Membership
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We invite you to join Aspen Words, Colorado’s oldest literary center and a program of the Aspen Institute. By becoming an Aspen Words member at any level, you join a community built around a shared love of reading, writing and storytelling. Your annual tax-deductible membership helps sustain programs for writers and readers of all ages. Through well over thirty annual events taking place virtually and in-person, we serve several thousand literary enthusiasts. The majority of our youth programming is offered free-of-charge, and we provide scholarships and fellowships for emerging writers to participate in workshops and other programs. Your membership support makes all of this possible!
How Your Support Helps
Your membership dues provide vital funds for our seven year-round programs that annually serve several thousand literary enthusiasts. Members of Aspen Words enjoy direct access to the brightest lights in the literary world.
National Council
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National Council members make up our most engaged community of supporters nationwide. Membership dues provide vital funds for our seven year-round programs that annually serve several thousand literary enthusiasts. Through an annual donation of $2,500 or more, National Council members have a direct impact on all of our programs. Members receive unparalleled access to the greatest contemporary writers of our time, including passes and best-of-house reserved seating to Winter Words and Summer Words, along with invitations to private dinners with our award-winning and bestselling authors.
Join the National Council and feel the immediate impact of your giving.
National Council Benefits Include:
- Two complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
- Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
- Opportunity to attend dinners with authors in private Aspen homes.$2,500 = 1 Dinner; $5,000+ = 2 Dinners; $10,000+ = Advance opportunity to select dinners
- Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
- Invitation to a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
- NEW! Invitation to a private cocktail party at the Aspen Literary Festival in September, featuring 40 different authors. Two tickets and reserved seating at 3 keynote events.
- Two complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
- 20% discount on books purchased at Explore Booksellers
- Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
Join the National Council and feel the immediate impact of your giving.
Membership Levels & Benefits
Wordsmith – $100
- Discounts on select AW events, including 25% discount to all Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
Aspen Writers’ Network (AWN), $150
AWN is designed to provide mutual support and networking opportunities for writers and aspiring writers in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. If you have a serious commitment to writing, the Aspen Writers Network is the group for you! JOIN AWN HERE.
- Access to monthly, informal, AWN-exclusive meetings (typically on the third Thursday of the month at Bonfire Coffee in Carbondale). Includes complimentary beer, wine, snacks and other refreshments.
- Access to quarterly AWN-exclusive events with a specific program and guest speaker. Examples of past events include informational meetings on how to market yourself as a writer, a pitch practice session and events featuring literary agents and editors discussing the publishing industry.
- Access to the AWN Facebook group, which serves as a resource for writers as well as a place for writing groups and informal gatherings to form organically.
- Highly discounted rate for a one-day writing workshop hosted by Aspen Words annually.
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- 25% discount to Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
- Free admission to all Writer in Residence and Community Read events.
- Private consultations with literary agents and editors at the Summer Words conference in June.
Scribe – $250
- Discounts on select AW events, including 25% discount to Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
- One ticket to a Summer Words or Winter Words public event of your choosing (as long as tickets are not sold out) (email aspenwords@aspeninstitute.org for your ticket).
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
Bard – $500
- Discounts on select AW events, including 25% discount to Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
- Two tickets to a Summer Words or Winter Words public event of your choosing (as long as tickets are not sold out) (email aspenwords@aspeninstitute.org for your tickets).
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
Literati – $1,000
- Discounts on select AW events, including 25% discount to Winter Words virtual and in-person passes.
- Two tickets to a Summer Words public event AND a Winter Words public event of your choosing (as long as tickets are not sold out) (email aspenwords@aspeninstitute.org for your tickets).
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
Publisher – $2,500+
- Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
- Two complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
- Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
- Opportunity to attend one private dinner with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
- Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
- Two complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
- Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
- Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
Laureate – $5,000
- Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
- Two complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
- Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
- Opportunity to attend up to two private dinners with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
- Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
- Two complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
- Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
- Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
Silver Quill – $10,000
- Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
- Two complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Aspen, CO.
- Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
- Opportunity to attend up to three private dinners with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
- Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
- Two complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
- Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
- Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
- Gifts at this level and above can be specified.
Golden Quill – $25,000+
- Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
- Four complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
- Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
- Opportunity to attend up to four private dinners with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
- Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
- Four complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
- Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
- Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
- Recognition in select AW marketing materials.
- Gifts at this level and above can be specified.
Platinum Quill – $100,000+
- Membership in Aspen Words National Council, our most engaged community of supporters nationwide.
- Four complimentary passes to Winter Words, a series of author talks taking place virtually and in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado.
- Winter Words book bundle shipped to you from Explore Booksellers.
- Opportunity to attend up to four private dinners with a Winter Words author or Writer in Residence annually.
- Invitations to National Council-exclusive events, including a private dinner preceding the Aspen Words Literary Prize in New York City.
- Four complimentary passes to the Summer Words public panels featuring authors and publishing experts.
- 20% discount on Winter Words and Summer Words titles by purchasing books at Explore Booksellers or Bookbinders Basalt in advance of the events.
- Complimentary access to all Writer in Residence & Community Read events.
- Advance registration for Book Ball, the annual gala in Aspen, CO.
- Premier reserved seating at all events held in Paepcke Auditorium.
- Invitations to select Aspen Institute Society of Fellows events.
- Recognition in AW marketing materials.
- Recognition in press materials when gift is specified for a particular event or program.
- Gifts at this level and above can be specified.
More Information
Please contact Caroline Tory at 970-925-3122 ext. 3 with questions about sponsorship and underwriting, membership levels and benefits, and for information about a gift of stock, a scholarship grant or planned giving.
Our Members
Member list last updated 3/8/2024
Platinum Quill – $50,000+
| Anonymous |
| Sallie and Thomas Bernard |
| Isa Catto and Daniel Shaw | Catto Shaw Foundation |
| Lauren Johnson and Marissa Mandel |
| Linda Vaughn |
Golden Quill – $25,000+
| Brent Johnson |
| City of Aspen |
| Arnold & Anne Porath | in memory of Denny Vaughn |
Silver Quill – $10,000+
| Claudia and Richard Balderston |
| Erin and Douglas Becker |
| Jody and Jeff Black |
| Suzanne Bober and Stephen Kahn |
| Mr. Michael and Lisa Cader |
| Soledad and Robert J. Hurst |
| Rebecca Henry and Harry Gruner |
| Melony and Adam J. Lewis |
| Beth and Josh Mondry |
| Nicole and Allan Mutchnik |
| Helen and Wally Obermeyer |
| Lynne and Peter Rigby |
| Serena Koenig and Mark Tompkins |
Laureate – $5,000+
| Alpine Bank |
| Basalt Education Foundation |
| Edie Barvin |
| Ella and Scott Brittingham |
| Lauren K. and John P. Driscoll |
| Les Dames d’Aspen |
| Jody Guralnick and Michael Lipkin |
| Sharon and Lawrence D. Hite |
| Diane Goldberg Hunckler and William J. Hunckler III |
| Marcella Larsen |
| Dave Oberman |
| Mary and Patrick Scanlan Advised Fund at Aspen Community Foundation |
| Marcella Larsen | |
| Dave Oberman | |
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Mary and Patrick Scanlan Advised Fund at Aspen Community Foundation |
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| Jeannie and John Seybold | |
| William and Ginny Weathers | |
| David Jones and Mary Gwen Wheeler | |
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Publisher – $2,500+
| Meredith Bell |
| Timothy Brown |
| Andrea and Christopher D. Bryan |
| Ms. Margo Calvetti |
| Alpenglow Foundation & John Hobby Catto Family |
| Kelly Doherty and Michael Woodrow |
| Torrey Dill |
| Mr. Barry Dubin |
| Alice and David Elgart |
| Debra and Jonathan Fitch |
| Mimi Gitlin |
| Meredith Bell |
| Sue and R. R. Hopkinson |
| Carol S. Marks |
| Laurie Michaels |
| Alexandra Shaforost Newberger and David Newberger |
| Ann O’Brien Household |
| Susan O’Bryan |
| Cathy O’Connell and Fred Venrick |
| Michael Onufrak |
| Esther Pearlstone |
| Hensley and James Peterson |
| Lisanne and Jim Rogers |
| Penny Meepos |
| Paul Schneider and Erin Kelley |
| Lisa See and Richard Kendall |
| Danette Stephens |
| Ms. Emily Terry |
| Patricia K. Tisch |
| Amy and Jeffrey Verschleiser |
| Gloria Wallace-Greene |
| Vivian Wise |
Literati– $1,000+
| Carol and Ken L. Adelman |
| Lisa and George Baker |
| Judith Bleiler |
| Jacolyn and John Bucksbaum |
| Terri and Tony Caine |
| Tracy and Bubba Eggleston |
| Paul and Barbara Freeman |
| Eric Harrison |
| Carol and Mike Hundert |
| Sheila and Bill Lambert |
| Ms. Erin Lentz |
| Liza and Jonathan Mauck |
| Jordan Ray |
| Chuck and Stacy Rosenzweig |
| Bucky Schafer and Caroline Tory |
| Adelaide and Michael Waters |
Scribe – $250+
| Trish Aragon |
| Ms. Catherine Baker-Pitts |
| Anita and James Bineau |
| Adrienne Brodeur and Tim Ryan |
| Gretchen Cole |
| Mrs. Holley Darden |
| Lady and Chip Fuller |
| Sarah Girgis |
| Louisa L. Goldsmith |
| Jessica Herzstein and Elliot F. Gerson |
| Marrianne Magnuson |
| Dr. Sidney Mandelbaum and Diane Oshin |
| Ms. Barbara McLaury |
| Barbara Olcott |
| Mr. Peter Olson |
| Candice Olson |
| Matt Owings |
| Allison and John Pattillo |
| Kelley and Mark Purnell |
| Barbara Reid and David Hyman |
| Eric Ringsby |
| Susan Small Savitsky and Gerald Savitsky |
| Kerry Schmidt |
| Sarah C. and Richard W. Shaw |
| Paula Sherk |
| Ms. Chloe Shirley |
| Ms. Celina Spiegel |
| Rebecca Stirling |
| Kate Valdmanis |
| Ellen Valentine |
| Jennifer Causing and Peter M. Waanders |
Wordsmith – $100+
| Ms. Allison Alexander |
| Maria Armstrong |
| Ms. Lilia Ashjian |
| Jennifer Barth |
| Sarah Beattie |
| Peter Bellande |
| Marnie P. and John Bermingham Jr. |
| Liz and John Bokram |
| Lisa Bowman |
| Daniel Brabec |
| Amanda Britt |
| Marcia Butler |
| Maureen Callahan |
| Jeannie Carter |
| Dakota Cloud |
| Eme Cole |
| Evan Corrales |
| Debra Crawford |
| Pamela Cunningham |
| Tina Davis and Martin J. Sprinzen |
| Brian Dean |
| Mariah Dickson |
| Ms. Amelie Dieux |
| Barbara Dills |
| Laura Donnelley |
| Doc Eason |
| Laura Thielen and George Eldred |
| Sarah Melissa Evans and Joshua A. Rice |
| Sylvia Falk |
| Lynn Fletcher |
| Cole Folwell |
| Mr. Aram Fox |
| Annie Garrett |
| Celia Gregory |
| Annalise Giueter |
| Katie Hake |
| Cynthia Houben |
| Michele Howard |
| Judith Humelt |
| Sandy and James Inglehart |
| Asha John |
| Sandy and Peter Johnson |
| Jacqueline Kaplan |
| Ms. Paige Kaptuch |
| Ms. Stacey Kelly |
| Beth Klein |
| Mr. Brian Kuebler |
| Scott Lasser |
| Ms. Pamela Mackey |
| Matthew McDonnell |
| Elizabeth Meador |
| Corinne Neustadter |
| Pat and Michael Otte |
| Ms. Deborah Packer |
| Ms. Alina Pitman |
| Gabrielle and Bob Rafelson |
| Lysa Reed |
| Marilee and Gregg Rippy |
| John Ristine |
| Holly Meeker Rom and William Rom |
| Clare and Marius Sanger |
| Ms. Colleen Schafer |
| Nancy and Mark J. Silverman |
| Donna and Elliott K. Slade III |
| Eden Steele |
| Susie Steiner |
| Thomas A. Stevens |
| Sara Striefel |
| Francis Stuckens |
| Ms. Beverley Cathcart Tarika |
| Janis Taylor |
| Harry Teague |
| Mr. Dave Teitler |
| Michael Tierney |
| Regina Torsney-Durkin, M.D. |
| Tarn and Randy Udall |
| Richard M. Jennings |
| Ruth Wade |
| Becky and Craig Ward |
| Laura Werlin |
| Jiyue Yang |
| Leah J. Zell |
