Rob Giardinelli
Here’s How More Than 500 Art Patrons, Fashion-Forward Revelers And Philanthropists Gathered At The Base Of Buttermilk Mountain To Celebrate Contemporary Art… And Honor Acclaimed Sculptor Adrián Villar Rojas
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jason Sean Weiss/bfa.com & Zach Hilty/bfa.com
THE SCENE: The base of Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen was the setting for one of the United States most anticipated nonprofit events of the Summer and one of the most anticipated art events of the year. A sold-out crowd featuring over 500 of the world’s most notable art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists, including a robust Texas contingent, was on hand for the 21st Annual ArtCrush Gala. Benefiting the Aspen Art Museum, the night featured a dazzling mix of art and fashion, resulting in one of the most successful ArtCrush events to date.
THE VIBE: The artful, cocktail-attired crowd featured an eclectic array of fashion that created a warm, welcoming environment for patrons. In the crowd, one could spot traditional cocktail (and even black-tie) fare that seamlessly blended with bold colors and prints from every color of the rainbow. Several patrons took the opportunity to include eyes in their sartorial ensembles that leaned into ArtCrush’s surrealism theme, giving the room an added layer of playful fun.
Kicking off the festivities was a stroll down the red carpet where patrons and table groups took the opportunity to pose for images to commemorate the evening. Guests then enjoyed a lively cocktail hour where patrons took the opportunity to admire one another’s ensembles. After grabbing their favorite spirit of choice, partygoers would continue to mingle, while others kept a close eye on the impressive lot of over 60 works of art in silent auction, which featured a sketch by the legendary Andy Warhol among the items up for bid.
Jill Bernstein
The crowd then headed to their seats for dinner and the main program. Guests were treated to continental-style seating in tables draped with white linens and low-profile fuchsia flowers, creating the ideal environment for patrons to chat with people either beside or across from them.
As the audience enjoyed their delectable, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for their continued support and patronage over the years. A highlight of the program was honoring world-renowned sculptor Adrián Villar Rojas with the 2026 Lewis Family Art Award at the Aspen Art Museum. Villar Rojas’s works can be seen via a multi-floor exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum through April 11, 2027.
The evening continued with a spirited live auction helmed by Sara Friedlander of Christie’s. Paddles and fundraising continued to climb as bidders raised their paddles for works from acclaimed artists. Keeping with the growing trend of recognizing the importance of artists’ contributions to the success of philanthropic art auctions around the country, a portion of the proceeds from the live and silent auctions went back to the artist in recognition of their donated works.
Isaac Yanko
Once the auction concluded, the fun continued with a lively after-party. Guests continued to mingle while others took to the dance floor to celebrate another phenomenal night of fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2026 Aspen ArtCrush, chaired by Sarah Arison and Charlie Pohlad, raised over $4 million for the Aspen Art Museum. Proceeds raised from ArtCrush will benefit the organization’s innovative exhibitions and world-class education programs that are provided to the public free of charge.
Our Top 7 Favorite Highlights From Aspen ArtCrush’s $4 Million Night
- A $4 Million Milestone. The 21st annual ArtCrush raised more than $4 million for the Aspen Art Museum’s exhibitions and free education programs.
- Aspen’s Art Crowd Turns Out. More than 500 influential art patrons, philanthropists and socialites gathered for one of the summer’s most anticipated cultural events.
- Fashion Meets Surrealism. Cocktail attire took a playful turn with bold prints, vivid colors and whimsical eye-inspired details echoing ArtCrush’s surrealist spirit.
- A Star-Studded Art Auction. More than 60 works appeared in the silent auction, including a sketch by legendary artist Andy Warhol.
- Adrián Villar Rojas Takes Center Stage. The acclaimed sculptor received the 2026 Lewis Family Art Award during the evening’s main program.
- Christie’s Brings the Heat. Auctioneer Sara Friedlander led a spirited live auction as bidders competed for works by acclaimed contemporary artists.
- The Party Goes On. Following dinner and the auctions, guests traded bidding paddles for dancing shoes at a lively after-party celebrating another landmark evening for Aspen’s arts community.
