Artisan Rhapsody/Courtesy photo
The grandeur of the Rocky Mountains during autumn is a sight to behold. The bright aspen leaves and rustic hues steal the show and command your attention. To celebrate this magical season, Vail’s newest event, Artisan Rhapsody, will bring people together in interactive ways that showcase fashion, fine art and culinary innovation Sept. 25 through 28.
“Artisan Rhapsody unites the finest in fashion, art and culinary excellence,” said Angela Mueller, executive director of Artisan Rhapsody and REN Events. “With the autumn colors peaking, the event will be set against Vail’s breathtaking backdrop, and we welcome visitors to enjoy an immersive journey into craftsmanship, creativity and culture, inspiring and celebrating the artisans shaping today’s luxury landscape.”
Mueller also produces the Vail Farmer’s Market & Art Show and Farm to Table dinner series, Kris Kringle Market and Taste of Vail.
Thursday night kicks off with Artisan Rhapsody Opening Night under the Nordic Lights from 3-6 p.m. Come view curated displays of fine art, fashion and design while live music by Mesa Junction sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. A Swedish-style event tent will be set up outside of Manor Vail Lodge, where you’ll be served beautifully crafted appetizers by The Fitz at Manor Vail along with specialty cocktails and enjoy wine and a bubbly toast by Provocativo. The fashion portion of the evening will be on full display with models roaming the tent with styles from area boutiques. This is a ticketed event and the cost is $120 per person. Dress to impress with a cozy and decorative scarf, a trendy jacket or trench coat and fashion-forward boots to suit the mood.
The Artist Rhapsody Festival takes place during the daytime on the streets of Vail throughout the entire weekend. Artisans will demonstrate their craft in real time so you can see them painting, sculpting and designing with whatever medium they choose. Watch, learn and connect with the artists in this unique display of creativity. In addition to the artisans working, there will be live music, culinary tastings and pop-up trunk shows at various boutiques. This event is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
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The list of local, regional, national and international artists who will be a part of this event is impressive. At the Master Artisan Series, travel to Germany and learn about the talents of Miriam Vlaming. Using egg tempera in layered techniques, Vlaming creates paintings involving landscapes and human figures. Her art is featured locally at Larissa Wild Fine Art, but chat with this internationally renowned painter via a Zoom interview from her studio in Berlin. Explore Vlaming’s works and hear from the artist from 1-2 p.m. at One Willow Bridge Road. Tickets are $20.
Artisan Rhapsody aims to be an immersive experience and there’s no better way to engage yourself then to go all in during one of the hands-on workshops offered throughout the weekend. Local artist Jami Nix Rahn will help you explore the expressive possibilities of oil paint and cold wax as your mediums. Here, participants will learn through guided demonstrations and personalized instruction. The result will combine oil paint with wax, which can evoke depth, light and emotion into the artwork. Attendees will leave with a finished piece and some new insights and techniques. This event is on Saturday at One Willow Bridge Road from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tickets at $70.
Want to create art with a device you use every day? Learn how to tell stories with your own videos or experiment with light to create impressive photos, all on your iPhone. On Saturday, join Mobile High Five: Access Media & Mobile Video to learn how to capture, edit and share high-quality video content. The class is $48 and runs from noon to 2 pm.
On Sunday, learn how to photograph objects on the light table, explore framing and perspective and leave with a collection of unique images captured on your phone. This class is $30 and runs from noon to 1 p.m. Whether you are an entrepreneur trying to showcase your wares or want to have a polished video without expensive equipment, these classes are fun to try.
Culinary, wine, spirits and art have been prominent throughout Vail’s year-round events, but fashion is taking center stage at Artisan Rhapsody. You’ll find the latest styles but also some creative fashions made out of up-cycled materials. Ramsey Cotter of J. Cotter Gallery on Bridge Street is excited not only about the art, but also about fashion’s role in this event.
“I believe the town is hungry for a connection between wine, food, art and fashion. Even in our casual wear, we all want to be playful and expressive. Art is vital for a lively community and Angela’s platform encourages community participation, which is a wonderful gift,” Cotter said.
Cotter has been inspired to finally share more of her own fashionable pieces. She has been transforming vintage cowboy boots into wearable stories since 2010. What began as a fascination with found materials has evolved into custom creations rooted in craftsmanship and narrative.
“The magic happens when a discarded material speaks to me—long before I know how to use it. I collect, wait and let its counterpart appear,” Cotter said. “The result is one-of-a-kind, adorned boots that resonate with authenticity and empower their wearers.”
Hilary Magner of Squash Blossom in Vail Village is excited about the fashion side, too.
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity for Vail to showcase designers and create fun events that we don’t usually have here,” Magner said. “For example, we are doing a sake tasting with Vail Fine Wines and showcasing a Brazilian designer, Silvia Furmanovich, on Friday, and then on Saturday we’re featuring a local jewelry artist, Paulina Dean, in our store, and I will also be doing a private shopping and styling experience along with live music by Dave Tucker.”
On Sunday, Magner said they will be celebrating vintage jewelry with a mimosa bar and patch bar. Get some new patches for any rips or holes in your favorite duds or buy a vintage jean jacket or bandana and select from the vintage patches Squash Blossom will have to choose from.
Other innovative events throughout the weekend include country music line dancing and instruction on Saturday at the Children’s Fountain outside of Axel’s, followed by a tequila tasting while perusing Axel’s incredible fashions of the West and beyond. Also on Saturday, learn one of the hottest games that everyone is talking about: mahjong. This is perfect for total beginners and players looking to refresh their skills. Learn the rules, core strategies and the flow of play with personalized guidance from Vail Mah Jongg. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beverage while you play. This is free to attend but donations to Vail Health Foundation’s Shaw at Home palliative care program are encouraged.
To learn more about the artists, culinary offerings, wine, spirits, art, fashion, to buy tickets and more, go to ArtisanRhapsody.com.