Artwork that captures the spirit of World Cup ski racing in Aspen, created by local students and artists, is now on display at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. The artistic creations were curated by the World Cup organizing committee and The Red Brick Center for the Arts to inspire enthusiasm not only for the women’s races held in Aspen each Thanksgiving, but also in anticipation of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals to be held in Aspen March 2017.
“We’re excited to display this wonderful local art,” said Airport Director, John Kinney. “What better theme than skiing inspired pieces. We’d like to see more local art out here where we can make room for it, and we’re certainly keeping local art in mind as we plan for a new airport terminal,” Kinney says.
In addition to the World Cup-inspired paintings, the Aspen Historical Society has curated a display of photographs and memorabilia representing the history of World Cup skiing in Aspen which began in 1939 when the town held its first sanctioned races. In 1950 Aspen hosted the FIS World Ski Championships, which have been followed by more than 30 years of FIS Ski World Cups on Aspen Mountain between 1968 – 2016.
“This is a great opportunity for us to be able to begin to tell this story to travelers coming and going from our local airport,” said Aspen Historical Society Curator, Lisa Hancock.
The Mar. 15-19, 2017 World Cup finals will feature the best men’s and women’s alpine skiing athletes in the world, competing in downhill, super G, giant slalom, slalom and nation’s team event.
Contact: John Kinney, Airport Director, 970-429-2851