An Insider’s Guide to Aspen’s Art Scene by Bob Chase
The gallerist and co-founder of Aspen Art Fair shares his favorite spots and what he’s most looking forward to seeing this month
This month marks the third edition of the Aspen Art Fair (July 29-August 1), which was co-founded by gallerist and Roaring Fork Valley resident Bob Chase. The boutique fair and cultural takeover offer an immersion in international art and conversation, but it’s set across the intimate rooms and spaces of the historic Hotel Jerome. A fixture of the larger Art Week taking place in Aspen at the same time, the fair has become a favored fixture for lovers of contemporary art and design—all with a breathtaking Rocky Mountain backdrop.
For Bob Chase, Aspen is a place full of art, architecture, and inspiration, and his enthusiasm for this former mining town is infectious. Below are just a few of his favorites for art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
What makes the arts scene in Aspen so vibrant, historically and currently?
Aspen has always been unique in its vision; modern Aspen was founded by Walter Paepcke and his wife Elizabeth in the mid-1940s, and they were singularly focused on the integration of mind, body, and spirit. From those earliest days, the arts proliferated with people such as John Powers bringing artists including Andy Warhol to the Roaring Fork Valley. From there, the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies flourished, as well as the Anderson Ranch, the Aspen Music Festival, and finally, the Aspen Art Museum, which was designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Shigeru Ban and opened in 2014.
In addition, we are surrounded by natural beauty which is the perfect setting for these organizations and institutions to thrive. One of the most exciting new additions is the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies, also known as the Bayer Center, which celebrates the life and work of the late architect who designed Aspen Meadows. The center is a celebration of Aspen’s past, present, and future.
Tell me about this year’s Aspen Art Fair and Art Week in general.
We are now in our third year, and the host venue, The Hotel Jerome, remains the heartbeat of town. My original intent with the fair was to give amazing access to international artwork and discourse, but in an accessible, relaxed venue. The Living Room and the J Bar at The Jerome are the antithesis of a convention center. These spaces are welcoming and cozy—perfect for viewing art.
Other organizations are integrated into the programming, from visits to Anderson Ranch in Snowmass to Music Festival performances and events on the rooftop of the Aspen Art Museum. The fair, and Art Week in general, is always dynamic. This year, I am particularly excited about the addition of new galleries, including Friedman Benda and R & Company, which will add more design to the offerings. Monique Meloche Gallery from Chicago is another exciting addition, and Alexandre Gallery will highlight the work of artist Neil Welliver.
This year’s opening day, July 29, will feature a mix of conversations about everything from the history of photography in Aspen to talks with Heidi Zuckerman, former Aspen Museum Director, in the podcast lounge. Balmain is one of our lead sponsors, so the maison will highlight the first collection by new designer Antonin Tron in Le Suite Balmain.
Where do you recommend visitors stay during Art Week?
If you’re lucky enough to get a room at Hotel Jerome, that is ideal, but there are so many great choices. There is the Bauhaus-inspired MOLLIE, the Viceroy in Snowmass, and for more affordable options, The Hoffman and The Element are both in nearby Basalt. For luxury, The St. Regis and The Little Nell are classics. The new White Elephant that looks great, but I haven’t been yet.
Do you have restaurants, bars, or bakeries that are favorites?
My go-to restaurants include Clark’s Oyster Bar, Meat & Cheese, and Cache Cache, which are all classics. Campo is just next door to Cache Cache, on a central plaza, and always has a loud, fun atmosphere. For something very local, The Golden Horn has just reopened, and it’s the place for elevated bar food and a good scene. For coffee or casual meetings with friends, I like Felix at Hotel Jerome, and Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar is always festive.
A bit further out of town is the original Woody Creek Tavern—the one beloved by journalist Hunter S. Thompson—that has been recently updated but is still fun, with a slightly dive-bar feel and the original photos on the walls. My sneaky Sunday supper is at Butch’s Lobster Shack in Basalt, which is only open from June through September. Its outdoor seating fills up fast, so go early.
What are the best galleries around town now?
I am, of course, a fan of Hexton Gallery, and we have some very exciting shows in conjunction with the Aspen Art Fair. Materiality will focus on emerging and mid-career artists alongside influential figures of the 20th century, including Larry Poons, Thomas McDonell, Ernesto Burgos, and Christo. Galerie Maximillian is a highlight with works by UK artist Sarah Graham on view.
There is a lot of programming at the Aspen Art Museum as part of Art Week as well. We will host a brunch together—the Aspen Art Fair and the museum—on the final Saturday, August 1, on the rooftop. This will be a final moment for people to bid on the ArtCrush Auction, which raises money for the contemporary programming at the Aspen Art Museum. The rooftop restaurant—Swedish Hill Café—is excellent, as are the views of Aspen Mountain and the town below.
Are there any places with an interesting design component now?
For architecture enthusiasts, I recommend a house tour in the West End where you’ll find buildings by Bauhaus master Herbert Bayer. He designed the 40-acre campus that is home to Aspen Meadows and the Aspen Institute, and where you can see his iconic modernist work everywhere.
More than anything else, I recommend getting out in nature. From town, you can take the Hunter Creek Trail, which is a moderate but beautiful hike. The Rio Grande Trail is another walking option, and I also recommend the John Denver Sanctuary. It’s set on the river and is just a very peaceful place. If you’re feeling ambitious, there are the iconic Maroon Bells where you can hike even further up to scenic Crater Lake. For a little more challenge, there is the 5.5-mile out-and-back Cathedral Lake trail, which is famous for its wildflowers.