Event
Thinker Thursday
Creative Rounds
Sep 17, 2026 5:30PM-6:30PM
Schermer Meeting Hall
Calling all creatives – Join us for Thinker Thursday!
Thinker Thursday is a fast-paced, high-energy evening designed to spark curiosity and uncover surprising connections. Each of our selected presenters shares 15 images, speaking on each for just 15 seconds—giving them a total of 225 seconds to explore creativity, curiosity and passion through visuals.
Topics are intentionally unrelated, creating a dynamic mix of perspectives that keeps the audience guessing. Following the presentations, we open the floor for a lively Q&A session, where the audience is invited to connect the dots, pose questions, and join the conversation.
From speakers who illuminate the obscure with sharp insight to a moderator who artfully draws links between divergent ideas, Thinker Thursday thrives on spontaneity, curiosity, and shared discovery.
Come for the unexpected. Stay for the conversation. If you’re eager to learn something new—and you don’t mind if it gets a little weird—Thinker Thursday is your kind of night.
Stay after the presentation for dinner in the Cafe for $30 per person.
Thinker Thursday Speakers
Dr. Alan A. Nelson
Dr. Alan A. Nelson is a psychiatrist in Carbondale, Colorado. He received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. In addition to a busy private practice in both Carbondale and Aspen, Dr. Nelson is the Medical Director of Behavioral Health Services at Aspen Valley Hospital. In this role, Dr. Nelson provides staff education on the care and treatment of psychiatric patients, develops and implements protocols to facilitate timely and effective care, provides psychiatric consultation for patients in times of crisis or other needs, and facilitates patient transfer and admission to appropriate facilities.
Chris Beebe
Chris Beebe is an architect with over 30 years of experience designing functional and sustainable residential and commercial spaces. His work emphasizes the thoughtful integration of aesthetics, environmental responsibility, and practical use. He holds a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver. In addition to his architectural practice, Chris is a certified Nonviolent Communication coach. He works with individuals and organizations to navigate and resolve conflict through communication strategies grounded in mutual respect, empathy, and clarity. He has a particular interest in working with families, especially those with teenage children.
Laurel Winton
Laurel Winton (formerly known professionally as Jenny Winton) is the Founder and Executive Director of DanceAspen. After a successful career as a professional ballet dancer, Laurel transitioned seamlessly into the worlds of television and Broadway before returning to her roots in Aspen to build a bold new chapter in contemporary dance. She began her professional dance career in 2009 with the Joffrey Ballet, performing with the company for five years. Her versatility and passion for storytelling then led her to the stage as “Penny” in the National Broadway Tour of Dirty Dancing, and later to the screen with a co-starring role on the CBS series BULL. Laurel’s love for dance brought her to Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, one of her dream companies, where she deepened her connection to the local community and fellow artists. When Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s performing company disbanded in 2021, Laurel took action, founding DanceAspen to ensure the continuation of professional dance in the region. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into a thriving hub for contemporary performance, artistic collaboration, and community engagement in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.
Natalie Feinberg Lopez
Natalie Feinberg Lopez is an architectural conservator serving as a technical consultant in the field of historic preservation and heritage planning for the past 27 years. Her scientific interests are focused on analysis, documentation, and synthesis of historic building systems, their materials, and upgraded energy eAiciency, to lead the way for best practices in resilience and adaptation of historic and existing structures. Her time in preservation has catalyzed partnerships with experts in the US, Canada, Latin America, and Europe allowing for teams that are specific to the location and the needs of each project. Ms. Feinberg Lopez is currently serving as a director of Climate Heritage Network International, working closely with ICOMOS, UNESCO and the UN on climate change policy for the built environment.
Sep 17, 2026 5:30PM-6:30PM
While You're On Campus
Eat
The Ranch Café
The Café is open to the public for lunch from June through September.
The Café is a social hub where students and visitors gather to discuss ideas, plan for new creative experiences, and reflect on shared teachings. Join us for a beautiful buffet lunch offering fresh salads and rotating hot items.
Shop
ArtWorks Store
Art supplies, fine crafts, and gifts.
Store Hours
June-September: Monday – Friday, 9AM-3PM
October-May: Monday – Friday, 1-5PM (except major holidays.)
Explore
Patton-Malott Gallery
This gallery space on the Anderson Ranch campus is home to contemporary and rustic ranch architectural elements and provides the backdrop for rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Gallery Hours
June-September: Monday – Friday, 9AM-3PM
October-May: Monday – Friday, 1-5PM (except major holidays.)