Its no secret that celebrities love Aspen. Now stars like Mariah Carey, Jack Nicholson and Angelica Huston are painting Labrador Retriever statues in support of their favorite mountain getaway.
The aptly named one-of-a-kind public art event, Best in Show, unleashes the celebrity creations at an invite-only party on June 14. After that, the dog statues which also include ones by Salma Hayek, Joaquin Phoenix, Pierce Brosnan, Kevin Costner and Goldie Hawn will be on display at locations around dog-friendly Aspen until August 1, when they will be auctioned off at a benefit for organizer Aspen Filmfests youth education programs.
Huston took clues from the Aspen scenery and famous citizenry when painting her Lab. My inspiration was a sharp, sparkling morning at the top of the mountain, when everything is white, blue and gold, she says. The gonzo medal around the dogs neck is to honor the great and legendary Hunter S. Thompson, who was an integral part of the landscape for me.
Can't make it to Aspen this summer? Fans will still get the chance to bid on select statues during an online auction by Charity Folks Sept. 4 20.
Posted: April 21, 2006, 5 a.m. EST