This week in preparation for Art Crush 2019, we’re hearing from art, culture, and lifestyle experts on how they enjoy Aspen. Below, we’re sharing tips from artist, Carlos Rolón.
“If you can, support and attend ArtCrush, benefiting the Aspen Art Museum. The museum is under the leadership of Heidi Zuckerman, who has organized some of the best institutional exhibitions in recent memory—like the current exhibition of my old friend and Juggernaut artist Rashid Johnson. Galleries that are a must-visit are Baldwin Gallery and Marianne Boesky, to see Sanford Biggers‘ solo exhibition at Baldwin and a curated exhibition by Sanford at Boesky. Also make sure to take a peek at artist and activist Shepard Fairey’s mural, just north of the gondola plaza. Aspen is home to some of the best private collections in the U.S.. John and Amy Phelan, Bob and Nancy Magoon, Domenico and Eleanore De Sole, Allison Kanders and the Greenberg’s, among others’, have made Aspen a world class art city.
Courtesy of Carlos Rolón.
For a luxury stay with accolades that are well deserved, head over to The Little Nell (make sure to get the truffle fries at Ajax Tavern). Or, if you’re looking for a stay without the feeling of Keeping Up with the Joneses, the Limelight Hotel is a cozy hotel with and amazingly friendly staff, and Hotel Jerome (built in the 1880s) has been updated but has kept its classic, rustic charm. One of my favorite places to eat is the The White House Tavern—get the Gulf Coast Fish sandwich and Kale Salad. Another great place is Pine Creek Cookhouse for lunch; Spring Cafe for a healthy and organic breakfast after hiking Hunter Creek or Ute trail; and lastly, take the scenic 15-minute gondola ride to Sundeck, located atop Aspen Mountain, for some great selfies, lunch, and a drink. If you’re into road biking, make your way to Maroon Bells, where the view from the top is the most photographed in Colorado.”
—Carlos Rolón, artist
Chandelier by Carlos Rolón in Amy Phelan’s Aspen home.Photo by Pieter Estersohn.
Courtesy of Carlos Rolón.
