Maybe it’s the rarified air. Or perhaps the unparalleled scenery that makes the Pikes Peak region a cultural come-on. Either way, there’s no shortage of opportunities to appreciate the immense theatrical, artistical and musical talent in the Pikes Peak region.
Three of the region’s neighborhoods are connected via the Avenue Creative Circuit, creating cultural multi-modal accessibility, diversity and exposure to the arts as designated Colorado Certified Creative Districts.
The quirky mountain hamlet of Manitou Springs has been recognized by USA Today as one of the best small town art scenes in the country. Home to the annual Commonwheel Arts Festival held in early September, Manitou Springs exudes creative inspiration on every corner. The Manitou Arts Center on Manitou Avenue is a focal point of support and space for artists of all kinds to create and display their work. It’s also a stop on the First Fridays on the Circuit.
Old Colorado City (or OCC), is equally impressive. You’ll find an abundance of galleries neatly tucked in historic 1800 buildings, each with its own unique form of expression where a monthly First Friday Artwalk awaits you year-round. Meet the artisans, experience live demonstrations and fall in love with a new art piece to take home.
Downtown Colorado Springs promises a host of continual public art displays, cultural events and festivals, and artistic venues. It’s here that the Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs an array of concerts–from classics to showtunes—at the Pikes Peak Center, and the curtain rises year-round on live theater at Colorado College’s Fine Arts Center and the ENT Center for the Arts. For mega-concerts and larger-than-life performances, check out the Broadmoor World Arena.
Pueblo’s Creative Corridor features street sculptures, galleries and museums in three historic city centers: downtown Main Street, Union Avenue Historic District and Mesa Junction. Also designated as a Colorado Certified Creative District, the Steel City hosts a variety of festivals and First Friday Art Walks throughout the year. The Sangre de Cristo Arts Center contributes to the cultural experience with ongoing live performances, including artists from their School of Dance, as well as the interactive Buell Children’s Museum.
Platte Collections at Platte Furniture
Platte Collections is a new addition to the popular Platte Furniture almost-new furniture store. Customers may now shop for unique artwork, sculptures, and high-end, one-of-a-kind home furnishings, in the warehouse gallery’s beautifully transformed basement. Their online catalog recently featured statues, vases made of lapis, an antique French rosewood table and 3-D wood and acrylic art. Browse online or by appointment.
2331 E. Platte Place, Colorado Springs (719) 633-7309 • plattefurniture.com/platte-collections
COLORADO SPRINGS
Gallery 113
A favorite of locals and visitors, Gallery 113 is an artist-owned and operated co-operative in downtown Colorado Springs that showcases award-winning artists in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift, the ideal painting or a new decorative piece for your home. Owner Karen Standridge partners with art enthusiasts in curating new additions to their collection.
125 1/2 N Tejon St., Colorado Springs (719) 634-5299 • Gallery113cos.com
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Both a museum and an art school, the FAC houses a rich permanent collection of masterworks by such artists as Georgia O’Keeffe, Diebenkorn, and Chihuly. Their Art of the Southwest exhibit encompasses three galleries and explores celebrated works by indigenous and Latina artists. The FAC also features numerous traveling exhibitions, including this year’s Contested Terrains, which illustrates how human interaction has shaped the landscape across the Americas (March 10–December 20, 2023). On your visit, revel in the mountain views while enjoying lunch at Taste, the center’s in-house restaurant.
30 W Dale St., Colorado Springs 719-634-5581 • fac.coloradocollege.edu
Kreuser Gallery / G44 Gallery
Known for their exhibits of fine contemporary art, the Kreuser Gallery and G44 Gallery have become a source of creativity for the Colorado Springs community. Their location in the heart of Colorado Springs is the perfect venue for First Friday ArtWalks, with new exhibits and opportunities to meet and greet local artisans. The gallery also hosts a variety of art classes for all skill levels in acrylic, oil, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.
121 & 125 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs (719) 464-5880 • KreuserGallery.com (720) 951-0573 G44Gallery.com
OLD COLORADO CITY
Surface Gallery
There is no shortage of creativity at Surface Gallery. New monthly exhibits from emerging and established artists offer a continual fresh perspective on modern and contemporary work. The gallery also features a unique collection of sustainable, Fair Trade artisan items—including candles and ceramics—perfect for gift-giving or enhancing your own personal space.
2752 W Colorado Ave., Old Colorado City (719) 359-6966 • SurfaceGallerycos.com
Febra’s
Febra’s unique collection of trendy women’s clothing coupled with an impressive array of local art, make visiting this Old Colorado City boutique-gallery a must. Three gifted artists—Eric Fetsch, Kristen Colvin and Timothy Steward—exhibit their Colorado-inspired works featuring watercolors, acrylics and oils. Artisan jewelry and creative hand-crafted items complete Febra’s eclectic collection.
2530 Colorado Ave., Old Colorado City 719-635-4466
Hunter-Wolff Gallery
Hunter-Wolff carefully curates museum-quality fine art representing artists from across Colorado and the Southwest. You’ll find oils, watercolors, pastels, sculpture and mixed media for every budget at this “Best of the Springs” gallery. Hunter-Wolff’s pottery collection is a favorite among customers seeking distinct pieces. Rotating exhibits feature local Colorado artists, many of whom are on hand during First Friday ArtWalks.
2510 W Colorado Ave., Old Colorado City 719-520-9494 • HunterWolffGallery.com
WOODLAND PARK
Reserve Our Gallery
A mountain haven for Colorado artists, Reserve Our Gallery houses a diverse number of talented artists in its 1370 square foot space in Woodland Park. On any given day you will find unique artwork and gifts from a variety of genres including mural art, acrylics, 3-D relief, surrealism, jewelry and mixed media. Private events and galas are part of the gallery’s community involvement.
400 W. Midland Ave. Suite 120, Woodland Park (719) 401-2301
Westside Art Gallery
Just around the corner from Reserve our Gallery is the Westside Art Gallery, a studio space for artists. A welcome newcomer to Woodland Park’s art scene, this ancillary gallery is the creative brainchild of artist Gayle Gross, whose goal is to unite local creative talent. Classes and workshops run monthly.
300 West Lake Avenue, Woodland Park
MANITOU SPRINGS
Commonwheel Artist’s Co-op
This Manitou Springs landmark has been representing local artisans since 1974. Inside its colorful and vibrant gallery are unique creations in ceramics, jewelry, glass, clothing accessories and wall art. Every year Commonwheel features a series of thematic gallery shows, featuring artistic talent in a variety of media, with its showcase event, the Commonwheel Artists Annual Arts Festival, held every Labor Day.
102 Cañon Avenue, Manitou Springs (719) 685-1008 • commonwheel.com
PUEBLO
Sangre De Cristo Arts Center
The Helen Thatcher White Galleries at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center is the permanent home to Colors of the Southwest, a vibrant expose of regional culture. Other in-house exhibitions celebrating Colorado artists include the Regional and Contemporary Collection, and the King Collection. The center offers free admission to its galleries on First Friday Art Walks.
