Artist’s melting gondola sculpture symbol of global warming

By Dean Murray via SWNS

A new melting gondola sculpture starkly symbolizes global warming.

The artwork at Colorado’s Aspen Mountain is the work of Chris Erikson.

It launches the Aspen Snowmass ski resort’s climate action campaign in partnership with the nonprofit Protect Our Winters (POW).

“Since Aspen Snowmass first opened in the winter of 1946-47, the region’s average temperature has warmed by three degrees Fahrenheit. In total, Aspen Snowmass has lost 30 days of winter since 1980 alone,"explained an Aspen Snowmass spokesperson.

“As part of Aspen’s 75th anniversary this season, The Melted Gondola has been installed as a push for people to think about the next 75 years, and to draw attention to the urgent need to aggressively address climate change.”

The Melted Gondola installation was fabricated entirely in Aspen’s Roaring Fork Valley by Erikson. The piece was inspired by James Dive and The Glue Society’s Hot with the Chance of a Late Storm, a potent message in sculptural form about our quickly warming world.

“We wanted to create a statement piece that represents not just our resort, but our whole industry,” said Aspen Snowmass creative director Mark Carolan.

“With it, we are encouraging dialogue, support, and most importantly—through our close connection with POW—strong action.”