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!