In celebration of Arta's 5 year anniversary, we will be spotlighting users who have been with us from the beginning.
Founded in 1979, Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting international contemporary art institution where programming is focused on first-time US solo and group exhibitions. Winner of the 2017 National Medal for Museum & Library Service, the Museum unveiled their new 33,000 square foot building in 2014. As one of the earliest Arta users (our first shipment together was for two Agnes Martin paintings traveling to San Francisco back in March 2015!), we spoke with the Museum’s COO Luis Yllanes.
1. What’s a fun fact that most people don’t know about the museum, or something people may be surprised to learn?
That we are free admission and all of our public programs are also free. (Rarely do you get anything for free in Aspen! )
2. Do you generally ship locally, regionally, or internationally? Has this changed at all in the past 5 years?
A little bit of all. But generally, regionally– with works coming from both coasts (LA & NY). It hasn’t changed considerably in the last 5 years, but we have seen an uptick in more international shipping.
3. What’s the most complex or memorable shipment you or the gallery has worked on with Arta?
We’ve been working with Arta now for the last 5 years on our benefit auction, ArtCrush, and that has turned out to be a great experience and a huge timesaver for our staff in not having to chase down and coordinate estimates. It’s been great, I enjoy that there is a single source to go to for shipping quotes.
4. What’s the most challenging part of your job? What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is handling new projects that have never been done before; it always requires a considerable lead time to develop a process and make sure it will work for our specific venue. Most rewarding is working with artists. It’s amazingly satisfying to be part of their creative process and see that they’re also very happy with the results.
5. What’s an exhibition you’ve seen recently that has inspired you?
Recently it’s been Arthur Jafa’s Love is the Message/The Message is Death. It wasn’t an exhibition, but rather a single channel video that is one of the most powerful works I’ve seen in recent memory.
