Affordable Aspen art studio in need of repairs

The Aspen Art Vault has a goal to raise a minimum of $500,000 to fund much-needed repairs and to open its layout plan to continue supporting Aspen’s local artists. 

Without these upgrades, this vital creative space risks leaving local talent without an affordable place to create and thrive, according to its operators. Formerly known as The Aspen Art Studios, the Vault is a beacon of creativity in a town where affordable art spaces are vanishing. 

Founded and supported by Aspen artist Sam Harvey, the Vault provides artists with attainable rental spaces to work and create, aligning with the Peapcke family’s original vision for Aspen as a haven for innovation and artistry.

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“My purpose in trying to keep this space going is so artists have a physical space in this town to continue the creative process,” Harvey explained. “Unless you are already of means, you cannot be an artist in this town. There are no places to rent that most artists can afford.”

Preserving Aspen’s creative vibrancy is Harvey’s mission, a sentiment echoed by local artist Nikki Hausherr, who calls the Vault one of the last affordable places for local artists to work, showcase their creations, and nurture their craft.

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“We are a town full of art, but the galleries are featuring art from everywhere else but Aspen and include million-dollar pieces,” Hausherr said. “There is this weird gap in the art scene here that is almost like the housing situation. You have employee housing and then the Red Mountain houses, and there is nothing in between. It’s the same thing with art galleries.”

She emphasized the challenges faced by local artists who, as she put it, “live in shoeboxes” and lack adequate spaces to create or exhibit their work. While initiatives like the Aspen Collective and D.J. Galleries provide some support, she says the Vault offers something unique: a dedicated space for emerging local talent.

Nick Costello, another local artist, highlighted the importance of affordability and accessibility at the Vault, describing it as “a family feel” that embodies Aspen’s original spirit. 

“The Aspen Art Vault is a space that local artists can afford to rent, where they have full creative access,” Costello said. “Sam Harvey cannot say it enough: Peapcke’s vision of bringing scientists, philosophers, artists, and creatives to Aspen has completely shifted.”

Costello expressed frustration with the lack of local focus in Aspen’s art scene. 

“Just like Nikki was saying, there are all of these galleries in Aspen, but they focus on art that is not from this valley,” he said. “There are maybe one or two other places similar to The Aspen Art Vault, but nothing like it. We’re close to the Jerome and the heart of downtown. We can truly disrupt the art scene in Aspen — in a good way.”

For him and Hausherr, the Vault is more than just a workspace — it’s a vital piece of Aspen’s creative identity. They stress, however, that without significant financial support, the space’s future is uncertain.

“Low-income artists need space to create,” Hausherr said. “I have so many friends who are in their homes and cannot make pieces that are much larger than the limited areas where they work. The Aspen Art Vault is a place to foster that creativity.”

Costello warned that without funding for repairs and to support additional artists, Aspen’s local art scene faces bleak prospects. 

“This is where the people who keep Aspen creative live,” he said. “We need help from those who share this original vision of Aspen to keep the Aspen Art Vault alive — one of the last places fostering creativity in an ever-changing and growing valley.”

They’ve also introduced a youth night at the Vault, giving local children the opportunity to explore various art forms and keep Aspen’s artistic legacy alive.

To ensure the Vault’s future, Hausherr and Costello have launched a GoFundMe (gofund.me/12eaaf31) campaign to raise the necessary funds for repairs and operations. The largest donor, after reaching the fundraising goal, will get their name behind the Aspen Art Vault, and have a private studio in the facility for 12 months, with full access, according to Costello.