Here’s How Jet Set Favorite Aspen’s Art Week Was Capped Of With The $4.5 Million ArtCrush Gala Triumph This Summer

The mountain-high favorite destination of Texans and beyond embraces the art world with chic fair….and flair at the Aspen Art Museum

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Jason Sean Weiss & Zach Hilty/BFA.com & Max Christiansen & Victor Arriola/BFA.com

THE SCENE: The Aspen Art Museum was the recent setting for a night that capped off a fantastic week of art, culture, and fundraising. Over 600 of the world’s most notable art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 19^th annual ArtCrush gala, which also coincided with the 45^th anniversary of the Aspen Art Museum and the 10^th anniversary of the Shigeru Ban-designed Aspen Art Museum building.

THE VIBE: Revelers donned their finest black-tie ensembles with a mix of bold prints, bright colors, metallics, and classic black tie ensembles that brought a welcoming environment for all who attended. The night began at the museum, located at the foot of Buttermilk Mountain for a cocktail reception where guests mingled while sipping on their favorite spirits, feverishly kept tabs on their phones to monitor their favorite silent auction items from acclaimed artists around the world, and enjoying the arid, invigorating mountain air that Aspen is well-known for during the summer months.

Partygoers then headed to their seats for the main program. While guests dined on their delectable, multi-course meals they were treated to words from the event’s leaders. During the program, three internationally acclaimed artists were honored for their artistry, including architect Shigeru Ban, artist Jacqueline Humphries, and composer and artist Jason Moran.

The action then quickly revved up with a spirited, high-stakes live auction helmed by Adrian Meyer of Christie’s, where artists who donated works received a portion of the auction proceeds as an act of thanks and gratitude from the Aspen Art Museum. The night was capped off with an epic after party where the crowd celebrated and danced the night away capping off a wonderful night…and a week of art and fundraising.

THE NONPROFIT: ArtCrush 2024, co-chaired by Sarah Arison and Thomas Wilhelm, Jen Rubio and Stewart Butterfield, Charlie Pohland and Jack Carter, and Eleanor and Domenico De Sole raised a record and eye-popping $4.5 million for the Aspen Art Museum. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Museum’s curational and educational programs.