A&E Agenda: ‘Reflecting the Light,’ Culinary Fest, Savannah Friedkin pop-up

‘Reflecting the Light’ artist reception, Friday, July 5, 5-7 p.m., Ann Korologos Gallery, Basalt

Ann Korologos Gallery presents “Reflecting Light: Len Chmiel and Dan Young,” an exhibition showcasing the works of two of Colorado’s most highly-regarded plein air painters. Meet both Len Chmiel and Dan Young at the artist reception on Friday, July 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Ann Korologos Gallery in historic downtown Basalt.
“Chmiel and Young are icons in the world of plein air painting, professional noticers, masterful painters, and, as it turns out, friends,” shares Sue Edmonds, gallery director. “Before pursuing painting, each artist had a strong illustration background and professional work in other states, and they both found themselves in Colorado, fully dedicated to painting. They have seen and sensed the land, having logged thousands of miles on foot — many of which are in their proverbial backyard and across greater Colorado. Both painters enjoy depicting interactions of light and shadow across water and wilderness with ever-changing perspectives that defy the rules.

Chmiel was born and raised in a working-class Polish-American community in Chicago in 1942, spent time in California, and now lives in Hotchkiss. He is a painter, as he prefers to be called, despite being known as an “Artist’s artist,” proven by the many Artists’ Choice Awards – six, at this point – awarded by his peers who consider him a master of design and composition. He starts his process on the land, where he feels he came from and will go back to. For the highly-respected painter, each painting he creates is an expression of himself.
“I used to try to control everything, but now I allow my intuition to speak,” Chmiel reflected.
He chooses places not for their grandeur or beauty but because they have a sense of “being” about them. It is his emotional response that he works to put down in the moment, but back in the studio, his work expands onto large-scale canvases.

Young is a long-time resident of Silt and spent his childhood along the shores of the Roaring Fork River. He attended Colorado Institute of Art, moved to Dallas, and had a successful illustration career before the mountains called him back to paint. He has been represented by Ann Korologos Gallery since 1993. Over the years, he has mastered the challenges posed by painting on location, regardless of the season, and has earned a reputation as one of Colorado’s premier landscape artists.
The Little Nell Culinary Fest, from Sunday, July 7, to Wednesday, July 10

The Little Nell presents the fourth annual Culinary Fest. For over three days, enjoy immersive culinary experiences led by renowned chefs and guided wine tastings from expert sommeliers, all the while experiencing a variety of locations within the heart of Aspen.
An esteemed summertime tradition at The Little Nell, this food and wine-focused, multi-day celebration brings together a collective of special guest talent, from world-renowned chefs to distinguished wine experts. Guests are treated to a culinary journey with meals prepared by visiting chefs, paired with sommelier-selected wines, and crafted in partnership with The Little Nell’s esteemed wine and culinary teams. The event honors a delightful mix of relaxed and luxurious dining experiences over several days. Featuring a welcome reception, wine luncheon, casual soirée, educational class, and elegant gala dinner – all set against the backdrop of the hotel and atop Aspen Mountain.
The Culinary Fest Pass includes all scheduled activities, from the Italian Wine Luncheon to the Closing Reception + Gala Dinner, and more. Select events are also available à la carte. As an added benefit, Culinary Fest Pass participants receive preferred rates on accommodation at The Little Nell.
Chefs:
– Gabriel Kreuther, chef and owner of his eponymous two Michelin-starred restaurant in New York
– Suzette Gresham, executive chef and owner of two Michelin-starred restaurant Acquerello in San Francisco
– Yvon Goetz, executive chef and partner at The Winery Restaurant in Newport Beach, California
– Nathan Rich, culinary director at Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont
– Matthew Zubrod, culinary director at The Little Nell
– Keith Theodore, executive chef at The Little Nell
– Barbara Marcos, pastry chef at The Little Nell
Sommeliers:
– Virginia Philip, master sommelier and wine director at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida and CEO, Virginia Philip Wine, Spirits & Academy Palm Beach/Delray Beach, Florida
– Chris Dunaway, advanced sommelier and wine director at The Little Nell
– Rachael Liggett-Draper, advanced sommelier at The Little Nell
– Jesse Libby, certified sommelier at The Little Nell
– Adam Darlington, certified sommelier at The Little Nell
Tickets and information: thelittlenell.com/experience/adventures/summer-adventures/culinary-fest
2024 Recognition Week Live Auction, from Friday, July 5, to Friday, July 11, Anderson Ranch

The Recognition Week Live Auction Preview will be on display and open to the public in the Anderson Ranch Arts Center Patton-Malott Gallery from July 4-11.
All of the artists and galleries have generously donated their work to support the fundraising goals of Anderson Ranch Arts Center.
The works will be sold during the live auction on Thursday, July 11, at the annual Recognition Dinner fundraising event. Proceeds from the auction will support emerging artists with scholarship aid and access to career-enhancing faculty and facilities. This support will ensure continued programming and operations at the ranch.
Bidding will be available to all those attending the Recognition Dinner and any interested absentee bidders.
Please contact Artistic Programs Manager, Meriwether McClorey, at 970-924-5098, or email mmcclorey@andersonranch.org for more information about the auction process.
Information: andersonranch.org/recognition-week.
Savannah Friedkin pop-up, July 9 from 3-5 p.m. and July 11-13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aspen Times Room, Hotel Jerome

Savannah Friedkin is the founder and CEO of Savannah Friedkin, a fine-jewelry brand celebrating women’s individuality with unique pieces designed using climate-neutral lab-grown diamonds and 100%-certified recycled precious metals.
It is an ethically-conscious fine jewelry brand made with climate-neutral lab-grown diamonds and recycled precious metals, The brand will be showcasing its breakout collections, Broken, Emergence, and SAV in the historic Aspen Times space and hosting various events with its namesake designer and founder for the first time in Aspen.
Sarah Girgis is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or sgirgis@aspentimes.com.
Two hikers rescued at Snowmass Lake after attempting Four Pass Loop
Mountain Rescue Aspen rescued two hikers that were stranded after attempting to complete the Four Pass Loop.