Pre-Sundance:
The craziness of Sundance arrives just before the Films do. Moving-vans and delivery trucks fill main street in a scramble to get everything in place before the week kicks off. For us, this means wrapping up most of the art from the gallery and carefully packing it away in storage. The Work Hard Play Hard coordinators are right behind us transforming the Gallery into a lounge complete with a bar, photo studio, and all kinds free stuff from sponsors. The transformation felt hectic at best, but once all was put in place the lounge was ready for a crazy weekend of photo ops and parties.
By Day:
The Lounge was used throughout the morning and afternoon as a photo studio and gifting suite for the cast from various films. The afternoons were easy going as various actors, artists, directors, producers, ect. came to hang out get their photo taken, enjoy a drink or two, and of course get some free swag. It was always fun to see who would stop by next
By Night:
As the sun went down the people came out. In the evening the Work Hard Play Hard Lounge would transform from a laid back lounge to a party hot spot that would host two or three private parties each night. Each party would last between 1-3 hours before they were off and a new group was on its way in. With every thing from film premiere parties to the Susan G. Coman foundation each party brought a different group of people to the lounge. Endless guest list kept the guys at the door busy as we were often at capacity. As the bartenders mixed up specialty drinks at the open bar and people milgled around the nights always seemed to fly by. Before we knew it the bartender was yelling out last call as we did our best to clean up and get ready to do it all again the next day.
Sundance Fashion:
As you walked main street it was hard not to notice the fashion trends. I find the best words to explain the trends of this year come down to two words: Faux Fur. Whether it be the Spirit Hoods or Sorel Boots "with the fur" the streets seemed to be full of fuzzy warmth. People, People, People...
One of the best parts of the Sundance experience is the people you meet. From well know celebs to up and coming actors, actresses, directors, producers there is always someone new to meet and a memory to be made. We were fortunate to have both new and familiar faces stop by the gallery each day.
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| Band One Republic with Gallery Owner Colby Larsen (middle) |
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| Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. attending the "Compliance" premiere party |
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| Production Designer, Walter Barnett and Casper Van Dien pose for photo during "The Pact" Party |
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| Actress Anne Heche poses with Gallery Owner Colby Larsen. |
Overall:
Sundance was a crazy time that consisted of fueling your body with coffee and energy drinks, limited parking spots, silly furry fashion, free swag, amazing parties, and great company. Sundance is such a wonderful, exhausting, and exciting time to be in Park City Utah. The end is bitter sweet as it is sad to see all of the excitement leave, yet it is nice to get some much needed rest. We can't wait until next year!
- By Megan A. Hansen
- By Megan A. Hansen
