Aspen Art Tours visits five to six galleries.
Agustina Mistretta knows the look of reluctance. It’s that uneasy mix of curiosity and intimidation that hits as someone leans toward an Aspen art gallery door. And then walks away. The 31-year-old curator launched Aspen Art Tours in December in hopes of shrinking some of that hesitation.
Her free weekly walking tours typically cover six contemporary art galleries. Mistretta incorporates hidden stories and an interactive approach, providing context about Aspen’s cultural landscape and linking what may seem like a disjointed and scattered gallery scene.
Agustina Mistretta explores both sculpture and painting, which hang in Boesky West.
Mistretta, who has collaborated with local galleries Tania Dibbs, Skye Gallery and Gonzo Gallery, and has worked entrepreneurial art projects in Barcelona and Buenos Aires, says art spaces can sometimes be cryptic, and people can feel left aside, as if they’re missing the punchline. “I think art is not to fear; it’s to be enjoyed,” says the Argentina native. “It triggers reflection and ultimately provokes social change, and being informed helps to bring people closer and turn art lovers into art buyers and supporters.”
Aspen Art Tours has been well received in its infant stage. Local and visiting art lovers, regional artists, avid collectors and newcomers have all enjoyed Mistretta’s insightful and naturally flowing tours. In fact, hotel concierges are recommending it as “the new must-do activity in town.”
She plans to keep the evening tours gratis while growing her business with private custom-made tours and group visits downvalley in Basalt and Carbondale. Thu., 5pm, free, meet at Skye Gallery; private tours and artist studio visits available by appointment
A Matthias Bitzer work hangs in Boesky West.
Anticipated Exhibits
Mistretta shares her take on what to get excited about in the Aspen art world this summer.
“Late July will see the opening of Scottish artist Sarah Graham at Galerie Maximillian, a beautiful collection of flora and fauna on paper with natural pigments. I’m really excited to see new works by Del Harrow, Lucy Fradkin and Ann Currier at Harvey Meadows Gallery, who has the best selection of contemporary ceramics in the valley, always combining local and foreign talents.”
Photography by: Olivia Gentili Gipler
