The Heart Behind Intersect Aspen Art & Design: A Conversation with Tim von Gal
There's something refreshing about talking to someone who leads with authenticity—and Tim von Gal, the force behind Intersect Aspen Art & Design Fair, is exactly that kind of person. When he calls himself "the luckiest person you've ever met," you believe him. Not because of false modesty, but because his genuine passion for what he does radiates through every sentence.
From Corporate Acquisitions to Labor of Love
Tim's journey into the art fair world wasn't exactly conventional. He and his brother Dirk originally owned Urban Expositions, which was acquired by UK-based Clarion Events in 2012. At the time, they were producing 35 events annually, including five art fairs—one of them being Intersect Aspen.
But here's where the story gets interesting: after the acquisition, it became clear that Clarion wasn't as invested in the art portfolio. So Tim and Dirk did something bold—they bought the art fairs back. The timing? Right before COVID-19 hit.
"I don't think anybody wants to ask me about my Super Bowl picks," Tim jokes. But they weathered the storm, and last year, they had their best fair yet.
What Makes Intersect Different
If you're expecting another Art Basel Miami or Frieze London clone, think again. Intersect occupies its own unique space in the art fair ecosystem, and that's entirely intentional.
"The world does not need another art fair," Tim says candidly. "What it needs is the art fair that fills a void."
In Aspen, that void is perfectly filled. With 39 gallery spaces representing 37 galleries, plus cultural partners and art installations, Intersect Aspen offers something increasingly rare: direct connection between collectors and artists. This year's fair features more artists on-site than ever before—roughly two dozen in person, with a couple hundred represented overall.
The Aspen Advantage
What makes Aspen special? According to Tim, it's the collector base—sophisticated, knowledgeable, and deeply appreciative. Unlike other markets that fluctuate with economic uncertainty, Aspen collectors understand intrinsic value. They acquire pieces they love, knowing those works will resonate forever.
The diversity of work reflects this understanding. You'll find an Edward Curtis photograph that can move you to tears hanging near a Chagall, while emerging artists share space with established names like Michael Stipe, Pierce Brosnan, and Shepard Fairey—whose mural earned him an official "Shepard Fairey Day" in Aspen on July 25th.
The Danger of Beauty
When pressed to choose a favorite piece from the fair, Tim laughs. "This is one of the greatest dangers of being an art fair organizer—you're exposed to way too much beautiful work."
He mentions Shepard Fairey's pieces, Pierce Brosnan's work, J. Ruel Martin’s incredible woodturning, and then pauses at Sig Harvey's photograph on the tennis court: "It sparks my heart every time I see it." There's also Topher Straus' work, Cristina Mittermeier’s award-winning pieces, Anthony James, and so many others.
"I love my two children equally," he says, "but this is like picking a favorite child."
Working with Family
Perhaps the most touching part of Tim's story is working alongside his brother Dirk, the company's president. "One of the best human beings I've ever been around," Tim says simply. "Being able to work with him on a daily basis has been just so phenomenal."
It's this combination—family partnership, genuine love for the work, and deep respect for artists and collectors alike—that makes Intersect feel different. As Tim puts it, "Nobody goes into the art fair business thinking it's a retirement plan. If you don't go into it with a genuine labor of love concept, you really should be looking for other work."
Looking Forward
While Tim remains focused on bringing international gallerists and artists to the United States rather than competing with established European fairs, there are hints of expansion. SOFA (Sculpture Objects Functional Art) is potentially returning to Chicago in 2027, and there may be announcements about a major urban environment fair coming in 2027.
But for now, Intersect continues to do what it does best: creating spaces where beauty, joy, and meaningful connections happen naturally. And with Tim von Gal at the helm—admittedly one of the good guys—that's exactly what you get.
