PUT THIS ON YOUR RADAR

My eyes were opened this past week to one of the Pikes Peak Region's best kept secrets. The Secret Window Fine Arts Gallery that is. Located in Monument, the Secret Window houses some truly incredible artwork. Director Anthony Tomas Archuleta both runs the gallery and creates his own work out of the space. Archuleta works in oils as well as buon fresco, a unique style of painting that demands intense focus and a rapid pace of production.

Gallery director and artist, A.T. Archuleta.

Further secrets were revealed as Anthony took us on a tour of the gallery's property- a stunning grassy area that hosts a variety of events, such as weddings, art shows and work shops.

This gallery is truly a must-see. Visit their website or take a pit stop next time you are rushing up I-25!

Contemporary Radar

For those seeking access to contemporary art in our region, look no further than the gallery spaces hosted by our local colleges. Both the IDEA Space at Colorado College and UCCS' GOCA (and GOCA 121) continuously offer stunning exhibits accompanied by must-go events. 

The lineup last week included the opening of "Systems and Subversions" at the IDEA Space, a show of works that create, examine, and/or disrupt natural and artificial systems. Featured artists include Nurit Bar-Shai, John Cohrs, Scott Johnson, Graham Wakefield, Haru Ji and Marina Zurkow. The exhibited works utilize a variety of media, including many highly technical processes, but each invite participation and engagement by the viewer. "Systems and Subversions" is on display until November 5th.

Artist Scott Johnson presents his work at the opening of "Systems and Subversions"

In addition to GOCA's lineup of cutting edge exhibits each season, director, Daisy McConnell, and development and events professional, Jessie Pocock, offer further reason to visit their gallery space with a schedule of out of this world events. On Friday, September 6th GOCA hosted Lunch Beat, a concept that started in Sweden in 2010. The Lunch Beat manifesto dictates that hosts must provide a one hour DJ set, a take-away lunch and free water. Most importantly, all attendees must dance.

Fridays just got a bit more casual.

For more information about IDEA Space and GOCA events visit the galleries websites at http://sites.coloradocollege.edu/ideaspace/ and http://www.uccs.edu/~goca/

A Shakespeare Summer Night

If you did not have a chance to make it to Theatreworks' production of Cymbeline at Rock Ledge Ranch, you truly missed out! The show is officially sold out for its closing weekend, and it is no surprise to us.

Cymbeline, known as one of Shakespeare's wildest and most enchanting romances, tells the story of a charming heroine, a wicked queen, a sinister seducer, a banished husband, a perfect clod and a visitor from Olympus. Theatreworks' cast consists of eleven actors, each playing anywhere from one to five different roles. Highlights include actress Susan Maris' passionate portrayal of heroine Imogen, as well as the split personality of actor Nick Henderson as both husband Posthumous and sly Cloten, and Anthony Michael Martinez's baffling ability to alternate genders from one scene to the next.

The stunning Rock Ledge Ranch provides an ideal location for witnessing Shakespeare's creation come to life. Make sure to keep Theatreworks' annual Shakespeare in the Park production on your radar for next summer! And in the mean time, check out their entire 2013-14 season line up.

"Build Ivywild" Book Review

In case my previous entry did not emphasize just how much is going on at the newly renovated Ivywild School these days, here is a review of authors James Fennell and Lola Scobey's new book titled Build Ivywild. Thank you to Laura Ettinger of Moxie Girl PR for the review!

And make sure to check out Ivywild's Grand Opening celebration this weekend!

Build Ivywild

Can mingling different businesses bring greater prosperity? Can neighborhood buildings and spaces produce happiness? Can the sun and wind actually improve a person’s well-being? Build Ivywild answers these and similar questions in words and sketches that are designed for everyone – from entrepreneurs and small business owners to government officials to students to neighborhood advocates.

In this real-life story of awakening an old school, Build Ivywild offers a blueprint for environmental, business, and cultural sustainability. It provides solutions for maintaining social and cultural well-being while achieving economic prosperity and creating healthy environments. 

“Build Ivywild provides an in-depth chronology of the design, approval, and funding process for repurposing the old Ivywild School, but it accomplishes much more. It sets a new standard for organizing businesses, designing buildings, and creating community. It champions a new culture. . . Ivywild changes everything!”

—Jamie LaRue, Director

    Douglas County Libraries, Colorado

Written by James Fennell and Lola Scobey, Build Ivywild is for entrepreneurs, design students, neighborhood advocates – anyone who is seeking highly efficient, profitable, and compassionate ways of conducting business, building things, and living one’s life. The principal theme of this book urges us to move beyond simply identifying problems and offering criticism: It delineates practical, achievable solutions for being healthy, wealthy, and wise.

In the journey to repurpose a brick-and-mortar school into a model neighborhood redevelopment, the anchor tenant just so happens to be a successful brewery (designed to use leftover rinse water and spent grain to irrigate and fertilize a greenhouse)! Using a three-part design approach that balances environmental, functional, and cultural concerns, Build Ivywild offers a blueprint for true sustainability. It proposes to revitalize and inspire our communities – and our nation – one neighborhood at a time. 

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. 

And We're Back!

After a brief (year-long) hiatus, COPPeR is back on the blog-o-sphere! And boy do we have a lot to tell you about.

Peak Radar and the COPPeR office are busier than ever with a summer jammed packed with activities. My hope is that this blog will provide both verbal and visual insight into some of the many cultural events we promote on our comprehensive calendar, in order to keep them on all of your (peak)radars for the next time they occur in the community!

As the newest member of the COPPeR team, serving as the Community Arts Development Specialist and Colorado College Public Interest Fellow for the next year, I have taken it upon myself to attend as many events occurring in the community as possible and to report back. Wish me luck!

First up we have one of the most incredible summer resources our community offers: fresh farmer's markets almost every day of the week.

One of my favorites is the Colorado Farm and Art Market, held every Wednesday at the Ivywild School and on Saturdays at The Margarita at Pine Creek. Not only are vendors present to offer a range of fresh edible products, but local artists are also welcome to sell their works. Below are a few pictures from this past Saturday's market.

[local jeweler, Marti, poses with her creations] 

Our farmers markets are not only a great, sunny weekend activity for the family, but they are an incredible way to support our local economy and to reduce your environmental footprint. Don't miss out on everything our community has to offer!

Until next time,

Lila

What's on Your Radar? Percy Lopez

Did you know that almost every week, the PeakRadar Picks eBlast features ticket giveaways to local shows and concerts? Here, Percy tells us a little about a concert he won tickets for. He may not have had such a grand experience without getting the chance through that week's ticket contest. 

"My wife and I went to the Crystola Roadhouse for Samantha Fish and discovered a gem of a place and a great artist as well.  We didn’t know about the roadhouse and the food and atmosphere and service were quite remarkable.  This is a true western style roadhouse, the real thing from out of the past.  We were skeptical about going, but we sure are glad.  It was a wonderful adventure."

Make sure you're subscribed to the weekly PeakRadar Picks eBlast to receive special offers, help plan your weekend, and read about an Artist of the Week. The PeakRadar Picks are sent out every Wednesday. 

What's on Your Radar? Kelly Whitcombe

 Our Administrative and Development Assistant, Kelly Whitcombe shares her thoughts after enjoying the closing play for the Fine Arts Center Theatre's 2012-2012 season:

"One of the things I love about working at COPPeR is that I not only get to promote arts and culture to people every day as part of my job--I also get to experience them! I was lucky enough to catch one of the final performances of the musical 'Hairspray' at the Fine Arts Center on June 2nd, both as an attendee and a PeakRadar representative, and I had an amazing time. I've loved 'Hairspray' ever since I first saw the 2007 film remake, but the Fine Arts Center performance was my first opportunity seeing the stage version. Everyone did a fantastic job, though Drew Frady as Edna Turnblad ("pleasantly plump" heroine Tracy Turnblad's mother) stole the show with his/her infectious energy and spirited song and dance numbers. My mom (who came with me as my "happy helper" to pass out Summer Concert Guides and talk up PeakRadar to folks before the show and during intermission) loved it, too, and we sat in the car after the show marveling over the quality of the production and our city's talented thespians. We can't wait to catch another show at the FAC--now, whose arm do I have to twist to get a local performance of 'Rent'? :)"

What 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 brett@coppercolo.org. Your entry will give you a chance to win one of six $50 gift certificates to Downtown Colorado Springs!  

What's on Your Radar? Brett Garman

It’s “Museum Weekend” at PeakRadar.com, and this historical locale has reason to celebrate: Today kicked off the 2012 Gem and Mineral Show at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry (WMMI)…just in time for a full weekend of fun! On Saturday and Sunday, visitors of WMMI will enjoy rock exhibits, gold panning, geological lectures, and how-to demonstrations given to help you become a rock hound.

On Saturday, audiences will get the chance to see the only known operational Stamp Mill in the U.S., hard at work at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Don’t miss this literally thunderous occasion, which happens only twice each year. Plus, check out this awesome display of turquoise works, on hand from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science:

This particular event sticks out in my mind, because I learned from Brad, a WMMI employee about the importance of understanding where our resources are coming from. I was shocked to hear some of the “positive alternatives” I work into my lifestyle might not actually be the best course. I won’t get in to particulars here, but I do suggest that everyone visit WMMI this weekend. You’ll be amazed to learn how many of our everyday products contain rocks (most of which can be found in our own, Pikes Peak backyard)! What a reality check.

And, don’t forget to drop off your email address in our PeakRadar.com bowl at the front desk. Any new subscribers to our weekly PeakRadar Picks eBlast will be entered to win a $50 gift card to be used in Downtown Colorado Springs!

What's on Your Radar? Maria Ryan

A friend and avid user of PeakRadar.com tells us what she loves about the website and the Pikes Peak region, even though she lives in Idaho!

"I receive your PeakRadar email because I am trying to get my husband to get on board and move to Colorado Springs. We currently live in Coeur d Alene, Idaho.  We have been to Colorado Springs many times and I am trying to convince him that this big house and ten acres is just too much - I want a townhouse in the Broadmoore gated estates area.
I am an artist and designer and I [had] three miniature paintings in the El Dorado Gallery's 31st annual miniature art show there. I had work there a long while ago also and won a nice award. Would love to get involved in the art community there...
I see [an outdoor fine arts show] there in July, but it is a two day trip for us - maybe I can get [my husband] to come and at least see it (and look at the houses I like in the area). When guys get older they sure do get stubborn!"

We hope you're able to come join us in Colorado Springs very soon, Maria. Tell your husband he doesn't know what he's missing! 

What 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 brett@coppercolo.org. Your entry will give you a chance to win one of six $50 gift certificates to Downtown Colorado Springs!

What's on Your Radar? Amanda Mountain

During June 2012, we at COPPeR will celebrate PeakRadar.com's 5th birthday! Aw, they grow up so fast. We want to hear Your Thoughts about a fun experience you've had while exploring art and culture in El Paso and Teller Counties.
Here, Amanda Mountain, Regional Director/Station Manager at Rocky Mountain PBS tells us a little bit about a recent theater experience:

"It had been a few months since I had gone to see a Theatre d’Art production so we decided to check out Spanish Tragedy earlier in June. I had actually seen the play produced years ago in a small theatre in London and really enjoyed it, so I had high expectations. I have to say, I was impressed! The acting was terrific. The lighting and music near perfect. And I loved the interpretation of the characters, which reminded me of what a great job Theatre d’Art has done of creating their own “signature vibe” that comes across in whatever they do. I can’t wait to see what they do next."

What 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 brett@coppercolo.org. Your entry will give you a chance to win one of six $50 gift certificates to Downtown Colorado Springs!

2011 PPAC Awards for Excellence... or, A Call to Action

A wonderful time was had by all at the 11th Annual Pikes Peak Arts Council Awards for Excellence last Friday.
The ceremony, hosted by Jim Jackson and Babette Matdiva of the recently renamed Millibo Art Theatre, made audiences both laugh and cry (in immense appreciation).
I can honestly say the only low point of the evening at the COPPeR was that I didn’t win a raffle prize. Arg! Much to the protest of Jim, I threw myself out of my seat and gnashed my teeth. But, the show went on…
Cash prizes were awarded to local artists in everything from Outstanding Production (Theater) to Excellence in Dance and more. You can see the complete list of winners below. We tip our hats to all the awesome artists and organizations in the Pikes Peak region, and it was a pleasure to recognize a few of them at this fabulous event.
Mark Arnest gave special recognition to Maestro Lawrence Leighton Smith. Arnest beautifully claimed that Maestro Smith was “the most overqualified person ever to audition.” Smith was inspiring during his “finest moment,” when he stood with the musicians in 2003, as the Colorado Springs Symphony faced bankruptcy. Instead of skipping town to pursue another conducting job, he fought for another organization, and to stay in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic was born. Upon gracing the stage, Maestro Smith simply replied, “thanks very much.”
The pinnacle moment of the evening was the presentation of the award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts to Wayne and Mary Mashburn. Having been philanthropic members of the Colorado Springs community for 34 years, the Mashburns were the “giant shoulders” that even Eve Tilley stood upon. They graciously accepted the award in front of a standing crowd.
This evening proved that art in the Pikes Peak region is both impactful and necessary. The program and list of nominees could be a To-Do List of sorts. It’s filled with mention of some of the finest individual artists, groups, organizations and presentations in the region, and I think every attendee discovered a new opportunity in our arts community.
Consider this: in Maestro Smith’s stead, comes a new era, the JCD Era. Wayne and Mary Mashburn appear to just be getting started. New art organizations are blooming everyday. And, each and every one of them deserves the support of residents and visitors of our fair region. The event was evidence that there is no lack of opportunity for artistic expression and experience in our community. I hope you’ll join COPPeR as we continue to support art in the Pikes Peak region.

Yours in creativity,
PeakRadar Gal

Opera Theatre of the Rockies' The Barber of Seville

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Opera Theatre of the Rockies’ dress rehearsal of the Barber of Seville. It was a special evening showing for students in the Colorado Springs area, with probably 80% of the crowd under the age of 18. I was skeptical at first, with the crowd’s incessant “shhhhhhushing,” but as soon as the curtain went up, a quiet gasp rolled through the audience. The set was intricate and captivating. With the first few lines, the audience was giggling (thank goodness for the translation box above the stage).
The Barber of Seville is a comedy, with Figaro the barber providing several hilarious one-liners and antics. Personally, I found him incredibly charming and totally dateable; even his striped jacket proved his impeccable fashion sense. Quirkiness is totally my style.
The rest of the cast was superb. The energy and comedic timing lead me to believe that these actors have been working together their entire lives. Even the stage hands were costumed and became part of the plot, something I hadn’t seen before but really enjoyed.
Toward the end of the first act, the crowd started getting a little restless, so I think intermission came not a moment too soon. As soon as we returned to our seats however, the audience was ready for the show to continue.
Overall, it was an excellent production. Talented performers, adorable costumes and overwhelming music made the night a great success. I certainly hope anyone reading this gets the chance to see the Barber of Seville this weekend!
I would like to give special thanks to Susanne Wheeler for allowing me to attend what became the greatest night of my week!

Viswa Subbaraman conducts the Colorado Springs Philharmonic

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!

">

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!