Celebrating 20 Years of *Art in Unexpected Places*: A Night of Culture and Creativity at Piermarq Gallery

On Tuesday evening, a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd gathered at Piermarq Gallery in Sydney to celebrate a significant milestone for Aspen Snowmass: the 20th anniversary of Art in Unexpected Places (ArtUP). Since its inception in 2005, this unique program has brought contemporary art into the heart of Aspen’s iconic resort experience, inviting guests to engage with art in unexpected and thought-provoking ways. With this special celebration, the evening not only honored two decades of artistic innovation but also marked the exciting opening of the North American ski season in true Aspen fashion—a blend of high culture, fine wine, and world-class artistry.

ArtUP: A Legacy of Spontaneity and Accessibility

Inspired by Aspen’s longstanding history as a vibrant arts and culture hub, Art in Unexpected Places (ArtUP) was born from the belief that art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or identity. Over the years, ArtUP has redefined how art is experienced, with lift tickets doubling as blank canvases, ski slopes serving as outdoor galleries, and public spaces transformed into immersive art installations.

Aspen Snowmass has long been at the forefront of integrating art into the fabric of daily life, inviting visitors to interact with and appreciate contemporary works in a way that transcends traditional gallery settings. The program has attracted renowned artists from around the world, including Haruki Murakami, David Shrigley, Jim Hodges, Rashid Johnson, Claudia Comte, and Walter Niedermayer, to name just a few. This year, Aspen was proud to add Alex Israel, the Los Angeles-based creator known for his bold, pop-culture-infused works, to the illustrious roster of ArtUP participants.

A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community

The event at Piermarq Gallery was an opportunity for Aspen Snowmass to share this unique artistic legacy with Sydney’s vibrant community of art lovers, collectors, and avid skiers. The evening began with a warm welcome as guests, many of whom were both passionate collectors and seasoned ski enthusiasts, arrived to enjoy an exclusive showcase of contemporary artworks from around the world. The atmosphere was lively yet intimate, as art collectors and friends old and new mingled over fine Australian wine, with the exceptional culinary offerings of Matt Bates of Elite Chefs further elevating the evening’s experience.

The curated exhibition on display featured a stellar lineup of contemporary artists, each offering a fresh perspective on modern life, identity, and the natural world. One of the standout highlights was the “Sayonara Baby” exhibition by Bel Fullana, a Mallorcan artist known for her thought-provoking and emotionally charged works. Fullana’s use of bold color and striking visuals spoke to themes of transition, identity, and the human experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who viewed it.

Adding to the global dimension of the exhibition were works by Henrik Godsk, a Danish artist renowned for his minimalist yet emotive abstractions of the human form. His pieces created a quiet yet powerful dialogue with the space, inviting guests to reflect on the intersection of line, space, and emotion.

Australian artists were also well represented, with breathtaking sculptural pieces by Jake Clarke, whose dynamic sculptures seemed to transcend the traditional boundaries of form. His work’s tactile, raw energy added depth to the evening, with guests engaging in thoughtful conversation about the way the sculptures interacted with the gallery’s contemporary setting. And of course, the crowd favorite of the night was Jordy Kerwick, whose playful, expressive paintings never fail to ignite excitement and intrigue. Kerwick’s vibrant, abstract works were an energetic celebration of color and form, drawing admiration from every corner of the room.

A Toast to the Future

As the evening unfolded, it became clear that the success of ArtUP over the past two decades is not just about showcasing art but about cultivating a culture that embraces creativity, accessibility, and the idea that art should be experienced in all aspects of life. This celebration of 20 years of Art in Unexpected Places was a moment to reflect on Aspen Snowmass‘ ongoing commitment to making art a central part of the resort’s identity, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to engage with contemporary art in innovative and spontaneous ways.

The event also marked the perfect opportunity to kick off the North American ski season, bringing together longtime friends and guests for a festive occasion that blended art, culture, and the excitement of the slopes. With Aspen Snowmass continuing to lead the way in integrating art with the natural beauty of the mountains, this year’s anniversary celebration was an unforgettable way to welcome in the “silly season” with a shared appreciation for the transformative power of art.

As Aspen Snowmass embarks on another year of creative programming, the legacy of Art in Unexpected Places continues to evolve, offering fresh perspectives, new artists, and opportunities for visitors to engage with the world of contemporary art in immersive, exciting ways. The success of the evening at Piermarq Gallery is a testament to the lasting impact of ArtUP and the vibrant community that has grown around it.

For those who were part of the celebration, it was a reminder that, in Aspen, art is not confined to galleries—it is a living, breathing part of the experience, ready to surprise and inspire at every turn. Here’s to the next 20 years of art, adventure, and unexpected places.