Buckhorn Public Arts announces its Winter 2025 programming, presented in collaboration with the Wheeler Opera House and Aspen Public Art. This season’s lineup features three cultural activations across Aspen, including the installation of ‘Symbolic Peace’ in the Wheeler Parcel, the one-night presentation of ‘Both/And: A Visual Opera’ by LUCIA, and a special performance by Grammy-nominated artist RY X inside the historic Wheeler Opera House.
Together, these events reflect Buckhorn Public Arts’ commitment to public access, creative expression, and community-centered cultural experiences.
‘Symbolic Peace’ at Wheeler Parcel
Installed November 2025
‘Symbolic Peace’ is a 10-foot-tall illuminated steel sculpture in the shape of a peace sign, conceived by artist Mathew Rosenblatt and lit by Liquid PXL. Each facade is laser cut with a range of religious and non-religious symbols that represent the many paths toward unity and coexistence. The piece brings a message of light and reflection to Aspen’s winter season.
“Buckhorn Public Arts is pleased to bring this work to Aspen to illuminate the winter with a message of peace and unity. Public art has a way of bringing people together, and this work exemplifies that mission,” said Tim Sack, executive director of Buckhorn Public Arts.
Presented by the Wheeler Opera House. In association with Buckhorn Public Arts and Aspen Public Art.
‘Both/And: A Visual Opera’ by LUCIA
- December 12, 2025
- 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Public event
For one night only, the Wheeler Opera House will be transformed by ‘Both/And,’ a projection-mapping installation by artist LUCIA. The activation blankets the exterior of the building in shifting light, color, sound, music, and movement, creating an immersive visual experience for audiences during the Wintersköl season. Sound and music accompany the performance.
“We are pleased to bring this large-scale visual installation back to the Wheeler during Wintersköl. ‘Both/And’ reimagines the exterior of the Opera House with projection, light, and sound, offering the community a chance to experience the building in a new way,” said Mike Harrington, director of the Wheeler Opera House.
Presented by the Wheeler Opera House in partnership with Buckhorn Public Arts and Aspen Public Art.
Buckhorn Public Arts and Wheeler Presents RY X
- December 19, 2025
- Member reception 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Doors 7:30 p.m.
- Performance 8 p.m.
Buckhorn Public Arts will present RY X, hosted at the Wheeler Opera House, for a special winter performance marking one of the season’s most anticipated cultural events. Buckhorn Social Club members will receive access to a private pre-show reception before the concert.
“We are profoundly honored to welcome Grammy-nominated international artist RY X to Aspen for a rare and powerful performance that will ignite the start of the winter season at the Wheeler Opera House,” said Sack. “RY stands among the most soulful and transfixing performers of our time. To present him in Aspen, within the storied walls of the famed Wheeler Opera House, will be one of the top shows of the season.”
Tickets are available at wheeleroperahouse.com. General admission is $100, with a limited number of local or Wheeler Insider tickets available for $80. Sponsors to be announced.
Buckhorn Social Club Membership
Membership supports Buckhorn Public Arts’ year-round public art programming and community events. Members receive access to Buckhorn Social Club events, limited-edition merchandise, and partner perks. Membership is the organization’s primary fundraising model and helps sustain installations, programs, and artist-driven initiatives throughout the year. Details are available at buckhornpublicarts.org/
Additional Community Programming
Buckhorn Public Arts also collaborates with Snowmass Tourism on Winter Windows, a Wintersköl initiative that pairs Roaring Fork Valley artists and designers with local businesses at Snowmass Mall and Base Village. The event runs from Dec. 11 to 14, with awards hosted on Dec. 12. Installations will remain on display through December, and community voting will be open through the end of the year. “The return of the Buckhorn Public Arts Winter Windows perfectly complements the spirit of Wintersköl, celebrating the joy of winter and the strength of our community,” said Julie Hardman, Senior Director of Events for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA). “By pairing local artists with local businesses, we’re showcasing the creativity and enduring mountain spirit that makes our Wintersköl event so special.”
ABOUT BUCKHORN PUBLIC ARTS
Buckhorn Public Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding public access to contemporary art in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. Through public installations, partnerships, and year-round events, Buckhorn Public Arts fosters cultural experiences that are free, inclusive, and community-driven. More information is available at buckhornpublicarts.org.
ABOUT THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE
Since 1889, the Wheeler Opera House has been Aspen’s favorite year-round performance venue and has become the Roaring Fork Valley’s premiere site for concerts, films, festivals, lectures, community events, and more. The Wheeler takes extraordinary pride in being a part of Aspen’s history as a gathering place and a space for artistic expression in our community. Its vision is to set the stage for connections that create memories for audiences, artists, and the greater Aspen community.
Photo credit: Jordan Curet
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