Top 10 Aspen Galleries & Theaters

Our Local Expert Says:

Ask questions: the explanation of technical production and perfection is fascinating!

Description:

There are simply some places you would not want to experience the "you break it, you buy it" rule. Pismo Fine Art Glass is one of those places. Specializing in art glass creations, this gallery has developed a devoted following of collectors for almost 20 years. You will find everything from decorative collectibles like paperweights and vases to fine art pieces made with optical glass. It has four Colorado locations: Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek and Denver.

Description:

Take a journey way down memory lane at this gallery. This is one of the largest exhibitors of vintage posters and lithography, with most of the collection dating from the 1880s to the 1940s. Work from French favorite, Henri Toulouse-Latrec, adorns the walls. You will also find pieces from the ever-popular Jules Cheret. It is a great place to wander about and explore the visual history of poster advertising. Collectors can easily spend thousands of dollars on one piece.

Description:

If your idea of art leans more toward traditional oil and watercolor paintings of bears and mountain landscapes, then this gallery is your kind of place. The space immortalizes the Colorado lifestyle in simple still-life and dramatic landscapes. You can almost picture where each piece will fit in the den, right next to the buck head. You will find a wide range of artists on display, including Russell Chatham, Gordon Allen, Jin Rey and Shirley Cleary. Located only 20 minutes from Aspen, the gallery resides in the quaint but contemporary town of Basalt.

Our Local Expert Says:

A stylish and accomplished gallery that’s not afraid to break the mold of unapproachable art culture.

Description:

Unlike some of the other stuffy galleries in Aspen, owner Albert Sanford has created a gallery that is unpretentious yet still has an admirable collection of high-class art. With a focus on eclectic creations, Sanford's art shows can range from unknown talents to established luminaries. Contemporary European Primitivism is one of the main themes at Galerie Maximillian, but the bold new styles are complimented by such classic artists as Renoir and Miro.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lots of fabulous art pieces to admire, even if you aren’t in the market to buy.

Description:

Art goes hand in hand with the elegant lifestyle associated with Aspen. The small but refined gallery has a global array of paintings and other art pieces available, with a focus on contemporary artisans from Europe, Asia, Russia, Cuba and more. Those seriously looking to purchase will find rare originals as well as prints of famous artists new and old. Highlights include thought provoking works from the avant-garde and post-impressionism eras.

Description:

Santa Fe may be the artisan center of the region, but when it comes to art sought after by established collectors, only a handful of places can compete with Aspen. The Joel Soroka Gallery is a fine example of the important art you find around town. This gallery only deals in photography. From the dynamic works of Man Ray to the emotional black and whites from Sally Mann, the gallery displays a diverse range of renowned photographers. Located among the cluster of galleries along Cooper and Hyman Streets, make sure you add this to your list of browsing destinations.

Description:

A festival for pre-professional musicians, the Aspen Music Festival & School presents performances that are far worthy of being called world-class. The nine-week festival is presided over by music director David Zinman. More than 200 events are included- orchestral concerts, chamber music, opera, contemporary music, master classes, lectures, special invitational performances by world-renowned artists, and children's programs. Concerts take place in the 2,050-seat Benedict Music Tent as well as in Harris Hall and other locations around town. Seasonal passes and youth passes are available. Group discounts are available as well. Phone the numbers or visit the website for more information and book early.

Description:

At this center, not only is unusual artwork on display in the converted historic hydroelectric plant as well as surounding the grounds outdoors. Charmingly bordered by a small stand of aspen trees and the Roaring Fork River, it is by far one of the most unique art museums in the country. The gallery hosts rotating installations year round, and the exhibitions usually focus on contemporary art, from the surreal to the abstract. Workshops for all ages are frequently combined with the rotating exhibits, inviting creative exploration in contemporary art. Recent shows have included the portrait paintings of Elizabeth Peyton. Members and children under 12 are free.

Description:

Since 1990, this upscale gallery has been showing some of the biggest names in contemporary art. From the celebrity photos of Annie Leibovitz to the pop culture meanderings of Andy Warhol and the surreal works of Joan Miro, if it is hip, it is here. You will also find original works from Picasso, Juan Kelly and the popular expressionist, Paul Pascarella. Whether you are an experienced collector with a ton of cash or just a causal browser, this collection is as good as any museum.