C Lot

"C Lot is where the real stories of Mary Jane live — the die-hards, the tailgates, the chaos of cars parked at every angle. I wanted to bring back that 70s spirit and celebrate the people who’ve kept this mountain alive for 50 years. Mary Jane lives in my heart because it is where I learned to ski with the Eskimo Ski Club." Topher Straus C Lot is a nostalgic, vintage-style tribute to the storied parking lot at the base of Mary Jane — a place as legendary to Colorado skiers as the mountain itself. The scene captures that post-ski-day energy: old wood-paneled wagons and beat-up wagons parked askew in the snow, skis still strapped on, headlights glowing in the dusk, and the forest looming in the background. The painting evokes the grit and camaraderie of 1970s ski culture — the kind of day when the lifts have shut down but the mountain’s spirit stays alive in tailgate stories, shared beers, and packed-up gear reflecting in the snowy twilight. Rendered with vibrant tones and subtle vintage textures, the piece is a visual love letter to those raw, real moments that define ski life at Winter Park and Mary Jane. It doesn’t just show a parking lot, it captures a mood, a memory, a community. Hidden within the details are little nods to long-time locals and lovers of ski lore, inviting viewers to look a bit closer. C Lot is a celebration of Winter Park’s legacy, and captures the spirit of Mary Jane: gritty, joyful, rebellious, and full of heart. Celebrating 50 years of pure ski magic.