Erin Leider-Pariser, the ever-inspiring wellness connoisseur and groundbreaking founder of Sports Travel Adventure Therapy (STAT), has been leading profound voyages for women around the world for more than 30 years. Early in her career, though, she was captivated by art when the illustrious collector Beth Rudin DeWoody agreed to exchange quilts for workout sessions. Now within the visionary’s homes in both New York and Aspen, gems by artists like Sanford Biggers, Marilyn Minter, Vic Muniz, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Huma Bhabha, Carol Dunham, Gabriel Kuri, Rashid Johnson, Lawrence Weiner, Zoe Crosher, Michael Dean, Andrea Bowers, Olafur Eliasson, Shara Hughes, Kelly Woods, Richard Prince, Elad Lassry, Suki Kong Seokyeong, Chris Ofili, and Robert Lugo illuminate every square inch. Whitewall spoke with this illustrious Aspen Insider the collector about dreamlike pieces at the ArtCrush silent auction, the most serene bar in town, and more.
WHITEWALL: What are you looking forward to in Aspen this week?
ERIN PARISER: I am looking forward to all the Art Week events leading up to ArtCrush, especially the musical performance by our artist honoree Jason Moran and Alicia Hall Moran. I lead a hike every year during this time with the artists and galleries, so I’m anticipating that, too. I’m also looking forward to Audience Plant 2024 at AAM!
WW: What do you have your eye on at Art Crush?
EP: I have my eye on a piece in the silent auction by Alicja Kwade. I’ve been enamored by her work since before her exhibition on the rooftop at the Met. I will also be raising our paddle for the Kennedy Yanko piece in the live auction…she’s the real deal.
“I am looking forward to all the Art Week events leading up to ArtCrush,”
Erin Leider-Pariser’
WW: What are the exhibitions on your must-see list?
EP: My must-see exhibition is Allison Katz’s “In the House of the Trembling Eye.” It’s an ambitious installation featuring works borrowed from local collectors alongside Allison’s work and fragments of pieces from Pompeii! Also don’t miss the new Mickalene Thomas and E.V. Day show at Baldwin Gallery.
Coziest Aspen Bars, Best Breakfast, and More
WW: Where are you go-to places to grab a bite or drink in Aspen?
EP: Cache Cache is our go-to place for consistently good food and drinks. Sitting at the cozy bar is our favorite when it’s just the two of us—Paul and I. The best breakfast and lunch is on the rooftop of Aspen Art Museum, at Swedish Hill!
WW: Best spots to relax in the summer in Aspen?
EP: Best spot to relax in Aspen? No such thing. There are non-stop activities here. Camp aspen! One of my favorite activities is my yoga class at either Shakti Shala or O2. Check out the Sunday sound bath meditation. It’s heavenly!
Portrait courtesy of Erin Leider-Pariser.
Erin Pariser’s Aspen Top Tips:
1. Discover Coveted New Treasures at ArtCrush
Naudline Pierre, “Mythic”, 2024, courtesy of the artist and James Cohan.
The in-person and digital auction presented by Christie’s features more than 50 donated artworks by today’s luminaries and cutting-edge creatives. The additional 10th anniversary of the museum’s building designed by architect Shigeru Ban marks this year as a truly momentous one.
2. Wander through Allison Katz’s “In the House of the Trembling Eye” at Aspen Art Museum
Installation view: “In the House of the Trembling Eye,” an exhibition staged by Allison Katz, Aspen Art Museum, 2024. Photo: Daniel Perez.
Juxtaposing personal collections of Aspen art collectors, Katz’s own new investigations, as well as the creations of more than 50 artists such as Gertrude Abercrombie, Lisa Yuskavage, Damien Hirst, Herbert Bayer, Anish Kapoor, Rashid Johnson, and Bharti Kher, an immersive presentation is in store for visitors. A noteworthy series of frescoes derived from Pompeii joins the show, sparking mesmeric dialogue on global art experiences in the private and public realms.
3. Get inspired by Mickalene Thomas’s “myblackisbeautiful” with E.V. Day’s “Velocity Drawings & My Crazy Sunshine” at Baldwin Gallery
Mickalene Thomas
“June 1971” 2024, 72 x 58 ¼ in., Rhinestones, acrylic, and oil paint on canvas, mounted on wood panel, courtesy of the artist and Baldwin Gallery.
Thomas presents an intermingling of paintings, collages, and screen prints embellished by shimmering rhinestones. Intimate, new visions of models seen in 70s editions of Jet Magazine speaks to the politics of feminism past, present, and future. In parallel, E.V. Day uncovers her inaugural exhibition of two-dimensional creations, employing poetic mixed media in the Velocity Drawings of breathtaking landscapes. My Crazy Sunshine sings with a vivid palette, while a whirlwind of gravity-defying gestures and astronaut imagery evokes an enduring quest for self-knowledge.
4. Discover Sweet Treats at Swedish Hill Aspen
Swedish Hill photo by Justin Cook.
Atop the Aspen Art Museum, Swedish Hill is the institution’s brand-new cafe. A gorgeous destination with a breathtaking view, the eatery is a local go-to for breakfast, lunch, and early afternoon aperitivo hours. Coffee, freshly baked breads and pastries, made-to-order sandwiches, soups, and pastas, are all offered, as is an expanded menu of cocktails, wine, and more.
5. Indulge Yourself at Cache Cache
Courtesy of Cache Cache.
For over 30 years, Cache Cache has been a local Aspen favorite for all the right reasons. Dark and intimate with heartfelt, authentic cuisine, it’s a place where you can feel just as attended to at the bar or at a dining table. Boasting French-American cuisine and an extensive wine list, Cache Cache is regarded for the finer things—from its cuts of steak, caviar, and escargots to homemade pastas and rich desserts.
