What Is the Red Brick Plein Air Festival?
Plein air painting — the French tradition of painting en plein air, or "in the open air" — has a storied history in the American West, where sweeping mountain landscapes have long drawn artists outdoors to capture light, color, and movement in real time. The tradition came to Aspen through partnerships between the Telluride Sheridan Arts Foundation and the Wheeler Opera House before the Red Brick Center for the Arts took the reins, reshaping it to reflect its mission of supporting Colorado artists. The Red Brick moved the event from early July to mid-August to capture more attention during Aspen's midsummer arts calendar, and committed to making it an annual staple.
Community Connection
The festival is notably focused on Colorado artists — drawing painters from every corner of the Centennial State — with more than half of participants often coming from the Roaring Fork Valley itself. Local painters spend the week capturing historic landmarks, beautiful scenery, and the energy of summer, with completed works available for purchase at the Limelight Hotel. The festival raises funds directly for the Red Brick's education programs, meaning every purchase supports arts access for the broader Aspen community.
Signature moments throughout the week include the Artists Arrival, painting on the downtown pedestrian malls, excursions to Maroon Bells and Independence Pass, a Community Reception with a public vote for favorite artist and cash prizes, and the beloved Quick Draw competition on the Mill Street Mall — where artists race to complete an original work in just two hours, with paintings going on sale immediately after.
Plan Your Plein Air Festival Stay
Browse 200+ vacation rentals steps from the pedestrian mall, the Quick Draw, and the Limelight Hotel exhibition. Frias Properties has the perfect Aspen home base for your summer arts getaway.