HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20251112.Regular
Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
November 12th, 2025, | 3:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Advisory Board Members: Amy Mountjoy (Vice Chair), Ziska Childs, Nina Gabianelli, Bob
Ephlin, Sarah Pelch, Kate Northfield Lanich, and Bryan Weingarten.
Absent: Chip Fuller (Chair), Dr. Tom Kurt (Secretary), Lucy Berdiales (Administrative
Specialist).
Staff: Mike Harrington (Executive Director) and Alixandra Feeley (Business Manager).
Guests: Robert Sweibel (Interim Marketing Director) and DJ Watkins (Aspen Collective).
Meeting Recorder:
Auto-transcription generated via Teams and Microsoft Copilot AI; summarized by Lucy
Berdiales and Alixandra Feeley.
Call to Order & Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Vice Chair Amy Mountjoy called the meeting to order, with a motion seconded by Bob Ephlin
and affirmed by Nina Gabianelli. October 2025 minutes, circulated in advance, were
unanimously approved as edited.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Executive Director Report – Mr. Harrington
FY25 expenditures remain on track, and City Council raised no concerns regarding the FY26
budget request, which includes three new positions and sustained programming. Staff reported
progress on transitioning to a prepaid accounting model for presented events.
The board discussed the City’s proposed interfund borrowing for the Armory project. Borrowing
is not anticipated in 2025 and may occur in late 2026 or 2027, depending on project timing. As
previously reported, funds would be drawn from the older Arts & Culture account to preserve
flexibility in newer allocations. Mr. Harrington shared that in conversation with City Manager
Pete Strecker, the Wheeler Advisory Board’s suggestion was shared, and that City
management indicated the request for access to reservable space by arts organizations would
be considered. Mr. Harrington confirmed that Advisory Boad questions and comments on the
Armory Project has been communicated to the City Manager and Mayor Richards expressed an
unofficial 'Wheeler first' approach to the 120 fund, aiming to protect Wheeler's programming and
operations from adverse impacts due to the Armory project.
Staff shared results of a full-building appraisal by Historic Appraisal Services, placing the
Wheeler’s replacement value at approximately $38.5 million. Mr. Harrington is going back to the
appraisal firm with additional questions before accepting this as the final valuation. Exterior
lighting design revisions are underway following a second fixture demonstration, with updated
schematics emphasizing the Opera House façade. Stage floor resurfacing remains scheduled
for November.
Recent programming highlights included a contemporary Australian circus company drawing
over 350 attendees and the developmental residency of 11 to Midnight, scheduled to open Off-
Broadway in early 2026. Aspen Community Theater is preparing for Rumors, and November
programming features Iris DeMent, Garrison Keillor, Paula Poundstone, Dr. Kaboom, and AVSC
Movie Night. Targeted outreach to students, teachers, and nonprofit partners continues to
support attendance.
Holiday programming is performing strongly: the Wheeler Holiday Concert and Kate Hudson
events are sold out, John Mulaney has limited availability, and other December shows are
tracking positively.
Board Members expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Aspen Community Theater production
and acknowledged improvements in technical staffing and compensation.
Marketing & Communications Update – Robert Sweibel
Staff introduced Interim Marketing Director Robert Sweibel, who will support the Wheeler during
Ms. Levesque’s medical leave and provide strategic oversight of marketing operations. Mr.
Sweibel shared his background in national performing arts marketing and outlined the scope of
his interim role, which includes a comprehensive audit of current marketing practices, evaluation
of advertising and digital strategy, review of press and communications workflows, and
recommendations to strengthen audience development and revenue outcomes. He will be
onsite next week to meet with staff, assess departmental processes, and connect with local
media and community partners as part of his onboarding.
Aspen Collective Update – DJ Watkins
DJ Watkins updated the Board on the Aspen Collective's programming, including event
statistics, artist support initiatives, upcoming exhibitions, partnerships with local organizations,
and involvement in the Aspen Design Conference. Highlights included the gallery’s work this
past year hosting 21 shows and 30 events, featuring emerging and established artists and
expanding collaborations with local nonprofits. Attendance and engagement have grown
steadily, supported by increased press coverage and participation in seasonal art walks.
Mr. Watkins highlighted the successful revival of the Aspen Design Conference, which brought
international designers to Aspen. Overall, Mr. Watkins felt it was a successful inaugural event
and planning for ADC 2026 is already underway. Upcoming gallery exhibitions include work by
Molly Altman, Nicholas Ward, and Augie Flores, continuing the Aspen Collective’s focus on
contemporary and interactive, interdisciplinary art. The board expressed appreciation for the
vitality the Collective brings to the Wheeler and the broader arts community.
Adjournment
Vice Chair Amy Mountjoy called for adjournment. The motion was made by Mr. Bob Ephlin and
seconded by Nina Gabianelli. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned
at 3:53 p.m.
Future Meetings Schedule
• Dec. 10, 2025 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.
• Jan. 14, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.
• Feb. 11, 2026 | 3:00-5:00 p.m.