Geronimo: A Visual Comparison of Edward Curtis and Andy Warhol’s Representation of the Figure

With a legacy half rooted in myth, it is of no surprise that the Chiricahua Apache leader Geronimo caught the eyes of both Edward Curtis and Andy Warhol, two esteemed artists in their own right. Geronimo was born near the Gila River headwaters in New Mexico and became a warrior after his mother, wife, and … More

Press Release- VFA Presents Andrew Bolam, Cutting-edge American Wildlife Painter

VFA Presents Andrew Bolam, Cutting-edge American Wildlife Painter Artist’s Reception to be held at the gallery on August 21 from 5 to 9 pm Andrew Bolam is a contemporary wildlife painter whose star has risen exponentially in recent years. Far from an overnight sensation, Bolam’s artistic portfolio reveals that since the ’90s he has produced … More

Peace Medals

If you’re familiar with Edward Curtis’ project, “The North American Indian”, you may have seen vintage photographs of Native Americans wearing medals and adornments around their neck. Have you ever wondered about the significance of such metals? There is still some controversy over the use and impact of ‘peace metals’ in furthering diplomatic relationships between … More

Ceremonial Dances of Native American Tribes

Atsina This tribe conducted five ceremonies that were of distinct religious character. A very influential portion of them were intended to amuse as well, and they differed greatly by theme, but were very similar in their initiation and delegation. These ceremonies were executed by a member of one of the companies. “While all men whose … More

NOTES FROM “THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN”

NOTES FROM “THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN” BY EDAWRD S. CURTIS VOLUME VI – NOTES ON INDIAN MUSIC “In the course of transcribing Indian melodies from phonographic cylinders for Volumes VI, VII, and VIII, one of the first things to impress me was the impossibility of representing these melodies accurately by means of our normal musical … More

Valley Fine Art Hosts Reception to Benefit the Curtis Legacy Foundation

Valley Fine Art Hosts Reception to Benefit the Curtis Legacy Foundation Opening reception February 14 & 15 from 5 to 9pm at the gallery Aspen is home to the most thorough collection of Edward S. Curtis photographs in the West. This unique and rare collection is a draw for collectors and historians alike. Mark your … More

Atticus the Moose 

Offered for Sale at VFA When an artist loves his craft, and creates for the joy of it, their relaxation and happiness radiates from their work. Painter Andrew Bolam would be the first to tell you that he paints for himself. “I’m excited that I’ve given myself the luxury of growing organically and doing whatever … More

Featuring Valley Fine Art’s Collection of Old Pawn Jewelry

At Valley Fine Art, our selection of Old Pawn Jewelry is the best in Aspen. We feature pieces from several tribes, including Navajo and Zuni. We offer rings, earrings, pins, bracelets, bolo ties, and Ketohs. We have a few Colorado bear claw necklaces with silver and turquoise. Our multi-strand turquoise necklaces with old-style squaw wrap … More

SHINING MOUNTAINS FILM FESTIVAL

SHINING MOUNTAINS FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR THE UPCOMING FESTIVAL Aspen, CO (October 4, 2019): The Wheeler Opera House, Aspen Film, and Aspen Ute Foundation are pleased to announce community events for the upcoming documentary film festival, Shining Mountains Film Festival, on October 12-14, 2019. Tickets for Shining Mountains Film Festival start at … More

Edward Curtis Goldtone

PRESS RELEASE- Edward S. Curtis Original Goldtone Photographs

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE This summer Valley Fine Art is presenting an exceptional collection of original goldtone photographs by master photographer and ethnographer of the North American Indian, Edward S. Curtis. The sixteen-piece collection is comprised of Curtis’ most iconic imagery—An Oasis In The Badlands, The Vanishing Race, A Son Of The Desert … More

Apache Medicine Man

Medicine Men in Native Societies

Though it differs throughout tribes, there are many similarities in Native American Medicine. The primary function of most medicine men is to secure the help of the spirits. Sometimes this help may be sought to heal illness, psyche, or to promote harmony between people or nature. Medicine men are not necessarily doctors or herbalists in … More

Custer's Battlefield Map

The Battle of Little Bighorn and Edward S. Curtis

The epic battle of Little Bighorn took place in 1876 and remains shrouded in controversy to this day. Warriors of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes clashed with men of the 7th Regiment of the US Cavalry led by the famous and well-loved General Custer. The battle was a bloody display of the … More

Warhol Bighorn Ram

Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species Portfolio: The Bighorn Ram

The Endangered Species portfolio was commissioned by Ronald and Frayda Feldman, longtime political and environmental activists. Warhol had always had an interest in animals and after a conversation with the couple about pressing ecological issues the idea arose to create this series. Using brilliant almost psychedelic colors and poignant expressions (suggestive of the animals fates) … More

Edward Curtis Volume VI

A Look inside of Edward S. Curtis’ Volume VI

With the support of President Roosevelt and the financial backing of J.P Morgan, Edward Curtis was able to produce a photo-ethnographic study that was (and still is to this day) widely regarded as the finest set of limited- edition books ever made in America. The North American Indian consists of twenty volumes and twenty portfolio sets. … More

Wisham Fisherman

What is a Goldtone?

Known as one of Edward Curtis’ favorite medium, he describes the medium beautifully: “The ordinary photographic print, however good, lacks depth and transparency, or more strictly speaking, translucency. We all know how beautiful are the stones and pebbles in the limpid brook of the forest where the water absorbs the blue of the sky and … More

Aspen Art Gallery Artist Woodrow Blagg

With utmost care and attention to every detail, Woodrow Blagg creates each of his drawings using only graphite and paper. Demonstrating a mastery of his medium, his photorealistic pieces depict dramatic scenes of life in the West. Growing up in Texas, Blagg developed a deep appreciation for the ongoing rituals of ranch life and cowboy … More

El Contrafuerte con la Luz Amarillo Verdoso Claro

Harold Joe Waldrum (1934–2003)

The painter Harold Joe Waldrum was born in Texas and came to New Mexico with an already-keen eye for the southwestern landscape. The color, texture, and character he found in Taos, however, exceeded his wildest imagination and the region became his lifelong muse. Waldrum’s journey to becoming a well-respected and established artist was fueled by … More