Wild for Ivywild

There may be no greater word than cusp.  The natural excitement and anticipation this single word can evoke is enough to make me want to say it ten times fast (which, after many failed attempts, I believe to be impossible).

Recently I have heard the term cusp used repeatedly to describe the status of our Pikes Peak region. Creative, innovative things are on the horizon for this community, especially within the realm of arts and culture, and boy are we excited!

If there is any indication of the transformation occurring in this community it is the brilliant transformation of the Ivywild School. Built in 1916, the stunning original schoolhouse architecture is now home to Bristol Brewery, the Old School Bakery, the Principal's Office, the Meat Locker, the ModboCo School of Art, and has many more projects in the works.

In addition to offering incredible food and drink to enjoy, providing local art to view, and hosting the weekly Colorado Farm and Art Market (every Wednesday from 3-7), Ivywild also knows how to throw a great party. This week's agenda included both the opening of the inaugural art exhibition, Revamp'd, curated by Holly Parker Dearborn, and a free concert by Wisconsin-based indie band, PHOX. The talent on both occasions was outstanding. And the drinks weren't so shabby either.

Posing with Revamp'd artist, Andy Tirado.

Curator, Holly Parker Dearborn, and attendees admire Tirado's suspended sculpture.

Set up for the PHOX performance in the Principal's Office.

A packed house for PHOX!

Come out to the Ivywild School this Tuesday for Bristol Brewery's Karma Hour! A dollar from every beer will benefit Peak Arts Fund, COPPeR's unified arts fund that benefits 18 local arts organizations. The campaign is in its final weeks and is on the cusp of reaching our goal of $50,000!

Until next time.

-L

One More Week!

There is only one week left in COPPeR's call for artists for our Art in Storefronts project!

Art in Storefronts is an urban revitalization project designed to reactivate vacant store windows by inserting non-commercial art installations, creative businesses or pop-up shops in order to brighten the downtown area, increase foot traffic, and showcase local artists. Not only do the art installations give positive publicity to available properties downtown, but it is also a chance for local artists to have their work seen by a wider audience. By integrating art directly into the downtown community the project helps increase accessibility to the arts for all.

Visit our website today to download an application! All submissions are due by July 10th at 11:59 p.m. and will be reviewed by a jury of prominent community leaders.

And make sure to look for the project openings on August 2nd!

Whatta Weekend

Hope everyone made it out of the house this beautiful weekend and to at least one of the many incredible arts events that happened in the community!

I was lucky enough to represent Peak Radar at the Mountain of the Sun Festival held by the Pikes Peak Community Foundation in Woodland Park-- a beautifully rainy afternoon celebrating Americana music, stunning scenery and tasty treats.

The main stage lineup included the talented Flying W Wranglers, Shel, The Farewell Drifters, The Abrams Brothers, and headliner Tony Furtado Band. Additionally the festival featured a second stage, showcasing performers Brendan Hannigan and Emily Earl along with others, powered entirely by bicycle!

And what Colorado music festival would be complete without some impromptu sunshine and good ol' dancing?

This weekend's activities also included a trip to Green Mountain Falls for the Greenbox Arts Festival. Running from June 23-July 13, this arts festival features daily workshops, lectures, and performances, as well as a chance to experience artist Tomas Saraceno's monumental sculpture, Cloud City.

[Taken during installation in early June]

They are still in need of volunteers to help monitor the Cloud City experience! If interested, visit the festival's website and click on "volunteer."

Want to share a story? Email your reviews and anecdotes about a fun time you've had experiencing the art in the Pikes Peak region to lila@coppercolo.org.