C Lot

Mary Jane/Winter Park, CO • 2025

The Work

"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.

Editions

Fabrication

Each Topher Straus painting is produced in collaboration with master fabricators using a meticulous, multi-step process designed to achieve exceptional clarity, depth, and longevity. The artwork is dye-sublimated onto a high-gloss, white Chromaluxe aluminum panel. This process infuses the image directly into the surface, creating a luminous finish where light passes through the translucent dyes and reflects back to the viewer. The result is a dynamic, ever-changing visual experience that subtly shifts with the light throughout the day. The final piece is sleek, modern, and built to last–crafted to the highest archival standards.

Provenance

Every piece is part of a carefully controlled edition and is individually authenticated. The edition number and Topher's signature are featured on the front of the artwork, placed in the bottom right corner. On the reverse, a custom backplate serves as the certificate of authenticity, detailing the title, size, and edition number. This ensures both the integrity of the work and its place within Topher's broader collection.

Delivery

Each painting is handled with the utmost care from the moment it leaves the studio. Works are meticulously wrapped and professionally crated to ensure safe transit. Every shipment is sent via a trusted, insured carrier, providing full protection and peace of mind until the artwork arrives and is ready to be enjoyed in its new home.