Art, Chocolate & POWDER

Another big night in Aspen, Colorado:

The 18th Annual Chocolate Classic was held to benefit RESPONSE.   Response is an organization that helps victims of domestic violence. For the past 25 years Response has been providing confidential, non-judgmental support and education to survivors of sexual assault and interpersonal violence.   Last night, about 50 chefs, bakers and desert specialists provided Chocolate treats to a SRO crowd at The Hotel Jerome.  It was an orgy of CHOCOLATE, more chocolate choices than you can shake a stick at.  Decadent mousses, succulent souffle, bad-a$$ brownies.  White, dark, milk, gluten free---you name it it was there for the tasting, and  it was siiiick---all to benefit Response.  Click the pix to enlarge.

Chocolate was everywhere, but first place went to Pinons.

                                                                                    Annie and Noelle dancin' to Dan Forde & High Country    The highly trained ladies of Response.    The Aspen Art Museum hosted an opening reception for conceptual artist Jim Hodges and his work "you will see these things". You've seen Hodges' art  which is recreated on this year's lift ticket, "give more than you take".  Based in NYC , but internationally known, Hodges created a site specific sculpture in AAM's main gallery that defies description. The piece is huge in scope and size, its made of plywood and consists of a series of locks and hinges. We highly recommend that you view it and form your own conclusions.  Feel free to touch and walk on the art, as the interactive nature of the work is unique. It'll be @ AAM until 5/3/09.Hodges (2nd from left) with fans Paul Viola and The Wesners of Austin. Art Patrons Ellen Speers, Laura Kaplan and Soledad Hurst were dwarfed by the art.

Ski Co. PR team Meredith and Lea with CEO Mike Kaplan in front of a giant lift ticket.

                                                                                                                            Aspen was all set up for a huge POW day on Friday the 13th. Unlucky!!  The storm that was shaping up nicely on radar turned into just a small flurry.  We'll make due with one more perfect bluebird day in paradise before the President's Day rush begins.  C-ya out there.