Aspen, CO - A (Hotel) Room of One’s Own is a site-specific selling exhibition at the historic Hotel Jerome curated by Wendy Cromwell, founder of Cromwell Art LLC, a bi-coastal advisory firm. This project is presented in partnership with 74tharts at the Aspen Art Fair from July 29 through August 2, 2025.
Inspired by Miranda July’s novel, All Fours, in which the protagonist transforms a motel room into a personal sanctuary, Cromwell incorporates functional design objects, paintings and sculpture into a room at the Hotel Jerome, creating a haven for its imaginary occupant. In her 1929 essay, A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf wrote that a woman must have an independent space and income in order to write. Woolf is another inspiration for this project, in addition to July’s novel.
- The scene is set for the private enjoyment of an independent, creative woman in mid life with a zest for color, texture and tactile objects. She appreciates fine art and good design, and reads literary fiction. Here, she can express her true self (and also order room service) -
Many of the participating artists have contributed something specific for this project. Al Freeman’s work on paper (see above) is based on the original cover art for Woolf’s 1929 essay. Freeman’s oversized soft pencil sculpture references the literary arts, while her soft boyfriend sculpture hints at the love interest in July’s All Fours. Kaminski’s folded Wrangler jeans sculpture further suggests a male presence. While Jim Mangan’s photographs document cowboys living off the grid in a private ranching community in the American West.
Rob Davis’ painting of a quilt, painted in a spectral light similar to that on the cover of July's novel, calls to mind the quilt purchased by the protagonist in All Fours that first sparks her desire to redecorate the room.
Meegan Barnes’ ceramic sculptures highlight local landmarks, such as Cloud 9 at Highlands, the facade of the Hotel Jerome, and the now-demolished Aspen Lift No. 1, lending the project a sense of place. Sachi Moskowitz’s blue and white ceramic vessels pay homage to notable women from history, including Woolf.
Hand-hewn wood furniture by Dan John Anderson, based in Yucca Valley, CA, contrasts with Ashley Hicks’ chandelier and mirror, evoking the natural beauty of rock formations. Max Lamb elevates humble polystyrene into craggy chairs, while Luam Melake’s rubber throne is a cozy spot to read or daydream, looking onto the terrace featuring Adam Miller’s Ultraman ceramic pots. Miller's mushroom and cactus plates complete the room service tablescape.
Ruby Neri, who will teach a workshop at Anderson Ranch in Aspen the same weekend as the Aspen Art Fair, contributes playful ceramic sculptures that celebrate female freedom. Corydon Cowansage’s Surrealist painting on paper obliquely references the female form, as does the work of the ceramicist duo, Skuja Braden. Jo Messer’s abstract painting invites closer looking, revealing figurative elements.
Karin Gulbran’s four-part ceramic and glass mirror subverts function, delighting in form. Nancy Pearce contributes bronze replicas of everyday objects that challenge use - both question the idea of feminine rituals. And Bernie Kaminski’s papier mâché soap dish is a nod to a mid-century motel, the setting of All Fours.
Katie Stout’s whimsical vessel nods to 18th century porcelain, in contrast to her geometric, Cubist side table. Jolie Ngo contributes a ceramic table lamp and standing mirror that incorporate 3D printing. Both artists push the boundaries of their chosen mediums.
Fiber arts and tactility are key to the project, featuring a wall-based textile by Julia Bland, hand-tufted rugs by Max Lamb, hand-sewn quilts by Meg Callahan, and hand-dyed cashmere scarves by I PEZZI DIPINTI.
We invite you to experience A (Hotel) Room of One’s Own at the Aspen Art Fair.
To receive a checklist of the works on view in A (Hotel) Room of One’s Own, please contact emily@cromwellart.com
Thank you to our participating galleries:
56 Henry, New York, NY
David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Derek Eller Gallery, New York, NY
Half Gallery, New York, NY
Kaufmann Repetto, New York, NY
Parker Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
R & Company, New York, NY
Salon 94 and Salon 94 Design, New York, NY
Sea View Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Turn Gallery, New York, NY