Aspen Real Life

08/29/2026

Just found this article naming me runner-up Socialite of the Year. And now, apparently, I’m up for nomination again in 2026.

I have to admit, when I saw my name on the list again, I cringed a little. Over the years, society has given me all sorts of labels: socialite, influencer… None of them have ever felt quite right.

I wish someone would finally get it right: I’m a connector.

I bring people together. I shine a light on interesting people doing interesting things. I support the businesses, artists, creatives and organizations that make our community what it is.

But I’ve also learned not to fight the labels too hard. If being called a “socialite” or an “influencer” gives me a bigger platform, I’ll take it—and use whatever influence I have for the greater good.

So… Socialite of the Year 2026? 😂 I guess we’ll see.
….

In mountain towns, social life often looks like a mosaic — art openings on a Tuesday, a school fundraiser on Thursday, and a dance floor that materializes after a downtown...

08/28/2026

For my second documentary class at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, we were given an assignment: choose a faculty member and follow one of their students who we felt had an interesting story to tell. What neither my nephew Devon nor I knew when we signed up was that we would not only be at Anderson Ranch at the same time, but taking classes in the very same building. Who do you think I chose for my subject?!

Devon has always had an inquisitive mind and a natural talent for whatever he sets his mind to. I especially admire his decision, while still young, to walk away from the corporate world and listen to the inner voice telling him to focus on his art. It was a brave decision, but in many ways, one he could no longer ignore. The cost of pushing aside his creative instincts was beginning to take a toll on him, both physically and mentally. He needed to create.

I’ve spent years documenting my own three boys and proudly sharing their creativity through my platforms, so being given the chance to turn my lens toward my nephew felt like a little gift from the universe.

What I discovered while following him went far beyond his artistic talent. I got to witness his intelligence at work, watching him absorb complex concepts, and then translate those ideas through his hands and into his art.

What followed was a crash course in editing on Adobe Premiere and honing in on the organization and structure of my work.

Thank you Anderson Ranch Arts Center and the teachers, Julie Winokur, Yana Payusova, but mostly, thank you Devon Cardamone for allowing your Aunt Jilly to pester you while you were in creation mode!!

Read the blog post in the bio link and visit devonsart.gallery to see his art!

08/07/2026

I’m wrapping up two incredible documentary photography and filmmaking classes at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and what an inspiring couple of weeks it’s been.

As Billy Madsen likes to say, “It’s all happening up in Snowmass,”and I think he might be right. Between the creative energy at Anderson Ranch, the local dive bars with phenomenal live music, and evenings spent soaking up the mountain vibe, it’s been the perfect reminder that inspiration often comes when you simply immerse yourself in a place.

Last night was the icing on the cake watching Black Fire Pistol absolutely light up F***y Hill. Their energy was contagious, and the crowd was all in from the first note.

One of the highlights of the evening was meeting Kevin McKeown backstage after the show. What an incredibly gracious, humble, and genuinely cool person, not to mention an extraordinary performer. He mentioned he’s a runner, which instantly explained the athleticism and seemingly endless energy he brings to the stage (and into the crowd!).

Feeling incredibly grateful for the inspiration, the people I’ve met, and the reminder that creativity has a way of reigniting itself when you make time for it. ❤️

PS - Rock Island Oyster Bar, I want to throw a party with you!
BlackFirePistol

08/05/2026

Today! COMMUNITY WORKSHOP EXPLORING A MORE DURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ASPEN!

Join Carl Wright, researcher and graduate student at the University of Geneva Wednesday, August 5th from
5:30 - 7:30 PM, at: CMC Campus in Aspen.

During the workshop participants will work together to form ideas of better versions of Aspen decades in the future to discover ways we can build a better community and life.

For more information contact Carl at (970) 456-7253 or e-mail
[email protected]

08/05/2026

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP EXPLORING A MORE DURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ASPEN!

Join Carl Wright, researcher and graduate student at the University of Geneva Wednesday, August 5th from
5:30 - 7:30 PM, at: CMC Campus in Aspen.

During the workshop participants will work together to form ideas of better versions of Aspen decades in the future to discover ways we can build a better community and life.
For more information contact Carl at (970) 456-7253 or e-mail
[email protected]

07/31/2026

07/29/2026

I was elated when Axel told me he had received a scholarship to the Marble Institute of Colorado Symposium.

“Go past the Raspberry Inn and take a right,” Axel directed me after requesting that I make it over there for the final night celebration of his session at the Marble Marble Stone Carving Symposium, which has gained national and international recognition since its founding in 1989.

READ MORE (link in bio)

The images displayed here are works from Axel’s professors - as noted in the blogpost.

07/28/2026

NEW BLOG POST: MARBLE/marble Symposium

Hidden past the Raspberry Inn in Marble, Colorado, one of the most extraordinary art schools in the country has been quietly operating for 35 years. When my son Axel received a scholarship to the MARBLE/marble stone carving symposium, I went to pick him up and stayed for one of the most memorable afternoons of my summer.