At MOLLIE Aspen, the city’s divine new hotel, Michaela Carpenter is the revered Dreamweaver, designing a symphony of unforgettable experiences for each and every guest who enters the hospitable Shangri-la. Overseeing rapturous art and cultural encounters, singular residencies, and offering supreme amenities to visitors from near and far results in an innovative beacon of style and connection that will surely be an Aspen landmark for years to come. Whitewall had the opportunity to speak with the visionary about her favorites from Aspen Art Week and the city’s must-try cocktail.
MOLLIE Aspen, photo by Nicole Franzen.
WHITEWALL: What are you looking forward to in Aspen this week?
MICHAELA CARPENTER: I appreciate the audience that Aspen Art Week draws to our metropolitan-mountain town. Cultural contributors!
WW: What do you have your eye on at ArtCrush?
MC: I’m a design geek, so I love a great chair. The Listening Chair by Luam Melake in the ArtCrush Online Auction has caught my eye!
WW: What are the exhibitions on your must-see list?
MC: Louis Carreon, contemporary artist with a street-art background, held a pop-up exhibition and artist talk at MOLLIE Aspen on August 3rd.
“I appreciate the audience that Aspen Art Week draws to our metropolitan-mountain town (cultural contributors)!”
–Michaela Carpenter
Delicious Refreshments and the Coolest Hotel Lobby
WW: Where are you go-to places to grab a bite or drink in Aspen?
MC: Sway is my current favorite, a wonderful addition to town created by a local hospitality group—the ‘Son-in-law’ is a must-try!
WW: Best spots to relax in the summer in Aspen?
MC: I’m a sucker for a vibing hotel lobby. I may be biased as the Dreamweaver, but I see MOLLIE Aspen as the coolest environment to grab a drink, hang with friends on the patio, or get some work done.
Michaela Carpenter’s Aspen Insider Tips:
1. Immerse Yourself in Aspen Art Week
Ryan Trecartin’s “AUDIENCE PLANT 2024,” courtesy of the artist and Aspen Art Museum.
Last week in Aspen, the fourth annual Aspen Art Week kicked off, reveling in the groundbreaking institution’s 45th anniversary. Spearheaded by Nicola Lees, the Nancy and Bob Magoon Director of the Aspen Art Museum, the sweeping program took place through August 3, featuring scintillating artist performances, live events, and conversations alongside must-see exhibitions.
2. Embark on the Annual Aspen ArtCrush
Luam Melake, “Listening Chair,” courtesy of the artist and R & Company.
The in-person and digital auction this year, presented by Christie’s, featured 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 marked this year as a truly momentous one.
3. Rejoice in Art, Culture, and Community at MOLLIE Aspen
MOLLIE Aspen, photo by Draper White.
Developed by HayMax Capital in collaboration with CCY Architects, the newly-opened MOLLIE Aspen is a design oasis on the edge of Paepcke Park. Inspired by the inimitable Mollie Gibson—a local figure known for her enthusiasm for community and the great outdoors—the 68-room boutique property pays homage to her contributions to Aspen through an interior designed by the awarding-winning studio Post Company, filled with residential comforts and elements of understated luxury. Natural woods and earthen ceramics join hand-dyed textiles for a warm Western greeting.
4. Discover a Culinary Oasis at Sway Aspen
Courtesy of Sway Aspen.
The new outpost of sway promises to deliver the same exceptional and transportive dining experience that has captivated patrons in austin, texas since 2012, with some thoughtful updates to interiors and offerings that cater to aspen sensibilities. sway aspen, a collaboration between new waterloo and infinite hospitality, features a blend of tradition and innovation in its design, conceptualized by renowned architect michael hsu. the restaurant boasts an intimate dining room, bar seating, a patio to come post-opening, and an inviting ambiance. — Source
