In February 2025, artist Andy Millner received the prestigious 2025 Buckhorn Public Arts / DanceAspen Set Design Award, a unique collaboration between the Aspen Art Fair, Buckhorn Public Arts, and DanceAspen. This award honors artists who exemplify the dynamic synergy between visual and performing arts, rooted in Aspen’s rich cultural legacy.
For DanceAspen’s production Ember Glow, Millner created a specially commissioned, large-scale backdrop measuring an impressive 17 feet by 27 feet. Inspired directly by the choreography and storytelling of Ember Glow, his striking set design debuted during President’s Weekend 2025 at Aspen’s historic Wheeler Opera House, serving as a captivating visual centerpiece that enhanced the emotional depth and theatrical experience of the performance.
This collaboration draws inspiration from the legendary 1950s partnership between artist Robert Rauschenberg and choreographer Merce Cunningham—an iconic model of innovative artistic fusion that remains integral to Aspen’s cultural identity. Millner’s work continues this tradition, blending his deep connection to nature with theatrical sensibility, incorporating imagery of Aspen’s native trees and vegetation to create a backdrop that resonates profoundly with the local landscape and community spirit.
The award and resulting production underscore Aspen’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration among its cultural organizations, celebrating the powerful dialogue between visual art and dance.