Intersect Aspen is committed to connection, and will bring a number of intimate, community-based, boutique experiences to the Aspen Ice Garden and around town in 2023. As we connect with arts-minded organizations in the days before the fair kicks off, we asked a number of local arts makers and shakers “What makes art powerful” and the answers, depending upon who we interviewed, were rich and varied. From film, to performance, to fine, to functional, read on to hear what a few of our cultural partners had to say.  

First up, Intersect Aspen will once again partner with Anderson Ranch Arts Center for a VIP afternoon on the five-acre Snowmass Village campus. If you’ve ever wanted to see a Master Printer in progress, or experience an artist studio visit, check out “the Ranch” as those in-the-know call it.

“We are so pleased to welcome Intersect Aspen guests to Anderson Ranch, a creative utopia where artists of all levels explore new ideas and find inspiration and community,” said Ranch President and CEO Peter Waanders. “When touring the campus, guests experience a touch of Ranch magic for themselves as they discover the inner workings of each studio. A visit with renowned artist Meleko Mokgosi will conclude the tour. Meleko is a painting professor at Yale University and is teaching a workshop and making prints with Anderson Ranch Master Printer Brian Shure. They will share insights into the print-making process for the Anderson Ranch Editions program and discuss their current project with the group.”

After hitting Snowmass, we cruised around Apen to get some takes on art as a powerful conduit for connection. Sarah Roy, Executive Director for the Red Brick Center for the Arts, says, “Art is an expression of our humanity. When you are participating in art and creating art, you are opening yourself up to different creative experiences. That fosters empathy and builds bonds that we feel with people.”

Speaking of the Red Brick, we’re bringing back a fan favorite to the organization this year. Be sure to check out the Midsummer Cultural Celebration on Thursday, August 3rd from 4-7PM at the Red Brick Center for the Arts.  

This artful party, in partnership with the Red Brick and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, aims to celebrate the arts in all forms. Sarah works with all of the tenants in the Red Brick, including arts-centric nonprofits such as Jazz Aspen Snowmass. The former schoolhouse also houses a number of Resident Artists who will host open studios.

Come by to observe a wheel-throwing demonstration or try on one-of-a-kind jewelry, made right here in town. Take in tunes by the Josefina Mendez Trio, tour those open studios, watch a series of short film screenings with Aspen Film, hear book readings with Aspen Words and see sculptures being created in real time (and have a complimentary cocktail while you’re at it, if you’re so inclined).

“Art’s about engaging all of your senses,” says Sarah. And we’re sure our cultural partners, the Aspen Art Museum and The Art Base, both always free, always open to the public, and always featuring gallery spaces full of fantastic works, would agree.

Another non-profit which is chock full of programming is Aspen Film. We asked Susan Wrubel, Executive + Artistic Director, about this idea of art across all mediums. “Every element of film is in itself artistic, capturing image, light, sound, and movement,” she says. “Film crosses and connects cultures, ideas and people, sparks conversation and captures history, in both a narrative and visual way. It is the one medium that is able to encapsulate and reflect back all other artistic expressions.” Pretty smart stuff.

For more insights, don’t miss the Wednesday, August 2nd film screening and conversationin partnership with Aspen Film and The Artist Profile Archive. The screening is followed by a conversation with artists Sheree Hovsepian and Letha Wilson, moderated by Sophie Chahinian, founder of The Artist Profile Archive.

Once you’re done satiating your cinematic senses, you can also experience live theater at the Midsummer Cultural Celebration, courtesy of Theatre Aspen. Producing Director Jed Bernstein says, “I think that any performing art, and particularly live theater, is one of the most important experiences that we, as humans, can participate in. And I mean, that’s been true for over thousands of years– from the storytelling around a campfire to a big, whiz-bang extravaganza.”  

And a whiz-bang extravaganza you shall have. Join us for cocktails and culture, all week long.