The Aspen Art Museum formally withdrew their appeal to City Council yesterday. The Museum’s proposal to use Rio Grande Park to host its ArtCrush fundraiser for the second year in a row was denied - first by a special events committee, and then by city manager Steve Barwick.
In a letter sent in late April, Barwick said the impact on the community was too strong, however, would allow use of a smaller space near the park. The Museum requested use of the Rio Grande Park for 10 days in late July and early August.
The Art Museum announced yesterday that the fundraiser would be held at the base of the Buttermilk Ski Area. The Museum and Aspen Skiing Company have an established relationship with their “Art in Unexpected Places” program.
Aspen Art Museum CEO Heidi Zuckerman said in a press release that the location of the fundraiser was the most important element.
The Museum was prepared to pay the City of Aspen $75,000 for use of the park for its event.
