This week’s agenda: Feb. 14-20

Between Worlds: Tony Ortega’s ‘Imagenes de Nepantla’ explores identity and cultural hybridity

The Art Base presents “Imagenes de Nepantla,” a dynamic collection of multilayered prints and works on paper by acclaimed Denver-based artist Tony Ortega. The exhibition runs until March 14, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 14 and a special bilingual walkthrough of the exhibition with the artist. It will be followed by casual conversation with guests over coffee held Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Art Base.

Developed during a sabbatical at Regis University, Ortega’s latest body of work delves into the concept of “Nepantla,” a Nahuatl term describing a state of “in-betweenness.” This concept is central to Chicano and Mexican literature and art, reflecting the cultural hybridity of individuals navigating between multiple identities.

Through bold, graphic imagery influenced by the Pop Art Movement of the 1960s, Ortega addresses the complexities of intercultural dialogue. By intertwining recognizable characters from Latino and American popular culture, he critiques cultural appropriation and challenges stereotypes that oversimplify sensitive cultural issues. Layered with text and imagery, Ortega’s works create a rich visual narrative that invites viewers to contemplate identity, alienation, and the search for belonging in a multicultural world.

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“The woodcut becomes part of the continued evolution of self-determination for those who have been marginalized. My print asks the viewer, ‘Who am I in this cultural mix that refuses to recognize me as an individual? Where do I fit? How do I define myself?’ And the answer is: ‘Somewhere in between.’ And that is ‘Nepantla,'” he said.

More info: theartbase.org

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Mark Lundgaard Danish Dinner

Join Executive Chef Mark Lundgaard of Copenhagen’s Michelin 2-starred Kong Hans Kælder for an evening where taste, feeling, and craftsmanship merge at Element 47 on Feb. 14. Experience refined Danish cuisine at its finest in an intimate five-course dinner with paired wines. Reservations are available from 6-8:30 p.m. $225, with optional wine pairing for $150. thelittlenell.com

Alesso at Belly Up

Multi-platinum DJ and producer Alesso transcends universal boundaries. As a pivotal name in electronic music, Alesso has amassed two RIAA-certified platium hits and over 5 ½ billion gloab streams. Alesso plays Belly Up at 10 p.m. Feb. 14. Tickets are $185 plus a $37 fee. VIP tickets are also available. bellyupaspen.com

Ascendigo Blue Aspen

Ascendigo Blue Aspen, at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Hotel Jerome, aims to raise awareness and funds to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The gala features a live and silent auction, dinner, and an opportunity to hear Temple Grandin share her personal journey and insights on autism. $600-$8,000. ascendigo.org/blue/

Self-Love Valentine’s Day Workshop: Nurture Your Inner Light

Kate Eakins leads a transformative self-love workshop from 3-9 p.m. Feb. 15 at Roaring Fork Energy Enhancement in Basalt. The experience combines sacred ceremony, movement, meditation, self-massage, and a self-love sacred arts project, all designed to deepen your connection with yourself. $122-$222. More info: michelle@rfenergyenhancement.com or call 970-318-0227

Bookbinding

Learn beginner bookbinding skills for free from 3-5 p.m. Feb. 15 at Pitkin County Library. No prior experience is necessary. More info: jade.fiskaa@pitkincounty.com or 970-429-1942

Pixie and The Partygrass Boys at TACAW

Originating as ski bums playing house parties in Salt Lake City’s Cottonwood Canyons, Pixie and The Partygrass Boys have evolved into a nationally touring band that always aims to have the most fun possible. Its unique blend of heartfelt songwriting, high velocity instrumental excellence, silly outfits, and sing-along anthems has captivated audiences nationwide. The show starts at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at TACAW. Tickets are $24 in advance, $20 for TACAW members, $29 day of show. Tacaw.org

Peak Aspen Comedy Series presents Graham Kay

Graham Kay comes to The Sterling Aspen at 7 p.m. Feb. 15. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/peak-aspen-comedy-series-presents-graham-kay-the-sterling-on-feb-15-tickets-1229578806309

Explore Booksellers hosts Rowland+Broughton

In honor of their new monograph, “Designing Aspen: The Houses of Rowland+Broughton,” Sarah Broughton, FAIA, and John Rowland, AIA, will lead a presentation on the art and architecture of Aspen at Explore Booksellers from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 16. They will be signing the book, which is available for purchase. Free, explorebooksellers.com

Galentine’s Drag Queen Brunch

Hosted by Aspen’s Queen Kendra Matic and Romy Ancona, Drag Queen Brunch takes place from 12:30-2 p.m. Feb. 16 at The Collective Snowmass. Get your bingo cards ready to win prizes, and get silly with post-ski polaroids. You can also keep the mimosas flowing, and ask for love advice from a special guest. Tickets are $25. Thecollectivesnowmass.com

Steve Aoki at Belly Up

Billboard described two-time Grammy nominated music producer, artist, fashion designer, and Dim Mak Recorders founder Steve Aoki as “one of the most in-demand entertainers in the world.” He has performed at nearly every top festival worldwide and now performs at 9:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Belly Up. General admission tickets are $115 plus a $23 fee; reserved are $415 plus a $62.25 fee. Bellyupaspen.com

Explore Booksellers hosts Marcia Hartigan

From 4-6 p.m. Feb. 17, Explore Booksellers hosts Marcia Hartigan, whose new coffee table book, “The Mountain Chalet,” chronicles the life of Ralph and Marian Melville, owners of one of Aspen’s most iconic lodges at the base of Aspen Mountain since 1954. Hartigan will share their stories, as well as tales from Aspen’s golden era. Free, explorebooksellers.com

COUNTERPOINT at Wheeler

Conrad Tao and Caleb Teicher present COUNTERPOINT at 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at Wheeler Opera House. The groundbreaking collaboration between Tao, a pianist and composer, and dancer-choreographer Teicher seamlessly blends music and dance and tradition and innovation. As the artists explore the dichotomy of their different perspectives, a harmonic, rhythmic and theatrical “counterpoint” emerges — all within the journey to link their various disciplines and backgrounds.

The show features a blend of Bach’s “Goldberg Variations,” Art Tatum’s exuberant jazz, and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” It weaves improvisation with classical and contemporary dance. Tickets start at $35. wheeleroperahouse.com

ACES Wild Perspectives’ ‘From Slopes to Summits: A Decade of Skill-Building‘

This presentation, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at The Collective Snowmass, chronicles Aidan Goldie-Ahumada’s decade-long journey of skill-building in backcountry skiing and mountaineering, culminating in an ascent and ski descent of Denali, North America’s highest peak. He shares the challenges, preparation, and personal growth involved in tackling one of the most iconic and demanding objectives in the mountaineering world through stories and photos. Free, thecollectivesnowmass.com

Sample CMC Aspen classes and attend an artist reception

CMC Aspen opens its doors Feb. 19 for a double-header event featuring a talk by an acclaimed Australian ceramic artist and an opportunity for locals to sample CMC’s classes and college-credit courses.

The art exhibition and reception runs from 4-7 p.m. Feb. 19, with ceramic artist Laura Dortmans speaking at 5:30 p.m. She is a new Snowmass Village resident who will be discussing her new show, “Intimate Immensity.” She works at Anderson Ranch and is also a teacher at Carbondale Clay. Her abstract experimental ceramic processes explore movement and visual tension of the body, with each piece fired multiple times to create rich, flowing glazed surfaces.

“Each gesture in clay speaks to the intimate senses of my body,” she said. 

Originally from Australia’s southeastern coast, she recently completed her master’s degree in fine arts in ceramics in New York state and has shown her work at home, in the U.S. and in Japan. In 2023, she received the Emerging Australian Artist Prize from the Australian Consulate-General in New York and also received the American Australian Association Arts Scholarship.

Her show will be on display at the CMC Aspen Gallery through May 16.

The campus open house runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at CMC Aspen, located in the Aspen Business Center at 0255 Sage Way, Aspen. It offers free, 25-minute mini-sessions. Demonstrations include culinary skills in the Morgridge Teaching Kitchen, screen printing and laser engraving in the art studio, how to make a drawstring pouch in the campus’ Soft Goods Manufacturing Lab and, from the fire science faculty, strategic advice on wildfire prevention basics. Additionally, business faculty member Denise Lefort will lead short business discussions, while longtime humanities faculty member Tom Buesch will take part in poetry readings and provide insights on how to read poetry.

More info: 970-925-7740   

Radical Wednesday: ‘Fistful of Moguls’

Greg Stump’s “Fistful of Moguls” tells the story of extreme legend Glen Plake’s prediction two years before the 1998 Nagano Olympics that Jonny Moseley would win the gold medal. He was right, and the two-year adventure is hilarious and beautiful. This celebration of mogul skiing is fueled by a powerful soundtrack led by Seal, Art of Noise, Adamski, and Bran Van 3000. Catch it, along with Stump, at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Aspen Film Isis Theatre for $15. Aspenfilm.org

She Sings®: A Soaring Musical

Experience “She Sings: A Soaring Musical” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Wheeler Opera House. Written and performed by Rebecca Magnuson, this unforgettable one-woman show blends music and storytelling to share a powerful journey of survival, resilience, and hope.

Magnuson takes audiences through her personal struggles with physical, mental, and financial abuse, highlighting moments of heartbreak, courage, and triumph. From uncovering hidden financial manipulation during a tumultuous divorce to navigating systemic failures in the justice system, her story sheds light on the challenges many women face while reclaiming their voices.

The performance supports Response and She Is Safe of CHQ County, organizations dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence and creating safe opportunities for women. Tickets are $50-$75. More info: wheeleroperahouse.com