Rob Giardinelli
Must-Attend Event Solidifies Its Place As One Of The Nation’s Top Art Fundraising Events
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Zach Hilty/BFA.com and Jason Sean Weiss/BFA.com Courtesy of Aspen Art Museum
Kristina McLean
THE SCENE: The base of Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen was the recent setting for a night celebrating a milestone for one of the nation’s most anticipated art events that attracts patrons from around the country, including many prominent Texans. Several hundred turned out for the 20th annual ArtCrush Gala. Benefiting the Aspen Art Museum, the night served as the exclamation point on a week’s worth of festivities and solidified its place among the nation’s best art events.
THE VIBE: The artful, cocktail-attire crowd showcased an eclectic mix of ensembles, creating a warm, welcoming, and festive environment for all attendees. In the crowd, one could spot a vibrant mix of metallics, bright colors, and prints, while others donned black, navy blue, and other neutrals. The result was a vibrant canvas that reflected the elegant taste of the crowd.
The night began with a lively cocktail hour. Jaws dropped as they walked into a stunning custom tent, with white drapery strategically hanging from the ceiling, that set the artful mood and helped keep the energy high throughout the night. Guests cozied up to the large, oval bar, complete with an art installation hanging above it that helped anchor the space. During cocktail hour, guests sipped their favorite spirits and reminisced about their favorite ArtCrush moments, both from the past week and the previous 20 years.
Fernando Jorge
Additionally, guests also had the chance to preview the live and silent auction lots available for bidding during the evening. In total, over 60 items were available between the two auctions, with pieces from acclaimed artists and designers.
The action then moved to another area for a seated dinner and program, which was signified by the ambient lighting changing from white to a beautiful fuchsia color. While guests dined on their multi-course meal courtesy of Aspen Skiing Company, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for their support and generosity over the past two decades.
Artist Glenn Ligon, a leading figure in the contemporary art world with works that explore history, identity, and language, was honored with the 2025 Lewis Family Art Award. Additionally, the artist will hold an exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum this Fall and Winter, showcasing some of his most prominent works.
Next came a spirited live auction helmed by Adrien Meyer of Christie’s. Paddles and the bidding kept increasing as patrons bid on works from some of the world’s top artists, with works by Glenn Ligon, Reggie Burrows Hodges, Solange Pessoa, and George Condo emerging as the most popular. In keeping with a trend from top gala art auctions, the artists retained a portion of the proceeds from their works donated at the auction. A paddles-up followed the live auction, further increasing the fundraising total.
The night and the week concluded with a vibrant after-party that went well into the night. Guests danced the night away to the tunes of Fundido, capping off an incredible week, catapulting this beloved event into its next 20 years.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 20th Annual Aspen ArtCrush Gala, co-chaired by Sarah Arison, Charlie Pohlad, and Jen Rubio, raised over $4 million for the Aspen Art Museum. Proceeds raised from Aspen ArtCrush will support education and program initiatives at the Aspen Art Museum, which are available to the public free of charge.
