At A Glance
Season:
All
Months:
Year Round
Art in Public Places
Discover Vail’s artistic soul via galleries and globally recognized public art peppered around town via the Art in Public Places Program (AIPP). Everyone can admire all the artsy angles of blissful Vail and Lionshead villages through creative displays and programs.
• Vail’s Art in Public Places Program
• Vail Art Galleries
• Vail Art Studio
• Watch Video to Experience Vail’s Public Art
• Vail Art FAQs
Vail’s Art in Public Places Program
Strolling around any corner of Vail’s villages will land you among one of the more than 70 art pieces included in the Art in Public Places Program. From a bronze Albert Einstein relaxing on a bench to giant colorfully painted walls, the collection of quality art includes sculptures, paintings, murals and more.
Wednesday Art Walks
You can also immerse yourself in all things artistry during Vail’s guided Wednesday Summer Art Walks July through August. Peak into the stories of Vail through its site-specific art, including works ranging from birdhouse sculptures to a pirate-themed playground.
Want a glimpse before you go? Check out the Art in Vail interactive map.
Vail Winterfest
Each year, Vail Winterfest transforms the banks of the Gore Creek into a wonderland of spectacular ice carvings. Wander between these stunning creations during the day or wait until nightfall when the sculptures are illuminated for a different type of experience. The sculpture theme changes each year with past events everything from majestic owls in flight and icy thrones to towering, undulating waves.
Vail Murals
Since 2019, the Vail Art in Public Places program invites Colorado artists to create brightly colored murals, including creatives like Olive Moya and the collective duo Pedro Barrios and Jaime Molina. Moya presents her signature vibrant, geometrical palette in the large interior mural at the Vail Village Transportation Center. In Lionshead Village, you’ll find abstract faces of Barrios and Molina’s mural that represent healing within humankind. Find all the murals around Vail.
Vail Art Galleries
With numerous art galleries in Vail, there is ample opportunity to appreciate unique art ranging from handcrafted jewelry to custom maps and inspiring nature photography. Whether you have a full day or just an afternoon, stop by one (or all!) of them to support talented artists and show some love for Vail’s arts scene.
Vail Art Studio
As you meander among the sculptures, hidden gems, wildflowers and trails of Ford Park, you may spot a small gray building with a peaked roof, large windows and a buttery, wood-paneled entrance. This is the villages’ new Vail Art Studio — a workspace where visiting and local Vail artists can create and share their work with the community. Be on the lookout for special events, including Open Studio days when art fans can view the latest works created in the studio.
Watch to Experience Vail’s Public Art
Vail Art FAQs: Art in Public Places, Events & Programs
Is Vail’s public artwork available to see year-round?
Yes, you can take a self-guided tour of Vail’s public artwork in any season. Guided tours are only part of the summertime Wednesday Art Walks.
What is Vail’s Art in Public Places Program?
The Art in Public Places Program brings creativity to every corner of town. The cultural program aims to build a vibrant, high-quality art collection that locals and visitors can enjoy year-round — whether you’re strolling through the villages or attending art-themed festivities.
Which artists created Vail’s public art pieces?
Vail’s public art collection highlights a wide range of artists from Colorado and beyond. You’ll spot works like Yoram Wolberger’s baseball-themed statue, Preston Singletary’s bronze “Killer Whale Totem,” “Mr. Charles in the Sun” by Denver-based Olive Moya and a floral, interactive mural by Kelsey Montague. The best way to learn about even more of Vail’s creators and mural artists? Explore the artworks in person as you wander through town.
Does Vail host any art festivals, shows or special events?
Yes. In summer, the villages are proud to host events like Bravo! Vail Music Festival and Vail Dance Festival, and fall brings exciting activities like Artisan Rhapsody Vail. During the winter season, Vail Kris Kringle Market takes over the International Bridge area with food and craft stalls filled with unique crafts, and later the annual Vail Winterfest delights with incredible ice craftsmanship.
