Press Release

 The city of Aspen announces 2026 Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship cohorts  

Twelve adult artists and 10 youth artists have been selected to participate

Aspen, CO – The city of Aspen is pleased to announce the selection of 12 adult artists and 10 youth artists for the 2026 Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship, an initiative that celebrates and supports local creative talent by providing funding for artistic projects while fostering connection and collaboration within the arts community. Artists were notified in January and will meet regularly until the final celebratory gathering in mid-May. 

The selected adult fellows represent a wide range of creative fields. Agustina Flores Maini blends visual art and sound to create interactive experiences. Andy Curtis is a photographer who tells stories through his images. Axel Livingston works with blacksmithing, ceramics, and glassblowing to transform reclaimed materials into nature-inspired art. Chris MacDonald is a documentary filmmaker focused on storytelling. 

Daysi Mayer is a musician inspired by upbeat, jazz-influenced music, collaborating with local artists. Hector Chacon is a singer-songwriter rooted in regional Mexican music. Jessica Mansor is a painter who uses acrylic and larger canvas to express emotion and is expressive through color and mark-making, and Josefina Mendez Cattaneo is a musically talented artist. Michael Bonds is a ceramic artist and educator who experiments with glazes and firing techniques.

Miller Ford uses comedy to create welcoming spaces where people connect through laughter. Tristan Trincado is an independent singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Whit Boucher creates detailed pen-and-ink drawings highlighted with gold leaf and watercolor.

Adult fellows may receive up to $5,000 to support their projects. This year’s cohort highlights the wide variety of talent in Aspen’s creative community, spanning photography, visual art, music, ceramics, film, and comedy. The fellowship aims to help artists connect, grow in their artistic practice, pursue innovative projects, and bring more art to the community.

The 2026 youth fellows bring a vibrant mix of creative talents. Aaron Levey channels his passion for graphic and fashion design, crafting logos and visuals that stand out. Bo Pfaffmann uses photography and videography to reveal the hidden stories and natural beauty of the community. Dante Clark shines as a young performer and musician, while Jacob Barrow captures compelling moments through his lens. Outdoor enthusiast Koston Tanner is eager to bring the thrill of adventure to life through film.

Lillo Oppenheim’s Edible Art Lab transforms food into vibrant, textured, and sculptural creations that delight both the eye and palate. Maya Calle breathes life into fashion with her skillful drawing and imaginative designs. Micah Scott, transitioning from watercolor to oil painting, is expanding their artistic voice by exploring new media like ink, photography, gouache, and spray paint. Norah Glasgow, inspired by recent studies, passionately designs clothing that is as wearable as it is creative. Yaroslav Loboda is a visual artist known for his bold and unique paintings that push creative boundaries.

Youth fellows will receive $750 in funding to support their art. These young creatives showcase their talents within Aspen’s youth community. Inspiring and dedicated, they represent the growing future of the local arts scene.

In 2026, fellowship gatherings will go beyond traditional discussions to include immersive experiences. Fellows will attend select performances at the Wheeler Opera House followed by intimate conversations with the presenting artists, fostering artistic exposure and inspiration. Both youth and adult cohorts will participate in five workshops from February through May, culminating in a celebratory event at the Wheeler.

On behalf of the city of Aspen, the Wheeler Opera House, and the Red Brick Center for the Arts, Sarah Roy, executive director of the Red Brick Center for the Arts, said, “We are thrilled by the remarkable number of talented artists who applied for the grant this year. The breadth of artistic work happening in our community is truly inspiring.

“This year’s finalists demonstrated extraordinary innovation, tenacity, and commitment to their art, showcasing projects ranging from the Aspen Yearbook to multisensory visual and sound installations to the recording of new albums. We are fortunate to live in a town that celebrates and supports this meaningful work.”

For more information on the 2026 Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship, follow @redbrickaspen on Instagram and Facebook or visit aspen.gov.

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For more information, please contact: 
 Sarah Roy, Red Brick Center for the Arts Executive Director 

Phone: 970-366-2579 

Email: sarah.roy@aspen.gov

Mariela Hale, Digital Communications Coordinator

Phone: 970-309.9959

Email: mariela.hale@aspen.gov