For over two decades, the ArtCrush gala and auction has been the Aspen Art Museum’s marquee annual fundraiser, supporting innovative exhibitions and dynamic educational programmes that resonate both locally and globally. Taking place on Friday, 31 July, this year’s gala, chaired by Sarah Arison and Charlie Pohlad, honours artist Adrián Villar Rojas, recipient of the 2026 Lewis Family Art Award at the Aspen Art Museum.

Now in its 21st year, ArtCrush features a curated selection of works generously donated by leading international artists, presented in a live auction held during the gala. As the Museum’s auction partner, Christie’s will once again lead the live auction.

This year’s ArtCrush will feature work by Adrián Villar Rojas, Sayre Gomez, Xinyi Cheng, Camille Henrot, Keith Mayerson, Kelly Akashi, Ding Shilun, and Michelangelo Pistoletto, among others. This year’s online auction display brings together exceptional works on paper, highlighting drawing as the most immediate and intimate form of artistic expression. The selection includes works by Andy Warhol, George Condo, Josef Albers, Leonora Carrington, as well as emerging talents.

The Design Room of the ArtCrush Auction exhibition is an experiential tableau vivant curated by Sarah Broughton, principal at Rowland+Broughton Architecture and Interior Design. Inspired by a recent trip to Oaxaca, this year’s presentation celebrates the Wunderkammer, or cabinet of curiosities. The display will include a selection of objects for everyday use that rouse our creativity, including handmade candles, joyful ceramics, and a display of outdoor lanterns, all available for immediate purchase. The Design Room is curated in partnership with Design Miami.

On view at the Aspen Art Museum from 14 July, the ArtCrush auction exhibition offers an early look at the exceptional works up for bidding.

In tandem with the award, the Museum will present Adrián Villar Rojas: First Gods, Lost Animals, a major solo exhibition spanning two floors of the museum in summer 2026. Villar Rojas will also participate in the museum’s second annual AIR festival, bringing together interdisciplinary collaborations, conversations, site-specific works and performances, exploring some of today’s most pressing ideas and questions.

Phone and absentee bids accepted: bid@aspenartmuseum.org