Aspen’s artists and artisans took to the new reality of mask-wearing quickly, with volunteer sewers outfitting locals and visitors with function and stylish (naturally, it’s Aspen) masks to adhere to public health rules and keep those around us safe.

Last summer, the Here House club even hosted a socially distanced mask fashion show.

A stroll through the boutiques of Galena Street and downtown showcases a mix of bejeweled and bedazzled face coverings, along with fun and functional offerings by Aspen area artists. You’ll find Aspen-centric designs with the words “Apres-Ski” on them and others emblazoned with tiny skiers or boarders.

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Artists like Lara Whitley and the milliner Susan Carrolan have designed and gifted masks. The mountaineer and music enthusiast Christy Mahon has produced some with Phish’s doughnut design on them – a hot item for Colorado’s legion Phish Phans.

The town’s go-to gift shop, the Aspen Emporium and Flying Circus, keeps a rotating stock of masks by local artisans in stock which have become unique souvenirs and historic keepsakes for anybody on an Aspen vacation during the pandemic.

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The Woody Creek artist Isa Catto has produced what may be the widest and most personal design (voted a favorite at the Here House show, available for purchase there and at Pitkin County Dry Goods). Catto’s masks and gaiters come in colorful, artful designs but the most popular among them is her “Game of Thrones” pattern, an homage to the HBO fantasy drama with illustrated arrows inspired by the archeress Egritte.