Aspen Art museumThe new Aspen Art Museum designed by architect Shigeru Ban is a marvelous addition to the already dynamic art scene in this small mountain town.

The Architect’s vision is brilliant and incorporates many of the passions that residents in this creative town cherish. Ban wanted to open the building to the outside so that visitors would appreciate the natural beauty of this area. He did this by making the entrance foyer to the museum on the third floor rooftop, with exterior stairs that lead up to the public rooftop space. He explains that he was inspired by the experience of skiing where you go to the top of the mountain, reflect on the view and then ski down the slope.

The building is an interior glass box encased in a woven wooden screen lattice and commands an impressive posture in this small town of Aspen.

In addition to the contemporary art exhibits that the museum hosts, it encourages the youth of the community to experience the museum with many activities centered around all age groups.

A charming cafe overlooking the sculpture garden provide delicious, fresh, locally sourced meals and beverages.

The entire experience is not to be missed when visiting Aspen.

 

 

Maria Cecilia Ferrer XOXO porcelain cups

 

Aspen Coloroado’s thriving art community includes a bevy of summer opportunities .

One particular highlight is the Anderson Ranch Auctionette. This is a mini auction/ luncheon/studio tour.

A delicous lunch is served, followed by an auction of art work donated by Art  students attending workshops as well as their world renowned art instructors.

I had the fortunate fun of receiving the winning bid on a pair of slip cast porcelain cups. The pieces were made by Maria Cecilia Ferrer, a young artist currently studying at Pratt Institute in NYC. A chance to meet the artist added to my delight with the purchase, as her excitement with the sale was contagious. These lovely XOXOXO cups, as she calls them, were her first sales. Lucky me……I feel like I set her career off and running.

20130915-104659.jpg

Portraits of Hope is a Public Art Projects organization developed to offer creative art therapy for seriously ill children. For more than 12 years it has brought hope, joy, and avenues for personal expression and exploration to thousands. The project is currently exhibiting in Aspen where fire trucks and rescue vehicles have been wrapped in plastic coated panels of brilliant flowers which have been painted by local school children. The flower power motif is their message of “joy, life, youth, beauty, renewal and environment.”

20130915-113510.jpg