Twenty years ago, when Katie Kiernan first opened 212GALLERY in the heart of Aspen, the vision was simple yet audacious: bring cutting-edge contemporary art to a mountain town with a rich cultural legacy but limited focus on the latest movements in fine art. What started as a passion project has evolved into something far greater—a cultural cornerstone that has fundamentally changed how Aspen engages with contemporary art and how the art world sees Aspen as a serious destination for today's most relevant artists.
"I was raised in Aspen," reflects Katie, founder of 212GALLERY. "Everything I've built—from luxury real estate to art spaces—has been about honoring the soul of this town." That deep connection to place, paired with an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, has defined every chapter of 212GALLERY's remarkable journey.
The Early Years: Building Something Different
When 212GALLERY opened its doors in 2005, Aspen was already a renowned cultural destination—home to world-class architecture, the Aspen Music Festival, and a deeply rooted appreciation for design and craftsmanship. Yet the contemporary art scene, especially in the realms of cutting-edge movements and street art, remained largely untapped.
212GALLERY set out to change that.
Bringing museum-caliber artists to a mountain town posed early challenges—educating new collectors, building trust with major artists and estates, and introducing bold visual language to a historically landscape-leaning art scene. But each show, each collaboration, and each partnership became a stepping stone toward something bigger.
The gallery's approach was methodical yet ambitious: present work that challenged expectations while respecting the sophistication of Aspen's cultural community. Early exhibitions began laying the groundwork for what would become the gallery's signature strength—the ability to bring internationally recognized contemporary artists to an intimate mountain setting.
From the beginning, Katie and her team understood that great art deserves great context. The gallery quickly became known not just for its carefully curated exhibitions but for its ability to create meaningful conversations between artists, collectors, and the broader Aspen community.
Milestone Moments That Defined a Legacy
Over two decades, 212GALLERY has orchestrated numerous exhibitions and projects that have left lasting marks on Aspen's cultural identity. But perhaps no single project captures the gallery's evolution quite like the three-year journey to bring Shepard Fairey's first mural to Aspen.
What began as conversations with the internationally acclaimed artist—whom 212GALLERY has represented since 2012—evolved into something far more ambitious than a traditional gallery exhibition. Deeply inspired by Shepard's global mural project, Katie and her team envisioned something unprecedented: pairing a museum-quality show in Aspen with a major public art component that would leave a permanent mark on Aspen's visual landscape.
Three years of planning, community building, logistical coordination, and the generous support of a few incredible local families and partners culminated in 2018 with Fairey's landmark exhibition and the unveiling of his first Aspen mural on East Durant. When that wall was transformed, it wasn't just street art—it was a declaration that Aspen could be a serious destination for contemporary culture.
"The parade-like procession to the unveiling," Fairey recalls, "ranged from kids on skateboards to senior citizens—it was an eclectic coalition in the best way."
That mural became more than public art; it became proof of concept for what was possible when bold vision met community support. The exhibition sold out, attracted national press, and helped solidify Aspen's place on the map for contemporary and street art alike. More importantly, it demonstrated 212GALLERY's unique ability to create cultural moments that resonate far beyond the art world.
Evolution Into Cultural Placemaking
As 212GALLERY matured, so did its understanding of its role in the community. What began as a traditional gallery space evolved into something more expansive: a cultural catalyst that extends far beyond four walls. The gallery's focus shifted to encompass private art advisory services, high-impact public art projects, and the intersection of art with design and lifestyle.
"We don't just sell art," Katie explains. "We help build beautiful lives—layered with art, steeped in design, grounded in intention."
This evolution led to groundbreaking partnerships that have redefined what an art gallery can be.
Elevated Partnerships: Art Meets Everything
The past few years have seen 212GALLERY forge partnerships that exemplify this expanded vision, culminating in this summer's unprecedented multi-venue presentation of Shepard Fairey's "One Earth" exhibition. "One Earth" features over 100 pieces of recent work, reflects unity, nature, harmony, and connectedness, and leans into culture, community, and the power of transformation.
The collaboration with Studio Como transforms the company's Aspen showroom into an immersive exhibition space, creating an entirely new context for experiencing contemporary art. Rather than traditional white walls, Fairey's latest works will be presented within Studio Como's refined, architectural space.
"We're not just showing art," Katie explains. "We're demonstrating how exceptional pieces can anchor and transform any space they inhabit."
The partnership with The Snow Lodge takes this concept even further, bringing Fairey's work into Aspen's dynamic nightlife scene. Beyond the traditional gallery opening, The Snow Lodge will host an exclusive evening where Fairey transforms from visual artist to DJ, performing alongside The ChickSmokers in a space surrounded by his own artwork. This intersection of visual art, music, and hospitality creates an entirely new model for artist engagement.
These partnerships don't just expand exhibition square footage—they fundamentally reimagine how art can be experienced, discussed, and integrated into the full spectrum of cultural life.
Summer 2025: The Celebration Begins!
This summer's programming represents the culmination of everything 212GALLERY has learned about creating cultural moments that resonate far beyond the art world. Shepard Fairey's return to Aspen isn't just a reunion—it's a statement about the gallery's continued commitment to bold, community-centered art.
The week of July 20-27 will feature:
July 20 | "One Earth" Exhibition Opens @ Studio Como Aspen
Experience Shepard Fairey's latest series in this elevated design setting at 520 E Hyman Ave #2B
July 21 | Artist Lecture at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, 5 PM
Intimate conversation with Shepard Fairey about art, nature, and transformation. Livestream @ https://www.andersonranch.org/.
July 22-25 | Live Mural Painting (Open to the Public)
Watch Shepard Fairey’s mural come to life in downtown Aspen and tag @212GALLERY
July 25 | Mural Unveiling, 5 PM
Celebrate Aspen’s newest cultural landmark at Local’s Corner, Aspen
July 25 | Studio Como Artist Reception w/ Shepard Fairey, 6 PM
Limited capacity; RSVP here.
July 26 | Shepard Fairey Exhibition at The Snow Lodge, 6-8 PM
Artist reception. Open to the public.
July 26 | Shepard Fairey VIP Afterparty at The Snow Lodge, 9 PM
Surprise DJ set featuring Shepard Fairey and The ChickSmokers. Limited capacity; RSVP here.
July 29-Aug 3 | Intersect Aspen Art + Design Fair
212GALLERY presents select works by Shepard Fairey and Norm Clasen at Aspen Ice Garden
The programming extends into August with 212GALLERY's exhibition at Intersect Aspen, featuring not only Fairey's work but also Norm Clasen's iconic cowboy photography—images that inspired Richard Prince's famous Cowboys series and represent another chapter in the American West's visual mythology.
Looking Forward: The Next Chapter
As 212GALLERY begins its third decade, the focus remains on what has always driven the gallery: the belief that great art can transform both spaces and communities. The partnerships with Studio Como and The Snow Lodge point toward a future where the boundaries between art, design, lifestyle, and experience continue to blur in exciting ways.
"It's our 20th anniversary, but more than a celebration of time—it's a celebration of culture, place, and what's still possible," Katie reflects.
For one small mountain town to host two Shepard Fairey murals is extraordinary. But for that same town to have nurtured a gallery that thinks beyond traditional boundaries, that sees art as community investment, and that continues to attract world-class artists to create lasting works—that's the real achievement worth celebrating.
The next twenty years promise to be even more ambitious. With a proven track record of cultural placemaking, strategic partnerships that enhance rather than compete with the gallery's mission, and a deep understanding of both global art trends and local community values, 212GALLERY is positioned to continue shaping not just Aspen's cultural landscape, but the broader conversation about how art functions in resort communities and beyond.
This summer's celebration is just the beginning.
212GALLERY is located in Aspen, Colorado. For exhibition schedules, private advisory services, or information about upcoming events, visit https://212gallery.com or follow @212gallery.
