Friends of the Ranch

Friends of the Ranch Aug 5, 2026 3:30 PM-5:30 PM A 60th Anniversary Conversation: Past, Present & Future Join Anderson Ranch Arts Center for a special program celebrating six decades of artistic innovation, community, and impact. This engaging conversation will explore the Ranch’s evolution, from its founding years to its present-day vitality, and the vision shaping its future. The afternoon will feature a conversation with the Ranch’s past and present leadership- Brad Miller, James Baker, and Peter Waanders, moderated by multidisciplinary artist and founding supporter of Anderson Ranch, Betsy Chaffin. Together, they will reflect on how Anderson Ranch has continually evolved while remaining grounded in its core mission and values. Guests can expect an interactive and celebratory atmosphere, with time for audience reflections and shared stories. Following the program, continue the celebration with cocktails and conversation. For access to this private reception, please contact Claire Milgram, Development Operations Coordinator, at cmilgram@andersonranch.org or call 970-924-5064. Panel Brad Miller Brad Miller received his MFA from University of Oregon. His work, which revolves around reconfiguring nature’s patterning and structural systems in new and unusual ways, is in the collections of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; The Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the National Museum of American Art, Washington, DC. Brad lives and works in Venice, CA. Learn More Peter Waanders President and Chief Executive Officer Peter embraces art-making as a neophyte – exploring various mediums for the simple pleasure of learning and making. He brought his business management and leadership experience to Anderson Ranch after serving as the Director of Society of Fellows at the Aspen Institute. Peter is active in the Roaring Fork Valley, having served as president of the Aspen Young Professional Association, President of the Rotary Club of Aspen, and on the board of The Buddy Program. He is currently the Vice-Chair of the Aspen Public Education Fund. He is married with two children. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him Learn More Betsy Chaffin The Center: Advanced Mentorship Program Participant (2021 - 2024) For Betsy Chaffin art has been a long-standing passion. It was not the classroom of an MFA program that formed the philosophy and basis of her work; but the good fortune of participating in workshops at Anderson Ranch conducted by some of the country’s leading artists and art educators including Roy Dowell, John Gill, Jane Hammond, Holly Hughes, Roberto Juarez, and James Surls. These intense workshops provided an opportunity to spend quality time with the instructing artist. Chaffin is now in her first year of participating in The Center for Advanced Mentored Studies at Anderson Ranch, a three-year program with master faculty artists, Holly Hughes and Shahzia Sikander. “ This is a remarkable opportunity to engage in a critical dialogue to push my own studio practice. Shazia and Holly have already provided an amazing context of critical thinking and positive energy.” She works in a variety of forms including painting, collage, ceramics and photography. Her work is included in private collections throughout the United States. She lives and has studios in Spring Island, South Carolina and Basalt, Colorado. Betsy has twice been invited to be a Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome and she was selected to participate in the Residency Program at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center Learn More