A Beloved Annual Vail Village Art Event Celebrates Creativity Amid Fall’s Splendor

Mountain Living interviews the Artisan Rhapsody team about their annual event.

14 hours ago

Elizabeth Mehert-Ab,

Photo: Artisan Rhapsody Zach Mahone

Mountain Living had the great pleasure of attending Artisan Rhapsody’s 2025 event, showcasing an impressive array of artisans, fashion and culinary creations throughout Vail Village. Digital Editor, Elizabeth Mehert-Ab, sat down with the Artisan Rhapsody team for a few words about the annual celebration.

Photo: Artisan Rhapsody Zach Mahone

What inspired the creation of Artisan Rhapsody, and how did the idea evolve into an immersive celebration blending fashion, fine art and culinary innovation?

The belief that art is everything lies at the heart of Artisan Rhapsody. The vision was to create more than an event, but to craft a living gallery that celebrates artistry in all its forms: fine art, fashion, culinary excellence, wine and creative expression. All artisans are to demonstrate their craft and showcase what they are doing.

For producer Angela Mueller, this vision was personal. When she first moved to Vail, she had the privilege of working with artist and curator Randy Milhoan, on a reunion of the Summer in Vail Art Workshop. This historic program, which brought artisans from across the globe to the mountains in the 1970s, left a lasting impression. Witnessing the energy, collaboration and creativity that filled Vail during that time, Angela knew that one day she would build an event that blended artistry and community.

Over the years, that idea evolved into Artisan Rhapsody, an artisan market that unites fine art, fashion, and culinary innovation in one immersive celebration. The event invites guests not just to view art but to experience it. By bringing together local creators, international artisans, designers and chefs, Artisan Rhapsody reestablishes Vail as a destination for creativity and cultural discovery during the beauty of the fall season.

Photo: Artisan Rhapsody Zach Mahone

Why was Vail chosen as the backdrop for Artisan Rhapsody, and how does the town’s character and culture enhance the experience?

Vail was the choice for Artisan Rhapsody, a place where creativity, nature and community can work together. The idea, once again, traces back to Angelas time with the reunion of Summer in Vail Art Workshop of the 1970s, when artists from around the world came to the valley to teach, create and share their craft. Many of those artisans stayed, helping to shape Vail’s early identity.

Yet in a region often celebrated for its recreation and natural beauty, the artisan spirit that sometimes is forgotten. Artisan Rhapsody was created to bring that creativity forward, to honor the artisans, makers and dreamers. We are now seeing the artisan community gain a stronger presence in Vail, with more artists choosing to showcase and create here year-round. A key partner in this growth has been the Vail Valley Art Guild, which has done an incredible job promoting local art and artists. The Guild hosted most of our workshops and will continue to do so in their dedicated space in Avon, Colorado.