Bob Chase’s Insider Guide to Aspen’s Art Scene and Art Fair

The third edition of the Aspen Art Fair runs July 29–August 1 at the historic Hotel Jerome, co-founded by gallerist Bob Chase. The boutique fair features international art and talks, with new galleries including Friedman Benda, R & Company, Monique Meloche Gallery, and Alexandre Gallery showcasing Neil Welliver. Opening day includes conversations on photography history and a podcast lounge with former Aspen Art Museum director Heidi Zuckerman. Lead sponsor Balmain highlights designer Antonin Tron’s first collection. Chase recommends hotels like MOLLIE, Viceroy Snowmass, The Hoffman, The Element, The St. Regis, The Little Nell, and White Elephant. Favorite restaurants include Clark’s Oyster Bar, Meat & Cheese, Cache Cache, Campo, The Golden Horn, Felix, Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar, Woody Creek Tavern, and Butch’s Lobster Shack. He highlights Hexton Gallery’s show “Materiality” featuring Larry Poons, Thomas McDonell, Ernesto Burgos, and Christo, and Galerie Maximillian with Sarah Graham. The fair partners with Aspen Art Museum for a brunch and ArtCrush Auction on August 1. For architecture, Chase recommends a West End house tour of Herbert Bayer’s modernist designs at Aspen Meadows. Outdoor suggestions include Hunter Creek Trail, Rio Grande Trail, John Denver Sanctuary, Maroon Bells, Crater Lake, and Cathedral Lake.