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