Art In Unexpected Places

Inspired by the long history of Aspen's vibrant arts and culture community, Aspen Snowmass created the Art in Unexpected Places program to activate artistic expression both on our four mountains and around town. Through on-mountain art installations, artwork on lift tickets and passes, works situated throughout the resort, and a series of books documenting the program’s history, Art in Unexpected Places sparks conversations and moments of unanticipated discovery.

Art in Unexpected Places at Aspen Snowmass

FriendsWithYou at Snowmass Base Village, 2020-21

Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Guide Who We Are
In 2005, the Aspen Skiing Company and the Aspen Art Museum began collaborating to bring contemporary art to wider audiences in innovative ways—and unexpected places—with the goal of engaging even the least likely guests. In 2017, artist Paula Crown stepped in to lead the program, beginning with her exhibit "Solo Together."

Previous projects have included public performances, installations, limited-edition lift tickets, and participatory artworks by such noted contemporary artists as Yutaka Sone, Peter Doig, Karen Kilimnik, Jim Hodges, Carla Klein, Jennifer West, Susan Philipsz, Mamma Andersson, Mark Grotjahn, David Shrigley and Dave Muller.

Lift Ticket Artwork

Rashid Johnson Lift Ticket Art

Paola Pivi's blue bear for Aspen Snowmass 2021-22 lift tickets

Lift ticket art by FriendsWithYou

Lift ticket art by Susan Te Kahurangi King

Lift ticket art by Paula Crown

Artist Claudia Comte

Claudia Comte, Art, and Conversations Surrounding the Climate Crisis

The work of Swiss multi-medium artist Claudia Comte will be featured on the lift tickets for the 2023-24.

Learn more
Art in Unexpected Places
Volume

Previous Activations

Solo Together art installation at Aspen Mountain
Solo Together – Art In Unexpected Places
We Are the Asteroid installation at Snowmass
We Are The Asteroid Installation