The Art of Summering in Aspen: Fleeing the Heat Needn’t Mean Leaving Culture Behind

If you’re reading this, you likely haven’t yet fled Texas for the summer in search of margaritas at Woody Creek Tavern, hikes up Ute trail and lazy mornings at the mountain manse.

Before you hop the jet — destination Aspen, naturally — take note of a must-attend contemporary art happening. This unconventional art exhibition landed on our radar thanks to one name that has been top of mind for Dallasites: Neville Wakefield, the curator who was the talk of the town this spring when he masterfully selected the auction art for the MTV Re:Define gala.

From July 11 through August 20, Wakefield, along with art advisor Meredith Darrow, opens an adventurous show dubbed “Mount Analogue” — a visual exploration of the physical and mystical struggles behind conquering peaks. (Apropos for Aspen, no?)

The curatorial vision is played up by the exhibition’s location: Performance Ski, Aspen’s most notable ski shop, which has been adapted to house works from Richard Prince, Sterling Ruby, Paula Crown and Rob Pruitt. “Mount Analogue,” July 11 through August 20, Performance Ski, 408 S. Hunter St., Aspen, 970.925.8657; info@darrowcontemporary.com.