Key Takeaways
- The arts and culture scene in Aspen continued to thrive in 2025, with various events and exhibitions taking place throughout the year.
- Shepard Fairey returned to Aspen to create a new mural, titled "One Earth," and exhibited over 100 pieces of artwork at 212GALLERY.
- The 20th anniversary of "The Local’s Show" was celebrated, with creator Erik Skarvan producing over 600 episodes highlighting local talent.
- Indigenous artist Cannupa Hanska Luger’s installation "Volume" was featured at the Aspen AIR Festival, and Margaret Cho brought her one-woman show "Mommy" to the mountains.
- Aspen native Maria Semple returned to her hometown to speak at the first Aspen Literary Festival and preview her upcoming book "Go Gentle."
Introduction to Aspen’s Arts and Culture Scene
The year 2025 was an exciting time for the arts and culture scene in Aspen, with a wide range of events and exhibitions taking place throughout the year. From the return of world-famous street artist Shepard Fairey to the 20th anniversary of "The Local’s Show," there was something for everyone to enjoy. The launch of the AIR Festival and the return of native daughter Maria Semple were just a few of the highlights of the year.
Shepard Fairey’s Return to Aspen
Shepard Fairey, the creator of the iconic Obama "Hope" poster, returned to Aspen in July 2025 to create a new mural titled "One Earth." The mural, which was painted over the course of four days, was a gift to the community and reflected Fairey’s themes of unity, nature, and connectedness. In addition to the mural, Fairey exhibited over 100 pieces of artwork at 212GALLERY, giving visitors a unique insight into his creative process. The mural was officially unveiled to the public at 5 p.m. on July 25, and Fairey was present for a free, limited capacity Artist’s Reception at Studio Como from 6 to 8 p.m.
The 20th Anniversary of "The Local’s Show"
"The Local’s Show," a hyperlocal television series created by Erik Skarvan, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025. The show, which has been on the air since 2005, has produced over 600 episodes highlighting local talent and has become a beloved institution in the Aspen community. Skarvan’s vision for the show was to inspire others and to feature locals, and he has stayed true to his mantra by refusing sponsorship and funding from entities outside of the area. The show shoots every Wednesday at Red Brick Center for the Arts and airs on Thursdays, with a winter series and a summer series each year.
The AIR Festival and Cannupa Hanska Luger’s Installation
The inaugural 2025 Aspen AIR Festival featured a unique installation by indigenous artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, titled "Volume." The installation, which consisted of five ceramic whistles, was a sonic art piece that blended imaginative ideas with technology. Luger’s work was on display at the Aspen Art Museum throughout the summer, and visitors were able to experience the immersive and thought-provoking installation for themselves. Despite some technical difficulties, including the loss of his phone, Luger was able to deliver a powerful and moving installation that reflected his unique perspective and creativity.
Margaret Cho’s One-Woman Show
Comedy pioneer Margaret Cho brought her one-woman show "Mommy" to the mountains in 2025, a genre-blending solo show that revealed inconvenient family secrets and themes of survival. Cho, who is known for her fearless and hilarious storytelling, took on the role of her own mother in the show, which was a deeply personal and unique experience. The show was a departure from Cho’s usual stand-up comedy, and it explored difficult themes such as familial abuse and history. Despite the challenging subject matter, Cho’s trademark wit and charisma shone through, making the show a must-see for fans of the comedian.
Maria Semple’s Return to Aspen
Aspen native Maria Semple returned to her hometown in 2025 to speak at the first Aspen Literary Festival. Semple, who is the author of the bestselling novel "Where’d You Go, Bernadette," previewed her upcoming book "Go Gentle" and talked about her writing process and inspiration. The festival, which took place at Aspen Community Church, featured a panel discussion moderated by New York Times Book Review Editor Gilbert Cruz, and Semple was joined by other authors and writers. Semple’s return to Aspen was a highlight of the literary festival, and her unique perspective and wit made her a standout speaker.
Conclusion
The arts and culture scene in Aspen continued to thrive in 2025, with a wide range of events and exhibitions taking place throughout the year. From the return of Shepard Fairey to the 20th anniversary of "The Local’s Show," there was something for everyone to enjoy. The launch of the AIR Festival and the return of native daughter Maria Semple were just a few of the highlights of the year, and the community came together to celebrate the unique and creative spirit of Aspen. Whether you’re a fan of visual art, music, or literature, there’s no denying that Aspen is a vibrant and exciting place to be.
