Project Overview and Selection

In the fall of 2022, Steamboat put out a request for artists to submit a proposal for an installation that represents “What Makes You Feel Welcome In The Outdoors?” Nearly 20 artists from across North America submitted proposals ranging from murals to interactive to tech-forward concepts. To review the submissions, Steamboat Ski Resort put together a diverse panel of representatives from the ski resort, art communities, and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities from the Yampa Valley and Denver. The panel, made up of 12 individuals with ties and familiarity of Steamboat, narrowed the submission to four finalists before selecting a piece by local artist Sage Sullivan.

“Sage’s [concept] is the most thoughtful and respectful proposal and I hope it makes minority groups feel included,” said panelist Michanae Edwards.

Betse Grassby and Dancy St. John from Steamboat Art Museum added “We are very impressed with [Sage’s] ability to verbally address and understand the marginalized population she wants to represent.”

The art installation is currently being crafted by Sullivan in her studio and will debut for Winter 22/23 located along the resort’s main entrance corridor welcoming all to the outdoor playground of Steamboat Ski Resort.

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The Artist's vision centers on:

- Variety & uniqueness and innate hardiness of wildflowers which speak about the integral celebration and respect for marginalized groups, BIPC and LGTBQJA2S+ communities.
- Connectivity through aspens, one of the largest living organism on earth. “We may all appear as singular individuals, when in reality humans can not survive on our own. We not only crave community and connection, but fundamentally need it to survive.”
- Stewardship of nature pays homage to the Nuche (Ute) and other Indigenous people who used aspen trees for medicinal purposes and in construction of lodges and tipis. The Native American tipi is a doorway to intimacy with nature and one’s self.
- Acknowledging that the native land Steamboat Ski Resort is located on belongs to generations that came before and the expansion of the west was on the backs of immigrants, key minority groups and enslaved peoples. Horseshoes and railroad spikes represent the colonization of the western world.

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Artist Overview
“I envisioned a piece that encourages guests to rest, to play, to reflect and to find their own belonging. Bringing this piece to life will be a huge undertaking, both mentally and physically, and I am honored to take on this task to invite all to feel welcome in the mountains of Steamboat Springs.”

Sage Sullivan (she/her) grew up in Steamboat Springs attending Steamboat Springs High School before graduating from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Fine Art Drawing. Sage has spent years traveling the world and experiencing different cultures, environments and relationships.

“The communication and relationships displayed the elements in this piece represent our mountain community and how it is spread all over the world. Through the welcoming and hospitable spirit of Ski Town, U.S.A® you can always find a friend of the valley to catch up with or lean on. We all come in different shapes, sizes and hues and we all have our own strengths, weaknesses and gifts to contribute to our little corner of the Rocky Mountains. So Come as you are. Come with your friends, your family, your loved ones.”

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