Give Thanks! Art Creates Community

I’ve decided to approach the question rolling through everyone’s minds this week. What am I thankful for? Well, this may be a lengthy blog post…
To start, I have this pretty sweet job. I manage the most comprehensive art and culture events calendar in the entire Pikes Peak Region (that’s PeakRadar.com, maybe you’ve heard of it.) I’m extremely thankful to work for the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. This is an organization that can nurture creativity while also encouraging individual working professionals to achieve even more than they may have expected. As you may know, our Executive Director, Bettina Swigger has accepted the position of Executive Director of Festival Mozaic in San Luis Obispo, CA. I know she is sad to be leaving our community, but couldn’t pass up such a tremendous opportunity. COPPeR has seen so much growth lately, I can’t ignore the fact that someday I may have an opportunity just as grand as Bettina’s, all because I’ve started off with such a fabulous organization and group of supporters. And, though I expected I’d have more time to take notes, I am thankful for the short time I spent working with Bettina, learning from her example and words of wisdom. I’ll miss her every single day…but am excited to have a place to stay when I visit the California Central Coast!
COPPeR has been going strong for four years, working to unite our community by creativity. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s working! Just take a stroll through downtown Colorado Springs. You’ll find artwork on the medians, thanks to the Art on the Streets project. You’ll see masterpieces in shop windows from local vendors. Maybe you’ll hear a local musician on the street or playing onstage inside Studio Bee at the Pikes Peak Center or playing outdoors at one of our fabulous summer concerts in the park. Then, if watching or listening isn’t quite enough, we’re asked to engage in art as well. Audiences have become artists. Artists have become friends working together to bring more awareness and appreciation to all Pikes Peak Region citizens. Art really is everywhere, and I for one can’t imagine it any other way. Thank you Colorado Springs, COPPeR and all the individuals and organizations that make our creative lifestyles possible.

"Create is the new consume"

Having just returned from the National Arts Marketing Project Conference in San Jose, California, I'm pretty jazzed about all things art and culture in our area and their potential.
The day one of my trip was spent at the first-ever Artsopolis meeting for all cities and sister sites of our own PeakRadar.com! It was great to put faces with the names and emails I've grown to know so well. We shared best practices, ideas and a desire to build a learning community for site managers. This will help me keep up-to-date on what other cities are doing with their sites, so I can make ours best for you. Speaking of, be thinking of ideas or suggestions for the site...I'll be asking for them at the end of this post!
Then, the NAMP Conference started on Nov. 13. The speakers were phenomenal, and I went to some great breakout sessions and dine-arounds as well. With the help of all the presenters and other participants, I now have more knowledge about social media, fundraising and awareness campaigns, community partnerships and patron cultivation.
Overall, this trip was groundbreaking for me, the new PeakRadar Gal. I left Colorado knowing I would meet some awesome new people as well as learn more about arts marketing. I returned with a profound new passion for everything we can do for arts and culture in the Pikes Peak Region. I can't think of a better place to nurture creativity with some of the most intelligent and passionate people in the industry. I know this is where I belong and I can't wait to make awesome things happen!
That being said, as the title of this post suggests, PeakRadar.com recognizes that simply watching art and culture isn't enough for most of us. We want to take action! PeakRadar.com wants to help you do that--with more opportunities for interactivity, sharing, and connections. What do you want to see happening? How can PeakRadar.com help you create? I want to hear your thoughts and suggestions. So, keep me posted!

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Hello from Brett!

You might notice that the PeakRadar.com has changed managers. Well, that's because I'm Brett Garman, your new PeakRadar Gal and PeakRadar.com Manager at COPPeR!
I'm really excited to be here and can't wait to help you find any and all art and culture events in the Pikes Peak area! There is always something to do...so let's get to it!