Manitou Springs has grown by leaps and bounds from the gallery oriented Thursday evening "Artwalks" publication of previous years into this self-guided walking tour encompassing even more of the town's burgeoning visual art community including the performing arts, dining, shopping and activities for families and children. Galleries continue to provide a colorful path through town, and frequently musicians and performers can be enjoyed at the Jerome Wheeler Town Clock. Artists can often be observed at their easels painting or sketching scenes of both the natural and man-made beauty of Manitou Springs.
Manitou Springs, rich in its own art history, began attracting prominent painters, photographers, crafts people and writers as early as the mid-1800's. Among them were: Harvey Otis Young - 1870's. A painter who lived in the Cliff House, Young traveled throughout Colorado in a private railroad car provided to him by General Palmer and created numerous well know works. William Hook - 1880's through 1890's. A well known photographer who resided next to the Barker House and also at Artists Glen on the Cog Route below Cameron's Cove. Maud Leech - early 1900's. Another early painter who resided near the Iron Springs Chateau. The Hampton Sister - 1920's and 1930's. Both sisters were avid painters of local flora and landscapes. They resided in the area of the Arcade in downtown Manitou. Charles Bunnell - 1900 through 1960's. A well known modernist painter who is widely collected both locally and on a national level. Bunnell resided in the Ridge Road area.
Many artists and craftspeople were associated with the Craftwood Arts & Crafts Studio founded in 1906, now the Craftwood Inn Restaurant.
Dr. Will Bell, owner/builder of the Briarhurst Manor, had in his collection the now famous "Mount of the Holy Cross" by Bierstadt for many years before it was moved to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Helen Hunt Jackson was a famous American author, poetess, and champion of Indian rights. Her novel Ramona is still in print today after more than 300 printings and in many different languages. She resided at her summer cottage which is now part of the historical Stagecoach Inn Restaurant.
Commonwheel Artists Cooperative was founded in 1974, making it one of the longest running Colorado Art Co-ops. for a quarter of a century it has provided many artists and craftspeople a venue to display and sell their unique selection of original art. Throughout the year, Commonwheel also offers an ambitious schedule of one-person, group and theme exhibitions. Commonwheel's Annual Labor Day Weekend Art and Craft Fair attracts over one hundred artists, craftspeople, performing artists and food vendors to Manitou's Memorial Park.
In the 1980's, a concept which was produced by City Planner Paul Intemann became reality. The Business of Art Center (BAC) is an educational facility incorporating a "small business incubator" approach to the arts. The BAC is designed to enable artists to gain entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in a career as a professional artist. The components of the program include: Business Incubator (Artist Studios), Business Institute (workshops, classes, lectures), Exhibition/Performance Gallery, Gift Shop and Educational Facility.
Manitou Art Project
The Manitou Art Project was started in 1992 by a small group of sculptors and has maintained the support of the City and the Chamber of Commerce as well as many organizations and individuals in the community. Their installation of more than 20 sculptures throughout downtown and in the parks transforms the whole town into an important sculpture gallery. The sculptures remain on display for a period of one year, and are for sale, with 25% of the proceeds going toward the purchase of permanent sculpture for the City of Manitou Springs. To date five permanent works have been purchased.
Manitou Springs Arts Academy
The Manitou Springs Arts Academy is the only organization in the region to offer instruction in all the arts, including visual art, music, drama and movement. The Arts Academy emphasizes teaching the process, helping students turn their own ideas into unique finished products. Programs include After School Enrichment classes, the Summer Performing Arts Academy (an all-arts day camp), teacher training and family activities.
The Manitou Springs Arts Academy is dedicated to providing students with intensive education and training in the arts. The Arts Academy provides opportunities for educators, artists and youth to interact with one another for their mutual growth. Students develop skills, gain understanding and appreciation of all the arts and experience the joy of performance and artistic expression which will enhance their quality of life.
After School Enrichment
We offer a variety of short classes in the performing and visual arts at Manitou Springs Middle School and Elementary School. Classes provide hands-on experience to develop skills while promoting creative expression, independent work and problem solving. These enjoyable, intensive workshops are taught by professional artists and art educators and maintain a low student/teacher ratio.
Summer Performing Arts Academy
This program provides children one week sessions on the arts in a day-camp setting. Small classes help students build skills in drama, music, movement and the visual arts and to understand the similarities between various artists and art educators. An exhibition, performance, field trips and visiting artists round out each session.