Upcoming Meetings & Events

A Conversation with Jen Stark, a multimedia visionary artist

Jen Stark is celebrated for her mesmerizing explorations of color, pattern and form. Drawing inspiration from nature, science and sacred geometry, her work harnesses a range of materials to create intricate paintings, hypnotic sculptures and immersive digital installations. In 2025 she was a featured artist at the Sphere in Las Vegas and in December her animated work Drip Cascade was featured across the billboards of Times Square in New York City. 

Stark has partnered with local glass maker Ben Belgrad of the Minturn Maker Space to further explore materials. This evening Jen and Ben will discuss this partnership which has led to her second residency in flameworked glass.  

“I'm lucky to have met glass wizard and community cultivator, Ben Belgrad, who has been incredibly supportive of my work for years," Stark said. "He invited me out to Minturn this past summer to do a residency with an insanely talented group of artists. Together we created some exciting glass works out of Ben's flameworking studio, and I caught the bug, and am now fully obsessed with the medium. I previously only dabbled in glass, but after visiting Ben's space I dove headfirst into it and even set up a flameworking station at my own studio in Los Angeles. I'm excited to come back and continue my glass explorations here in Minturn, including creating marbles out of a stringer stack milli, and doing some skiing and snowboarding.” 

Situated in Ford Park the recently opened Vail Art Studio designed by Harry Teague Architects stands as a beacon for advancing and introducing various perspectives of visual art, both in terms of artists and mediums. The studio, surrounded by Vail’s inspiring natural environment, offers a year-round, ADA accessible haven for artists to flourish. In a strategic move to deepen community engagement, the Vail Art Studio programs are poised to collaborate with local non-profits and educational establishments, further embedding the visual arts within Vail's cultural fabric. 

For information about the Vail Art Studio and programs contact Molly Eppard, Art in Public Places Coordinator at meppard@vail.gov  or970-479-2344. 

When: 4- 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 Where: Vail Art Studio, Ford Park Details:  Doors open at 4 p.m. Conversation begins at 4:15 p.m. Space is limited to first-come basis. Recommended parking, Vail Village Parking Structure
	Photo by Ira Chernova

Yeti Ford Alpine Adventure

Local community transforms Ford Park into a Creative Winter Wonderland

Get ready for a whimsical takeover! Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places are thrilled to announce the launch of their newest interactive winter exhibit, "Yeti Ford Alpine Adventure," featuring a dazzling display of large yetis transformed into unique works of art created by local students.

This exhibit is a true celebration of community partnership, creativity, and the joy of winter, bringing together Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places, and students from Homestake Peak School, Red Sandstone Elementary, Vail Mountain School and Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy.

"Seeing the talent and imagination of our local students brought to life on these giant yetis is truly inspiring. It underscores our commitment to making the Gardens a place where nature and local art intersect—even the mythical kind," said Gabe Starr, Education Director at the Gardens.

The project would not have been possible without the Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places. They provided students with a unique canvas and artistic inspiration: seven-foot-tall, plywood blank yeti figures created by the Town of Vail’s Carpenter’s Shop. Over the past few weeks, young artists have been meticulously designing and painting their yetis, turning them into vibrant, one-of-a-kind masterpieces inspired by famous artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh, Keith Haring, Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse. The sponsoring partners also created artful yetis. Enjoy a Georgia O’Keeffe inspired yeti created by the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and a Piet Mondrian inspired yeti created by the Art in Public Places Board.

"Art in Public Places is dedicated to making art accessible and engaging for all. By facilitating a public stage for our local students’ work, we not only foster their artistic development but also strengthen the bond between our schools and the wider Vail Valley community," said Molly Eppard, Town of Vail Art in Public Places Coordinator. "Great appreciation is extended to the students and their amazing art teachers who truly made this event possible."

The newly painted yeti masterpieces are installed throughout Ford Park and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens ready to greet the public with their friendly and towering presence.

When: Dec. 18 through March 2026

Where: Ford Park - Lower Bench (expect snow packed paths and winter conditions).

Cost: Free and open to the public, daily from dawn until dusk.

The public is invited to visit the Gardens, complete a Yeti Scavenger Hunt - details available at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Education Center, and enjoy this unique winter experience.