ROARING FORK BROADCASTING COMPANY
One small step for local galleries, one giant step for local artists.
Tonight’s grand opening of the Aspen Collective, from 6-10, marks a new chapter in the artistic and cultural history of Aspen. Local author, filmmaker, art gallery owner and personality Daniel Joseph “D.J.” Watkins is opening his newest gallery, located in the Wheeler Opera House gallery space at 213 S. Mill St.
The Aspen Collective’s mission statement is to promote the work of local artists in the Roaring Fork Valley.
“The focus is on giving a venue and a platform to artists that are living and working here,” Watkins said in an interview conducted in his office, where 200 roses had just arrived from Ecuador. “I've curated 50 shows over 12 years in Aspen and I've come to meet a lot of amazing artists that work here and live here. I'm focused on giving them a platform. And it's not just artists. It's also gallerists and curators.”
Watkins has operated galleries in Aspen since 2012. He is currently the curator of the Fat City Gallery at 415 E. Hyman Ave., which displays political posters by activist Thomas W. Benton, art by Hunter S. Thompson and his illustrator Ralph Steadman, and the work of other contemporary photographers and artists.
Watkins’ spaces have not only been celebrated for their art but for the eclectic, inclusive and energetic events he has hosted regularly over the years that have made his galleries cherished community gathering spaces.
“The goal of the Aspen Collective is to bring energy, vitality and fun into the historic Wheeler Opera House by utilizing the space for talks, events, dinners and exhibitions,” Watkins said. “One of the things I pride myself on is that we have billionaire clients, we have ski bums, we have working artists, we have colorful characters that all love coming to our openings and events. The idea is that we can all get together as a melting pot of the community within this beautiful space in the center of town and have it be a place where there can be a dialogue about not only art but issues that affect the community.”
Lisa Rigsby Peterson, executive director of the Wheeler Opera House, said she looks forward to the art and community gatherings in the gallery space’s future.
“The small space that is the Wheeler gallery space plays an outsized role for our community,” she said.
The first artist in The Aspen Collective’s slate is Carbondale resident Chris Erickson, whose murals and sculptures have appeared all over the Roaring Fork Valley.
“Chris’ work is colorful and multifaceted and he has a lot of great connections in the community, so it's really an honor that he be the first person to launch this new initiative,” Watkins said. “His philosophy is that art builds community, transcends all racial and ethnic boundaries and provides meaning and understanding to the inexplicable.
“I believe that art with a message and philosophy behind it is powerful. It’s a way to foster discussion and community engagement. My goal is to present the work of artists that are making important statements about our time and give them a platform to discuss the themes in their work with the community, and to expose Aspen to these amazing local artists.”
Erickson said he’s honored to be the first artist featured at The Aspen Collective and is grateful for the new venue.
“It’s really exciting to have a gallery that provides an opportunity for local, emerging artists to display their work in a world-class destination town, enriching the already vibrant art scene,” Erickson said. “There are very few places that are uplifting and supporting local artists to this level and it’s inspiring to see a gallery that harnesses the local talent to provide opportunities for people who are trying to create a life here.”
Peterson echoed that point.
“It is the place where local gallerists and local artists can call attention to their work in an affordable and sustainable way,” she said. “Mia Valley and her Valley Fine Art gallery provided an opportunity for locals and visitors to experience, appreciate and collect work of great artists of the West and its history and culture.
“With the opening of The Aspen Collective, Watkins will now animate the gallery with work showcasing local contemporary artists in multiple exhibits throughout the year while also creating opportunities for community engagement with the work and with issues important to us today.”
In the foreword to his book on Thompson, “Freak Power,” Watkins quotes an advertisement from Thompson’s campaign for mayor: “The only thing against him is he’s a visionary. He wants too pure a world.”
The same can be said of Watkins. Thompson’s campaign for sheriff was a statement against the development and gentrification of Aspen in 1969. Fifty-five years later, if there is a person in Aspen who carries on the spirit of Thompson’s gonzo ethos, it is Watkins himself.
Watkins differs from Thompson in one major way. Thompson was highly cynical about Aspen and the future of the Roaring Fork Valley. Watkins sees Aspen through a different lens.
“I'm an optimist about Aspen,” Watkins said. “The community has changed over the years but it's still an incredible place to think about big ideas,” Watkins said. “It's a place where you can change the world. The people that are here, the connections, the institutions — it's the cultural capital of America. And I think that my role is to keep the past alive while forging a new and exciting and fulfilling future."