Annual AAM gala of global fashion, signature luxury items and experiences benefits museum’s groundbreaking contemporary art programming.

On Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 4:30 p.m., the Aspen Art Museum proudly presents its annual holiday après-ski benefit Dennis Basso Freestyle at the St. Regis Aspen Resort. Freestyle is fashion as fine art—the après-ski fashion gala of the year and the winter party of the holiday season. Funds raised during the event support the Aspen Art Museum’s critically acclaimed contemporary art programming.

2010’s event is co-chaired by current AAM National Council members Isabella Dalenson, Gabriela Garza, and Nicola Marcus. Title sponsor Dennis Basso is joined by presenting sponsors Sotheby’s, Aspen Magazine, and the renowned jewelry house Pierre/Famille.

In addition to the main event, a Freestyle Eve‖ cocktail preview of main event live auction items will be hosted by Aspen’s Gallerie Maximillian from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Monday, December 27, at the gallery’s downtown Aspen location. The AAM and Aspen’s Sky Hotel are also hosting a collaborative exhibition of 4 highlight contemporary artworks from the Freestyle silent auction through December 27, all currently on view in the main lobby of the signature Kimpton property, located at the base of Aspen Mountain.

The Freestyle gala evening begins with champagne, cocktails, caviar, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and an elaborate array of silent auction items of fashion accessories, trip packages to exotic locales, signature luxury items and experiences, and a host of other unique opportunities donated for the cause.

For 2010, the live auction portion of Dennis Basso Freestyle will be presided over by Gabriela Palmieri, Vice President of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art. A few highlights include:

A Martin Katz bejeweled night at the 2010 Emmy Awards, complete with admission to the Governor’s Ball and a two-night sojourn at L.A.’s Casa del Mar Hotel; a two-ticket admission to Milan Fashion Week’s Prada, Versace, and Trussardi Spring/Summer runway shows; a selection of rare Pierre/Famille collection jewelry; a weekend at the 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremony with accommodations at Washington D.C.’s Four Seasons; four tickets to a culture-packed weekend in Dallas at Super Bowl XLV; a very special VIP trip to the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix; Untitled (Nurse) (2007)—an artwork by influential American artist Richard Prince; and, a one-of-a-kind Dennis Basso coat creation made especially for the AAM 2010 Freestyle event.

The evening’s grand finale belongs to title sponsor Basso—whose 2010/2011 Winter Collection, dual runway fashion show will give guests an up-close-and-personal look at his stunning and distinctive designs.

Reservations: Aspen Art Museum, 970.925.8050, or online at www.aspenartmuseum.org
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The Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting institution presenting the newest, most important evolutions in international contemporary art. Our innovative and timely exhibitions, education and public programs, immersive activities, and community happenings actively engage audiences in thought-provoking experiences of art, culture, and society.
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