Park City lost one of its most ardent advocates for the arts on Jan. 25.
Connie Katz, owner of CODA Gallery at 804 Main Street, died of cancer during the Sundance Film Festival. The loss was especially devastating to the family and business because it followed the death of David, her husband, in late December.
Even though the Park City Gallery Association has no officers, Judi Grenney said Katz was a chairperson of sorts. She set meetings, emailed out notes, kept meetings on track, helped plan and promote the monthly Gallery Stroll, wrote grant applications and helped determine how those revenues were spent, Grenney said.
“Her energy and enthusiasm will be missed. She saw the bigger picture: not just making CODA Gallery successful, but making all the galleries successful in our community,” Grenney added.
Julie Nestor, owner of the Julie Nestor Gallery, said Katz revived the local art association after it quit being active for several years. Katz enrolled people in the belief that promoting community arts would have more benefits than promoting individual galleries, she said.
“I don’t know what we’ll do without her,” said Gallery MAR-owner Maren Mullin. “She was so big in who we are and what we do as an art community.”
Katz touched many people, not just in the art community but among Main Street merchants, she said. The last time the two spoke, Katz was worried about whether enough local artists were getting exposure, Mullin said.
One thing she will remember most about Katz is how she believed art should be fun for everyone, Mullin added.
Karen Terzian, who along with Grenney used to work for Katz, described her as a cheerleader for the arts community.
“And very sincere about it,” she said. “She always exuded such high energy and enthusiasm for not only the arts but for Park City.”
Terzian said Katz was a really hard worker, was generous with her time, and did everything with humor.
“She was always smiling,” she added.
Gallery manager Jen Schumacher said the double loss in 30 days has been hard on everyone close to the gallery, but assured fans and artists that CODA will continue.
The gallery is now owned by a daughter, and the two founders wanted the galleries both in Park City and Palm Springs to be their legacy, she said.
“Everything is business as usual at both galleries. We had a great Sundance,” she added.
Close friend Sharon Anderson-Morris gave the following comment:
“Connie dedicated her passion and her efforts towards her vision of continual improvement and growth. She always made sure the project or program she started would flourish beyond her involvement. Her passing is a great loss to our community.”
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