and ‘emotional openness,’ she claims. One hopes this doesn't translate to overly earnest conversation. Last fall, a showing by filmmaker Abby Ellis regarding the Great Salt Lake apparently prompted some minor water conservation efforts – a commendable outcome, if somewhat predictable. It's a clever tactic, aligning environmental messaging with the Park City Institute’s established audience. The real question, of course, is whether the attendees will also remember to tip adequately. It will be a limited crush, certainly. An event one attends to be seen attending, rather than for any genuine artistic engagement. Still, the parking situation at the Resort is… manageable, provided you know the right people.
Verdict: Send a check but stay home.