Christopher Martin is not only a highly regarded contemporary artist, but also a gallery owner whose approach to art collection is abundantly refreshing. We asked Martin to take us on a tour of his Cooper Avenue space.
Please give a little history about your gallery—you first opened in Dallas, correct?
Yes, the first Christopher Martin Gallery opened in 1995 in Dallas. We’ve been in Aspen for 11 years, where I currently reside with my family. The original and continuing mission today is to create an environment where the public can both engage with my works while also exploring other artists’ works at various stages in their careers. We [now] represent 25 artists worldwide.
Who are some of your favorite artists featured at the gallery?
That’s a tough question. I love all of the artists we work with. I would say that the ones who make the Aspen gallery curation are some of my favorites: Steve Wrubel, Paul Block, Ysabel LeMay and Isabelle Van Zeijl. All of these artists approach their respective works in such a diverse way, yet they form a very harmonious experience when they all come together.
What can visitors expect when they visit your gallery?
It’s a very open and friendly experience. I’ve never understood the exclusionary approach some galleries take. We want you to have a happy, uplifting experience, whether acquiring a piece of art or just browsing to experience the art we showcase. When you buy a work of art from us, we take care of the entire process. We include delivery and coordinate installation. We operate three delivery vehicles that regularly deliver to Florida, Texas, California and New York. We also route these deliveries through other states to offer our collectors a truly seamless experience. We do 90% of all installations with our highly experienced staff. We’ve also adapted our operations to the current climate we find ourselves living in. We now offer FaceTime appointments, virtual gallery tours and in-home viewings.
What are your favorite things about Aspen?
Being 18 miles from the Continental Divide is pretty impressive; the beautiful rivers and the seasonal changes are also extraordinary. The world-class talent here in the culinary arts is also something to appreciate, but at the end of the day, Aspen is about its sense of community. The people who call this amazing little town in the mountains home— everyone from educators to police to hospital staff—make up this community’s fabric. This is what makes Aspen unique. I’ve never lived in a town that has made me feel so well taken care of. Aspenites tend to look out for each other.
Mon.-Fri., 10AM-8PM; Sat., 10AM-8PM; Sun., 11AM-6PM, 525 E. Cooper Ave., 970.925.7649, christophermartingallery.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Christopher Martin Gallery
