Art Fair Originators Becca Hoffman and Bob Chase Discuss the Art World's Recent Shift Towards Summer Relocation
In the picturesque town of Aspen, nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains, the second edition of the Aspen Art Fair is set to return from July 29 to August 2. This event, which has made Aspen a pilgrimage site for artistic innovation and leadership, will take place at the historic Hotel Jerome, its permanent home since the second edition.
The ethos of the Aspen Art Fair centers on valuing relationships, creativity, presence, and a deep connection to the local environment and community. This ethos is embodied by an emphasis on genuine human connection, as people often engage in shared experiences like hiking without cell phone service, fostering real interactions and creative exchange. The fair places artists as leaders in society and promotes the idea that art exists in relation to everything around it, integrating creativity into daily life rather than treating it as isolated.
This year, the fair promises to be bigger and better, with 44 galleries participating, including big-name New York galleries like Sean Kelly and Marianne Boesky. Nearly every available space on the ground floor of the Hotel Jerome is used for art, with guest suites transformed into salon-style exhibitions.
Programming highlights include talks with artists like Mickalene Thomas and Issy Wood, curated home tours, and a site-specific exhibition inspired by Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own." The fair marks the launch of Aspen Art Week, a celebration of art and culture in Aspen.
For those visiting Aspen for the first time during Art Week, it is recommended to check the websites for the museum, the ranch, and the fair's schedule. The landscape is a big part of the experience, and one can program themselves every hour or simply find a few things and let Aspen do the rest.
The Hotel Jerome, a Michelin-awarded hotel, plays a central role in the fair's identity. After a day of exploring the art installations, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of Aspen's popular late-night dining options, such as New York Pizza or The Buck.
The Aspen Art Fair supports Aspen’s reputation as a unique cultural hub where creativity, community, and environment converge, strengthening the local cultural ecosystem through inclusion, leadership, and meaningful artistic engagement. The fair aims to create something sustainable and meaningful in Aspen, a real community that cares deeply about culture, rather than just staging a commercial event that extracts value and disappears.
In addition to the Aspen Art Fair, concurrent events like Intersect Aspen and programs such as Aspen One’s Art in Unexpected Places reinforce Aspen’s vibrant arts scene by integrating contemporary art into public and natural spaces, further enriching the town’s cultural fabric.
Before setting off on a hike at Hunter Creek, a wilderness experience within 15 minutes of Aspen, don't forget to grab a bag of MAWA grain-free granola, a popular hike snack that can be found at the Saturday farmer's market and at the crepe shop.
References: 1. Artnet News 2. Intersect Aspen 3. Aspen Art Museum 4. Aspen Art Fair 5. Aspen One
- The Aspen Art Fair, held in the picturesque town of Aspen, focuses on the connections between art, society, and the environment.
- This year, the fair has expanded, inviting 44 galleries such as Sean Kelly and Marianne Boesky to participate, turning Hotel Jerome into a temporary art museum.
- Visitors to the fair can engage with contemporary artists like Mickalene Thomas and Issy Wood and experience site-specific installations like a Virginia Woolf-inspired exhibition.
- Beyond the art fair, Aspen's vibrant art scene is enriched by events like Intersect Aspen and programs such as Aspen One’s Art in Unexpected Places.
- For a taste of local culture, guests can enjoy dining at places like New York Pizza or The Buck, while staying at the Michelin-awarded Hotel Jerome, the fair's permanent home.
- As art enthusiasts explore the creative landscape of Aspen, they can find culinary delights and hiking snacks like MAWA grain-free granola at the farmer's market and crepe shop.
