Outdoor mecca draws crowds for movies, performances and visual arts

By Jay McKinney

Aspen is the crème de la crème when it comes to summer or winter getaways in the U.S. With world-class skiing, fine dining and the picturesque mountain scenery accentuated by the Maroon Bells, there are reasons why people flock to the area. While outdoor recreation might be the biggest tourist attraction in this charming and seductive small town, don’t sleep on the flourishing arts scene.

Aspen Film & Shortsfest

One of the most notable artistic organizations is Aspen Film. It was founded in 1979 and prides itself on enlightening, educating and entertaining nearly 30,000 people who participate with the organization annually. Aspen Film organizes a major movie event every season, along with hosting various special presentations throughout the year. There are more than 200 films shown annually and they are all regional debuts, giving audiences a chance to see films that they might not be able to otherwise. The organization is also committed to education and most of the programs are free of charge.

Aspen Film stays busy all year but every fall it hosts Filmfest, Aspen’s premier feature film festival. The festival consistently shows thought-provoking films in genres such as documentary, foreign-language, arthouse and comedy. In the spring, Shortsfest is a highly acclaimed short film festival held by Aspen Film. Films screened at the Shortsfest frequently go on to receive Academy Award nominations, and some of Hollywood’s premier filmmakers have had short films screened at the festival. This year’s Shortsfest runs from March 31 to April 6.

“Having a festival of this caliber in a town like Aspen is an incredible experience,” says Susan Wrubel, executive and artistic director for Aspen Film. “We have filmmakers from around the globe who come to town, converse with our audiences, meet with students and share their work; visiting industry executives who intimately know the short film landscape; as well as a prestigious jury of three creatives who adjudicate on our approximately 70-film program.”

Wheeler Opera House

The Wheeler Opera House is a landmark in the town that first opened in 1889. More than one hundred years later, after many ups and downs, the iconic theater hosts an assortment of artistic events. From screening films for Aspen Film to theater productions, musical performances, comedy and everything in between, The Wheeler Opera House has something for everyone.

The Wheeler is currently hosting Aspen Laugh Festival comics. Other upcoming performances include ABBA tribute band MANIA on March 29, Judy Collins on April 8, illusionist Leon Etienne on April 23, and Lee Asher on April 24. Asher is the founder of the Asher House in Oregon that has grown into a prominent animal sanctuary. His live presentation details his struggles and successes and will leave the audience inspired.

Heaven exhibit

For skiers and snowboarders, a fresh powder day on the slopes is an earthly equivalent to heaven. However, Heaven is also the name of a unique art exhibit presented by Aspen One and the Aspen Art Museum. From March 7-16, those who find themselves on the slopes of Aspen Mountain can stop by the historic Ruthie’s cabin from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to view the ski-in-ski-out art exhibit showing the work of Alex Israel. Israel is a Los Angeles-based artist who also designed the artwork for this season’s lift ticket, which appropriately reads, “Your ticket to Heaven.”

“My goal is to create an experience that will further enrich the lore of Aspen Mountain,” Israel says. “Aspen, for me, has always been a place of joy and community, something of a heaven due to both its altitude and natural beauty. I learned to ski here as a child, and it has been a happy place for me ever since. ‘Heaven,’ as a destination exhibition, challenges viewers to question their surroundings and invites them to see the mountain in a whole new light.”

Belly Up

When it comes to live music, the calendar for Belly Up should be studied before any trip to Aspen. In 20 years of operation, the intimate venue has featured a wide variety of talent with some of the biggest names in showbiz gracing its stage. Some of the notable performers this spring include Shakey Graves on March 24, Matt Nathanson on March 26, and Old Crow Medicine Show on March 28. Vieux Farka Touré, who hails from Mali and is often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara,” will visit the Belly Up on April 9. Comedy lovers can occasionally catch some of their favorite comedians at the venue as well.

Red Brick Center for the Arts

Located in a brick building that was once a school, the Red Brick Center for the Arts has evolved into a major artistic organization within the community. The center is home to an art gallery with rotating exhibitions, hosts art classes for children and adults, and has resident artists and non-profit organizations working within the building. The center’s exhibitions highlight Colorado artists and especially those who are working in the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether shopping for a painting for the living room or looking to regain some long lost artistic talent through an adult watercolor class, the Red Brick Center for the Arts is a creative base in the community.