Aspen gallery partners with autism services for ‘Art with Heart’

Aspen’s Christopher Martin Gallery is opening its doors for an evening of inclusion, art, and appreciation with the Après Ski Autism Benefit in support of Ascendigo Autism Services.

The event takes place Friday, Feb. 13, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 525 E. Cooper Ave. in Aspen. Martin, the artist and owner of the gallery, has pledged to donate 20% of proceeds from the sale of any of his eight large-scale signature heart paintings, each measuring 42 inches by 42 inches,to Ascendigo — an opportunity that will be available from Friday, Feb. 13, through Friday, March 13.

“I’ve been painting hearts every year since 2007 and they’ve always had a charitable element,” Martin said. “It’s such a universal symbol of care and love and outreach.”

Ascendigo Annual Giving and Events Manager Grace Sinclair said the partnership on this event comes from a longstanding relationship between Ascendigo and Christopher Martin Gallery. Martin has offered past support of Ascendigo’s signature gala, Ascendigo Blue Aspen, hosted a VIP event and a gallery shopping event, and donated artwork to benefit Ascendigo’s programs. 

“His continued philanthropy and commitment to community have made this partnership especially meaningful,” Sinclair said. “This year, Christopher Martin was eager to continue that collaboration through a generous opportunity connected to his signature ‘Hearts’ collection, symbolism that aligns naturally with the mission of Ascendigo.”

According to Martin, these hearts have been a continuation of a larger series of works he’s been conceptualizing since the late part of 2005, taking very vivid colors and contrasting them on white backgrounds.

Martin noted that he’s had autism touch friends and family in his own life, making this year’s partnership especially meaningful.

“I think it’s such a noble endeavor,” he said of Ascendigo’s mission.

This pre-Valentine’s Day gathering is a precursor to Ascendigo Blue Aspen, the organization’s signature fundraising gala, on March 7 at the iconic Hotel Jerome. 

“This event sets the tone for Ascendigo Blue Aspen by celebrating creativity, community, and philanthropy while building momentum toward the signature gala,” Sinclair said. “It offers an early opportunity to engage supporters, highlight shared values, and deepen awareness of Ascendigo’s mission ahead of the larger Ascendigo Blue Aspen event.”

The proceeds from the event will go toward supporting Ascendigo’s core programs and operations. This will help sustain therapeutic and recreational spaces, Sinclair confirmed, and provide individualized services for people with autism and other intellectual developmental disabilities. 

“This support ensures our programs remain accessible, effective, and impactful,” Sinclair said.

Guests will be able to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying the paintings and gathering in support of the autism community.

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