Best known for his portraits that expose dark undercurrents in suburban and mainstream America, Fischl is also the founder, president and lead curator for America: Now and Here. This multi-disciplinary exhibition of 150 of some of America's most celebrated visual artists, musicians, poets, playwrights, and filmmakers is designed to spark a national conversation about American identity through the arts. Fischl joined us for the Aspen Ideas Festival and spoke about his work and the new project.

Spano—now in his tenth season as music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra—was recently named music director of the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he will begin in summer 2012. In his career, Spano has conducted the greatest orchestras of North America, as well as many of the top orchestras around the world. He is known as a passionate advocate for arts education and is also an accomplished pianist. Spano took part in the Aspen Ideas Festival and other Institute programs throughout the summer.