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Articles and stories from right here at home and around the nation and downloadable press releases of FAC events and news.
Contact: mwinchell@coloradocollege.edu
FAC in the News
Articles and stories from right here at home and around the nation. Read the buzz
Fine Arts Center Theatre Company Launches Original Audio Play Series
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 3, 2020) — The award-winning Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is launching a 12-episode scripted fiction anthology series entitled "Of Spacious Skies," with the first episode debuting to the public on Sept. 17, 2020. The series spans eras and genres, exploring the past, present, and future of Colorado Springs through stories converging around Pikes Peak.
The first episode tells the story of Katharine Lee Bates' journey to Colorado Springs and how she came to write the poem that would become "America the Beautiful" from the top of Pikes Peak. Other episodes include: the story of a father and son's relationship with the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (and one another), an epic tale of a failed summit attempt, an encounter during a Black Lives Matter protest, the parable of a benevolent dragon, and more.
"I have always had a deep love for the golden age of radio, and as we were thinking about what kinds of theatrical fare we could make during this socially spacious time, I'm thrilled that this project has come to fruition. It is a dream to work with this diverse and extraordinary team of writers, the dozens of actors that will be in the episodes and other related artists. To make something new and fresh, as well as being able to offer creative and financial opportunities to a wide net of theatre artists is a dream come true," said Producing Artistic Director Scott Levy.
The writing team is led by award-winning playwright Mêlisa Annis. She is joined by Jonathan Andujar, Mickey Burdick, Marisa D. Hébert, Jessica Kahkoska, Jess Weaver, and Xochitl Portillo.
Actors lending their voices to episodes for the project include FAC favorites and new talent alike. Over 100 Colorado-based actors auditioned for roles in the series.
A visual companion for each episode is being created by FAC Theatre staff members Christopher L. Sheley and Holly A. Rawls. The creative team will use historical photos, new video elements and other visual moments to complement the audio experience.
Episodes are directed by Scott Levy and Nathan Halvorson. Original music composed by Stephanie and Jay McGuffin, with sound design, mixing and engineering by Jacob Keough-Mishler, assisted by Bob Morsch.
"Of Spacious Skies" will be available through major podcast platforms and on the Of Spacious Skies webpage. Episodes are free; those who donate $25 or more in support of the production will receive a commemorative 3-cd set of the entire series when it is complete.
Visual versions of each episode will be available to stream through Broadway On Demand. The first visual episode will be available for free; the complete series may be purchased for $25.
About the FAC Theatre Company
The award-winning FAC Theatre Company produces an annual season of innovative and exciting theatrical productions. In 2019, The Colorado Theatre Guild recognized the FAC with its most prestigious honor, the Henry Award for Outstanding Season for a Theatre Company (2018–2019). Theatre at the Fine Arts Center traces its roots back to 1919, when the Colorado Springs chapter of the Drama League began performing at the newly-opened Broadmoor Art Academy (the predecessor to the FAC). Since then, the company has gained a reputation for high-quality productions of musicals, comedies and dramas and the Colorado premieres of new American work.
Fine Arts Center and Performing Arts at Colorado College Launch Program to Fund Creative Collaborations
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 14, 2020) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) and the Office of Performing Arts at Colorado College have created a program entitled 3×3 Projects to fund creative collaborations from isolation. Seven projects will be funded in the amount of $3,000 per project.
"While supporting the creative efforts of our regional artists in this unprecedented moment, we hope that 3×3 Projects will generate perspectives as unique as the collaborations from which they will emerge," said Colorado College Director of Performing Arts and Associate Professor of Music, Ryan Bañagale.
Applications open Wednesday, April 15, and close Friday, May 1. Artists located in the Rocky Mountain West and Southwest regions are eligible to receive funding to produce a collaborative, multi-disciplinary project. Projects will initially premiere on the FAC website, but artists are encouraged to consider how the project can be actualized outside of the digital realm at some point in the future. Interested artists may apply through the Creative Collaborations from Isolation webpage.
Projects should:
Involve three or more individuals, each working in different creative arenas
Draw inspiration from or tell a story relevant to the Rocky Mountain West or Southwest regions
Culminate in a digital/virtual experience lasting between 5–10 minutes
Be completed and ready for premiere in summer 2020
Support for 3×3 Projects is provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Grant for Southwest Arts and Culture, Performing Arts at Colorado College, and the Colorado College Cultural Attractions Fund. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel composed of FAC staff, Colorado College faculty and community members.
The Fine Arts Center presents the Tony Award-winning musical "The Bridges of Madison County"
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 16, 2020) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present "The Bridges of Madison County," Feb. 13–March 1, 2020, a musical by Jason Robert Brown and Marsha Norman, based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller. This production is directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson.
"'The Bridges of Madison County' has one of the most beautiful and luscious scores written in the last twenty years. It is a dream come true to present this powerful piece of musical theatre, led by the formidable talents of Jennifer DeDominici and Dieter Bierbrauer," said Halvorson. "This story is so much more than the simple romance we might remember from the original book and movie. It is a captivating look at the choices we make throughout our lives and how we feel about them upon deeper reflection. Audiences are certain to deeply empathize with the humanity in the storytelling and be swept away by the splendor of the music."
"The Bridges of Madison County" tells the story of Francesca, an Italian war bride transplanted to rural Iowa. While her husband and children are out of town at the 1965 state fair, she meets the ruggedly handsome National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid. What happens over the next four days may very well alter the course of Francesca's life. This sweeping romance asks timeless questions about the roads we travel, the doors we open, and the bridges we dare to cross. The lush, expressive score by Brown won Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations.
The musical stars FAC favorite Jennifer DeDominici (Francesca) and Dieter Bierbrauer (Robert), in his FAC debut. They are joined by Jeffrey Roark (Bud), Susan Dawn Carson (Marge), Bob Morsch (Charlie), Rachel Daguman (Carolyn), Mark Autry (Michael), Kelli Dodd (Marian), Carmen Shedd (Chiara), and Ben Fowler (Paolo).
The creative team includes Stephanie McGuffin (musical director), Lex Liang (scenic/costume design), Jonathan Spencer (lighting design), and Kate L. Ferdinandi (production stage manager).
The following post-performance events are free and open to all ticket holders for "The Bridges of Madison County" (regardless of which performance is attended during the run).
Sunday Salon, Feb. 23: The FAC Theatre Company and Colorado College will host a conversation about themes emerging from the show following the Sunday, Feb. 23 matinée performance. Sunday Salon discussions throughout the season allow for additional engagement with the production.
Backstage tour, Feb. 27: Theatre staff will guide patrons on a fascinating peek behind the curtain.
Talkback, March 1: Stick around after the show for a discussion with the cast and fellow audience members.
Fine Arts Center presents exhibition of new work by Nancy Lovendahl
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 13, 2020) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present "Small Glimpses, Many Times," an exhibition of new work by sculptor and mixed media artist Nancy Lovendahl, on view Mar. 14–Aug. 2, 2020.
For over thirty years, Lovendahl has investigated the human relationship with landscape, drawing inspiration from the mountainous panorama that surrounds her home and studio in Old Snowmass, CO. She has exhibited widely throughout Colorado as well as internationally, most recently in Germany and China.
The exhibition title, "Small Glimpses, Many Times," references meditative, repetitive practices found in Buddhist philosophy. In this new body of work, Lovendahl uses repetition and scale to invite viewers to examine their own perception of the world around them. She has constructed the form of a mountain (Garett Peak, which rises above her home in Snowmass) from memory, repeating the form in two and three dimensions and various media, including cast resin and Tyvek.
Lovendahl views the mountain form as a metaphor that allows her to explore the difference between the object itself and her concept of it. Through the process of iteration and repetition, she aims to offer new ways of seeing and understanding. Lovendahl hopes that this work will prompt viewers to examine their own perception and assumptions, making space for unity and connection.
"My hope is to bring people together to talk about how we can have vastly different takeaways after sharing a common experience," Lovendahl said. "The link that I'm pursuing at this moment is the division between citizens while there is so much connecting us—we keep walking away with isolated and different perspectives about what we all share. The goal is unity. I know it's a leap—I'm asking for people to be very self-reflective, but I believe that if we can collectively identify as the human race, there's a lot of hope for re-connection."
The exhibition is accompanied by a catalog (available for purchase in the FAC Museum Shop) organized by independent curator and writer Joy Armstrong. It features essays by Margo Ann Crutchfield, Curator at Large at Virginia Tech University's Moss Art Center; Genna Moe, Executive Director of the Art Base, an exhibition and education space in Basalt, Colorado; and Mike McClung, Denver-based artist, writer, and owner of the Michael Warren Contemporary gallery. The catalog also includes an interview between Armstrong and Lovendahl.
About Nancy Lovendahl
Nancy Lovendahl grew up in the Chicago area and studied ceramics at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before moving to the western slopes of Colorado in the 1970s. Her artwork can be found in private and public collections, including The Smithsonian Institution in Wash., DC and Keramikmuseum Westerwald in Höhr-Grenzhausen, Germany. She has been the recipient of multiple Colorado Art in Public Places commissions as well as two public art commissions in Texas. Lovendahl teaches at institutions such as The Central Academy of Fine Art in Beijing, China and Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, CO. She exhibits nationally and internationally with recent exhibitions at The Red Gate Gallery Residency in Beijing, The National Gallery in Tbilisi, Georgia and the Art Base, in Basalt, CO. Lovendahl is represented by Michael Warren Contemporary, in Denver and lives in Old Snowmass, CO with husband, jewelry designer Scott Keating, their dog and cat. She works in studios in Old Snowmass and Denver, CO.
About the FAC Museum
The FAC Museum's permanent collection of over 20,000 objects showcases the rich history and vibrant contemporary cultures of the Southwest and the Americas, containing works of art from Native America (Pueblo, Plains, Plateau, and Great Basin cultures), Hispanic and Spanish Colonial New Mexico, and 20th-Century America.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy 1919. A museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school, the FAC is a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West providing innovative, educational, and multi-disciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality. The FAC and Colorado College recognize and honor the original inhabitants of the land on which it resides. For more information about the FAC, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu or follow on Facebook @CSFineArtsCenter.
The Fine Arts Center Presents Beloved Children's Tale "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane"
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 11, 2020) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," March 6–April 5, 2020, adapted for the stage by Dwayne Hartford from the popular children's book by Newberry Medal-winning author Kate DiCamillo. The play is directed by Meghann Henry.
"The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" tells the story of Edward Tulane, an expensive porcelain toy rabbit who is given as a birthday present to a girl named Abilene. She adores him, but he is vain and self-centered. One day, Edward is lost—he falls overboard during a voyage and sinks to the bottom of the ocean. This episode marks the beginning of his extraordinary journey of transformation. Over the years, Edward changes hands many times as he discovers what it is to love, what it is to lose that love, and how to find the courage to love again.
"In a way, the play is sort of a hero's journey. Edward is called to love—a task he sees as impossible, if not frivolous. Through beautifully crafted storytelling and live music, our actors will weave a tale in which our hero faces adversity, learns to listen, and in the end discovers the joy of true companionship. This story highlights the simple and dramatic moments in life that form the memories that shape who we become," Henry said. "Come to the theater and create a connection—a memory—with your family."
The cast includes FAC favorites Heidi Guzman (last seen in "Tiny Beautiful Things") Jack English ("The Sound of Music," "Stuart Little"), Colton Pratt ("The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time") and Tracy Nicole Taylor ("Ben & The Magic Paintbrush," "Barnum"). Members of the cast will also perform music created specifically for the FAC production of the play, featuring guitar and cello.
The creative team includes Mickey Burdick (scenic designer), Aidan Murphy (lighting designer), Ginny Treu (costume designer), and Terri Harrison (stage manager/props designer).
Idris Goodwin Named New Director of the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 5, 2020) — Idris (pronunciation: Ee-drees) Goodwin, an accomplished playwright, poet, director, educator and organizer, will be the next director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC), effective May 1, 2020.
Goodwin brings extensive experience as a visionary arts leader, working to use the power of the arts to build more equitable, inclusive and invigorating spaces for all. Passionate about cultivating new audiences in the arts, Goodwin actively serves on the national advisory boards of Theatre for Young Audiences USA and the Children's Theatre Foundation of America, as well as New Mexico's 516Arts. He is the recipient of multiple awards from the Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation and The National Endowment for The Arts, and was voted Teacher of the Year at Colorado College in 2015. Goodwin holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a bachelor's degree in film, video and screenwriting from Columbia College.Most recently, Goodwin worked as producing artistic director of Stage One Family Theater in Louisville, Kentucky. He has strong connections to the Colorado Springs and Denver arts communities. He taught for six years in the department of Theatre and Dance at Colorado College and wrote plays and poetry, directed, and performed at the FAC; CC; University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and its Gallery of Contemporary Art; Colorado Springs Philharmonic; on 91.5 KRCC; and in Denver at Denver Center Theatre, Curious Theatre Company, and MCA Denver.
"During my time as a professor at Colorado College, I engaged with the Fine Arts Center in so many different ways, from co-planning a hip-hop festival, to teaching classes, to wandering its galleries lost in inspiration," Goodwin said. "And what a time to return! This alliance between two fixtures of the community brings together centuries of impact in the Front Range. In an age of innovation and creativity, we can become the defining multi-disciplinary art space of the 21st-century West. I am humbled, honored and energized by this tremendous opportunity and I can't wait to join the team and help shape the next chapter. See you soon, 719!"
Alan Townsend, provost at Colorado College, said Goodwin's community connections and vision make him the right person to lead the FAC next. "As the Fine Arts Center completes its transition to Colorado College this summer, we sought a director who could maintain and expand its essential community ties, and also help develop exciting new opportunities for our members, visitors, students, faculty and staff," Townsend said. "I'm thrilled to welcome Idris back to the college and the Springs. Not only is he an internationally known artist with extraordinary vision, he brings unique knowledge of the Colorado Springs, Denver and CC communities that will be invaluable to the FAC in the coming years."
Goodwin will lead strategic direction and manage operations for the FAC, serving both Colorado College and the Colorado Springs community. The position is currently held by FAC Director Erin Hannan, who announced her intended departure in Nov. 2019.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have Idris return to Colorado Springs and focus his considerable talents on the Fine Arts Center," Hannan said. "I'm honored to pass the proverbial torch into his capable hands, as his literary and theatrical accolades, understanding of the creative and artistic process, background as an educator, scholar and practitioner, and involvement in the Colorado arts community can serve the mission in countless ways. As the Fine Arts Center continues to implement an aspirational strategic plan, Idris' vision for the ways in which the arts create transformational experiences and social impact will be invaluable."
Goodwin will begin working with Hannan on a leadership transition plan this month in advance of his official start date in May.
Fine Arts Center Presents US Debut of Rebecca Belmore (Anishinaabe) Solo Exhibition
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 22, 2020) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to be the only United States venue to present "Facing the Monumental," a major solo exhibition of works by Rebecca Belmore, on view Feb. 21–May 31, 2020. One of Canada's most celebrated contemporary artists, Belmore creates artworks that respond to the pressing concerns of our time with beauty, sensitivity and resilience. The exhibition originates from and is organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). It is the largest survey of Belmore's work ever presented; the touring version presented by the FAC features 14 major works including photography, sculpture and multi-media installations from the past three decades.
A member of Lac Seul First Nation (Anishinaabe), Belmore has given voice in her work to social and political issues for over 30 years. She employs a visual language that is both poetic and provocative to contend with subjects such as water and land rights, women's lives and dignity, and state violence against Indigenous people. Belmore has created performance art since the late 1980s, and its immediacy infuses her diverse creative practice. The exhibition's title comes from a performance staged in Toronto's Queen's Park on Canada Day in 2012, where she transformed an oak tree surrounded by monuments to colonialism into a temporary "non-monument" to the Earth.
"Facing the Monumental" presents iconic works from Belmore's career as well as new works created for the exhibition. "The Named and Unnamed" (2002), a multimedia video installation based on her Vancouver performance, "Vigil," was created in direct response to the disappearance of more than 60 Indigenous women from the city's Downtown Eastside. Within that same year it was discovered that serial killer Robert Pickton was responsible for the murder of some of these women. Over the course of her career, Belmore has repeatedly drawn awareness to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women through works such as "sister" (2010) and "1181" (2014)—the number that equals the total of women reported missing and murdered in Canada, as reported by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2014.
"Belmore's powerful works reveal a compelling duality: her lyrical representations of human dignity, the beauty of youth, a sleeping subject, the power of water or the quieting effect of snow are all images that exist in contrast to the turmoil of our world. Her art asks us to consider where we are, and what we face in our future," said Wanda Nanibush, exhibition curator and AGO Curator of Indigenous Art. "These works, seen in isolation, are beautiful. The facts they address, the questions they ask and the violence they reflect on—that is what is political."
In her new work, "Tower" (2018), a 15-foot sculpture of vertically stacked metal shopping carts filled with clay complicates the way that we see urban development in the context of increasing homelessness. Belmore brilliantly combines symbols of capitalism and real-estate to confront the quandaries that arise around gentrification, while poignantly presenting the shopping cart as a vessel for the worldly belongings of a person with no home.
"The world will be a different place in 20 years, and we have no idea what that looks like," said Belmore. "I think that's why we have conversations, that's why we have to listen, that's why we make art."
The FAC presentation of "Facing the Monumental" is organized by Polly Nordstrand (Hopi), FAC Curator of Southwest Art. The exhibition has previously toured in Canada to the Remai Modern in Saskatoon and the Musée d'art contemporain in Montréal. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center will be the only US venue to host this exhibition.
Belmore and Nanibush will participate in a dialogue about the show on in Colorado College's Packard Music Hall on Friday, Feb. 21, that is open to the public in celebration of the exhibition opening. Visit fac.coloradocollege.edu for more details.
The Fine Arts Center presents beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic "The Sound of Music"
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 14, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present "The Sound of Music," Dec. 12, 2019–Jan. 12, 2020. This 60th anniversary production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical is directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson.
Beloved by generations of audiences worldwide, "The Sound of Music" tells the inspiring true story of the von Trapp family and their escape from Austria during the rise of Nazism. When aspiring nun Maria proves too high-spirited for convent life, she's dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of widowed captain Georg von Trapp. Her kindness and generosity of spirit capture the heart of the stern captain, and they marry. The family's narrow escape from the Nazi invasion provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented on stage.
"'The Sound of Music' is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. At its core, it is about a family that finds its way back to each other. With the arrival of Maria, one of musical theatre's most charming and memorable heroines, the family is able to reconnect and stand united against a common enemy. Our production features an electrifying cast performing all of your favorite songs from this classic story," said Halvorson.
"The Sound of Music" was the last collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The original 1959 Broadway production won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The 1965 film adaptation, starring Julie Andrews, received five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The musical stars Lauren Lukacek (Maria) and Trevor Martin (Captain von Trapp), making their FAC Theatre Company debuts. They are joined by FAC favorites Sally Hybl, Rebecca Myers, Kyle Dean Steffen and Carmen Shedd. Rounding out the ensemble are Solveig Olsen, Meggan O'Mahoney, Ben Fowler, Bekah Broas, Miranda McCauley, Michael Ellsworth, Bridget Brown, Tyler Furhwirth, Kelly Tanburg, Haley Ballard, Millie Faricy, Donovan Kriskowski, Jessye King, Jerry McCauley, Ryan Miller, Tracy Nicole Taylor and Micah Spiers.
The creative team includes Jay Hahn (musical director), Stephanie McGuffin (vocal director), R. Eric Stone (scenic design), Jess Fialko (lighting design), Sera Bourgeau (costume design) and Kate Ferdinandi (stage manager).
Tickets are now on sale at fac.coloradocollege.edu or through the box office at (719) 634-5583.
Fine Arts Center receives major grant from Institute for Museum and Library Services to support digitization efforts
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 22, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to announce the receipt of a major grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in support of a long-term project to improve the documentation, preservation, and accessibility of its collection of Native American, Hispanic, Spanish Colonial, and 20th century American art.
In Sept. 2019, the IMLS announced grant awards totaling $21,726,676 for museums across the nation to improve services to their communities. Through the agency's largest competitive grant program, Museums for America, and a special initiative, Museums Empowered, a total of 130 projects were selected from 511 applications. The Fine Arts Center will receive $243,000.
"As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other," said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. "IMLS is proud to support their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their communities."
The FAC museum will identify priority items from its collection for digitization based on input from a community survey to launch the project. The grant will allow the FAC to photograph, research, and prepare records for 3,000 pieces from the permanent collection, with the goal of making this information publicly available through a portal on the FAC website. This will allow faculty, scholars, teachers, cultural groups, and tribal organizations to access the collections for teaching and learning.
"The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College houses one of the nation's best collections of art from the Southwest. With this grant, the FAC museum will be able to digitize and electronically share our collection with broad audiences across Colorado and beyond. The Open Collection project enables flexible, inclusive and innovative opportunities for engagement with, and learning from, these objects. The project focuses on key parts of the museum's mission: the preservation of historic and cultural data for future generations, and the creation of expansive networks of knowledge. I am grateful to the IMLS for their support of this ongoing work," said FAC Museum Director Rebecca Tucker.
Fine Arts Center partners with artists, local schools for 2019 Día de los Muertos celebration
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 16, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to announce their upcoming Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, Oct. 30 and Nov. 1-2, 2019. Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and death that demonstrates love and respect for deceased family members. The tradition originated in Mexico but is celebrated throughout Latin America and parts of the United States. In the 1970s, California artists involved in the Chicano Movement took up the traditions of Día de los Muertos to celebrate cultural pride and express ideas of social justice. In 2008, it was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The community is invited to watch the altar construction process throughout the day (the completed altar will be on view through Nov. 10). At 4:30 pm, there will be an altar opening and Aztec danza, a dancing in prayer, by Grupo Folklórico Sabor Latino of Denver.The Fine Arts Center celebration begins Oct. 30 with the installation of a traditional Aztec altar by Denver-based artist and curator Maruca Salazar. Salazar was director of Museo de las Americas and worked for many years with Denver Public Schools, successfully administering a multi-million dollar arts program. She grew up in the Mexican state of Veracruz, where she learned Totonac traditions from her grandmother. "In our home, my grandmother made sure that elements of our indigenous past were present as well as the influence of the Catholic church during the installation of the family altar," says Salazar.
Ofrendas created by students from four local schools will also be displayed at the museum. Ofrendas are altars created to honor a deceased person and are traditionally loaded with food, flowers and candles. Over the past month, students spent time learning about the tradition and creating their own ofrendas. Madi Stuart, a teacher at Manitou middle school, worked with her students to create an ofrenda that celebrates beloved Manitou artist and poet Charles Rockey, who passed away earlier this year. Stuart worked with Rockey's family to learn more about him and arranged a class visit to his studio.
In addition to the altars created by Salazar and community schools, the exhibition "Visibility and Belonging: Chicanx Art in Context" will be on view. Nancy Ríos, Visiting Assistant Professor in Southwest Studies at Colorado College, worked with CC students to curate the exhibition, which explores Chicanx culture and its influences.
On Nov. 1, First Friday festivities include free museum admission and another opportunity to view Salazar's Aztec altar and local school's ofrendas.
The celebration continues Saturday, Nov. 2, with free museum admission, artist demonstrations, performances, food, and more. Colorado College's Mariachi Tigre ensemble will perform Mexican popular and folk music. Local Mexican folk dance group Ballet Folklórico de la Raza will also perform. Bemis School of Art instructors will guide visitors in a hands-on activity creating tissue paper marigolds, traditionally used to decorate ofrendas.
"We are excited to be celebrating Día de los Muertos this year as a way to understand how deeply the art traditions influence our lives, and we hope that this will be a community-building experience for everyone," said Curator of Southwest Art Polly Nordstrand.
The Fine Arts Center presents "Tiny Beautiful Things" based on the book by Cheryl Strayed
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 10, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present "Tiny Beautiful Things," Nov. 8-Dec. 1, 2019. The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed (adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos) and directed by Henry award-winner Christy Montour-Larson.
While Strayed was awaiting the publication of her memoir "Wild," she sent a note of appreciation to an anonymous online advice column called "Dear Sugar." The author of the column responded, revealing his identity and reminding her that they had met at a writer's conference. He admired her writing and invited her to take over the column. Strayed agreed and changed the tone, sprinkling her responses with personal stories and genuine empathy. The column became wildly popular, and the letters were later collected as the book "Tiny Beautiful Things."
"'Tiny Beautiful Things' is rich with humor, insight and compassion. It is one of the more poignant and life-affirming scripts I've read in a long time," said Montour-Larson. "It is so much more than an advice column on stage. Instead of answers, Sugar provides illumination. Life can be hard and it can be wonderful. I love how the play reminds us of the way, like it or not, we are all connected. That is why the book is so suited to be experienced live, on stage, with the Colorado Springs community."
The stage adaptation of the book places Strayed in her home, where the letter writers appear and share their deepest hurts and struggles. The letters are full of heartbreak and humor, and Strayed counsels each writer deep into the night, sharing words of compassion and hope.
"Tiny Beautiful Things is about the endangered art of listening to – and really hearing and responding to – other people…it works beautifully as a sustained theatrical exercise in empathy."
The play stars Alison Mickelson (last seen in the 2018 FAC production of "Fun Home") as Strayed. She is joined by FAC favorites Steve Emily, Heidi Guzman, and Marisa Hebert.
The creative team includes Chris Sheley (scenic design), Holly Anne Rawls (lighting design), Maelia Kalua (costume design) and Terri Harrison (props design).
Based on Stephen King's cult classic, "Carrie: The Musical" hits the Fine Arts Center Mainstage to benefit the Theatre School
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 1, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company proudly presents the regional premiere of "Carrie: The Musical," on stage Oct. 25–26, 2019 and directed by Nathan Halvorson. This staged concert will benefit the FAC Theatre School.
Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, the musical version of "Carrie" has rarely been seen since its legendary 1988 Broadway production. It features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award-winner Michael Gore ("Fame," "Terms of Endearment"), and lyrics by Academy Award-winner Dean Pitchford ("Fame," "Footloose").
Winner of the 1988 Theatre World Award for Best Broadway Debut, "Carrie" tells the story of an awkward teenage girl with special powers. At school, she's a lonely outcast bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she's at the mercy of her loving but cruelly over-protective mother. Humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, Carrie unleashes chaos on everyone and everything in her path.
"Stephen King fans and musical theatre aficionados rejoice! We are celebrating our 4th year of musical concerts with the infamous 'Carrie: The Musical.' Anyone seeking a thrill this Halloween season will be captivated by this classic and chilling tale, sung by the very best talent in the Pikes Peak Region. That the proceeds of the event go to continuing the legacy of the FAC Theatre School is the cherry on top," said Halvorson.
The cast and crew is comprised of alumni and current students of the FAC's Youth Repertory Ensemble with Youth Rep alum Casey Fetters as Carrie, joined by Rachel Daguman, Jack English, Isabel Hebenstreit, Miranda McCauley, Kylee Crews, Mackenzie Walton, Conner Graves, and Anders Arneson. Rounding out the cast is Henry Award-winning actress and FAC Theatre School faculty member Megan Van De Hey, FAC favorite and FAC Theatre School faculty member Kevin Pierce, Mark Autry, Carmen Shedd, and Ben Fowler.
The show's orchestra features Stephanie McGuffin, Jerry McCauley, Jay McGuffin, Jason Vaughn, Jim Christian, Richard Clark, and Sabrina Baugh with costume design by Korri Grossman and lighting design by Holly Anne Rawls.
Proceeds from this benefit performance will help further the impact of the FAC's Youth Repertory program and other FAC Theatre School classes, which provide comprehensive, focused and professional theatrical training for young thespians and adult actors. The FAC is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary of the Youth Repertory program and 100 years of theatre education at the FAC.
The Fine Arts Center opens the 2019–20 Mainstage theatre season with regional premiere of the Olivier & Tony Award-winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 27, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the regional premiere of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Sept. 26-Oct. 20, 2019. The play, by award-winning playwright Simon Stephens, is adapted from Mark Haddon's best-selling novel and directed by Producing Artistic Director Scott RC Levy.
"I was drawn to the story of Christopher when I first read Mark Haddon's book many years ago. This tale of acceptance, perseverance and deduction is a powerful and touching look into the life of a conflicted teenager. The theatrical experience that is Curious Incident is a thrilling journey that I can't wait to stage" said Levy.
Winner of seven Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards, including Best Play, Curious tells the story of fifteen-year-old Christopher, who has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor's dog, he becomes determined to find the true culprit. His detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.
"A beautiful, eloquent, dazzlingly inventive show about the wonders of life."
—Evening Standard (London).
The play stars Logan Riley Bruner as Christopher (making his FAC debut). Bruner may be familiar to audiences from his television appearances on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Orange is the New Black, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He is joined by two actors who recently received Henry Awards for their performances in FAC productions last season: Brian Landis Folkins (Outstanding Actor in a Play, Church & State) and Elise Santora (Best Actress in a Play, Anna in the Tropics). Rounding out the ensemble are Candace Joice, Meghan Andrews, Rebecca Myers, Colton Pratt, Julia Greene, Stephen Turner and Nicholas Ortiz.
The creative team includes Mary Ripper Baker (choreography), Chris Sheley (scenic design), Holly Rawls (lighting design), Jacob Keough-Mishler (sound design), Kevin Koski (costume design), Stephen Light (composer), and Colin Riebel (projection design).
More from the FAC
Taste restaurant at the FAC features vibrant flavors, sustainable ingredients, and incredible mountain views. Executive chef Edward Salazar creates special menus themed to each Main Stage theatre production. Full menu available online; call (719) 634-5583 for reservations.
Tickets start at $20 for Wednesday performances and select seats. Reserve online at fac.coloradocollege.edu or call the box office at (719) 634-5583.
Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Contact the box office for details.
Military service members and seniors are also eligible for discounts; contact the box office for details.
Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15 (Colorado College students receive FREE rush tickets). Tickets subject to availability; must purchase in person; CC students must present a CC Gold Card.
Museum admission: Ticket holders receive free admission to the museum on the day of their ticketed performance. Information about current exhibitions is available online.
Arts Month
October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. Check-out a full listing of FAC Arts Month events online.
Orchestrated annually by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region and part of National Arts and Humanities Month, Arts Month strives to encourage people to have at least one new cultural experience with family or friends during the month of October.
A full listing of Arts Month events and activities in the region is available at PeakRadar.com.
About the FAC
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is opening in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA), a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak region. A century after its founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, theatre company, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu.
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy by Julie and Spencer Penrose in 1919. For 100 years, 30 West Dale Street has been the hub of rich cultural history throughout the region. The Broadmoor Art Academy served as a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West. During the Great Depression, three dedicated philanthropists – Julie Penrose, Alice Bemis Taylor, and Elizabeth Sage Hare – envisioned expanding the Broadmoor Art Academy into an entire arts district under one roof – ultimately evolving into what is known today as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. The FAC is deeply rooted in the legacy of its founders, who possessed bold visions, a deep passion for the arts, and dedication to the Colorado Springs community. The FAC honors this legacy and spirit today by providing innovative, educational, and multidisciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality, building on its history as a unique cultural pillar of the Pikes Peak region. For more information, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu.
"Detour" installation brings interactive painting to the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 22, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present the special multi-sensory installation "Detour," on view Sept. 21-Dec. 8, 2019. "Detour" is curated by FAC Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Joy Armstrong.
Detour is the moniker of Thomas Evans, a Denver-based painter, muralist, and installation artist, internationally renowned for his brightly-colored portraits and large-scale artworks. Inspired by breakdancing and hip-hop, Evans often exists at the intersection of art and music. He mixes new media with more traditional fine arts processes to create touch-sensitive surfaces that respond with sound. His innovative use of technology and dynamic color bring an interactive, engaging quality to his work.
Evans challenges expectations of static artworks that are positioned literally (and figuratively) beyond the viewer's reach. Through physical engagement with the work, museum visitors become active participants in the creative process as collaborators with the artist and fellow guests, resulting in a unique, memorable experience. For Evans, art should be "a part of your life, rather than just in it."
"For many years, the Fine Arts Center has celebrated the importance of physical engagement with visual art with the Mashburn|Marshall Tactile Gallery, a space where visitors are invited to touch the art. Detour's interactive installation expands upon this philosophy of multiple modes of engagement with the inclusion of sound, resulting in a true collaboration between the artist and the viewer—the installation is only complete with visitor participation by gentle touch," said Armstrong. "While most museum objects remain hands-off, Detour's innovative work reminds us that all art may be deeply experienced when we engage with multiple senses. You will find that sight, sound, and smell can weave together to form rich experiences with art and create meaningful participation in the creative process."
Evans earned national acclaim in 2016 with acknowledgement from the Huffington Post about "They Still Live," a series he created that combines photography, DNA mapping, and African objects, sponsored by Ancestry.com. The artist and his work have been featured by CNN as well as numerous digital, print, radio and television outlets. Most recently, Evans was commissioned to create a portrait of Jay-Z for David Letterman's Netflix show "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman." The show introduces each guest with a stylized video or piece of art (Evans also created a portrait of Letterman).
More information about Thomas "Detour" Evans may be found at www.iamdetour.com.
FAC receives grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Press Release
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College receives grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 23, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is pleased to announce a grant award from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The Fine Arts Center is the first Colorado-based nonprofit to receive a Curatorial Research Fellowship since the program's inception in 2008.
The $45,000 grant will support a Curatorial Research Fellowship for the development of the exhibition Queer Indigenous Visualities, scheduled to open in September 2021. The planning project will include convenings of the curatorial team with artists, scholars and activists, artist studio visits, archival research, a public program and documentation.
Grant recipient Polly Nordstrand, FAC Curator of Southwest Art, will hold the fellowship and drive curation of the exhibition designed to provide a corrective to historical considerations of Native American art that have ignored the significant contributions of Queer artists. Working with Michelle McGeough from the University of British Columbia and V. Gina Diaz from the University of New Mexico, Nordstrand is looking into the practices of contemporary Latinx and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ artists.
In accordance with Andy Warhol's will, the mission of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts is the advancement of the visual arts. The foundation manages an innovative and flexible grants program while also preserving Warhol's legacy through creative and responsible licensing policies and extensive scholarly research for ongoing catalogue and raisonne projects. To date, the foundation has given more than $200 million in cash grants to over 1,000 arts organizations in 49 states and abroad and has donated 52,786 works of art to 322 institutions worldwide.
Quote from Polly Nordstrand, Curator of Southwest Art, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
"As an academic museum, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is committed to presenting new scholarship to our public. The exhibition will be an important contribution to the fields of art history and Indigenous studies by bringing awareness to the work of Queer artists and their role in creating Indigenous futures. As a collaborative curatorial project, we anticipate the dialogues in planning the exhibition to also be generative for our communities."
Quote from Rachel Bers, Program Director, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
"The foundation is very pleased to support Polly Nordstrand's research into the practices of queer Latinx and Indigenous artists whose work has been largely ignored in contemporary art discourse. The resulting exhibition and public programs promise to raise the visibility of important experimental artists and to contribute new perspectives to the field of contemporary art history."
Impressions from a Burgeoning Arts Colony Shared Through Musick
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 1, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present the special exhibition Notes from the Musick Collection, on view Aug. 3, 2019 – Feb. 9, 2020.
Archie L. Musick (1902-1978) was a prominent American painter and instructor in Colorado Springs during the glory years of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center School (FAC) studying under the art school's highly influential director and instructor, famed artist Boardman Robinson. Over the years, Musick assembled an astonishing collection of lithographs as a result of collaborative efforts and trades with colleagues. With the assistance of guest curator Pat Musick, the artist's daughter, Notes from the Musick Collection will feature selected prints from the family collection presented alongside informal notes from friends and ephemera from the printmaking process. This exhibition offers a personal glimpse into the friendships and artistic collaborations between Musick and his peers, lifelong relationships that began at the BAA and FAC. It also includes rare examples of the artist's preparatory sketches for the fantastical mural commission he completed in 1936 for the opening of the John Gaw Meem building, still on view in the FAC's basement lounge.
Musick, a lively figure in local history with close ties to many prominent figures at the BAA and FAC, shares colorful recollections and a view of the art world in the Pikes Peak region from the 1920s to the 1950s in his memoir, Musick Medley: Intimate Memories of a Rocky Mountain Art Colony. In the memoir, the amusing stories recall memories of friends, contemporaries, and acquaintances including Charlie Bunnell, Spencer Penrose, Boardman Robinson, Jackson Pollock, Lawrence Barrett, Adolf Dehn, Randall Davey, Ernest Lawson, Jenne and Ethel Magafan, and Eduardo Chavez, among many others. Musick Medley continues to be one of the few primary sources of the 20th century Colorado Springs art scene. Long out of print, vintage copies of the memoir are now available for purchase in the FAC Museum Shop.
Notes from the Musick Collection is opening in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the opening of the Broadmoor Art Academy in 1919, a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its' inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak Region. A century after the founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th Anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu/100-years.
Notes from the Musick Collection
When: Aug. 3, 2019 – Feb. 9, 2020
Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St.
Admission: $10 ($5 military and seniors 55+); FREE for members, kids 12 and under, students, and teachers (with ID)
Something else: Save the date – Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Join us for an open house celebrating the Broadmoor Art Academy's official birthday. (Free and open to the public)
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy by Julie and Spencer Penrose in 1919. For nearly 100 years, 30 West Dale Street has been the hub of rich cultural history throughout the region. The Broadmoor Art Academy served as a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West. During the Great Depression, three dedicated philanthropists – Julie Penrose, Alice Bemis Taylor, and Elizabeth Sage Hare – envisioned expanding the Broadmoor Art Academy into an entire arts district under one roof – ultimately evolving into what is known today as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. The FAC is deeply rooted in the legacy of its founders, who possessed bold visions, a deep passion for the arts, and dedication to the Colorado Springs community. The FAC honors this legacy and spirit today by providing innovative, educational, and multidisciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality, building on its history as a unique cultural pillar of the Pikes Peak region. For more information, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu.
Utopia: A New Society for All Press Release
Explore what it means to live in community in the Fine Arts Center's new exhibition – Utopia: A New Society for All
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 22, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present a free special exhibition, Utopia: A New Society for All, on view August 3 – November 3, 2019.
Born from the artist's desire to build community, Utopia exists both as a 4-by-7-foot diorama- based installation and as a conceptual art piece, bringing virtual reality into the real world. Anyone can apply to become a citizen of Utopia. Over 80 people from all over the world already have. Upon acceptance, artist and Utopia Founder and Facilitator Becky Wareing Steele renders each applicant in 1:160 scale in a process called miniaturization. She then places them within the Southwest-inspired landscape of the diorama where they inhabit an Earthship-style dwelling.
As much a thought experiment as an art installation, Utopia explores what it means to live in community. By scaling down the world, it is the artist's intent to make solutions to complex issues seem more attainable. Her work asks us to contemplate a number of questions: How do we build community? What are the building blocks of a successful society? Is a Utopia attainable?
"This project aims to give people an escape from reality while still connecting with people in real life situations." Becky Wareing Steele, Founder and Facilitator of Utopia
Becky Wareing Steele is an artist living and working in Denver, Colorado specializing in small scale sculpture. Her work deals with the commonalities that exist in our shared experiences through the examination of scale and environment. By scaling objects down, the viewer is able to take in more complex issues and narratives conveyed through the work in a way that feels inclusive, exploring the impact of scale and how it effects our perception of the world around us.
Wareing Steele holds a BA in Art History from Colorado State University with a focus on Intuit Art.
Utopia: A New Society for All Exhibition
When: August 3 – November 3, 2019
Admission: This exhibition is FREE and open to the public. (Admission to the rest of the FAC museum: $10; $5 seniors/military; FREE for members/students and teachers with ID)
Something Else: Artist Talk – Sept 27, 2019, 5:30 p.m.
Join artist Becky Wareing Steele for a conversation centered on community as it relates to her ongoing exploration of the concept of a Utopia. Wareing Steele will discuss what brought her into her role as Founder and Facilitator of Utopia and how she's continued to build a sense of community with citizens around the world through this community-based project.
Disaster! Press Release
See the next generation of theatre stars in the FAC's Youth Repertory Ensemble production of Disaster!
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 8, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to celebrate its 20th year of the Youth Repertory Ensemble with their production of Disaster! July 25-28, 2019.
It's 1979, and New York's hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. Also attending is a faded disco star, a nightclub singer with her eleven-year-old twins, a disaster expert, a feminist reporter, an older couple with a secret, a pair of young guys on the prowl, an untrustworthy businessman, and a nun with a gambling addiction. What could go wrong?
While the night kicks off with boogie fever, panic quickly ensues as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters, such as earthquakes, tidal waves, and infernos. As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive and, quite possibly, repair the love that they've lost … or at least escape the killer rats.
Audiences and critics are wild for this hilarious homage to the era of bell-bottoms, platform shoes and the hustle. With larger-than-life characters, snappy dialogue, and some of the most recognizable songs of the '70s (Knock on Wood, Hooked on a Feeling, Sky High, and Hot Stuff, to name a few), Disaster! will have you dancing in your seats and rolling in the aisles.
Youth Repertory Ensemble 20 Year Anniversary
The FAC's Youth Repertory Ensemble, currently in its 20th year, is a five-week conservatory training program for aspiring theatre performers, designers and technicians, all of whom auditioned and/or interviewed to be included in the program. For more than a century, students of all ages have taken part in theatre classes including the Youth Repertory Ensemble which is a hallmark of the theatre education program.
Quote from Scott RC Levy, Producing Artistic Director and Director of Performing Arts: "For 100 years, Theatre Education has been an integral part of the Fine Arts Center's mission. Our Youth Repertory Ensemble, going stronger than ever in this, its 20th consecutive year, is one of the highlights of every season in the theatre. We are proud that these young artists choose to spend their summers with us, receiving the highest quality professional training in the region. Here's to 20 more years!"
Participants in this year's Youth Repertory Ensemble include:
Air Academy High School: Joseph Brock, Miranda McCauley
Bakersfield College: Rachel Daguman
Cheyenne Mountain High School: Ella Dill, Weller Dorff, Cameron Russell, Maddie Schoen
Civa Charter School: Berkeley Hart
Colorado Springs Christian School: Sarah Rasmussen, Mackenzie Walton
Colorado State University, Fort Collins: Kayla Schill
Discover Canyon High School: Kadyn Ballard
Ellicott High School: Danielle Wood
Lewis Palmer High School: Anders Arneson, Ethan Boyd, Kylie Crews, Conner Graves, Isabel Hebenstreit, Scott Reif
Liberty High School: Caden Riehle
Marymount Manhattan College: Sara Oliver
Palmer High School: Ellie Levy
Palmer Ridge High School: Lacey Rubenstein
Pine Creek High School: Alex Campbell, Donovan Kriskowski, Lena Olson
Pikes Peak Community College: Elizabeth Pond
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs: Sheridan Singer
University of Colorado, Boulder: Jack English
University of Utah: Brendan Lowry
When: July 25-28, 2019; Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7 p.m.; Sun at 2 p.m.
What: Deconstructing Broadway with Seth Rudetsky (co-author of Disaster!)
When: July 16, 2019; at 7:30 p.m.
Details: Sirius/XM radio's Broadway host Seth Rudetsky brings his hilarious one-man show to Colorado Springs. Deconstructing Broadway is a combination of "America's Funniest Home Videos," "The Tony Awards," and "The Daily Show". The 90-minute tour-de-force features Rudetsky's trademark "deconstructions," in which he uses his amazing audio/video collection to break down brilliant performances from beloved Broadway divas like Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley and more. Rudetsky showcases mind-boggling videos like The Osmonds singing a medley from Fiddler On The Roof and an entire section on Barbra Streisand. This award-winning show recently played to a sold-out crowd in London where it received 5-star reviews.
Disaster! is opening in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA), a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak region. A century after its founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu.
World of WearableArt™ Press Release
Fashion and art collide at the FAC in special international traveling exhibition World of WearableArt™
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 8, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present the international traveling exhibition World of WearableArt™ (WOW) June 22-Sept. 22, 2019.
The 32 award-winning garments presented in this special exhibition represent some of the most original, provocative, and unorthodox objects in the World of WearableArt Historic Collection, demonstrating what designers from a wide variety of occupations can imagine when they are released from the constraints of "fashion" and are encouraged to see the human body as a blank canvas. This exhibition is organized by the World of WearableArt™ Ltd.
World of WearableArt™ combines an international wearable art competition with a spectacular stage show where dance, theatre, fashion, music, and art are combined. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the World of WearableArt Awards Show, New Zealand's single largest theatrical event. Around 60,000 show goers attend annually over the three-week show season from around the world. Each year, World of WearableArt creates new worlds to inspire designers, into which incredible wearable art garments are bought to life within the show. The rules of the competition encourage entries of anything that is wearable, as long as it is original, beautifully designed, and well-made, resulting in garments that are constructed from an array of traditional and unconventional materials. The challenge: take art off the wall and adorn onto the human form.
"WOW celebrates a huge variety of designers and ideas. It creates a competition that rewards people for being brave with their creativity, while also giving something spellbinding and magical to audiences." Dame Suzie Moncrieff, World of WearableArt Founder
SPECIAL EVENT – Sashay
Launched in 2015, Sashay is back, featuring unique wearable art pieces. Enjoy an evening of exceptional design, cocktails, appetizers, music, and entertainment. This juried fashion show will feature 16 garments selected by jurors Virgil Ortiz, Gypsy Ames, and Karen Holloway – including Vicarious, a 2017 WOW finalist by Colorado Springs-born, New Zealand-based artist Etainia Dagda.
World of WearableArt™ Exhibition
When: June 22-Sept. 22, 2019
Admission: $10; $5 seniors/military; FREE for members/students and teachers with ID
Sashay
When: June 22, 2019, 7-11 p.m.
Admission: $35; $25 FAC members; $20 students with ID
World of WearableArt™ and Sashay are presented in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA), a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak region. A century after its founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu.
Barnum Press Release
Step Right Up! The Fine Arts Center closes the season with Barnum, the Tony Award-winning circus musical
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 1, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present Barnum live on stage May 23-June 16, 2019, directed by Producing Artistic Director, Scott RC Levy.
Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages … step right up and experience the spectacle that transports you to a world like none you've ever seen before – jugglers, clowns, trapeze artists, and the original ringleader himself. Don't miss this fresh, exciting new take on the classic Tony Award-winning American Musical based on the life of showman P.T. Barnum. (Recommended for ages 6+)
"An evening of pure, exhilarating fun!" –New York Times
The cast stars Gil Brady as The Prince of Humbug – Phineas Taylor Barnum, with Jennifer DeDominici as his wife, Charity. The ensemble includes Nick Ortiz, Elizabeth Doyle, Betty Hart, Mark Snyder, Tracy Taylor, Thomas Voss, Mark Autry, Nels Jacobson, Abby Noble, Jessye King, and Mark Alpert. Acclaimed circus artists Kyle Cox, Emily Wegert, Mandy Cervera, and David Hale, and a stellar band under the musical direction of Jerry McCauley join the cast under the big top. The production features scenic design by Christopher L. Sheley, lighting design by Holly Anne Rawls, costume design by Lex Liang, circus direction by Jim Jackson, and choreography by Nathan Halvorson.
Add to the experience with Day Camp options for the kids and production themed dining!
Barnum Day Camps are available for kids age 6-13 and offer a fun, educational adventure complete with a tour of the theatre, hands-on experiences with the set, a personal meet-and-greet with the cast members, and more! (Space is limited)
Dine at Taste before the show! Enjoy delectable pre-theatre dining options themed specifically to the production with selections like Circus Peanut Shrimp, Fried Pickles, and a Jumbo the Elephant Ear dessert. View full menus online and make your reservations early: (719) 634-5583.
When: May 23-June 16; times vary, check website for details
Tickets: Starting at $20 for Wednesday performances and select seats; Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15 (Colorado College students receive FREE rush tickets). Tickets subject to availability; must purchase in person; CC students must present a CC Gold Card.
Special offer: Ticket holders receive free admission to the museum on the day of their ticketed performance.
Barnum is opening in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA), a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak region. A century after its founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu.
Bad Dates Press Release
Bad Dates, an irresistible one-woman play starring Megan Van de Hey, makes its regional premiere at the FAC
Colorado Springs (April 8, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the regional premiere of the irresistible one-woman comedy Bad Dates, April 26-May 19, 2019, starring Colorado favorite Megan Van de Hey and directed by Joye Cook-Levy.
Restaurant manager and shoe connoisseur Haley Walker is finally ready to re-enter the dating world. From the privacy of her bedroom, she relates a series of hilarious tales while preparing for, and recovering from, one dreadful date after another. Theresa Rebeck's sweet and sharp comedy will be the hottest date night in town, and make for a perfect girls night out!
"… a crowd-pleasing, one-woman comedy with a scrappy, magnetic narrator …" –The Boston Globe
STARRING: Colorado favorite, Megan Van de Hey, an award-winning professional actor who last appeared at the FAC in last season's production of Fun Home, for which she received a Henry Award Nomination. Over the last 16 years, she has garnered acclaim in Chicago, Houston and Denver, which she now proudly calls home. Megan is a member of the Actors Equity Association and has committed herself to continually growing within her craft and doing quality work.
DIRECTED BY: Joye Cook-Levy, who returns to the FAC after directing Peter and the Starcatcher, Play It Again Sam, and A Christmas Story amongst others. She has directed and/or performed at many Colorado Springs theatres, including Theatreworks (for which she received a Henry Award nomination for her direction of Constellations), the Millibo Art Theatre, and Springs Ensemble Theatre.
WRITTEN BY: Theresa Rebeck is a prolific and widely produced playwright, whose work can be seen and read throughout the United States and abroad. Recently, her fourth Broadway play, Bernhardt/Hamlet, premiered as part of the Roundabout Theatre Company's 2018-19 season, making Rebeck the most Broadway-produced female playwright of our time.
Ticket holders can enjoy pre-theatre dining at Taste before the show! See menu online; reservations (719) 634-5583.
Bad Dates
When: April 26-May 19; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20 ($18 members); Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15 (Colorado College students receive FREE rush tickets). Tickets subject to availability; must purchase in person; CC students must present a CC Gold Card.
Special offer: Ticketholders receive free admission to the museum on the day of their ticketed performance.
Bad Dates is opening in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA), a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its' inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak Region. A century after the founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu.
2019-2020 Theatre Season Press Release
Spectacular theatre slated for the FAC's 2019-2020 season
Colorado Springs (March 29, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is pleased to announce the blockbuster line-up for the 2019-2020 theatre season. The FAC will produce regional premieres of award-winning theatre including In the Heights and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – kicking off in September, 2019. "I'm thrilled to announce these stellar titles," said Producing Artistic Director, Scott RC Levy, "which form a full season in which we will explore the true meaning of home."
2019-2020 Mainstage Theatre Season
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Sept. 26-Oct. 20, 2019
The Sound of Music Dec. 12, 2019-Jan. 12, 2020
The Bridges of Madison County Feb. 13-March 1, 2020
Silent Sky April 2-19, 2020
In the Heights May 28-June 21, 2020
2019-2020 Family & Studio Series Theatre Season
Busytown: The Musical Sept. 14-Oct. 13, 2019
Tiny Beautiful Things Nov. 8-Dec. 1, 2019
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane March 6-April 5, 2020
Lonely Planet June 26-July 19, 2020
2019-2020 Special Added Attractions
Carrie the Musical: A Staged Concert Oct. 25-27, 2019
Men on Boats April 24-May 3, 2020
All mainstage productions are performed in the FAC's beautifully restored 400-seat theatre. Season subscriptions start at $66 and are on sale now. Single tickets start at $20 and will be available for purchase starting July 25, 2019. Additionally, tickets for select Wednesday evening performances are only $20 and available for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Bridges of Madison County, Silent Sky, and In the Heights (subscription options do not apply). For more information call (719) 634-5583, or visit fAC.coloradocollege.edu.
Based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens
Regional Premiere
Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play! Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. It's seven minutes after midnight and Christopher stands beside his neighbor's dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. His detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp
Sixtieth Anniversary Production! The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she's dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon, they discover that the Nazis have invaded Austria, and they demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.
Based on the novel by Robert James Waller
Book by Marsha Norman
Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Score and Orchestrations! Francesca Johnson, a beautiful Italian woman who married an American soldier to flee war-ravaged Italy, looks forward to a rare four days alone on her Iowa farm when her family heads to the 1965 State Fair. When ruggedly handsome, National Geographic photographer, Robert Kincaid, pulls into her driveway seeking directions, though, what happens in those four days may very well alter the course of Francesca's life.
By Lauren Gunderson
When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn't allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women "computers," charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in "girl hours" and has no time for the women's probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman's place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women's ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications. Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.
Book by Quiara Alegria Hudes
Music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations! From the creator and star of Hamilton comes Lin-Manuel Miranda's first Tony Award-winning musical, a love-letter to the community in upper Manhattan where he still lives. In the Heights is a Hip Hop musical with a Salsa beat that tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York's Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It's a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams, and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.
FAMILY & STUDIO SERIES
All Family & Studio Series productions are performed in the FAC's gorgeously intimate 108-seat Music Room. Tickets for each performance are $20 for non-members, $18 for FAC members, and $10 for kids 12 and under (family theatre shows only).
Busytown: The Musical – FAMILY SERIES Sept. 14-Oct. 13, 2019
Based on the book by Richard Scarry
Adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling
Music by Michael Koerner
Busytown is always buzzing with activity, but what do people do all day? That's where Huckle Cat comes in – he'll take us on a tour of his great neighborhood, and there is so much to see and do, and so many wonderful friends to visit. Huckle shows us how Farmer Pig and Grocer Cat work together to bring food to the town. Construction Worker and his crew build new houses, and Firechief and the gang keep them safe. Isn't it wonderful how everyone works together to keep Busytown busy?
Tiny Beautiful Things – STUDIO SERIES Nov. 8-Dec. 1, 2019
Based on the book the book by Cheryl Strayed
Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos
Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, Tiny Beautiful Things personifies the questions and answers that "Sugar" was publishing online from 2010-2012. When the struggling writer was asked to take over the unpaid, anonymous position of advice columnist, Strayed used empathy and her personal experiences to help those seeking guidance for obstacles both large and small. Tiny Beautiful Things is a play about reaching when you're stuck, healing when you're broken, and finding the courage to take on the questions which have no answers.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane – FAMILY SERIES March 6-April 5, 2020
Based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo
Adapted for the stage by Dwayne Hartford
Edward Tulane is an expensive toy rabbit made of china. He is loved by a little girl named Abilene, but Edward doesn't care. He is vain and self-centered. He has no interest in anyone other than himself. On an ocean voyage, Edward is accidently thrown overboard and sinks to the bottom of the sea. So begins his journey – a journey over which he has no control, for he is a toy rabbit. He can neither move nor speak. As years pass by, Edward meets many different people in many different situations: an older grieving couple who find comfort in Edward's presence, a hobo and his dog who introduce Edward to a whole community of homeless wanderers, a farmer in need of a scarecrow, a sad little boy and his very ill sister, and finally a doll mender and an old doll who teach Edward an invaluable lesson. Through this miraculous journey, Edward learns what it is to love, what it is to lose that love, and how to find the courage to love again. Based on Kate DiCamillo's beautiful novel of the same name, the play is a theatrical tour de force for a small ensemble of actors and musicians.
Lonely Planet – STUDIO SERIES June 26-July 19, 2020
By Steven Dietz
Jody is in his 40s and runs a map store. Not one for the outside world, he stays in his store all the time. His friend Carl is in his late 30s and has been bringing chairs of dead friends into Jody's store and leaving them there. When Jody needs to take an AIDS test, Carl tries to convince him it's not only okay to leave the store, but also that he must take responsibility for his life. If he doesn't, he will join the set of chairs that Carl has taken great pains to place in the right spots around the store. Through their interaction, the two realize how grateful they are to have such a strong, lasting friendship. Jody finally leaves the map store to take his HIV test and returns to find Carl sitting in a chair of his own. With this gesture, we know that Carl has joined the many of their friends who have died, but now Jody must take Carl's place as the caretaker.
SPECIAL ADDED ATTRACTIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
The FAC will offer a special 100th anniversary subscription level for all first-time subscribers for only $100! Subscription add-on options apply to the following performances.
Based on the novel by Stephen King
Book by Lawrence D. Cohen
Music by Michael Gore
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Carrie White is a misfit. At school, she's an outcast who's bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she's at the mercy of her loving but cruelly over-protective mother. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it…
Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, the musical of Carrie hasn't been seen since its legendary 1988 Broadway production. Now, the show's original authors have joined with director Stafford Arima (Altar Boyz) and MCC Theater for a newly reworked and fully re-imagined vision of this gripping tale. Set today, in the small town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award-winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award-winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose).
By Jaclyn Backhaus
Collaboration between FAC Theatre Company & Colorado College Academic Departments
Spinning historical, theatrical, and gender conventions on their heads, this subversive tale of 10 men, four boats, and two rivers contains none of the above. Pack your gear for this 21st-century telling of 19th-century American explorer and one-armed Civil War veteran John Wesley Powell, who assembles a brawny band of soldiers, trappers, and adventurers to explore the waterways of the American West. Inspired by Powell's actual travel log from 1869, Jaclyn Backhaus's nimble and ingenious script is provocative, laugh-out-loud theatre, performed by a diverse cast of women who infuse America's historic myths of male conquest with a sly blast of subtext.
Hands on a Hardbody Press Release
Ten contestants. Four days. One truck. Find out who wins in the regional premiere of Hands on a Hardbody at the FAC
Colorado Springs (March 7, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the regional premiere of the 'new musical made in America' Hands on a Hardbody, March 28-April 14, 2019, directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson. Inspired by the true events of the acclaimed 1997 documentary of the same name, this musical features a book by Doug Wright, lyrics by Amanda Green, who also co-wrote the music with Trey Anastasio, lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Phish.
Inspired by true events, and infused with a "fresh roots-rock vibe," this is the hilarious, hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with the American dream. For 10 hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor, and ambition, they will fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it.
"Hands down it's musical theatre heaven!" –New York Magazine
The cast includes returning FAC actors Mark Rubald, Parker Fowler, Carmen Shedd, Judeth Shay Comstock, Kyle Dean Steffen, Elizabeth Snyder, Jen Lennon, and Kody Maynard. The following performers, making their FAC debut, join them: Brittany Ambler, Jeffrey Roark, Dylan Hartwell, Shabazz Green, Cedric Leiba Jr., Eleonore Thomas, and Bob Morsch. Music Director Stephanie McGuffin leads the orchestra, with Scenic and Costume design by Lex Liang, Lighting Design by Jonathan Spencer, and the production is stage managed by Kate L. Ferdinandi.
Dine at Taste before the show! Enjoy delectable pre-theatre dining options themed specifically to the production. View menus online; reservations: (719) 634-5583.
Hands on a Hardbody
When: March 28-April 14; times vary, check website for details
Tickets: Starting at $20; Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15 (Colorado College students receive FREE rush tickets). Tickets subject to availability; must purchase in person; CC students must present a CC Gold Card.
More: Ticketholders for any performance can come to a FREE guided backstage tour following the April 11 performance and a FREE talkback session following the April 14 performance.
Special offer: Theatre patrons receive FREE admission to the FAC museum on the day of their ticketed performance.
Plus: FREE public film screening of the documentary by the same name on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Colorado College's Cornerstone Screening Room. Q&A to follow with Scott RC Levy and faculty from the CC Film and Media Studies program.
Hand on a Hardbody is opening in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA), a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its' inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak Region. A century after the founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu/100-years.
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy by Julie and Spencer Penrose in 1919. For 100 years, 30 West Dale Street has been the hub of rich cultural history throughout the region. The Broadmoor Art Academy served as a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West. During the Great Depression, three dedicated philanthropists – Julie Penrose, Alice Bemis Taylor, and Elizabeth Sage Hare – envisioned expanding the Broadmoor Art Academy into an entire arts district under one roof – ultimately evolving into what is known today as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. The FAC is deeply rooted in the legacy of its founders, who possessed bold visions, a deep passion for the arts, and dedication to the Colorado Springs community. The FAC honors this legacy and spirit today by providing innovative, educational, and multidisciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality, building on its history as a unique cultural pillar of the Pikes Peak region. For more information, visit www.coloradocollege.edu/fac.
Ben and the Magic Paintbrush Press Release
The enchanting story of Ben and the Magic Paintbrush makes its regional premiere at the FAC
Colorado Springs (February 19, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the regional premiere of Ben and the Magic Paintbrush by Bathsheba Doran, March 8-April 7, 2019, directed by Meghann Henry. This play is one of the many programs presented by the FAC in celebration of Women's History Month – celebrating women artists – and opening on International Women's Day.
Megan and Ben are orphaned siblings alone in the world. She earns pennies as a human statue – painted silver – while her little brother draws marvelous portraits with only a stubby pencil. One fateful day, his artwork catches the eye of the malicious Mrs. Crawley, who has a scheme to make millions with a magic paintbrush. When she captures Ben and puts him to work, it's up to Megan and their new friend Pierre to help him escape, discovering the value of kindness and bravery along the way. An enchanting story from olden times comes to life in this modern-day fairy tale.
Bathsheba Doran moved to the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship in 2000, after working as a TV sketch comedy writer in England. She received her B.A. from Cambridge University, her M.F.A. from Columbia University, and went on to become a playwriting fellow at Juilliard. Her play Kin was produced at Playwrights Horizons to critical acclaim. Other plays include Parents' Evening, Ben and the Magic Paintbrush, Living Room in Africa, Nest, and adaptations of Dickens' Great Expectations, Maeterlinck's The Blind, and Ibsen's Peer Gynt. She has adapted The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency as a feature for HBO Films; and wrote on Season Two of the acclaimed Martin Scorsese/HBO series Boardwalk Empire. She is a recipient of a Helen Merill Award, and under commission from Atlantic Theater and Playwrights Horizons. Her work is available from Samuel French and Playscripts Inc.
Meghann Henry holds an M.F.A. in Theatre for Young Audiences from the University of Central Florida. Following graduate school, she spent five years as a resident artist and Director of Education and Outreach at the nationally recognized Coterie Theatre. Regionally she has worked as a director, designer, and teaching artists at The Orlando Repertory, The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Curious Theatre, The Arvada Center and the Denver Children's Theatre. Nationally, she is the associate editor of TYA Today, and a former chair for the applied theatre network of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.
The cast includes David Laybourne, Ilana Sherwood, Miriam Roth, Randy Chronister, Jareth Spirio, and Tracy Nicole Taylor with scenic design by Christopher L. Sheley, Lighting Design by Holly Anne Rawls, Costume Design by Sara Beth Parks, and Props Design/Stage Managed by Terri Harrison.
Ben and the Magic Paintbrush
When: March 8-April 7; Fri 6 p.m. | Sat, Sun Matinées 1 p.m.
Tickets: $10-20; Recommended for ages 7+
More: Ben and the Magic Paintbrush Day Camps are offered Saturdays, March 9-April 6 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. offering kids 7-13 a fun, educational adventure complete with a personal meet-and-greet with the cast, theatre games, and more!
Ben and the Magic Paintbrush is opening in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA), a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its' inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak Region. A century after the founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu/100-years.
MEDIA ADVISORY AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The Fine Arts Center's kick-off celebration ushers in 100th year
Colorado Springs (January 25, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is marking its 100-year anniversary with a free community kick-off celebration, honoring the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) and the Fine Arts Center's rich history for over a century. Details below:
When: Saturday, Jan. 26; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with galleries open until 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fine Arts Center; 30 W. Dale St.
Admission: FREE and open to the public
More: Celebration events and activities will include:
Guided tours of featured exhibitions O Beautiful! Shifting Landscapes of the Pikes Peak Region and Scenes from Life: Drawings by Bernard Arnest at 12 and 12:30 p.m.
One-act play readings of Suppressed Desires, the first play performed by the Academy Players in 1919, in the museum galleries at 1 and 3 p.m.
Hands-on art activities and demonstrations for all ages 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Virgil Ortiz sculpting demonstration
Garret Oaks glassblowing demonstration
Hand building with clay activity
Wheel throwing demonstrations and experiences
Complimentary hot beverages and sweet treats 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Broadmoor Art Academy was born in 1919 grounded in western exploration and discovery. The beauty of the American West has long attracted artists and at the turn of the century, both artists and tourists were drawn to the distinctive geography of Colorado Springs.
The Fine Arts Center's story begins as a burgeoning art colony at the foot of Pikes Peak. Colorado Springs founder Gen. William Jackson Palmer had envisioned a city he nicknamed "Little London" — an oasis of culture and refinement amidst the untamed rugged landscape — and early in the city's history, artists from around the country streamed into the region to bring the vision to life.
In the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose, located on the current site of the Fine Arts Center, the BAA was established with a vision of creating a new art school of national stature. The BAA represented the long-held dream of an art school that emphasized easel painting and served the community by hosting music recitals, drama and dance performances, and art exhibitions.
After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into one of the first multicultural and multidisciplinary arts centers to encompass a fine art museum, arts education, and theatre, essentially an entire arts district under one roof. In 1935, the BAA shifted in name to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, followed in 1936 by the grand new facility, but the ongoing commitment to arts education remained a pillar of the institution.
Julie Penrose donated the land, Alice Bemis Taylor donated her Southwestern collection of art and publications as well as the funds for the new building and an endowment, and Elizabeth Sage Hare volunteered to serve as the first President of the Board of Trustees.
A century after the founding of the BAA, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the fine museum, performing arts theatre, and art school it is today.
As Colorado Springs continues to grow, so does the importance of a strong cultural identity. The FAC is proud to have been an early and ongoing participant in this endeavor and strives to embrace the many avenues toward a doubly inclusive and dynamic Fine Arts Center for all.
The community is invited to take part in the FAC's yearlong celebration through a variety of exciting events, exhibitions, art classes, and more! Further details on anniversary related events and happenings can be found at www.coloradocollege.edu/fac100
Special Membership Offer
For a limited time only, the FAC will offer a special 100th Anniversary Medallion Club family membership for $100, which includes a special FAC branded gift! Visit the website for more details.
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy by Julie and Spencer Penrose in 1919. For 100 years, 30 West Dale Street has been the hub of rich cultural history throughout the region. The Broadmoor Art Academy served as a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West. During the Great Depression, three dedicated philanthropists – Julie Penrose, Alice Bemis Taylor, and Elizabeth Sage Hare – envisioned expanding the Broadmoor Art Academy into an entire arts district under one roof – ultimately evolving into what is known today as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. The FAC is deeply rooted in the legacy of its founders, who possessed bold visions, a deep passion for the arts, and dedication to the Colorado Springs community. The FAC honors this legacy and spirit today by providing innovative, educational, and multidisciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality, building on its history as a unique cultural pillar of the Pikes Peak region. For more information, visit www.coloradocollege.edu/fac
Amos Kennedy, Jr. Press Release
View zines made by participants in Amos Kennedy, Jr.'s collaborative printing workshop at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (January 24, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present a free special exhibition, Amos Kennedy, Jr. and the Press at Colorado College: You learn the rules as you break them, Feb. 2-April 7, 2019.
Letterpress printer Amos P. Kennedy, Jr. taught a nine-day letterpress workshop at The Press at Colorado College in January of 2019. An open-ended experiment in the public, collaborative nature of letterpress printing, this workshop introduced its 11 participants to both letterpress printing and zine making. A zine, which takes its name from "magazine," is a DIY publication. Typically, self-published and self-funded projects, zines are as individual as the people who make and distribute them. This exhibition will showcase the participants' final zines as well as the preparatory materials created during the process. Visitors to the exhibition will also have a chance to make their own zine in the gallery.
According to Kennedy, a letterpress printer based in Detroit, MI, this show will be "A lot of sheets of paper with ink on them. These sheets of paper are evidence of the process of making unintentional marks intentional."
The workshop and exhibition at the FAC are part of a year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Press at Colorado College. To learn more about The Press at Colorado College, visit www.thepressatcoloradocollege.org
Amos Kennedy, Jr. and the Press at Colorado College: You learn the rules as you break them
When: Feb. 2-April 7, 2019
Adrianne Chalepah Press Release
Comedian Adrianne Chalepah gets funny at the FAC with a free stand-up show in February
Colorado Springs (January 15, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present A Comedy Night featuring Adrianne Chalepah, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.
Adrianne Chalepah is an American Indian (Kiowa/Apache) entertainer from Anadarko, Oklahoma. While attending college, she made her stage debut and studied journalism, film-making, and American Indian Studies. In 2009, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and in 2010 her comedy career took off when she teamed up with the popular comedy troupe "49 Laughs Comedy." Since then, Chalepah's performances have gained recognition, landing her features in magazines and on television. In 2012, she was honored to open up for First Lady Michelle Obama. In 2014, she founded the super group "Ladies of Native Comedy." Chalepah has performed alongside comedy giants such as Margaret Cho, Dane Cook, the late Ralphie May, and Jarrod Carmichael. In 2017, her writing was published in two highly-praised books Funny Girl and #NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women. Chalepah is currently a mother of four, businesswoman, and an internationally performing artist.
Comedians Chris Cesar and Kelley Zincone will also perform. Cesar was featured on Comedy Central's "Open Mic Fight." Zincone, a Denver-based filmmaker and comedian, has won several awards for her work, including Best Comedy Short at the 2016 Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival and a Silver ADDY in 2015.
This event is sponsored by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Grant for Southwest Arts & Culture and Colorado College NEH Professorship Funding.
A Comedy Night featuring Adrianne Chalepah
When: Feb. 19, 2019; 7 p.m.
Tickets: FREE with ticket
Plus: Pre-theatre dining options are available. View menus online; reservations: (719) 634-5583
Helen Frankenthaler Press Release
Prints by Helen Frankenthaler, From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation at the FAC
Colorado Springs (January 10, 2019) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present the special exhibition Fluid Expressions: The Prints of Helen Frankenthaler, From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, on view Feb. 2-June 2, 2019.
Although widely known for her iconic "soak-stain" canvases, Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) was an equally inventive printmaker who took risks in a medium not frequently explored by abstract expressionists. Fluid Expressions: The Prints of Helen Frankenthaler highlights the artist's often-overlooked, yet highly original, whimsical, and powerfully evocative print production. Drawn from the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, this exhibition includes more than 25 prints made using a diverse range of techniques, including lithography, etching, screen printing, and woodcut. The artist's adaptation of her painterly aesthetic for the graphic medium offers a stunning look at how printmaking – notorious for being a slow, methodical process – can exude a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. From splattered pigments to translucent layers of ink, the radiant prints brought together her pulse with creative energy.
"Helen Frankenthaler's prints, like her paintings, are saturated with a fluid and lyrical quality that was groundbreaking among her primarily male contemporaries in the Abstract Expressionist movement in the early 1950s. I bought my first print, Tahiti, by the artist in 1994 and have continued to acquire her work since." Said Jordan D. Schnitzer. "This is our second collaboration with the Fine Arts Center and the fourth venue for the exhibition Fluid Expressions: The Prints of Helen Frankenthaler."
This exhibition was organized by the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, which through a generous grant also made possible the associated publication. More at www.jordanschnitzer.org.
Fluid Expressions: The Prints of Helen Frankenthaler, From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
When: Feb. 2-June 2, 2019
About the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation
At age 14, Jordan D. Schnitzer bought his first work of art from his mother's Portland, Oregon contemporary art gallery, evolving into a lifelong avocation as collector. He began collecting contemporary prints and multiples in earnest in 1988. Today, the collection exceeds 13,000 works and includes many of today's most important contemporary artists. It has grown to be one of the country's largest private print collections. He generously lends work from his collection to qualified institutions. The Foundation has organized over 110 exhibitions and has had art exhibited at over 150 museums. Mr. Schnitzer is also President of Harsch Investment Properties, a privately owned real estate investment company based in Portland, Oregon, owning and managing office, multi-tenant industrial, multi-family and retail properties in six western states. For more information about the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, please visit jordanschnitzer.org.
Anna in the Tropics Press Release
Anna in the Tropics, Winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Hits the FAC's Mainstage
Colorado Springs (January 8, 2019) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the regional premiere of Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz, Feb. 7-24, 2019, directed by Rebecca Martinez.
"This play is born from the history and traditions of intertwined cultures. When we leave behind one country and make our home in another, what do we hold on to? What do we let go of? How do we use traditions as an intercessor to connect with our own history? How do we embrace what is new? As a Xicana artist with roots that run deep in Colorado and New Mexico, I am fascinated by these questions at the core of this Cuban-American family story." –Director Rebecca Martinez
Nilo Cruz's Pulitzer Prize-winning Anna in the Tropics takes place in Ybor City, Florida in 1929. Here, a Cuban-American family eagerly awaits the arrival of their new lector, Juan Julian. In a cigar factory owned by the Patriarch of the family, Santiago, Juan Julian is hired to read to the family during their long days of rolling cigars by hand. Most of the family is overjoyed by the presence of a new lector, but when he starts reading from the Russian classic, Anna Karenina, the scandalous lives of Tolstoy's characters start to intertwine with the lives of his listeners. As Juan Julian reads, the hot, humid Florida summer starts to resemble the cold Russian winter of the story. Infidelity, money problems, and violence spring to the surface as the family members grapple with their newfound understanding of life and relationships. Conchita, Santiago's daughter, confronts her husband, Palomo, about his extramarital affairs, and Palomo becomes aware of a budding relationship between his wife and Juan Julian. Cheche, Santiago's half-brother, tries to take over the factory, and Santiago has to admit to his wife that he is neck-deep in gambling debt. Instead of discovering the love and acceptance they seek, the family is met with tragedy in the end, just as in the story of Anna Karenina.
"The words of Nilo Cruz waft from a stage like a scented breeze. They sparkle and prickle and swirl, enveloping those who listen in both a specific place and time—and in timeless passions that touch us all …" –Miami Herald
The cast includes Nicholas Ortiz, Felipe Gorostiza, Elise Santora, Maria Peyramaure, Ashley Alvarez, Alex Perez, and A.B. Lugo with scenic design by Raul Abrego, lighting design by Maria-Cristina Fuste, costume design by Courtney Flores, choreography by Alex Perez, music composed by Ryan Bañagale, and stage managed by Kate Ferdinandi.
Anna in the Tropics
When: Feb. 7-24; times vary, check website for details
More: Ticketholders for any performance are invited to a FREE guided backstage tour following the Feb. 21 performance and a FREE talkback session following the Feb. 24 performance.
A New Brain: A Benefit Concert Press Release
The third annual FAC Theatre School benefit concert celebrates life with A New Brain
Colorado Springs (December 19, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present A New Brain, a benefit concert for the FAC Theatre School, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, directed by Nathan Halvorson.
This autobiographical musical, by the award-winning authors of Falsettos, deals directly with the composer William Finn's own harrowing personal experience with a rare brain aneurysm and the healing power of art. The hero, Gordon, worries that he may not live to complete his work, and his near death experience encourages him to re-evaluate and better appreciate the people and relationships in his life.
The cast and crew is comprised of alumni and current students of the FAC's Youth Repertory Ensemble including Rachel Daguman, Will Edelson, Arielle Miagkov and Josh Owen, along with faculty members of the FAC Theatre School including Zach Guzman, Sally Hybl, Jen Lennon, Scott RC Levy, Rebecca Myers, and Kevin Pierce with music direction by Stephanie McGuffin, lighting designed by Holly Anne Rawls, and stage management by Terri Harrison.
Proceeds from this benefit performance will help further the impact of the FAC's Youth Repertory program and other FAC Theatre School classes which provide comprehensive, focused and professional theatrical training for young thespians and adult actors. The FAC is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary of the Youth Repertory program and 100 years of theatre education at the FAC.
A New Brain is opening in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA), a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its' inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak Region. A century after the founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th Anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu/100-years
A New Brain is generously sponsored by UCHealth.
A New Brain: A Benefit Concert
When: Saturday, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $50 applause supporter, $40 adults, $20 students (with ID)
Something else: Dr. Chamisa MacIndoe, UCHealth neurointensivist, will participate in a talkback with the cast and creative team immediately following the performance.
More: FAC Theatre School classes for ages five to adult start Jan. 17 and run through Aug. 3. Visit the website for details.
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy by Julie and Spencer Penrose in 1919. For nearly 100 years, 30 West Dale Street has been the hub of rich cultural history throughout the region. The Broadmoor Art Academy served as a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West. During the Great Depression, three dedicated philanthropists – Julie Penrose, Alice Bemis Taylor, and Elizabeth Sage Hare – envisioned expanding the Broadmoor Art Academy into an entire arts district under one roof – ultimately evolving into what is known today as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. The FAC is deeply rooted in the legacy of its founders, who possessed bold visions, a deep passion for the arts, and dedication to the Colorado Springs community. The FAC honors this legacy and spirit today by providing innovative, educational, and multidisciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality, building on its history as a unique cultural pillar of the Pikes Peak region. For more information, visit www.coloradocollege.edu/fac
Bernard Arnest Press Release
Experience life through the eyes of artist Bernard Arnest at the FAC
Colorado Springs (December 18, 2018) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present the special exhibition Scenes from Life: Drawings by Bernard Arnest, on view Jan. 19-June 2, 2019.
The most ambitious project of his career, Scenes from Life, is a series of 51 large drawings that encapsulated his reactions to a world that he has decided was essentially tragic. The subject matter can be challenging, depicting human strife and conflict, but the images are beautifully rendered. Scenes from Life is Bernard Arnest's "Goldberg Variations," distilling a lifetime of experience into a few harrowing images that are regrettably as relevant today as they were in 1975. This series, presented in its entirety, is a 2017 gift from the widow and children of the artist.
Bernard Arnest studied under Boardman Robinson and Henry Varnum Poor at the Fine Arts Center's Art School from 1935-1939. He received the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1940, and had his first solo show at the San Francisco Museum of Art. During WWII, he served as Chief War Artist for the U.S. Army Historical section in the European theater. Following the war, he worked in New York City exhibiting at the Whitney Annual of American Painting, the Pittsburgh International, Corcoran Biennial then and subsequently, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. In 1947, he became chief instructor at the Minneapolis School of Art and prior to coming to Colorado Springs, he was an Associate Professor of Art at the University of Minnesota. In 1957, he returned to Colorado Springs and served as both the head of the FAC Art School (which became the Colorado College Art Department) and Professor of Art at Colorado College.
Scenes from Life: Drawings by Bernard Arnest is opening in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the opening of the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) in 1919, a national magnet for arts and culture in the early 1900s. At its' inception, the BAA, which evolved into the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, energized the region and created a modern movement to elevate artistic expression for residents and visitors to the Pikes Peak Region. A century after the founding, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school it is today, and how the BAA's visionary roots are setting the stage for the next generation of arts and cultural enthusiasts. For more information on the 100th Anniversary, exhibits, and events, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu/100-years
Scenes from Life: Drawings by Bernard Arnest
When: Jan. 19-June 2, 2019
Something else: FAC members are invited to a member-only tour on April 6 at 12 p.m. led by Bernard's son, Mark Arnest.
100 Anniversary Press Release
The Fine Arts Center celebrates its centennial and looks to the future through storytelling, art classes, exhibitions, and community events
Colorado Springs (Dec 14, 2018) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to announce its 100-year anniversary celebrating the Broadmoor Art Academy and the Fine Arts Center's rich history.
In the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose, located on the current site of the Fine Arts Center, the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established with a vision of creating a new art school of national stature. The BAA represented the long-held dream of an art school that emphasized easel painting and served the community by hosting music recitals, drama and dance performances, and art exhibitions.
Bordering Monument Valley Park, the former Penrose estate provided an ideal location for an art school, offering a spectacular view of Pikes Peak and proximity to other attractions that created perfect backdrops for en plein air painting such as Garden of the Gods and Cripple Creek.
Colorado Springs rivaled Taos and Santa Fe with its dynamic arts scene and ability to attract high caliber artists including Ward Lockwood, Birger Sandzén, Charles Bunnell, Lawrence Barrett, Frank Mechau, Adolf Dehn, Laura Gilpin, Lew Tilley, Archie Musick, and Mary Chenoweth.
A century after the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy, the FAC celebrates the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the fine museum, performing arts theatre, and art school it is today.
The community is invited to take part in the FAC's year-long celebration through a variety of exciting events, exhibitions, art classes, and more! Starting with:
Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration
When: Jan. 26; 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Guided tours of featured exhibitions O Beautiful! Shifting Landscapes of the Pikes Peak Region and Scenes of Everyday Life: Drawings by Bernard Arnest at 12 and 12:30 p.m.
One-act play readings of the first play performed by the Academy Players in 1919, Suppressed Desires, in the galleries at 1 and 3 p.m.
Hands-on art activities and demonstrations 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Taste open for lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other anniversary related exhibits and events include:
A series of exhibitions focused on the mission, vision, and history of the Broadmoor Art Academy and the Fine Arts Center.
Thru 2019 | O Beautiful! Shifting Landscapes of the Pikes Peak Region
Opening Jan. 19 | Scenes from Life: Drawings by Bernard Arnest
Opening August 3 | Notes from the Musick Collection
Opening Oct. 12 | The Broadmoor Art Academy and Its Legacy, 1919-1970
A full schedule of exhibitions can be found online.
In the Theatre
From the earliest days, the Broadmoor Art Academy offered class instruction in the dramatic and music arts and served as the home of the Colorado Springs chapter of the national Drama League, later to be known as The Art Academy Players. In homage to "The Academy Players" of the BAA, the FAC Theatre Company will perform special one-act play readings in the museum galleries on the following Museum Free Days: Jan. 26, March 9, May 11, July 13, Sept. 14, and Nov. 9, 2019. A full schedule of theatre events can be found online.
In the Art School
Through 2019, the FAC's Bemis School of Art will mount classes in printmaking, lithography, en plein air painting, and other related mediums in celebration of the art and artists whose work here during the BAA's heyday contributed significantly to artistic traditions of the era. Excursions to the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Kansas and the desert vistas of Taos, New Mexico will also immerse workshop participants in painting instruction reminiscent of the academicians of the Broadmoor Art Academy. A full schedule of classes can be found online.
And save-the-date for these special events:
Annual Gala | Sept. 7
FAC 100th Birthday Party | Oct. 12
Further details on anniversary related events and happenings can be found at fac.coloradocollege.edu/100-years
The Second City Press Release
It's Not You, It's Me, The Second City: sends up break-ups and make-ups
Colorado Springs (December 12, 2018) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present It's Not You, It's Me. –The Second City, Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
The Second City has been laughing at love and its infinite scroll of side effects for decades. In the world-famous comedy company's latest laughter-inducing undertaking, It's Not You, It's Me. –The Second City takes shots at heartbreak, missed connections and the mire of human relationships. Your friends, your parents, even your blind date will find something achingly familiar to laugh at, thanks to comedy's newest generation of writers and performers…who all fit squarely into the "it's complicated" category!
About The Second City
Since opening its doors 1959, The Second City has grown to become the world's premier comedy club, theater and school of improvisation, entertaining 1 million theatergoers a year around the globe. Alumni of The Second City's resident stages, touring companies, and theatrical divisions across Chicago and Toronto include some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more.
It's Not You, It's Me. –The Second City
When: Friday, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40 ($36 FAC members)
Something else: Pre-theatre dining options available. Reservations: (719) 634-5583
More: On Jan. 4 and Feb. 1 the FAC will host Happy Hour Stand-Up events featuring different comedians each show.
O Beautiful! Exhibition and Anniversary Kick-Off Press Release
The Fine Arts Center launches its 2019 centennial celebrations with a special exhibition and anniversary kick-off event
Colorado Springs (Nov. 29, 2018) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to announce an exhibition celebrating the Broadmoor Art Academy and the Fine Arts Center's rich history. O Beautiful! Shifting Landscapes of the Pikes Peak Region, opens Dec. 15, 2018 followed by a special 100th anniversary kick-off celebration set on Jan. 26, 2019.
Decades before Katharine Lee Bates penned the famous words of her poem Pikes Peak in 1893, artists working in the European academic traditions were depicting the sublime grandeur of the Pikes Peak region. Colonizers of the Ute, Arapaho, Cheyenne, and other native lands sent tales of the rugged, dramatic scenery of the West back East, compelling artists such as Harvey Otis Young and Hamilton Hamilton to explore as well. The natural landscape of spacious skies, amber waves of grain, and purple mountains majesty of which Bates wrote, and would later become memorialized in the beloved anthem America the Beautiful, provided ample inspiration to late 19th and early 20th century painters.
By the early 20th century, Colorado Springs was a popular tourist destination and a celebrated place for healing. Known as "Little London" largely due to significant British financial backing, this nickname also represented a desire for the city to create a cultural landscape mimicking established cosmopolitan cities. The Broadmoor Art Academy was born in 1919 from these expressed ideals and soon attracted students from across the country to immerse themselves in the landscape.
The Broadmoor Art Academy shifted in name and facility to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936, but the ongoing commitment to art education remained a pillar of the institution. The subsequent years were unprecedented in terms of artistic production. Informed by modernism and abstraction, creatives such as Mary Chenoweth and Robert Motherwell challenged traditional expectations by producing works that were on the leading edge of the contemporary American art scene.
A century after the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy, we celebrate the ingenuity of the artists and patrons who helped to shape the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College into the fine museum, performing arts theatre, and art school it is today. Through these works, created by exceptional visual artists over the course of 100 years, we can witness the dramatic shifts that have occurred in the physical and artistic landscapes of the Pikes Peak region. As Colorado Springs continues to grow, so does the importance of a strong cultural identity. We are proud to have been an early and ongoing participant in this endeavor and strive to embrace the many avenues toward a doubly inclusive and dynamic FAC for all.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, the FAC will officially kick-off a year of celebration with a free public open house to launch the centennial and foreshadow what is to come throughout the year. Celebration events and activities will include:
Hands-on art activities and demonstrations with the FAC's Bemis School of Art from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A kick-off to the Play Reading Series in the museum galleries in homage to "The Academy Players" of the Broadmoor Art Academy – the first Play Reading will be Suppressed Desires by George Cram Cook & Susan Glaspell (the first play produced by "The Academy Players" in 1919).
Plus, a special member lounge and VIP reception.
Where: Fine Arts Center; 30 W. Dale St.?
More: For a limited time only, the FAC will offer a special 100th Anniversary Medallion Club family membership for only $100! Visit the website for more details.
First Friday Mel Strawn Press Release
First Friday artist Mel Strawn showcases works in the FAC's Dec/Jan Deco Lounge gallery show
Colorado Springs (Nov. 16, 2018) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to announce that accomplished Colorado artist Mel Strawn will be the next featured Deco Lounge gallery artist. Strawn's works will be on view and available for sale Dec. 7, 2018 through Jan. 31, 2019 with special First Friday Art Parties on Dec. 7 and Jan. 4 from 5-7:30 p.m.
"Since 1980 I have explored the potential of digital technology to capture, transform, and compose 'images.' As well as painting and sculpture, I've been a printmaker since the late 1940's – employing most of the traditional print methodologies: woodcut, silkscreen, lithography, photography, engraving, etching, and a bit of collagraphy.
A few of the prints here are 'repurposed' from paintings and drawings I made in Korea during the war. Others are developed in computer graphics programs in processes employing combinations and modifications-transformations of virtually unlimited scope. These are sometimes complete 'inventions' and sometimes include all or parts of other drawings, paintings, or photographs. The intent is simply (or not so simply) to make something interesting in itself, a new experience."
"All in this selection are 'solar intaglio' prints, descendants of traditional etchings that used acid on copper or zinc to bite away the lines and dots that then were filled with ink and, under pressure, printed on paper to show the image. … The image lines, drawn directly on the plastic surface or placed over it via a positive or negative film transparency, blocks UV light when exposed for a short time. The unblocked (white) parts of the image are hardened by the UV light. Instead of acid to bite into the plate, water is used to wash away the still soluble, unhardened image, the darks, thus creating hollows into which ink can be wiped. The hardened surface (the 'whites' of the image) is then wiped clean of ink for printing."
Mel Strawn has had numerous exhibitions throughout the United States in New York, San Francisco, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Arkansas, and Oregon, to name a few. His work is in the permanent collections of Antioch College, The Ohio State University, Colorado State University, Western Michigan University, Denver Public Library, The Ball Corporation, here at the Fine Arts Center, and many more.
Strawn has been featured in many publications including, News Lines, ARTSPACE Magazine, Color Consulting, A Survey of International Color Design, The Art of Responsive Drawing, Transitions with the Humanities, and Going Digital.
He received his BFA and MFA from the California College of Arts and Crafts and also studied at the Chouinard Art Institute in LA, Otis Art Institute, and the Jepson Art Institute.
Strawn's academic career spans 40 years teaching at Midwestern University, Michigan State University, Antioch College (Associate Professor and Art Department Chair), School of Art, University of Denver (Director and Professor of Art), and Western Michigan University (Art Department Chair).
Mel Strawn is currently represented by The Sandra Phillips Gallery in Denver, and resides in Salida, Colorado.
First Friday Art Parties
When: Dec. 7 & Jan. 4; 5-7:30 p.m.
Where: Deco Lounge at the Fine Arts Center; 30 W. Dale St.
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Press Release
A Cast of 18 Revolting Children Hits the FAC Mainstage in the Regional Premiere of Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical this Holiday Season
Colorado Springs (Nov. 8 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the regional premiere of Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, directed by Mêlisa Annis, making her FAC debut, Dec. 6, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019.
The five-time Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical, inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Full of catchy songs and exciting dance numbers, Matilda will captivate audiences with the story of a courageous little girl who has an extraordinary personality.
Above all it's an exhilarating tale of empowerment, as told from the perspective of the most powerless group of all … little children." –The New York Times
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other's lives. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
The 32-member cast is composed almost entirely of Colorado talent and includes three astounding young women who will share the role of Matilda: Kyra Archuleta, Haley Ballard, and Emily Franks. The rest of the children will be played by: Atticus Baker, Kadyn Ballard, Natalie Beaumont, Joseph Brock, Bridget Brown, Courtney Comer, Lena Dill, Weller Dorff, Gabe Levy, Hunter Roren, Nathan Rytting, Brooklyn Starkey, Peter Seuffert, Kensington Van Hook, and Chloe Wilson. The adult cast includes: Amy Brooks, Parker Fowler, Nathan Halvorson (FAC Associate Director of Performing Arts), Tracy Nicole Taylor, Nels Jacobson, Jessye King, Scott RC Levy (FAC Producing Artistic Director), Meggan O'Mahony, Abby Noble, Kevin Pierce, Carmen Shedd, Micah Speirs, Mark Snyder, and Lauren Weinberg.
The creative team introduces guest choreographer Melissa Zaremba, alongside award-winning FAC design team members Christopher L. Sheley (scenic design) and Holly Anne Rawls (lighting design) with costumes by New York-based designer Sydney Gallas. The production features a 10-member live orchestra, under the musical direction of Jay Hahn.
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
When: Dec. 6, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019 | dates and time vary, see website for details
Tickets: Starting at $20
Something else: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Day Camps offer kids 6-13 a fun, educational adventure complete with a tour of the theatre, hands-on experiences with the set, learning a dance number from the show, a personal meet-and-greet with the cast members, and more! Register, view dates, times, pricing, etc. online.
Special event: Skate in the Park with Matilda on Dec. 21 from 4-6 p.m. at Acacia Park. For more information, visit https://downtowncs.com/event/skate-in-the-park/.
Special offer: Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15 (Colorado College students receive FREE rush tickets). Tickets subject to availability; must purchase in person; CC students must present a CC Gold Card.
Plus: Pre-theatre dining options are available; view menus online; reservations: (719) 624-5583
Church & State Press Release
No Senators were harmed in the making of Church & State at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (Oct. 18, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the Colorado premiere of Church & State, directed by Nathan Halvorson, Nov. 2-25, 2018.
Church & State is a fast-paced dramedy about faith, politics and "The Twitter." Three days before Charles Whitmore's Senate re-election, he decides to finally tell the public exactly what's on his mind, no filter. What could possibly go wrong? This look at how religion, guns and social media influence our political system is simultaneously funny, heartbreaking and uplifting.
"A crackling script! I wish every member of Congress would see it!" –National Public Radio
The FAC is the 24th U.S. state to produce the play (with the goal of having it performed in all 50 states by 2020). Church & State received the Off Broadway Alliance "Best Play Nomination," three Ovation Awards Nominations, and the Top Ten Productions List of 2016 in the Huffington Post.
The cast includes Brian Landis Folkins, a Denver Center for the Performing Arts instructor and Artistic Company member at Curious Theatre making his FAC debut, Sally Lewis Hybl, last seen on the FAC stage in Souvenir, Annie, Mary Poppins, and Into the Woods, Jewel Christian, making her FAC debut, and Nathaniel Bourn, making his FAC debut, with Scenic Design by Christopher L. Sheley, Costume Design by Kristen Seal, and Props Design/Stage Managed by Terri Harrison.
When: Nov. 2-25, 2018 | Fri, Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun Matinées at 2 p.m.
Something else: Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15 (Colorado College students receive a FREE rush ticket). Tickets subject to availability; must purchase in person; CC students must present a CC Gold Card.
More: Theatre patrons receive FREE admission to the FAC museum on the day of their ticketed performance.
Even more: This program is part of the For Freedoms 50 State Initiative developed to spur greater participation in civic life by generating discussion of values, place and patriotism through the arts.
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy by Julie and Spencer Penrose in 1919. During the Great Depression, three dedicated philanthropists – Julie Penrose, Alice Bemis Taylor, and Elizabeth Sage Hare – envisioned expanding the Broadmoor Art Academy into an entire arts district under one roof. The FAC changed its name, built a grand building, and opened as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936. In August 2016, the FAC announced an historic alliance with Colorado College and on July 1, 2017, became the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. The FAC is deeply rooted in the legacy of its founders, who possessed bold visions, a deep passion for the arts, and dedication to the Colorado Springs community. The FAC honors this legacy and spirit today by providing innovative, educational, and multidisciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality, building on its history as a unique cultural pillar of the Pikes Peak region. For more information, visit www.coloradocollege.edu/fac
Desert ArtLAB Press Release
Explore ecology, art, and community in special exhibition Desert ArtLAB: Ecologies of Resistance at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (Oct. 15, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present Desert ArtLAB: Ecologies of Resistance on view Oct. 13, 2018-Jan. 13, 2019 – curated by Andrea R. Hanley, Navajo and organized by the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, Santa Fe, NM.
Desert ArtLAB is an interdisciplinary art collaborative, established by museum curator/educator April Bojorquez (Chicana/Rarámuri) and artist/educator Matthew Garcia (Chicano). The collaborative reconceptualizes desert/dryland ecologies not as post-apocalyptic growth of wasteland, but as an ecological opportunity. The exhibition Ecologies of Resistance illustrates the artistic process of the collaborative's site-specific ecological installation in the high desert of Southern Colorado through the use of artifacts, archival materials, and botanical samples. The collaborative is transforming a plot of blighted land into a thriving dryland ecosystem that also serves as an edible indigenous landscape. Informed by social sculpture, the collaborative believes artists have the ability to altruistically transform and shape their environments and society. Regrowing indigenous ecologies in community space allows for the revitalization of ecological practice and a reimagining of an indigenous dryland cosmology and aesthetic.
About Desert ArtLAB
Desert ArtLAB, established in 2010, is an initiative dedicated to a experimental public art practice exploring connections between ecology, art, and community. Their work gives voice and identifies complex political and social dilemmas that reveal themselves in their constructed environments through projects that activate public space, promote ecological restoration, indigenous foodways, and a new understanding of living in dryland environments. www.desertartlab.com
April Bojorquez has worked in the museum field nationally and internationally as an educator, curator, and researcher. Formerly, she was the curator at the National Hispanic Cultural Center's Art Museum and is a fellow of the Smithsonian Institution's Latino Museum Studies Program. Bojorquez works within the intersection of art and anthropology exploring new approaches to museum practices in an increasingly plural society. Influenced by participatory practices and social sculpture, Bojorquez employs diverse strategies to produce immersive and interactive environments exploring place, identity, and museum practices. Bojorquez is a 2016 Creative Capital awardee in Emerging Fields.
Matt Garcia's artistic practice investigates ecology, its relationship to knowledge systems, and how media can connect communities to a reclaiming or reimagining of lost epistemology. Garcia is currently an associate professor of Art and Design at Dominican University of California located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Garcia's work has been presented nationally and internationally at venues such as, École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts (Paris, France), Museum of Contemporary Native Art – MoCNA (Santa Fe, NM), Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, The International Symposium on Electronic Art (2012, 2015), Balance-Unbalance Festival (Noose, Australia) and HASTAC (Lima, Peru). Garcia is a 2016 Creative Capital awardee in Emerging Fields.
Desert ArtLAB: Ecologies of Resistance
When: Oct. 13, 2018-Jan. 13, 2019
Something else: This program is part of the For Freedoms 50 State Initiative developed to spur greater participation in civic life by generating discussion of values, place and patriotism through the arts.
More: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. View a full listing of FAC Arts Month events online.
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy by Julie and Spencer Penrose in 1919. During the Great Depression, three dedicated philanthropists – Julie Penrose, Alice Bemis Taylor, and Elizabeth Sage Hare – envisioned expanding the Broadmoor Art Academy into an entire arts district under one roof. The FAC changed its name, built a grand building, and opened as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1936. In August 2016, the FAC announced an historic alliance with Colorado College and on July 1, 2017, became the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. The FAC is deeply rooted in the legacy of its founders, who possessed bold visions, a deep passion for the arts, and dedication to the Colorado Springs community. The FAC honors this legacy and spirit today by providing innovative, educational, and multidisciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality, building on its history as a unique cultural pillar of the Pikes Peak region. For more information, visit coloradocollege.edu/fac
Paula Poundstone Press Release
Paula Poundstone returns to the Fine Arts Center for a one-night-only stand-up show
Colorado Springs (Oct. 15, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present An Evening with Paula Poundstone Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018.
Paula Poundstone is one of our country's preeminent comedians, known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. She tours regularly performing over 85 shows a year.
Paula is also an author, lecturer, host, and actress. In her second book, The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness (Algonquin Books) she asks the question, "Is there a secret to human happiness?" She offers herself up as a guinea pig in a series of "totally scientific" experiments, recording her data for all mankind. Kirkus Reviews calls it, "A deeply revealing memoir in which the pathos doesn't kill the humor—delivers more than it promises." The book debuted at #1 on Amazon best sellers lists in Humor in Hardcover, Audible, Kindle, and CD within its first 10 days of release and is now out in paperback. The audio book, read by Paula, was one of five finalists for the 2018 Audio Book of the Year.
Paula is a popular panelist on NPR's # 1 show, the weekly comedy news quiz, Wait, Wait…Don't Tell Me! Her new weekly podcast for Maximum Fun, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, is a comedy field guide to life. Each week Paula and her co-host, Adam Felber, a friend and fellow panelist on Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me! bring on leading expert guests and use their unique comedic sensibility to help us navigate life in the 21st century. Along the way, Paula attempts to explain existence through her kaleidoscopic perspective, and Adam tries to interject some rationality.
Paula's guest appearances include The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Star Talk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Late Night with Carson Daly, Nerdist with Chris Hardwick, and she was a clue in a New York Times crossword puzzle. She's filed commentaries for CBS Sunday Morning and Morning Edition, and All Things Considered for NPR. She voices the character "Paulette" in Cartoon Network's new animated series Summer Camp Island. An avid Disney movie fan, Paula had a dream come true when she was cast to voice the character "Forgetter Paula" in Disney/Pixar's Inside Out, winner of the 2017Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.
Paula has had numerous HBO specials and starred in her own series on HBO and ABC. Her second special for HBO, Paula Poundstone goes to Harvard, marked the first time the elite university allowed its name to be used in the title of a television show.
Paula was the first woman, in its then 73rd year, to perform standup comedy at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. She won an American Comedy Award for Best Female Standup Comic and is recognized in innumerable lists, documentaries, and literary compendiums noting influential standup comedians of our time.
When: Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. LIMITED SEATS REMAINING!
Something else: Dine at the FAC's restaurant Taste before the show! Reservations: (719) 634-5583
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith Press Release
Major Exhibition of Native American Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's Art at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (Oct. 2, 2018) – A major exhibition of Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's paintings and works on paper will be on view at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College Oct. 27, 2018-Feb. 10, 2019. This exhibition was organized by the Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings, Montana.
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith is one of the U.S.'s finest Indigenous talents. Smith is a mature, late-career artist with extraordinary aesthetic, intellectual, and curatorial achievements to her credit. She mines her cross-cultural experience and Salish-Kootenai identity, and spans cultures with powerful, idiosyncratic results of high aesthetic caliber. Few Native artists have worked with such grace, inventiveness, and aesthetic success between cultures and art worlds. Smith has an international reputation with a strong, clear body of work; she has earned her leading standing among women artists and Native American artists while simultaneously aligning both of these often still marginalized groups more closely with the mainstream art world.
In the Footsteps of My Ancestors examines themes that perennially recur in her work, including conflict, compassion, peace, the cycle of life, irony, and identity. Smith has always operated on a cusp — culturally, temporally, aesthetically, and from a gender perspective — which gives her work an attention-getting vitality, originality, and relevance. Her role in the shift toward deepening respect for Native American contemporary art in its own right has been significant. She describes herself as a "cultural arts worker." Smith also has credits as a curator, writer, speaker, and leader in the arts.
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith has over a hundred solo exhibitions in 28 states to her credit, from California to Florida and from the northern Plains states to Texas. She has also exhibited internationally and in dozens more group exhibitions worldwide. In addition to holdings in museums in Montana (the Yellowstone Art Museum and Missoula Art Museum in particular), her work is held in the permanent collections of such notable institutions as the Albuquerque Museum of Art, Baltimore Museum of Art, Detroit Institute, Denver Art Museum, Indianapolis Art Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Walker Art Center.
Smith has four honorary Ph.D.s and sixteen major awards, including National Academician, New Mexico Governor's Award, a lifetime achievement award from the Woodson Foundation, a Wallace Stegner Award, and a Joan Mitchell Foundation award.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalog with contributions by notable essayists Lowery Stokes Sims and Gail Tremblay. The exhibition includes 44 paintings and works on paper from the artist's collection, the Yellowstone Art Museum's permanent collection, and other private collectors. Both exhibition and catalog are supported in part by grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, and numerous private sponsors.
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: In the Footsteps of My Ancestors
When: Oct. 27, 2018-Feb. 10, 2019
Something else: This program is part of the For Freedoms 50 State Initiative developed to spur greater participation in civic life by generating discussion of values, place and patriotism through the arts. More: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. View a full listing of FAC Arts Month events online.
Virgil Ortiz Press Release
The ReVOlution is coming to the Fine Arts Center this fall
Colorado Springs (Sept. 12, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present the special exhibition Virgil Ortiz: Revolution – Rise Against the Invasion, on view Oct. 6, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019.
For nearly two decades, Virgil Ortiz has told the story of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt through his artwork, and simultaneously makes it more relevant and engaging to the next generation by using contemporary art to blend historic events with sci-fi fantasy – think Star Wars, Prometheus, The Avengers, and Justice League. His material choices and techniques draw from the past, while his imagery is both ultramodern and futuristic.
Ortiz's Revolt storyline transports the viewer back more than 300 years to the historical events of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, and then hurtles forward through time to the year of 2180 – introducing a cast of characters along the way. Though the narrative will be largely based on the Revolt 1680/2180 storyline that the artist has been developing for some time, Revolution will focus on the Aeronauts and other main Revolt characters: Po'Pay, Translator and the Spirit World Army, Tahu and her army of Blind Archers, Runners, and Gliders. Set in the future of 2180, the pueblos are in chaos, the invasion of Native land continues, the scourge of war rages everywhere. The Aeronauts summon their fleet and prepare for extreme warfare against the invading Castilian forces. Desperately, the Aeronauts search for any remaining clay artifacts from the battlefields. They know that challenges and persecution will continue, so it is imperative to preserve and protect their clay, culture, language, and traditions from extinction.
Watch the exhibition trailer: https://youtu.be/T9PralOZybA
Hailing from a family of celebrated Pueblo potters, Ortiz moves into a new era combining art, fashion, video, and film at lightning speed. Ortiz, who works and lives in Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, is one of the most innovative potters of his time. His exquisite works are exhibited worldwide in museum collections that include the Stedelijk Museum 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporian, Paris; Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian; Virginia Museum of Fine Art; and the Denver Art Museum. Ortiz is the fall Andrew W. Mellon Artist-in-Residence for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
Virgil Ortiz: Revolution – Rise Against the Invasion
When: Oct. 6, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019
Something else: Ortiz will teach two workshops for ages 16+ at the FAC's Bemis School of Art: Venutian Soldier Bust Sculpting Oct. 13-14 and Aeronaut Armor Fabrication Nov. 10-11. Register online, or call (719) 475-2444.
More: Artists Virgil Ortiz and John Frame and CC Professor Natanya Pulley will participate in an artist roundtable on the topic of worldbuilding Sept. 13 from 4-6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Event more: This program is part of the For Freedoms 50 State Initiative developed to spur greater participation in civic life by generating discussion of values, place and patriotism through the arts.
Even more: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. View a full listing of FAC Arts Month events online.
Shakespeare in Love Press Release
The Fine Arts Center opens the 2018-19 theatre season with the regional premiere of Shakespeare in Love
Colorado Springs (Aug. 28, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present Shakespeare in Love, directed by Scott RC Levy, Sept. 27-Oct. 21, 2018.
Shakespeare in Love is a play with music that was adapted for the stage from the 1998 film by Tony and Olivier Award-winning writer Lee Hall, based on the screenplay by Academy Award-winning writer Marc Norman, and Tony, Olivier, and Academy Award-winning writer Tom Stoppard.
"Shakespeare in Love is an enjoyable, gorgeously designed romantic spectacle that speaks to the power and glory of the theater and, of course, the brilliance of William Shakespeare." –Herald-Tribune
A romantic piece of historical fiction, the story centers around a young Will Shakespeare as he struggles to find his inspiration. Enter the feisty aristocratic Viola de Lesseps, who longs to be an actor. The relationship they forge serves as inspiration for Will's greatest play – Romeo and Juliet. This stage adaptation employs tactics commonly found in plays of the Elizabethan age: cross-dressing disguises, mistaken identities, suspicions of adultery, sword fighting, a comedic nurse, and even visions of ghosts are all present, as is the enduring "play-within-a-play" convention that Shakespeare fondly adopted for many of his works. Overall, Shakespeare in Love delivers a delightfully crowd-pleasing, deeply romantic, and highly adventurous tale of love and drama in Renaissance-era England.
The cast includes Seth Dhonau (making his FAC debut as Will Shakespeare), Carley Cornelius (as Viola, previously seen in Enchanted April), Birgitta DePree (as Queen Elizabeth), Dastan Harrison, Ben Hilzer, Dwayne Carrington, Jareth Spirio, Damon Guerassio, Michael Augenstein, Carmen Shedd, Dana Kjdesen, Maggie Tisdale, Kyle Dean Steffen, Lisbeth Splawn, Mark Cannon, Nels Jacobson, Micah Speirs, Joe O'Rear, Peter Bussian, Sean Verdu, and Conner Graves.
When: Sept. 27-Oct. 21, 2018 | Dates and times vary, see website for details
Tickets: Starting at $20, Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15 (Colorado College students receive a FREE rush ticket). Tickets subject to availability; must purchase in person; CC students must present a CC Gold Card.
Something else: A FREE guided backstage tour will be offered following Oct. 11 performance and a FREE talkback session will be offered following the Oct. 21 performance.
Even more: Pre-theatre dining will be available for select performances. Call (719)634-5583 for hours and to make reservations.
Even more: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. Check-out a full listing of FAC Arts Month events online.
Go, Dog. Go! Press Release
Popular children's book Go, Dog. Go! comes to life at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (Aug. 17, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present Go, Dog. Go!, directed by Sammie Joe Kinnett, Sept. 14-Oct. 14, 2018.
P.D. Eastman's classic children's book comes to life on stage in an exploration of movement, color, and space. The dogs delve into life with gusto, creating a visual spectacle for the audience to feast upon. They snorkel. They howl at the moon. They ride a Ferris wheel. They sing and dance and climb trees. This is a rollicking free-for-all of chicanine-ery. A big and little musical world of doggy fun. Like a pop-up book that comes to life – and never stops.
"With its gentle, bouncy humor and familiar situations, Go, Dog. Go! would make a fitting introduction to theater for even the youngest children, and has enough sly wit to satisfy older children and parents." –The Columbus Dispatch
The cast includes Rachael Graham, Rachael Daguman, Sophie Javna, Kayla Kuemmerle, Alex Williams, and Johnny Bartlett.
Go, Dog. Go! Day Camps
These fun, hands-on adventures for young thespians include a personal meet-and-greet with the cast, theatre games, and more! Cost is $20 per child (ages 6-13). Performance tickets to Go, Dog. Go! are additional. Offered Saturdays, Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, & 13 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Go, Dog. Go!
When: Sept. 14-Oct. 14, 2018 | Fri, 6 p.m., Sat & Sun at 1 p.m., Sun Sept. 16 at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $20, $18 FAC members, $10 kids 12 and under
More: Theatre patrons receive free admission to the FAC Museum on the day of their ticketed performance
Even more: Dog Adoption Fair & Vegan Market, Sunday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in connection with the Year of the Dog exhibition on view in the museum. The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region will have adorable animals available for adoption in the courtyard and the Colorado Springs Vegan Events Pop-up Market, will feature 100% vegan food, health and beauty products, clothing, jewelry, housewares, food trucks, cash bar, and more. This family friendly event is free and open to the public.
PIE Press Release
The Fine Arts Center Kicks off the North American Tour of PIE by Theater Grottesco
Colorado Springs (Aug. 6, 2018) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present PIE by Theater Grottesco, one weekend only, Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2018.
PIE is a layman's exploration of what happens when you don't know what to do next, inspired by the Carl Sagan quote, "If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." Santa Fe-based Theater Grottesco's take on this is a deeply relevant and moving journey across the universe, down the Grand Canyon, and into a world of questions about societal pressures, identity, hopelessness, greed, and the toxic muddy trickle at the end of a once raging river. Grottesco uses its broad stylistic palette to create surprise and wonder as it holds up a mirror to the current state of the planet and its people, while sneaking up on life's great questions.
"The performance defies description … superb in its execution and imagination …" –Talkin' Broadway
In 2017, Theater Grottesco's PIE was one of six recipients of the prestigious National Theatre Project award from the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), with major funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Theater Grottesco was founded in 1983 in Paris, France by John Flax and Didier Maucort, former members of Minneapolis' Theatre de la Jeune Lune and graduates of France's Ecole Jacques Lecoq. Joined shortly thereafter by Elizabeth Wiseman, another Lecoq graduate, the company has evolved to 15 artists comprising a tremendous range of theatrical expertise.
Together, they have created 13 full-length plays, over 30 shorter pieces, performed in seven countries, 30 states, most major U.S. cities, and hundreds of smaller communities, garnering an international award for Best Production, two Drama Critic's awards, a silver medal with Detroit's Zone V Productions from the Houston Worldfest Film Festival, a Rockefeller MAP Fund Grant, 11 National Endowment for the Arts Professional Theater Awards, and one of two MetLife/TCG A-ha Do It grants in the programs inaugural season.
PIE by Theater Grottesco
When: Aug. 30-Sept, 2, 2018 | Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30 p.m., Sun at 2 p.m.
Something else: First-time FAC theatre subscribers receive 1 FREE ticket per subscriber and renewing subscribers receive unlimited $10 tickets!
More: Dine at Taste before the show! Reservations: (719) 634-5583
Even more: PIE is a participating program in the "Forever Yours, The Land"™ exhibit, a city-wide project of Palmer Land Trust. Learn more about our region's conservation efforts at www.celebrateland.org.
Paul Reiser Press Release
Comedian Paul Reiser makes his Fine Arts Center debut this month
Colorado Springs (August 1, 2018) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present An Evening with Paul Reiser Friday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Comedian, actor, television writer, author, and musician Paul Reiser has spent the last 30+ years acting in Oscar and Emmy award-winning movies and TV shows. He was voted one of Comedy Central's "Top 100 Comedians of All Time." Reiser joined the cast of Netflix's 'Stranger Things' last year for the series' highly anticipated second season playing Dr. Owens, a high-ranking member of the Department of Energy who is brought to the small town to investigate the supernatural situations at play.
Reiser's recent films include John McDonagh's 'War on Everyone' with Alexander Skarsgard and Michael Pena, 'The Book of Love' with Jessica Biel and Jason Sudeikis,'The Little Hours' with John C. Reilly and Aubrey Plaza, and the Lake Bell-directed 'I Do… Until I Don't' with Ed Helms, Amber Heard, and Mary Steenburgen. Reiser has had notable performances in films such as 'Diner,' 'Bye Bye Love,' 'The Marrying Man,' 'Aliens,' 'One Night At McCool's,' and 'Beverly Hills Cop' (I and II). He also co-created and starred in the critically acclaimed NBC series 'Mad About You,' which garnered him multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, American Comedy Award and Screen Actors Guild nominations. More recently, Reiser earned acclaim for his supporting role in the 2015 Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-winning film, 'Whiplash,' starring JK Simmons and Miles Teller.
Reiser's book, Couplehood, has sold over two million copies and reached the number one spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Reiser's second bestseller, Babyhood, features his trademark humorous take on the adventures of being a first-time father, followed by his third bestseller, Familyhood. Reiser, who attended the State University of New York at Binghamton and majored in music, co-wrote "The Final Frontier" – the theme song from 'Mad About You' with Grammy-winning producer Don Was, and in 2011 he released an album of original songs with British singer / songwriter Julia Fordham called 'Unusual Suspects.'
Opening Act: Ryan Flores
Originally from California, Ryan Flores is writer, musician, producer, photographer, and designer currently based in the Pikes Peak region. His work has appeared in various literary journals, magazines, textbooks, and blogs. He is the founder of the independent label Heart Shaped Records, and is the wayward member multiple bands. Flores is working on his first novel, "Carlos & the Cloudmakers."
An Evening with Paul Reiser
When: Friday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Something else: Dine at Taste before the show! Reservations: (719) 634-5583
A Portrait of Elsie Palmer Press Release
Elsie Palmer returns to the Fine Arts Center with a special exhibition dedicated to her life in Colorado Springs and England
Colorado Springs (July 17, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present the special exhibition P.S. I Love You: A Portrait of Miss Elsie Palmer, on view Aug. 11, 2018-March 17, 2019.
In 1871, railroad tycoon and founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer and his family built their home just north of Garden of the Gods. Seeking a climate better suited to her ill health, Palmer's wife Mary Mellon "Queen" Palmer departed Colorado Springs in 1880, taking their three daughters, Elsie, Dorothy, and Marjory, to reside at Ightham Mote, a moated English manor house built around 1320. The daughters returned to Colorado Springs following the death of their mother, eventually rebuilding their original home in Colorado Springs as the Glen Eyrie Castle that still stands today.
An engaging hostess both here and abroad, "Queen" welcomed some of the most highly regarded figures of the day to her homes, including artist John Singer Sargent, actress Ellen Terry, and author Henry James. The Palmer daughters were immersed in music and literature as well as the remarkably innovative technical accomplishments of their father. Late in the Palmers' tenure at Ightham Mote in 1889-1900, John Singer Sargent painted the stunning portrait of a then 17-year-old Elsie (A Lady in White), one of the most celebrated paintings in the Fine Arts Center collection and one that has been on loan to the National Trust/Ightham Mote since early 2017.
To fete the return of our beloved Miss Elsie Palmer, the Fine Arts Center has organized an exhibition that represents Elsie's domestic life and surroundings both in Colorado Springs and in England. From letters and photographs to furniture, paintings, and antique ephemera, we can capture a rare glimpse of what life may have been like for the Palmer family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
P.S. I Love You: A Portrait of Miss Elsie Palmer is made possible thanks to our generous collaborators: The National Trust/Ightham Mote, The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and The Navigators/Glen Eyrie.
P.S. I Love You: A Portrait of Miss Elsie Palmer
When: Aug. 11, 2018-March 17, 2019
Something else: Friday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m., join Donna M. Lucey, author of Sargent's Women: Four Lives Behind the Canvas, in a conversation about Elsie Palmer and other subjects of portraits by John Singer Sargent. Prior reading of the book is recommended but not required; drinks and appetizers will be served. RSVP required, free and open to the public.
The Pajama Game Press Release
See the next generation of theatre stars in the FAC's Youth Repertory Ensemble production of The Pajama Game
Colorado Springs (July 12, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to celebrate this year's Youth Repertory Ensemble in their production of The Pajama Game July 26-29, 2018.
Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful as sparks fly between new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7 ½ cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well.
The Pajama Game was awarded the 1955 Tony for Best Musical and, over half of a century later, claimed the award for Best Revival of a Musical, proving that the story is truly timeless. With an energetic score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross (Damn Yankees), The Pajama Game is brimming with songs and dances that have become musical theatre standards, including Steam Heat and Hernando's Hideaway. This perennial favorite is a surefire crowd-pleaser and a glowing example of classic musical comedy.
Youth Repertory Ensemble
The FAC's Youth Repertory Ensemble, currently in its 19th season, is a five-week conservatory training program for aspiring theatre performers, designers and technicians. This year's company consists of 30 students from the greater Pikes Peak region, all of whom auditioned and/or interviewed to be included in the program.
Participants in this year's Youth Repertory Ensemble include students who attend: Anders Arneson: Lewis-Palmer High School, Kadyn Ballard: Discovery Canyon Campus High School, Noelle Bovee: University of Northern Colorado, Kylee Crews: Lewis-Palmer High School, Shannon Cunningham: University of California Berkley, Rachel Daguman: Cheyenne Mountain High School, Sam Derrickson: Colorado State University, Ella Dill: Cheyenne Mountain High School, Weller Dorff: Cheyenne Mountain High School, Ailee Dreher: Palmer Ridge High School, Will Edelson: Boston University, Olivia Ellenwood: University of Northern Colorado, Jack English: Pine Creek High School, Olivia English: Barnard College of Columbia University, Conner Graves: Lewis-Palmer High School, Isabel Hebenstreit: Lewis-Palmer High School, Donovan Kriskowski: Pine Creek High School, Brendan Lowry: Liberty High School, Miranda McCauley: Air Academy High School, Jamie McPartland: Lewis-Palmer High School, Sara Oliver: Lewis-Palmer High School, Elizabeth Pond: Pikes Peak Community College, Scott Reif: Lewis-Palmer High School, Cameron Russell: Cheyenne Mountain High School, Kayla Schill: Rampart High School, Sheridan Singer: Vista Ridge High School, Emma Walker: The University of Denver, Mackenzie Walton: Colorado Springs Christian Schools, Gavin Wilde: Discovery Canyon Campus High School, and Danielle Wood: Elliot High School.
Melanie Yazzie Press Release
Meet the FAC's newest Artist-in-Residence, Melanie Yazzie
Colorado Springs (June 28, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to invite the public to meet the summer Andrew G. Mellon Artist-in-Residence, Melanie Yazzie. On Friday, July 20, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the public is invited to meet the artist and view a selection of prints she has made during her residency. This event is free and open to the public.
The FAC is honored to host distinguished artist Melanie Yazzie as the Andrew G. Mellon Artist-in-Residence during June and July of 2018. Currently a Professor of Art at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Melanie Yazzie works as a sculptor, painter, and printmaker. Her work draws upon her rich Diné (Navajo) cultural heritage, and follows the Diné dictum "walk in beauty" literally, creating beauty and harmony. As an artist, she works to serve as an agent of change by encouraging others to learn about social, cultural, and political phenomena shaping the contemporary lives of Native peoples in the United States and beyond – her work incorporates both personal experiences as well as the events and symbols from Diné culture. She often takes part in collaborative art projects with Indigenous artists and her work on projects in New Zealand, Siberia, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and Japan have been the force for continued dialogue about Indigenous cultural practices, language, song, story-telling, and survival.
During her residency at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, Melanie Yazzie hosted a printmaking workshop at the Bemis School of Art, guest lecturer in several Colorado College summer classes, and has made many new prints inspired by works in the FAC Museum's permanent collection. She also currently has a selection of previous works on display in the College's newly renovated Tutt Library. The FAC Museum acknowledges the support, assistance, and enthusiasm of collaborative partner for the summer residency, the Colorado College Art Department.
"My artwork is culturally based in my heritage of being a Diné (Navajo) person. The artworks stem from the thought and belief that what we create must have beauty and harmony from within ourselves, from above, below, in front, behind and from our core. We are taught to seek out beauty and create it with our thoughts and prayers. I feel that when I am making my art, be it a print, a painting or a sculpture, I begin by centering myself and thinking it all out in a "good way", which is how I was taught from an early age. My work speaks about travel and transformation." –Melanie Yazzie
Melanie Yazzie has taught at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona; the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico; the College of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and the Pont-Aven School of Art in France. Her work can be found in many prominent international collections including the National Gallery of Australian, and the Rhode Island School of Design. She has been reviewed in Focus Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, New Zealand Herald, and she is mentioned in Printmaking in the Sun by Dan Welden and Pauline Muir, Native American Art in the Twentieth Century by W. Jackson Rushing III, and The Lure of the Local: Sense of Place in a Multi-Centered Society by Lucy Lippard. Combined, she has had over 100 group and solo exhibitions.
Andrew G. Mellon Foundation Artist-in-Residence Program
Melanie Yazzie is the second artist to serve as the Andrew W. Mellon Artist-in-Residence at the FAC. The residency program endeavors to embed artists deeply into the FAC, Colorado College, and the broader community. One of the program's goals is to help audiences on and off campus to make connections between diverse arts, cultures, and ideas through interaction with a practicing artist.
Meet the Artist: Melanie Yazzie
When: July 20, 2018; 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Something else: July 20 is also the FAC's Museum Free Day. The public is invited to tour the museum free of charge from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind Press Release
Back by Popular Demand – Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind – 30 Plays in 60 Minutes!
Colorado Springs (June 20, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to bring back the popular "late night" ensemble experiment, Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind by Greg Allen, presenting "30 Plays in 60 Minutes." On stage June 29-July 21, 2018; directed by Scott RC Levy.
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind is a witty collection of comic, tragic, political, personal, and abstract plays with a selection of brand new plays for a different show every night. Each two-minute play is performed in random order with an interactive audience. An onstage 60-minute timer keeps everyone honest. Ready, set, GO!
"Fine Arts Center's 'Too Much Light …' is fabulous A+ … engaging (without being intimidating), high energy (but not amateurish), intellectually intriguing (unless you don't want it to be) and just plain delightful… It comes across as part "Saturday Night Live," part high school play, part black box think piece." –The Gazette
The entire original FAC cast returns presenting 30 all-new plays: Mackenzie Beyer, Mark Cannon, Anna Faye Hunter, Jordan Matthews, Jareth Spirio, and Kelley Wick.
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind
When: June 29-July 21, 2018; Fri and Sat at 8:30 p.m.
Something else: Theatre patrons receive free admission to the FAC Museum on the day of their ticketed performance.
Tom Marioni Press Release
Renowned artist Tom Marioni's famous beer salon comes to Colorado Springs in special exhibition at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (June 14, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present the special exhibition Tom Marioni: The Act of Drinking Beer with Friends is the Highest Form of Art, on view July 14-Sept. 9, 2018.
In 1970, California-based conceptual artist Tom Marioni invited 16 friends to have a drink with him at the Oakland Museum of California, the museum's curator provided the beer, and a tradition was born. By 1973, the artist was hosting weekly salons in his studio and staging the still-ongoing participatory and social piece at designated times, presented in various contexts and by museums across the globe. Though superficially lighthearted, this installation suggests that communion with others, conversation and open dialogue, the exchange of ideas, knowledge, information and philosophies, and shared experiences are the greatest possible outcomes of engagement with visual art. This installation will include a performance and new works from the artist, highlighting the importance of his drawing practice, as well as weekly FREE BEER events.
Tom Marioni received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1981 and three grants from the National Endowment for the Arts during the 1970s. His work is in the collections of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Stadtische Kunsthalle in Mannheim, Germany, the Pompidou Center in Paris, and other museums. He is represented by Gallery Paule Anglim in San Francisco, the Margarete Roeder Gallery in New York, and the Carl Solway Gallery in Cincinnati.
The Act of Drinking Beer with Friends is the Highest Form of Art is a collaboration between the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and the Downtown Partnership's Art on the Streets public art program.
The Act of Drinking Beer with Friends Events
Every Wednesday from 5-6:30 p.m. through the run of the show, the exhibition will come alive when a special guest bartender serves patrons FREE BEER in the bar-like setting of the exhibition space, giving opportunity for social engagement and dialogue to anyone who would like to attend. The museum will offer free admission on Wednesday evenings starting at 5 p.m. throughout the show. One featured beer will be served each week and available on a first-come, first-served basis until quantities run out. (Wednesday evening FREE BEER events are 21+)
Tom Marioni: The Act of Drinking Beer with Friends is the Highest Form of Art
When: July 14-Sept. 9, 2018
Something else: Free beer events July 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and Sept. 5 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the gallery space. The July 18 event will include a performance by the artist.
Even more: Join exhibiting artist Tom Marioni Tuesday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. as he shares his artistic philosophies and the history of his practice. RSVP required.
John Frame Press Release
Hand-carved sculptures, photography, and stop-motion animation featured in special exhibition at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (May 15, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present the special exhibition John Frame: Three Fragments of a Lost Tale, on view June 2-Sept. 16, 2018.
Sculptor John Frame has lived and worked in Southern California since the early 1980s. In 2006, he began conceptualizing and creating the objects, film, and photographs contained in Three Fragments of a Lost Tale. In keeping with his signature style of finely carved wooden sculpture, Frame has developed an intricately fractured story featuring a cast of unusual characters. Each gorgeously rendered, fully articulated figure brought to life through stop-motion photography. Three Fragments of a Lost Tale includes an ongoing film project that continues to occupy Frame's studio practice more than a decade after inception.
This exhibition was originated by The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Garden in 2011 and traveled to the Portland Art Museum in 2012. Frame is a two-time grant recipient from the National Endowment for the Arts, an Individual Artist Fellowship winner from the J. Paul Getty Museum, and holds an Honorary Doctor of Arts from Cornish College of the Arts. His work is part of more than 300 public and private collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Renwick Gallery of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution, and has been exhibited throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
John Frame: Three Fragments of a Lost Tale
When: June 2-Sept. 16, 2018
Year of the Dog Press Release
Six artists explore the human-animal bond through art in special exhibition, Year of the Dog, at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (May 9, 2018) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present the special exhibition Year of the Dog, on view May 19-Oct. 14, 2018.
Year of the Dog deeply examines the profound human-animal bond, from a cultural obsession with our canine companions, to the opposing attitude of disposability and disregard for the very same creatures. Featuring six highly renowned American artists working across a variety of mediums and each addressing a different facet of the theme, Year of the Dog asks us to examine the psychology of our sometimes contradictory relationships with animals. Through the power of visual art, it opens an opportunity for dialogue surrounding the ways in which we can all strive to live more compassionately for the benefit of all sentient beings and the world in which they inhabit.
Nick Cave (Chicago, IL)
Nick Cave is an artist, educator, and foremost a messenger – working between the visual and performing arts through a wide range of mediums including sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. He says of himself, "I have found my middle and now am working toward what I am leaving behind." Cave is well-known for his Soundsuits, sculptural forms based on the scale of his body. Soundsuits camouflage the body, masking and creating a second skin that conceals race, gender, and class, forcing the viewer to look without judgment.
Cave has received several prestigious awards including, the Americans for the Arts 2014 Public Art Network Year in Review Award (2014) in recognition of his Grand Central Terminal performance Heard – NY, Joan Mitchell Foundation Award (2008), Artadia Award (2006), the Joyce Award (2006), Creative Capital Grants (2002, 2004 and 2005), and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award (2001). Cave, who received his Master of Fine Arts at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, is Professor and Chairman of the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Cave has been represented by Jack Shainman Gallery since 2006. Public collections include the Brooklyn Museum; Crystal Bridges; the Detroit Institute of Arts; the High Museum; the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; the Norton Museum of Art; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Birmingham Museum of Art; the De Young Museum; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Orlando Museum of Art; the Smithsonian Institution; and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, among others.
Monique Crine (Denver, CO)
Working from her own photographs, Monique Crine creates arresting paintings that explore different American archetypes. Crine was born in Heidelberg, Germany and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University, and her Master of Fine Arts degree from Cornell University. She is the recipient of many awards including a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant; CCA grant; the Bank of America Award in Fine Arts; and a National MS Society scholarship. Since her first show in 1996, Crine has exhibited across North America, with solo shows in New York, Colorado and California. Her series solo exhibition Critical Focus: Monique Crine ran at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver in the summer of 2015.
Previous series include Grey Towers, based on photographs of JFK taken by Crine's grandfather two months before his assassination and Tony James, a series of paintings and photographs taken of infantryman within the U.S. Army based out of Fort Carson, specializing as a combat engineer in route clearance.
Mary Shannon Johnstone (Raleigh, NC)
Mary Shannon Johnstone received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Master of Fine Arts in photography from Rochester Institute of Technology. She is the recipient of numerous awards including "Pause, To Begin" artist, Critical Mass Top 50 (2009, 2010), and Honorable Mention in Lens Culture's 2010 International Exposure Awards. Johnstone is also a tenured Associate Professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC.
Her series Landfill Dogs became a 2013 Critical Mass Finalist, received "Best in Show" at the Puppy Love exhibition in GA, and is one of the 2014 Review Santa Fe 100. Landfill Dogs has been featured in national and international exhibitions and magazines, and was on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer in December 2013, and CNN's website in November 2014.
Frank Romero (Los Angeles, CA)
Throughout his 40 year career as an artist, Frank Romero has been a dedicated member of the Los Angeles arts community. As a member of the 1970s Chicano art collective, Los Four, Romero and fellow artists Carlos Almaraz, Beto de la Rocha, and Gilbert Lujan helped to define and promote the new awareness of La Raza through murals, publications, and exhibitions. Los Four's historic 1974 exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art was the country's first show of Chicano art at a major art institution.
Since then, Romero has successfully balanced a career in both the public and private arenas. He has completed over 15 murals throughout Los Angeles, and was a key contributor to the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival with Going to the Olympics, a large-scale mural which adorned one of Los Angeles' busiest freeways (Highway 101).
Romero has exhibited extensively in the United States, Europe, and Japan. His work is featured in many permanent collections, including the National Museum of Art in Washington D.C.; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the Carnegie Museum in Oxnard, CA.
Sharon Romero (Los Angeles, CA)
Sharon Romero has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Pitzer College in Claremont, CA and a Master of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). She uses her on-going interest in psychoanalytic theory to explore behavior and relationships in her paintings.
Her love of paint and the physicality of the medium creates work that is satisfying visually, but on closer inspection is much more than pure painterly pleasure. Romero's colorful and celebratory images mask underlying psychological frameworks with the culture of artifice, desire, and distraction being recurrent themes. Each body of work builds upon the next, at all times whatever the artist has become obsessed with.
Romero lives and works with her husband, artist Frank Romero in Los Angeles and in France.
Ralph Scala (Santa Fe, NM)
Ralph Scala currently maintains a studio in Santa Fe, NM where he produces painting, sculpture, and functional ceramics. With a focus on painting and sculpture, Scala received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Evergreen State College in 1995. From there, he went on to serve as studio director at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago (1995-2000), followed by stints as studio manager at Santa Fe Clay (2000-2005), and more recently Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado (2005-2016).
During the past two decades, he's established himself as a kiln designer and builder throughout the United States. While his functional pieces are heavily inspired by traditional Japanese pottery, Scala's colorful and slightly warped personality plays a more prevalent role within his figurative sculptures.
Scala's work can be found in numerous private collections around the country.
When: May 19-Oct. 14, 2018
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Press Release
The Fine Arts Center closes its 2017-2018 theatre season with the regional premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Colorado Springs (May 3, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels by David Yazbek (currently nominated for a Tony Award for his current show, The Band's Visit) and Jeffrey Lane. On stage May 24-June 17, 2018; choreographed by Nathan Halvorson and directed by Scott RC Levy.
Two con men, a beautiful woman, and the elite of the French Riviera collide in this clever and amusing farce. Based on the popular MGM film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is sophisticated and suave with a good dash of mischief and ribald humor. This hysterical musical comedy features a delightfully jazzy score and was nominated for a staggering 11 Tony Awards!
"… often funny, not infrequently clever, with a nice sprinkling of the outrageous – that's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." –New York Theatre
Lawrence Jameson makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Freddy Benson more humbly swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother's failing health. After meeting on a train, they attempt to work together only to find that this small French town isn't big enough for the two of them. They agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target, heiress Christine Colgate, wins and the other must leave town. A hilarious battle of cons ensues that will keep you laughing, humming and guessing to the end!
The part of Lawrence Jameson is played by Larry Cahn – making his FAC debut. Notable credits include The Graduate, Guys & Dolls, Epic Proportions, Anything Goes, and The Music Man on Broadway; Ragtime, Lend Me A Tenor, and Elf on National Tour; and The Gig (OIP Award), Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh!, The Portable Pioneer, and Prairie Show on Off-Broadway.
The part of Freddy Benson is played by Kyle Dean Steffen. Previous FAC credits include Man of La Mancha, Wait Until Dark, Prelude to a Kiss, and Of Mice and Men. Other Colorado acting credits include Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra, and OKLAHOMA! at THEATREWORKS, Company with Aurora Fox, and The House of Blue Leaves with the Arvada Center.
The part of Christine Colgate is played by Lauren Weinberg – making her FAC debut. Notable credits include Guys & Dolls on National Tour; Guys & Dolls, Olney Theatre Center; Beauty and the Beast, Theatre By The Sea; Brigadoon and She Loves Me, The Wick Theatre; Les Miserables, Black Comedy, Godspell, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Accomplice, Bristol Valley Theatre.
The cast also includes a number of other FAC favorites including: Adam Sterling Blancas, Max Ferguson, Tracy Hedding, Nels Jacobson, Jessye King, Jordan Mathews, Rebecca Myers, Carmen Vreeman Shedd, Micah Speirs, Jareth Spirio, and Thomas Voss. Making their FAC debut in this production are Judeth Shay Comstock, Carolyn Jordan and Naomi McKenna Skee. Scenic design is by Christopher L Sheley, lighting design by Jonathan Spencer, costume design by Sydney Gallas, and the band is led by musical director by Sharon Skidgel.
When: May 24-June 17, 2018; dates and times vary, see website for details.
Something else: Theatre patrons are invited to enjoy a FREE talkback session following the June 17 performance.
More: Enjoy an incredible dinner menu for evening performances and a delectable lunch menu for matinée performances at the FAC's restaurant, Taste.
Even more: Theatre patrons receive free admission to the FAC Museum on the day of their ticketed performance.
Fully Committed Press Release
Fully Committed, the immensely entertaining one-man show, makes its Southern Colorado premiere at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (April 10, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the Southern Colorado premiere of Fully Committed by Becky Mode – on stage April 27-May 20, 2018; directed by Kyle Dean Steffen.
This devastatingly funny play follows a day in the life of Sam, an out-of-work actor who mans the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan's number one restaurant. Coercion, threats, bribes, and histrionics – a cast of desperate callers will stop at nothing in their zeal to land a prime reservation, or the right table. Amid the barrage, Sam's got his own needs to contend with – his recently widowed dad wants him home for Christmas, and he's up for a choice part at Lincoln Center. While juggling scheming socialites, name-dropping wannabes, fickle celebrities, and egomaniacal bosses, can he manage to look out for himself? Fully Committed has forty wildly diverse characters played by one single versatile performer, Colorado Springs favorite, Michael Lee.
"…immensely entertaining, a richly comic affirmation of everything I've ever heard, or suspected, about the bad behavior that good food can inspire." – New York Times
Sam (and all of the other characters) will be played by Michael Lee with Scenic Design by David Darling and Props Design/Stage Management by Terri Harrison.
Michael Lee is a Pikes Peak Arts Council award-winner who has been acting in Colorado Springs for over 25 years. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and holds a bachelor's degree in Philosophy with his minor in Theatre. Previous roles at the FAC include: Mr. Marks in Intimate Apparel, Renfield in Dracula, Roat in Wait until Dark, Captain Slank in Peter and the Starcatcher, and Pedro in Man of La Mancha. He also frequently appears at THEATREWORKS and The Millibo Art Theatre, and has acted and directed for The Star Bar Players and Theatre d'Art.
When: April 27-May 20, 2018; Fri, Sat | 7:30 p.m. & Sun Matinées | 2 p.m.
COLORADO SPRINGS (March 30, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company has announced the blockbuster line-up for the 2018-2019 theatre season. The FAC is overjoyed to bring regional premieres of award-winning theatre productions such as Shakespeare in Love, Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, and Anna in the Tropics to the Pikes Peak region in the upcoming season – which kicks off in September, 2018.
Shakespeare in Love Sept. 27-Oct. 21, 2018
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Dec. 6, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019
Anna in the Tropics Feb. 7-24, 2019
Hands on a Hardbody March 28-April 14, 2019
Barnum May 23-June 16, 2019
Go, Dog. Go! Sept. 14-Oct. 14, 2018
Church & State Nov. 2-25, 2018
Ben and the Magic Paintbrush March 8-April 7, 2019
Bad Dates April 26-May 19, 2019
MAINSTAGE SAGAJI THEATRE
All mainstage productions are performed in the FAC's beautifully restored 400-seat SaGaJi Theatre. Season subscriptions start at $86 and are on sale now. Single tickets start at $20 and will be available for purchase starting July 26, 2018. Additionally, tickets for select Wednesday evening performances are only $20 and available for Shakespeare in Love, Anna in the Tropics, Hands on a Hardbody, and Barnum (subscription options do not apply). For more information call (719) 634-5583, or visit www.coloradocollege.edu/fac.
Shakespeare in Love | Sept. 27-Oct. 21, 2018
Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman & Tom Stoppard
Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall
Music by Paddy Cunneen
Directed by Scott RC Levy
Regional Premiere! Shakespeare in Love is a play with music, adapted for the stage from the 1988 film by Tony and Olivier Award-winning writer Lee Hall, based on the screenplay by Academy Award-winning writer Marc Norman, and Tony, Olivier, and Academy Award-winning writer Tom Stoppard.
"…it makes for a very warm, accessible and enjoyable night at the theater." –Chicago Tribune
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical | Dec. 6, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & lyrics by Tim Minchin
Regional Premiere! The story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Inspired by the twisted genius of author Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is a captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
Above all it's an exhilarating tale of empowerment, as told from the perspective of the most powerless group of all…little children." –The New York Times
Anna in the Tropics | Feb. 7-24, 2019
By Nilo Cruz
Regional Premiere! Winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama! Anna in the Tropics is a poignant and poetic play set in 1929 Florida in a Cuban-American cigar factory, where cigars are still rolled by hand, and "lectors" are employed to educate and entertain the workers. The arrival of a new lector is a cause for celebration, but when he begins to read aloud from Anna Karenina, he unwittingly becomes a catalyst in the lives of his avid listeners, for whom Tolstoy, the tropics, and the American dream prove a volatile combination.
"The words of Nilo Cruz waft from a stage like a scented breeze. They sparkle and prickle and swirl, enveloping those who listen in both a specific place and time—and in timeless passions that touch us all…In ANNA IN THE TROPICS, Cruz claims his place as a storyteller of intricate craftsmanship and poetic power…[Cruz] has turned out many wonderful plays—but none more shimmeringly beautiful than ANNA IN THE TROPICS." –Miami Herald
Hands on a Hardbody | March 28-April 14, 2019
Book by Doug Wright
Music by Trey Anastasio & Amanda Green
Lyrics by Amanda Green
Directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson
Regional Premiere! Nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, 2013. Inspired by true events, and infused with a "fresh roots-rock vibe," this is the hilarious, hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with the American dream. Ten contestants. Four days. One truck.
For 10 hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor, and ambition, they'll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. In the hilarious, hard-fought contest that is Hands on a Hardbody, only one winner can drive away with the American dream. Inspired by the true events of the acclaimed 1997 documentary of the same name.
"You can hear the sound of America singing in this daring new musical." –The New York Times
Barnum | May 23-June 16, 2019
Book by Mark Bramble
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Michael Stewart
Regional Premiere! P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth, combines razzle-dazzle with charm and brass to sell "humbug" to cheering crowds. A joyful and moving musical portrait of the 19th century's greatest show-biz legend, Barnum is a colorful, dynamic spectacle with heart. Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart's rousing score includes "There's a Sucker Born Every Minute," "Join the Circus," "The Colors of My Life," and "Come Follow The Band."
"Barnum is a wonderful musical, full of excitement, joy, and smashing tunes." –Live Theatre UK
FAMILY & STUDIO SERIES in the MUSIC ROOM
Go, Dog. Go! – FAMILY SERIES | Sept. 14-Oct. 14, 2018
By Steven Dietz & Allison Gregory
Based on the book by P.D. Eastman
Regional Premiere! P.D. Eastman's classic children's book comes to life on stage in an exploration of movement, color, and space. The dogs delve into life with gusto, creating a visual spectacle for the audience to feast upon. They snorkel. They howl at the moon. They ride a Ferris wheel. They sing and dance and climb trees. This is a rollicking free-for-all of chicanine-ery. A big and little musical world of doggy fun. Like a pop-up book that comes to life – and never stops.
Church & State – STUDIO SERIES | Nov. 2-25, 2018
By Jason Odell Williams
Regional Premiere! Three days before his bid for reelection, in the wake of a school shooting in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, a Republican U.S. senator makes an off-the-cuff comment to a blogger that gets leaked on "the Twitter," calling into question the senator's stance on guns and God. As his devoutly Christian wife and liberal Jewish campaign manager try to contain the damage, this look at how religion influences politics and how politics has become a religion is simultaneously funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting.
"[CHURCH & STATE] is surprisingly subtle and gripping entertainment…a sophisticated dialectic that presents both sides of the gun debate…Williams avoids demonizing his conservative Southerners, who are winning, strikingly intelligent, and above all, sincere in their beliefs." –Los Angeles Times
"A crackling script. Feels very of the moment. An enjoyable, thought-provoking and, I promise, humorous piece of theatre. I wish every member of Congress would see it!" –National Public Radio
Ben and the Magic Paintbrush – FAMILY SERIES | March 8-April 7, 2019
By Bathsheba Doran
Regional Premiere! Megan and Ben are orphaned siblings alone in the world. She earns pennies as a human statue – painted silver – while her little brother draws marvelous portraits with only a stubby pencil. One fateful day, his artwork catches the eye of the malicious Mrs. Crawley, who has a scheme to make millions with a magic paintbrush. When she captures Ben and puts him to work, it's up to Megan and their new friend Pierre to help him escape, discovering the value of kindness and bravery along the way. An enchanting story from olden times comes to life in this modern-day fairy tale.
"It will have the kiddies cheering its heroes and (on occasion) jeering one of youth theater's most deliciously detestable villains." –The Daily Pilot
Bad Dates – STUDIO SERIES | April 26-May 19, 2019
By Theresa Rebeck
Regional Premiere! Restaurant manager and shoe connoisseur Haley Walker is finally ready to re-enter the dating world. From the privacy of her bedroom, she relates a series of hilarious tales while preparing for, and recovering from, one dreadful date after another. Theresa Rebeck's sweet and sharp comedy will be the hottest date night in town, and a triumphant night out for women of all ages!
"…a crowd-pleasing, one-woman comedy with a scrappy, magnetic narrator…" –The Boston Globe
SPECIAL THEATRE EVENTS
Subscription options do not apply toward special theatre events, ticket prices vary, see website for details.
PIE | Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2018
By Theater Grottesco (special touring production)
North American Tour Premiere! PIE is a layman's exploration of what happens when you don't know what to do next, inspired by the Carl Sagan quote, "If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." Santa Fe-based Theater Grottesco's take on this is a deeply relevant and moving journey across the universe, down the Grand Canyon, and into a world of questions about societal pressures, identity, hopelessness, greed, and the toxic muddy trickle at the end of a once raging river. Grottesco uses its broad stylistic palette to create surprise and wonder as it holds up a mirror to the current state of the planet and its people, while sneaking up on life's great questions.
In 2017, Theater Grottesco's PIE was one of six recipients of the prestigious National Theatre Project award from New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), with major funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
"The performance defies description… superb in its execution and imagination…" –Talkin' Broadway
An Evening with Paul Reiser | Aug. 17, 2018
Comedian, actor, television writer, author, and musician, Paul Reiser has spent the last 30+ years acting in Oscar and Emmy award-winning movies and TV shows. He was voted one of Comedy Central's "Top 100 Comedians of All Time."
An Evening with Paula Poundstone | Nov. 1, 2018
With smart, observational humor and a legendary spontaneous interaction with the crowd, Paula Poundstone is one of our country's pre-eminent comedians.
Happy Hour Stand-Up | 2018: July 6, Aug. 3, Dec. 7 | 2019: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, June 7
Featuring different comedians each show, this gut-busting stand-up comedy hour will have audiences laughing all night.
FINE ARTS CENTER THEATRE SCHOOL
The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company offers innovative and comprehensive professional theatre training programs for students age 5-adult. Musical theatre, design, acting, play analysis, dancing, and stand-up comedy, are just a sampling of the rich curriculum offered by an award-winning professional staff of instructors.
Saturdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 13, 2018
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Day Camps
Saturdays, Dec. 8, 2018-Jan. 5, 2019
Ben and the Magic Paintbrush Day Camps
Saturdays, March 9-April 6
Barnum Day Camps
Sundays, May 26 & June 9 & Saturdays, June 1 & 15
Adult Women's Dance Class
Mondays, Jan. 21–March 11
Adult Acting Class
Mondays, March 18–May 6
Youth Repertory Spring Session
Wednesdays, Jan. 16–March 20
Emerging Artists Spring Session
Saturdays, Feb. 9–April 13 & April 9–12
Fun Home Press Release
Fun Home, live on stage at the FAC, will take audiences on a heartrending and fiercely funny journey
Colorado Springs (March 1, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present the Southern Colorado premiere of the refreshingly honest musical, Fun Home with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori, based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel – on stage March 29-April 22, 2018; directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson.
Fun Home is the winner of multiple 2015 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score (the first female writing team to win), Best Book of a Musical, and winner of a New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, Obie Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Off-Broadway Alliance Award.
Fun Home is an original musical punctuated with an innovative score that frames the curiosity of childhood and the complexities of family. Alison's father was many things: a historical preservationist, a funeral home director, a distant parent, and a closeted gay man. In the struggle to understand her father, while also dealing with her own budding sexuality, Alison reveals memories of her life at three different ages.
"A rare beauty, extraordinary and heart-gripping." –Ben Brantley, The New York Times
The cast includes Allison Mickelson, Jessica Kahkoska, Kelly Tanberg, Patrick Oliver Jones, Megan Van De Hey, Mackenzie Beyer, Atticus Baker, Gabe Levy, Parker Fowler, and understudy Ellie Levy with musical direction by Stephanie McGuffin, scenic and costume design by Lex Liang, lighting design by Holly Anne Rawls, properties design by Emma Dean, and stage managed by Kate Ferdinandi.
Patrick Oliver Jones is making his Colorado Springs debut, having been through Denver on the national tours of The Addams Family and Evita. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he now resides in New York City and has performed Off-Broadway in The Extraordinary Ordinary, Church & State, Absolution, and The Magdalene. Regionally, he's starred in Man Of La Mancha (Quixote), Tommy (Capt. Walker), Crazy For You (Zangler, SALT Award nominee), and Light In The Piazza (Naccarelli).
MacKenzie Beyer has been seen on stage at the FAC in Enchanted April (Caroline), Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind (Ensemble), Godspell (Ensemble, Youth Rep 2006). She has worked locally with THEATREWORKS, Curious Theatre Company, and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. She holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Classical Acting from the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Academy of Classical Acting in Washington, D.C.
Allison Mickelson is making her FAC debut in Fun Home. She recently performed as Alison in Fun Home at Portland Center Stage and starred in Lisa Kron's autobiographical one-woman show 2.5 Minute Ride. Regional credits include Ragtime (Mother), Damn Yankees (Lola), Elf The Musical (Emily), and Mame (Mame).
Megan Van De Hey is making her FAC debut in Fun Home. Locally, Megan has performed with The Arvada Center, Curious Theatre, The Aurora Fox Arts Center, Town Hall Arts Center, The Avenue Theatre, Miners Alley Playhouse, Cherry Creek Theatre, and Little Theatre of the Rockies. Regionally, Megan premiered Upon a Midnight Clear with Stages Repertory Theatre. Megan is a multiple Henry, Ovation, True West, and Marlowe award-winner. She relocated to Denver after spending seven years doing theatre in Chicago, where she was a three-time Joseph Jefferson Nominee.
When: March 29-April 22, 2018, show dates and times vary – visit website for details
Something else: Patrons are invited to join members of the Fun Home creative team and the Colorado College Community after the show on April 6, 13, and 20 to discuss the themes of the play. Each event will explore a different topic.
More: A free guided backstage tour will be offered following the April 12 performance and a free talkback session with the cast and crew will be offered following the April 22 performance.
More: Patrons can enjoy an incredible dinner menu for evening performances and a delectable brunch buffet for matinée performances. Or, choose from the small plate menu in Deco Lounge. Reservations: (719) 634-5583
Androcles and the Lion Press Release
The FAC presents Androcles and the Lion, one of the most popular children's plays ever written
Colorado Springs (February 15, 2018) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to present Aurand Harris' renowned adaptation of the classic Aesop's fable, Androcles and the Lion, directed by Meghann Henry and in performance March 2-April 1, 2018.
Refreshingly antic, this irreverent version has been produced in 20 countries and is written in the style of Italian commedia dell'arte. In commedia tradition, a group of strolling players set up their stage and give a performance. Using authentic staging and stock characters of commedia – the miserly Pantalone, the bragging Captain, the romantic lovers, the trickster Arlequin, plus an endearing lion – this fable becomes a colorful theatrical experience. The play skyrockets with zany comedy. It also glows with the warmth of friendship. Androcles and the Lion is a prize-winning play, applauded around the world again and again!
"…a fun, entertaining evening of theatre for young children." –Utah Theatre Bloggers Association
The cast includes Rachael Jacobs, Kody Maynard, Randy Chronister, Rachel Daguman, Alex Abundis, and Sean Verdu, with scenic design by Lara Hincapie and costume & mask design by Sarah Beth Parks.
The plays of Aurand Harris have been produced and applauded in thousands of productions around the world for nearly a half century. Harris was a prodigious dramatist, writing a new published play each season. He was a tireless experimenter of forms, themes, and subjects. This modest man of irrepressible imagination and energy carried a vast array of honors and accolades. He was the first recipient of a National Endowment of the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship in Children's Theatre, was introduced into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre, and was the first playwright to receive the Medallion of the Children's Theatre Foundation of America.
Androcles and the Lion
When: March 2-April 1, 2018; Fri | 6 p.m.; Sat, Sun Matinées | 1 p.m.
Tickets: $20 ($18 FAC Members) $10 kids 12 and under (this production is recommended for ages 5 and up)
Something else: Delight your young emerging artist in a magical experience they won't soon forget. Androcles and the Lion Day Camps offer kids 6-13 a fun, hands-on experience complete with a tour of the theatre, hands-on activities, a personal meet-and-greet with the cast members, and more! Offered before each Saturday performance in the run, cost is $20 per child. Performance tickets to Androcles and the Lion are additional.
More: Meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with the cast are available following every performance.
Even more: Though the FAC's new Passport to the Arts program, parents with a fourth grade student(s) can register to receive one free children's ticket to Androcles and the Lion, a one-year family membership, discounts on select art classes, and more. Details at https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/visit/tours/passport-to-the-arts/
February/March 2018 First Friday Press Release
First Friday artists Felicia Kelly and Nichole Fetterhoff showcase the functionality and uniqueness of fiber arts in the FAC's next Deco Lounge gallery show
Colorado Springs (Jan. 18, 2018) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to introduce fiber art by knitters Felicia Kelly and Nichole Fetterhoff, on view and available for sale Feb. 2 through March 31, 2018 with special First Friday Art Parties Feb. 2 and March 2 from 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Felicia Kelly (Colorado Springs, CO)
"I find the beauty in knitting to come from the functional as well as formal aspects of creating. Knitting is a technical skill involving the ability to read patterns, codes, and charts and with that information produce a piece of fabric… My current work takes inspiration from that code, from women knitting codes into sweaters during World War I to the 'Computer Girls' of the 1960s, to contemporary women reclaiming the tech industry and supporting future women in tech through organizations like Girls Who Code.
Each piece on display is a physical representation of a code, as is every knitted piece, but beyond the inherent coded nature of knitting, each piece also represents code in an additional way. References to literature, pop culture, and feminist movements are all embedded in my work.
Each stitch celebrates the unsung women behind the codes who 'knit their bit,' the women who sent us to the moon, and the girls of the future who will use 'traditional women's work' to develop technologies we can't even imagine yet."
Nichole Fetterhoff (Colorado Springs, CO)
"Knitting is not just yarn and sticks. It's fiber from a living thing, color that evokes emotion, and a design that comes from inspiration, tradition, and cleverness. It takes skill, patience and time to become a knitter. My passion for being a textile artist is parallel to my passion for the earth and what it gives us to use in life and in art. I am an educational advocate for each process involved in knitting, from the sheep to the shirt, or the llama, camel, alpaca, rabbit, hemp or cotton plant.
Knitting is typically seen as craft. Not necessarily a granny sitting behind an ever-growing afghan, crafting a functional piece of art, stitch by stitch by stitch—though it can be. Knitting is the forming of a tactile piece that is a conglomeration of craft, art, function, history, visual stimulation, messaging and design. It's a constant and a necessity in my life to create emotional and tasteful beauty.
My current body of work examines the interplay between the function of a knitted piece and the visual and conceptual experience of its viewer. A percentage of sales of my pieces will be donated to Girls Who Code and the Girl Scouts."
When: Feb. 2 & March 2, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Something else: The Feb. 2 event will include an additional celebration of two new FAC Museum exhibitions: Yoshitomo Saito: millionyearseeds and Chiho Aoshima: Takaamanohara, The Plain of High Heaven – running Feb.3-April 29, 2018. Free and open to the public.
4:30–5:30, students enrolled in the Colorado College course Gender & Sexuality in Japanese Literature, Film & Manga will present their research on Chiho Aoshima's exhibition in the Seagraves gallery.
5:30–6:00, featured artist Yoshitomo Saito will give a tour of his exhibition, millionyearseeds in the Holaday and Seagraves galleries.
Intimate Apparel Press Release
Thought-provoking play, Intimate Apparel, explores the lives of women, love and social issues in early 1900s
Colorado Springs (January 9, 2018) — The Theatre Company of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present the touching play, Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage, Feb. 8-25, 2018 and directed by Scott RC Levy.
Playwright Lynn Nottage is the winner of two Pulitzer Prizes – making history as the first female playwright to win two Pulitzers for drama, the first woman of color to win two of these prestigious awards in any category, and the second African-American playwright to be recognized twice. Nottage is also the winner of the 2004 New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and the Outer Critics Circle Award, among many others.
This beautifully written and intensely personal story weaves a delicate tapestry of the joys and sorrows of an African-American seamstress in 1905 New York City. Esther sews elegant intimates for socialites and prostitutes alike as a vibrant cast of characters plays part in her determined search for love and respect in a world that seems to overlook her.
" … thoughtful, affecting … The play offers poignant commentary on an era when the cut and color of one's dress – and of course, skin – determined whom one could and could not marry, sleep with, even talk to in public." –Variety
The cast includes Lauren Hooper, Lynne Hastings, Katie McGehee, Betty Hart, John Eric Parker (who will be leaving his Broadway role in The Book of Mormon to perform in this play), and Michael Lee with scenic design by Christopher L. Sheley, lighting design by Holly Anne Rawls, costume design by Sera Bourgeau, and stage managed by Kate Ferdinandi.
When: Feb. 8-25, 2018, show dates and times vary – visit website for details Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $20
Something else: Patrons are invited to join dramaturg Eviva Khane for a salon to talk about the show immediately following the Feb. 16 and 23 performances. More: Patrons can enjoy an incredible Intimate Apparel themed dinner menu for evening performances and a delectable brunch buffet for matinée performances. Or, choose from the small plate menu in Deco Lounge. Reservations: (719) 634-5583
More: A free guided backstage tour will be offered following the Feb. 22 performance and a free talkback session will be offered following the Feb. 25 performance
The Art of Haiti Press Release
Explore the contemporary significance of Haitian art at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (Dec. 18, 2017) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present The Art of Haiti: Loas, History and Memory running Feb.10-May 20, 2018.
The Art of Haiti: Loas, History and Memory is a major exhibition which explores the contemporary significance of Haitian art. Working in collaboration with the Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the Fine Arts Center will present paintings by some of Haiti's major 20th century artists. The exhibition will also feature new works by internationally renowned artist Edouard Duval-Carrié, as well as works by Haitian contemporary artists Tessa Mars and Ralph Allen. This exhibition will challenge commonly held ideas about Haiti as a site of exotic strangeness within the Americas, and offer new ways of understanding Haitian art. The Art of Haiti is curated by Dr. Barrymore Anthony Bogues, PhD, Asa Messer Professor of Humanities and Critical Theory; Director, Center for the Study of Slavery & Justice; Professor, Africana Studies at Brown University.
Selected Featured Artists:
Educated in Europe and Canada, Edouard Duval-Carrié currently lives and works in Miami, Florida. He was born in 1954 in Port-au-Prince, leaving to study art at École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts, in Paris, France; and at the University of Loyola Montreal, in Quebec, Canada. Using a rich symbolic visual language, he comments on the importance of the past on Haitian contemporary society, and addresses issues such as migration, or slavery, and reverberations into the present. Duval-Carrié works can be found in many private collections worldwide and also in important museums and institutions. Among those: Davenport Museum of Art, Davenport, Iowa; Perez Art Museum Miami, Miami, Florida; Musée national des Arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie, Paris, France; Musée de Panthéon National Haïtien, Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (MARCO), Monterrey, Mexico.
Born in Port-au-Prince Haiti in 1952, Ralph Allen was awarded a scholarship to the National Academy School of Fine Arts in New York in 1971, where he studied drawing, graphic design, painting and sculpture. He returned to Haiti in 1976, and presently resides there. His paintings have been exhibited at the Loeb Center at New York University, and the National Audubon Society. Allen will create a site-specific mural for this exhibition.
Tessa Mars is a Haitian visual artist living and working in Port-au-Prince. She completed her bachelor in Visual Arts in France, at Rennes 2 University in 2006. From 2006 to 2013 she worked as a Cultural projects coordinator at the AfricAméricA Foundation. She represented Haiti in the Venice Biennial in 2011. Since 2013 she has been solely focused on developing her career as an artist. Her work has been exhibited in Haiti, Canada, France, Italy and the United States.
The Art of Haiti: Loas, History and Memory
When: Feb. 10-May 2o, 2018
Tickets: $10 ($5 military and seniors 55+); FREE for kids 12 and under, students, and teachers (with ID)
Something else: An exclusive FAC member opening reception for Yoshitomo Saito: millionyearseeds, Chiho Aoshimo: Takaamanohara, The High Plain of Heaven, and The Art of Haiti: Loas, History, and Memory will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8.
Yoshitomo Saito Press Release
Experience a thoughtful and immersive art installation by Denver-based Japanese-American artist Yoshitomo Saito at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (Dec. 18, 2017) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present Yoshitomo Saito: millionyearseeds on view Feb. 3-April 29, 2018.
Born in Tokyo, Japan but residing in the United States since 1983, Yoshitomo Saito finds inspiration in the minutia of the natural world, drawing out details of the environment surrounding us and elements of everyday experiences that most would miss or take for granted. In 2006, Saito moved to the Rocky Mountain region in search of a new and affordable live/work situation to pursue the lifestyle of a fully engaged independent artist. Utilizing the Italian lost-wax process of bronze casting at his Ironton Studios foundry in the RiNo Art District of Denver, the artist freezes delicate, organic objects in time and assembles them into immersive, meditative, thoughtful and sometimes humorous installations.
Saito was born in 1958 in Tokyo, Japan. He came to the United States in 1983 to study American Studio Glass art at the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. He then moved to the Bay Area to attend the California College of the Arts in Oakland where he studied glass under Marvin Lipofsky and sculpture under Dennis Leon and Linda Fleming. He began using bronze during this period and received his MFA in Sculpture with High Distinction in 1987. The prestigious Haines Gallery of San Francisco has been actively exhibiting and promoting his work since 1991. Saito's sculptures are in numerous important collections including the San Francisco city owned de Young Museum at Golden Gate Park.
Yoshitomo Saito: millionyearseeds
When: Feb. 3-April 29, 2018
Something else: The FAC's First Friday Art Party on Feb. 2 (5-7:30 p.m.) combines a gallery show of works by Nichole Fetterhoff and Felicia Kelly in Deco Lounge, music by Lisa Show, and a celebration of two new museum exhibitions: Yoshi Saito: millionyearseeds and Chiho Aoshimo: Takaamanohara, The High Plain of Heaven.
Chiho Aoshima Press Release
Japanese pop artist Chiho Aoshima takes viewers into another world with a video installation at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (Dec. 18, 2017) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present Chiho Aoshima: Takaamanohara, The High Plain of Heaven on view Feb. 3-April 29, 2018.
This exhibition presents two videos by Japanese artist Chiho Aoshima – Takaamanohara and City Glow. Drawing from traditional Japanese Shinto mythology and contemporary Anime films, these immersive, highly detailed video works invite the viewer into another world. The title of Aoshima's large-scale video Takaamanohara, The Plain of High Heaven, refers to a place where Shinto deities reside. With a vivid imagination and a saturated color palette, this video retells a creation story about the time when the gods of heaven separated from the gods of the land.
Born in Tokyo in 1974, Aoshima studied Economics at Hosei University prior to beginning a career in art. Bored with her course of study, she taught herself the design program Illustrator and began creating digital images. Her work caught the attention of Japanese Neo-Pop artist Takashi Murakami, who eventually made her a member of his art production company Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. Her work is in the collections of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL; the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA; and the Seattle Art Museum – where she recently had a solo exhibition.
Chiho Aoshima: Takaamanohara, The High Plain of Heaven
Something else: The FAC's First Friday Art Party on Feb. 2 (5-7:30 p.m.) combines a gallery show of works by Nichole Fetterhoff and Felicia Kelly in Deco Lounge, music by Lisa Show, and a celebration of two new museum exhibitions: Chiho Aoshimo: Takaamanohara, The High Plain of Heaven and Yoshi Saito: millionyearseeds.
Dogfight: A Benefit Concert Press Release
Dogfight, by the award-winning composers of La La Land, to be the next FAC Theatre School benefit concert
Colorado Springs (December 13, 2017) — The Theatre Company of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present Dogfight, a benefit concert for the FAC Theatre School, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, directed by Nathan Halvorson.
Dogfight, by Pasek and Paul (Oscar winners for La La Land, and composers of the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen) and Peter Duchan, was praised by countless critics and nominated for numerous awards, winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical. This hauntingly beautiful musical based on the 1991 Warner Bros. film, is a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey studded with impressive songs and a genuine and charming soul.
It's November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.
The cast and crew comprises current and former students as well as instructors of the FAC's Youth Repertory program including Josh Owen, Casey Fetters, Christian Ray, Kevin Pierce, Rebecca Myers, Parker Fowler, Will Edelson, Jack English, Jennifer DeDominici, Rachel Daguman, and Jerry McCauley with music direction by Stephanie McGuffin, lighting designed by Holly Rawls, and stage management by Terri Harrison.
Proceeds from this benefit performance will help further the FAC's Youth Repertory program along with other FAC Theatre School classes, providing comprehensive, focused and professional theatrical training for young thespians and adult actors. Ticket purchases for this special production will help to develop the FAC's year-round educational programs and grow the scholarship fund to allow more students the opportunity to receive full and partial scholarships. It will also allow the theatre school to contract more professional actors, designers, directors and educators from around the country to teach a variety of workshops so students get the most diverse, well-rounded knowledge possible.
Dogfight: A Benefit Concert
Tickets: $50 adults, $40 students (with ID)
Something else: FAC Theatre School classes for ages 5-adult start Jan. 17 and run through Aug. 3. Visit the website for details.
Free School Tours Press Release
Fine Arts Center announces free school tours program for grades Pre-K-12
Colorado Springs (Dec. 11, 2017) — In an effort to provide greater access to school groups and maximize learning opportunities, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is proud to announce free school tours for grades Pre-K-12. This is another new offering to come out of the implementation of the FAC/CC strategic plan titled "Excellence, Access and Collaboration."
Beginning Jan. 2, 2018 the FAC's free school tours program will enrich the minds and imaginations of students, with the ageless power of art, through a variety of tour options like "Visual Voyages" and "Art: the Poets' Muse" for school groups of all ages, sizes and abilities.
For decades, the FAC has been providing museum gallery tours led by a corps of trained, volunteer docents; they focus on both special exhibitions as well as the permanent collection galleries.
The goal of the free school tours program is to reduce barriers to participation and make it possible for a significant number of area youth to have the opportunity to visit the museum. The FAC is providing more ways for students to understand the artwork through interactive experiences, discussion and technology, as well as increasing the relevance of the collections for teachers by aligning visits to 21st century skills and Common Core standards in addition to established standards.
The FAC reached out to teachers to determine the barriers to tours among local district educators and, according to the findings, the top two barriers cited are the cost of a tour per student and the cost of transportation. For these reasons, in addition to providing free school tours, the FAC will offer subsidized funding for bus transportation to Pre-K-12 public schools, thanks to generous underwriting support. Buses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, as funds are limited. Title I schools will receive total reimbursement for bus transportation. All non-Title I schools will receive reimbursement up to 50 percent of the cost of transportation, while funds are available.
Many underfunded school districts are scaling back arts education. At the same time, national cultural programs, like the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, are at risk of losing federal funding. As a result, the FAC is dedicated to fostering experimentation, growth, and a sense of shared community by ensuring that the arts are a part of the life experience of children in our community.
According to a 2013 study by the Arts Education Partnership, "arts instruction and arts integrated instruction — lessons teaching skills and content of an art and non-art subject in tandem — engage students and increase learning and achievement. Youth arts education prepares students for success by boosting skills such as literacy, mathematics, critical thinking, collaboration and communication, and even community building and civic engagement." Read the full study at www.aep-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/Preparing-Students-for-the-Next-America_The-Benefits-of-an-Arts-Education.pdf.
"This initiative for creating greater access to the museum gives school groups the opportunity to integrate art and learning without financial obligation," said Kris Stanec, FAC Director of Museum Education. "We appreciate the donors whose generosity increases the chance that every student will experience the connections between art, themselves and what they're learning in school. We hope that all children living in Colorado Springs will be able to say that they want to visit more museums and see more of the world through the arts."
To view all tour options, FAQs and fill out the tour inquiry form online, visit https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/visit/tours/school/.
This new initiative is an additional offering following the well-received Fourth Grade Passport to the Arts program which was announced on Sept. 26, 2017. The FAC has already issued over 500 Passport to the Arts memberships to fourth grade families and those numbers continue to rise each week. For more information, FAQs and to register for the Passport to the Arts program, visit https://fac.coloradocollege.edu/visit/tours/passport-to-the-arts/.
First Friday Dec 2017/Jan 2018 Press Release
First Friday artist Sheary Clough Suiter explores the complexity of encaustic in the FAC's Deco Lounge gallery show
Colorado Springs (Nov. 20, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to introduce works by Sheary Clough Suiter, on view and available for sale Dec. 1, 2017 through Jan. 28, 2018 with special First Friday Art Parties Dec. 1 and Jan. 5 from 5 – 7:30 p.m.
This gallery show explores the complexity of encaustic, a paint made from natural beeswax and damar resin. Utilizing substrates ranging from sumi paper to cradled panel, Suiter's work reveals extraordinary color and depth, achieved using techniques developed over the course of her 25 year career as a painter.
Suiter's panel work includes strategic scrapes and carvings, both above and below the painting surface, visible clues inviting viewers to look deeply into the mystery-laden stratum of wax. Textural build-ups offer a glimpse into the three-dimensional possibilities inherent in encaustic, while the contrasting expanses of luminous, highly polished, smooth surfaces exhibit the finesse and skill of Suiter's experienced torch-work. In contrast, her wax and paper hangings evoke a delicate transparency, encased within the material strength of encaustic.
Sheary Clough Suiter (Colorado Springs, CO)
Awards recognizing Suiter's expertise in encaustic include a Permanent Collection Purchase by the Anchorage Museum of Art, a Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Project Award, and an Alaska State Council on the Arts Career Opportunity Grant, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Suiter teaches workshops on the art of painting with encaustic at the FAC's Bemis School of Art.
When: Dec. 1 & Jan. 5, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Something else: The annual Colorado College Arts & Crafts Sale is Dec. 1-3, 2017 at CC's Worner Campus Center and will feature local works for sale from the Fine Arts Center's Bemis School of Art faculty and students. Pottery, jewelry, paintings, handmade cards, prints, textiles, and more!
FAC Legacy Series: Adolf Dehn Press Release
The FAC Legacy Series continues with an exhibition of works by American Modernist Adolf Dehn
Colorado Springs (Nov. 16, 2017) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to announce the newest installment of the FAC Legacy Series: Adolf Dehn and the American Land, running December 9, 2017 through March 18, 2018.
This exhibition will feature Modernist Adolf Dehn, an important figure in the history of the FAC having taught at the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) in the 1930s. Equally well known for landscapes and cityscapes, Dehn was an extensive national and international traveler and depicted the sublime drama of the Pikes Peak region, as well as rural and urban environments from all over the world. This exhibition highlights Dehn's work throughout America, captured in various media and emphases his time in Colorado.
This exhibition was curated by Dr. Henry Adams, Ruth Coulter Heede Professor of Art History at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
The FAC Legacy Series program, made possible by the generous underwriting of Katherine H. Loo, began in 2012 with the Sandzén in Colorado exhibition and continued with stunning exhibitions of work by Charles Bunnell, Eric Bransby, Ellen O'Brien, Myron Wood, Frank Mechau, and Mary Chenoweth.
FAC Legacy Series: Adolf Dehn and the American Land
When: Dec. 9, 2017-March 18, 2018
Something else: Opening day for this exhibition (Dec. 9) just so happens to fall on Museum Free Day! The FAC will be bustling with activities the whole family will enjoy. In addition to free admission into the museum galleries, patrons can enjoy a curator-led walk-through of the exhibition, buy theatre tickets to one of the two performances of Annie scheduled for the day, snap a pic in the new red cube out front, and MORE!
Annie Press Release
Leapin' Lizards! The irrepressible comic strip heroine Annie hits the FAC Mainstage this holiday season
Colorado Springs (November 2, 2017) — The Theatre Company of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present one of the world's best-loved musicals, Annie, Dec. 7, 2017-Jan.7, 2018 directed by Scott RC Levy.
Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and is the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This beloved show features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including It's a Hard Knock Life, and Tomorrow.
"One of the best family musicals ever penned." –Chicago Tribune
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes into the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, and even befriends President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Annie is the perfect family-friendly musical – just in time for the holidays.
The cast includes Natalie Beaumont and Kennedy Ort alternating as Annie, Haley Ballard and Seyana Schaffer alternating as Molly, with Kelly Tamberg, Ellie Levy, Gracie Woo, Ella Dill, Delia Phillips and Liv Carr as the other orphans. The production also stars Mark Rubald as Daddy Warbucks, Sally Hybl as Miss Hannigan, Jennifer DeDominici as Grace Farrell, Rebecca Myers as Lily St. Regis, Kevin Pierce as Rooster, Tom Auclair as Franklin D. Roosevelt. The ensemble features Marisa Hebert, Zachary Seliquini Guzman, Parker Fowler, Tracy Hedding, Nels Jacobson, Jessye King, Alexandria Lewis, Meggan O'Mahony, Danine Schell, and Thomas Voss.
This lavish production features a 10-piece orchestra led by Jay Hahn, choreography by Nathan Halvorson, Scenic Design by Christopher L. Sheley, Lighting Design by Holly Anne Rawls, and Costume Design by Lex Liang. The production is stage managed by Tim Muldrew.
Sandy, Annie's four-legged sidekick, will be played by one of Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region's (HSPPR) alums. Sandy, a 2-year-old terrier mix, was transferred to HSPPR on the Rescue Rover this summer. She was quite shy at first and a candidate for HSPPR's wallflower program, in which staff and volunteers work with dogs to help build their confidence. She thrived on the positive interaction and reinforcement she was getting. That's when staff realized she would make a great addition to the cast as Annie's dog! After a brief audition, Sandy moved in with an HSPPR foster volunteer to continue her training. Fortunately, Sandy will have a home, but to learn more about her adoptable friends at HSPPR in need of a new family, visit www.hsppr.org/adopt.
When: Dec. 7, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018, show dates and times vary – visit website for details
Something else: Delight your young emerging artist in a magical experience they won't soon forget. Annie Day Camps offer kids 6-13 a fun, educational experience complete with a tour of the theatre, hands-on experiences with the set, a dance class, a personal meet-and-greet with the cast members, and more! Offered at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, cost is $30 per child. Performance tickets to Annie are additional.
More: Enjoy an incredible Annie themed dinner menu for evening performances and a delectable brunch buffet for matinée performances. Or, choose from the small plate menu in Deco Lounge. Reservations: (719) 634-5583
Even more: This holiday season the FAC's calendar is loaded with great theatre, exhibitions, and special events to enjoy with family and friends such as Museum Free Days, a Silent Disco, and more. Check the FAC calendar online for dates and details!
The Wailers Press Release
Iconic reggae band The Wailers to play at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (October 10, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to present The Wailers Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 at 7 p.m.
The legendary Wailers band returns to bring its revolutionary sound to fans around the world. Steered by famed bassist and founder Aston "Familyman" Barrett, and joined in solidarity with original Wailers' guitarists Junior Marvin and Donald Kinsey, The Wailers continue to make musical history.
From 1973 to 1980, Bob Marley & The Wailers recorded, toured, and performed before countless millions worldwide. Since 1981, Familyman and Junior have carried on the mission to "keep The Wailers together," just as Bob requested, affirming: "By doing that, you keep me alive through the music."
In tribute to the late co-founder and drummer Carlton "Carly" Barrett, The Wailers present Aston Barrett, Jr. on drums. It's startling how the young powerhouse delivers with his uncle's inspiring landmark style. Lead singer Joshua David Barrett is a Rastaman by lifestyle and culture. Josh delivers Bob's powerful message of Jah love and unity through his performance and interaction with the audience.
Also on stage are singers Shema McGregor, daughter of I Three Judy Mowatt, and Hassanah, a multi-cultural powerhouse; veterans Owen "Dreadie" Reid on guitar/bass and Noel Davey on keyboards. The performance anchor is live engineer Dennis Thompson, the man responsible for The Wailers sound in stadiums, clubs, and studios throughout the '70s.
There are more than 250 million Bob Marley & The Wailers recordings sold, including 1977's Exodus, anointed Best Album of the Century in 1999 by Time Magazine, and "One Love," named Song of the Millennium that same year by BBC. Spin Magazine listed Bob Marley & The Wailers at #4 of the "50 Greatest Bands of All Times," while The New York Times named Bob Marley the most significant musician of the 20th century. These accolades were made possible by the creative, timeless, and distinctive music, lyrics and production by these incomparable Wailers musicians.
The Wailers
When: Jan. 17, 2018 at 7 p.m.
Dar Williams Press Release
American singer-songwriter Dar Williams to perform at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (October 10, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is thrilled to present An Evening with Dar Williams Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Dar Williams has been called "one of America's very best singer-songwriters" by The New Yorker. She's released ten studio albums and authored four books including her latest, "What I Found In A Thousand Towns," to be released in September.
Known as much for her staunch progressive ideals as her raw acoustic energy, Williams has been captivating audiences with her sheer elegance and honesty in her folk-pop songwriting since the '90s. Williams' growth as an individual over her two-decade-long career has gone hand-in-hand with her evolution as an artist, touring along the way with such distinguished peers as Joan Baez, Patty Griffin, Ani DiFranco, Loudon Wainwright III, and Shawn Colvin among others.
Dar's most recent album, Emerald, "deals as bluntly as ever with the shadowy, subtle corners of humanity" according to Rolling Stone, and was recorded with friends such as Richard Thompson, Jill Sobule, Jim Lauderdale, the Milk Carton Kids, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Suzzy Roche, the Hooters, and others in various studios across the U.S. It is a sparkling collection of new, original material inspired collaborations and some surprising covers such as B.A.D.'s "Johnny Appleseed" making this album one of her best yet.
"Dar Williams, one of America's very best singer-songwriters… Her songs are beautiful. Some are like finely crafted short stories. They are, variously, devastatingly moving, tenderly funny, subtle without being in any way inaccessible, and utterly fresh—not a cliché or a clunker in her entire songbook." -The New Yorker
An Evening with Dar Williams
When: Feb. 27, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Jennifer Steinkamp & Steven Durow Press Release
Two immersive installations explore life, loss, and growth at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (Sept. 28, 2017) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to announce two immersive museum exhibitions Jennifer Steinkamp: Judy Crook running Oct.14 through Jan. 21, 2018 and Steven Durow: Heartland running Oct. 14, 2017 through Feb. 11, 2018.
Jennifer Steinkamp: Judy Crook
Los Angeles-based artist Jennifer Steinkamp is best known for her computer-generated animations exploring notions of perception and reality, often choosing to depict familiar objects or natural elements in motion. For this exhibition, stunningly elegant projections of trees will fill the walls of an otherwise darkened gallery, immersing the viewer in a serenely unnatural, yet natural landscape capturing the essence of the life cycle we all witness through our own lives. Steinkamp has exhibited nationally and internationally at the Portland Art Museum, Portland; Lehmann Maupin, Hong Kong; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; The Exchange, New York; San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose; Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix; and many more. Her work can be seen in numerous public collections such as The Hood Museum, Hanover; Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit; Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Spring; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and North Miami, to name a few.
Steven Durow: Heartland
Maryland-based artist Steven Durow creates large-scale sculptures and installations in his primary medium of cast glass. In 2012, the FAC acquired one of his sculptures Dasein – on view in the courtyard. Durow disrupts the typical associations of glass by making works that communicate ideas of weightiness and mass, or that feature raw, pitted surfaces that can speak to ideas about entropy and loss. This emerging artist is creating a new series of large-scale sculpture, ethereal, introspective works that investigate his alternately idyllic and traumatic childhood and upbringing – his family tree.
Jennifer Steinkamp: Judy Crook & Steven Durow: Heartland
When: Judy Crook Oct. 14, 2017-Jan. 21, 2018; Heartland Oct. 14, 2017-Feb. 11, 2018
Tickets: $10 ($5 military and seniors 55+); FREE kids 12 and under, students, and teachers (with ID)
Something else: On Oct. 14, the FAC will hold a public open house celebration of the FAC/CC alliance. Enjoy live music, yoga, art demonstrations, hands-on art activities, light appetizers, cash bar, and more!
Even more: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October.
Raven Chacon & Postcommodity Press Release
Lightning Speak and A Very Long Line: Two concurrent Fine Arts Center exhibitions blur the lines between sound art, visual art, performance, and activism while celebrating collaborative practice
Colorado Springs (Sept. 28, 2017) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is excited to announce Lightning Speak and A Very Long Line, two distinct and related exhibitions showcasing the collaborative and solo work of Raven Chacon, on view Oct. 14, 2017 through Jan. 7, 2018.
Raven Chacon: Lightning Speak
A true multidisciplinary artist, Chacon is a composer of chamber music, a performer of experimental noise music, an educator, and an installation artist. The exhibition Lightning Speak showcases Chacon's diverse and wide-ranging practice by featuring both solo and collaborative multidisciplinary projects that blur the lines between music composition, sound art, visual art, and activism. Chacon has served as Composer-in-Residence with the Native American Composers Apprenticeship Project and in 2012 was awarded a Creative Capital. Visual Arts grant. In 2014, he was honored with an Artist Fellowship in Music from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. He was recently named the Spring 2018 recipient of the Berlin Prize from the American Academy in Berlin, a prestigious semester-long fellowship and residency in Berlin that supports U.S. artists, scholars, and writers working on individual and collaborative projects between local German artists and institutions. Chacon is a member of the interdisciplinary collective Postcommodity, with whom he has developed multi-media installations which have been exhibited internationally. Chacon is also the inaugural Andrew W. Mellon Artist-in-Residence for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
Postcommodity: A Very Long Line
Recently featured in the 2017 Whitney Biennial exhibition, A Very Long Line (a video installation by the three-person collective Postcommodity) unflinchingly examines border issues. In the words of the collective: "A Very Long Line demonstrates the dehumanizing and polarizing constructs of nationalism and globalization through which borders and trade policies have been fabricated." The interdisciplinary arts collective Postcommodity comprises Raven Chacon, Cristóbal Martínez, and Kade L. Twist. Their installations, performances, and site-specific interventions provide a shared Indigenous voice to challenge and disrupt the global market and its supporting institutions. Through diverse practices, Postcommodity works to achieve several goals: to forge new metaphors capable of rationalizing our shared experiences within this increasingly challenging contemporary environment; to promote a constructive discourse that challenges the social, political, and economic processes that are destabilizing communities and geographies; and to connect Indigenous narratives of cultural self-determination with the broader public sphere.
Raven Chacon: Lightning Speak & Postcommodity: A Very Long Line
When: Oct. 14, 2017-Jan 7, 2018
Something else: Visit coloradocollege.edu/fac for a list of related events and performances
More: On Oct. 14, the FAC will hold a public open house celebration of the FAC/CC alliance. Enjoy live music, yoga, art demonstrations, hands-on art activities, light appetizers, cash bar, and more!
Passport to the Arts Press Release
Fine Arts Center develops "Passport to the Arts" program designed to enhance fourth grade Colorado history curriculum and spark a lifelong connection to the arts
Colorado Springs (Sept. 26, 2017) — In an effort to maximize learning opportunities and foster a lifelong love and appreciation for the arts with area youth, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is proud to announce the Passport to the Arts program for fourth grade students and their families. This is one of many new offerings to come out of the implementation of the FAC/CC Strategic Plan titled "Excellence, Access, and Collaboration."
With many underfunded school districts scaling back arts education and national cultural programs like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) threatened for elimination, the FAC is dedicated to fostering experimentation, growth, and a sense of shared community by ensuring that the arts are a part of the life experience for children in our community.
Beginning October 1, 2017, parents will be able to register their fourth grade student for the Passport to the Arts program online at https://www.coloradocollege.edu/fac/passport to receive:
A FREE one-year family membership to the Fine Arts Center (for the fourth grader, two adults, and all other children under 18 in the household)
(1) FREE children's ticket to the FAC's fall family theatre production Bunnicula (Oct. 13 – Nov. 12, 2017)
(1) FREE children's ticket to the FAC's spring family theatre production Androcles and the Lion (Mar. 2 – Apr. 1, 2018)
50 percent off select Bemis School of Art classes for the fourth grade student
Access to activities in the museum specifically built for fourth graders and their families
A study by NEA Arts titled "Engaged and Empowered, The Importance of Arts Education" states that "… students with access to in-school arts instruction performed better academically, participated more actively in extracurricular activities, and were more likely to pursue higher education. In other words, arts education doesn't just teach skills to future practitioners of the arts. It teaches children the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the 21st century." Read the full report here: www.arts.gov/research/Arts-At-Risk-Youth.pdf
"We are excited to offer this educational program that helps bridge the gap and build upon what fourth graders are learning about Colorado and the Southwest in the classroom, connecting it to the Fine Arts Center's impressive permanent collection of Native American and Hispanic art and artifacts," said FAC Director of Museum Education Kris Stanec. "Taking the experience from the classroom into the galleries will deepen their understanding and appreciation of our unique place. This program will allow students to connect with the history of Colorado in a new and exciting way."
View full program details including terms and conditions and frequently asked questions online at https://www.coloradocollege.edu/fac/passport
First Friday Oct/Nov Press Release
First Friday artist Michelle McMahan shows her passion for miniscule elements of the natural world in the FAC's Deco Lounge gallery show
Colorado Springs (Sept. 25, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to introduce works by Michelle McMahan on view and available for sale Oct. 6 through Nov. 30, 2017 with special First Friday Art Parties Oct. 6 and Nov. 3, from 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Michelle McMahan (Colorado Springs, CO)
Michelle McMahan grew up in two cultures – Brazil and the U.S. The mixture of the two creates in her a third culture. Her cross-cultural vision and sensitivity generates artistic expressions that are unique and yet universally appealing.
Michelle's artistic interests emerged early in life. Her parents filled every home they had with great art and music. She studied dentistry in Brazil and then worked as a dentist in the U.S. But throughout her life, art and beauty have been the air she breathes. The meticulous style of her work reflects a passion for miniscule elements of the natural world. Most people overlook these details, but Michelle brings them to life.
Her work with reclaimed wood and metals developed first in Brazil. There she found amazing beauty in the abandoned Peroba wood that had been used in the 1930s to build homes for coffee growers in northern Paraná, a state in southern Brazil. Today she is also incorporating exotic woods from around the world, which add an amazing array of colors and textures to her abstract work. Restoring beauty and design to wood once left to rot is an expression of her ability to see beauty and value in every person.
Her work has been displayed in galleries, homes, and architect's offices in Colorado and Brazil. In 2014, her wood assemblage titled Paradox won the "Best of Show" award in The Abstract Show at Cottonwood Center for the Arts (Colorado Springs). Her work, including handmade furniture, has appeared in nationally distributed Brazilian design magazines and books. Michelle's work was first displayed at the Architecture and Engineering Club of Londrina, Paraná in 2010.
When: Oct. 6 & Nov 3, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Something else: The Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPeR) will provide a free shuttle bus service that makes stops at key Art Walk destinations and several area hotels. More info at http://www.peakradar.com/shuttle-schedule/
Bunnicula Press Release
A vampire rabbit is on the loose in the FAC's family theatre production of Bunnicula
Colorado Springs (September 22, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College Theatre Company is excited to present the regional premiere of Bunnicula directed by multi Henry Award-winning Colorado legend Billie McBride Oct 13-Nov 12. Adapted for the stage by Jon Klein, from the book by James and Deborah Howe, this entertaining musical is:
"A fanciful, non-scary Halloween treat for the kid inside all of us." –Talkin' Broadway
A dancing cat, a howling dog, and a vampire bunny. The perfect pet combination for any family. It's a dark and stormy night and Chester (the family cat) and Harold (the family dog) sit waiting for their owners to return home from the movies. Chester and Harold are more than just pets, they're good friends too. When the Monroes finally get home, they come bearing a surprise: they've found a bunny in the movie theater. But this is no ordinary rabbit … this is the extraordinary Bunnicula. When the family's produce starts losing its juice, Chester thinks he knows what's causing the fantastic phenomenon. Bunnicula is a vampire! Or maybe Chester's imagination is getting the better of him. Singing and dancing their way through this hilarious mystery, the furry friends find room in their hearts, and in their home, for one very unique bunny.
"Readers of all ages can rejoice. A clever, careful stage rendering of Deborah and James Howe's much-beloved classic." –Seattle Times
The cast includes Jack English*, Rachel Daguman*, Nate Ferrick, Olivia English*, Will Edelson*, Olivia Ellenwood*, and Parker Fowler. Costumes designed by Aaron Graves and puppets designed by Sarah Beth Parks.
*FAC Youth Repertory student
Bunnicula
When: Oct. 13-Nov 12; Fri | 6 p.m.; Sat, Sun Matinées | 1 p.m.
Something else: Delight your young emerging artist in a magical experience they won't soon forget. Bunnicula Day Camps offer kids 6-13 a fun, educational experience featuring puppet making and theatre games! Offered before each Saturday performance in the run, cost is $20 per child. Performance tickets to Bunnicula are additional.
More: Meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with the cast are available following every performance. The cast will also sign copies of Bunnicula books – on sale before and after performances.
Even more: Theatre patrons receive free admission the FAC Museum on the day of their ticketed performance.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Press Release
Experience a new comic adaptation of a classic adventure at the Fine Arts Center's production of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
Colorado Springs (September 21, 2017) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is excited to announce the regional premiere of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery directed by Nathan Halvorson on stage Oct 5-29.
Get your deerstalker cap on – the play's afoot! Comedic genius and Tony Award-winner Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo), transforms Arthur Conan Doyle's classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. Sherlock Holmes is on the case. The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being dispatched one by one. To find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as our intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than 40 characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be.
"The joy in watching [the] witty new play Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is not in solving the crime but in the plethora of wildly imaginative characters you meet along the way. By dispensing with British formality, Ken Ludwig has given us a play that is ingeniously funny and will keep you guessing until the curtain call." –Broadway World
The cast includes Colin Alexander, Jordan Mathews, Rebecca Myers, Christopher Joel Onken, and Andrew Wilkes. Costume design by Noelle Raffy, lighting design by Jennifer Reiser, and scenic design by Erik Diaz.
Colin Alexander was last seen at the FAC in 1776 The Musical (Franklin). Other productions include Jekyll & Hyde, Sweeny Todd, A Christmas Carol, Mr. Laurel & Mr. Hardy, Man of No Importance, Curtains, Chess, The Mousetrap, The Explorer's Club, Guys and Dolls, and many more. TV/Film credits include Emmy-nominated, The Hiding Place.
Jordan Mathews earned his M.A. in Leadership and a B.A. in Communication from UCCS. You may have seen him last on the FAC stage in Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind, at the Millibo Art Theatre in The Christmas Mouse's Messy Tea Party and at THEATREWORKS in The Hairy Ape and Pride & Prejudice.
Rebecca Myers has been seen on the FAC stage in Shrek, Shear Madness, Peter and the Starcatcher, and White Christmas. Other regional credits include Pippin, Little Shop of Horrors, The 39 Steps, My Fair Lady, and more.
Christopher Joel Onken This is Christopher's Fine Arts Center debut. Credits include Troilus and Cressida, Julius Caesar, Henry VI Part 1 and 2, Arabian Nights, Little Women, The Explorer's Club, The 39 Steps, Into the Woods, Greater Tuna, My Fair Lady, In The Next Room, The Merchant of Venice, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Eurydice, Romeo and Juliet, and many more.
Andrew Wilkes is an Iowa native currently living in Seattle. He received his BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa. Since graduating, he has worked with Seattle Children's Theatre, Book-It Repertory Theatre, Ease Drama School, Azeotrope Theatre, and City Circle Theatre. You may have seen him on the FAC stage in Reefer Madness (Jimmy) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Smee).
Los Angeles based designer Noelle Raffy has been an accomplished freelance designer for the past 15 years. Noelle has worked on a wide range of films and commercials as well as clients like Warner Brothers, Universal Studios, Ridley Scott Films, and MTV. Her designs for the play The Birds were exhibited in the Prague Quadrennial (2007). She also designed costumes for The Orestia Trilogy, which was voted "Best Play of 2007" by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Jennifer Reiser is a lighting designer for live performance based in NYC. Recent credits: world premieres of BEAU. and (SAD BOYS), ch. MADBOOTS DANCE, The Hairy Ape, The Girl of the Golden West, West Side Story, The 39 Steps, Gypsy, and many more. She served as the lighting director for the 2017 National Geographic Bee and was the assistant lighting designer on the Broadway productions of Waitress and Side Show.
Erik D. Diaz has been fortunate to design shows like 9 to 5, Mary Poppins, and The Drowsy Chaperone at the FAC. His most recent work was seen at THEATREWORKS, where he was the scenic designer for Heisenberg. Other credits: Billy Elliot – BroadwayWorld Award, Doubt – IRNE Nom., Debbie Does Dallas, Peter and the Star Catcher, Mothers and Sons – IRNE Nom. and many more. TV credits: HGTV's Designed to Sell, CBS –WBZTV Boston.
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
When: Oct. 5-29; Thurs, Fri, Sat | 7:30 p.m.; Sun Matinées | 2 p.m.; Wed | 7p; Oct 14, 28 | 5p
Something else: NEW Wednesday night performances – all seats $20, performances start at 7 p.m.
More: FREE guided backstage tour following Thursday, Oct. 19 performance and FREE talkback session following Sunday, Oct 29 performance.
Museum Hours and Admission Press Release
Fine Arts Center to create greater community access with new admission rates, additional free days, and extended hours
Colorado Springs (Aug. 29, 2017) — At a time when funding and access to the arts are being reduced at both local and national levels, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is proud to announce reduced admission prices, special discounts, and extended hours – creating greater access for the Colorado Springs community. These changes are the first of many expected through the implementation of the FAC/CC Strategic Plan titled "Excellence, Access, and Collaboration."
Beginning Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, visitors to the FAC Museum will have full access to all galleries at the following reduced rates of admission:
$10 for the general public; rates in the past varied, and were as high as $18, depending on the exhibition offerings. Admission fees will now be a consistent $10 throughout the year.
Active duty and retired military as well as seniors will enjoy a new 50 percent discount ($5); (the FAC also participates in the Blue Star Museum program, which provides active duty, retired military personnel, and their families free admission to the museum from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year).
FREE admission historically offered to children 12 and under will extend to include all students and teachers (with valid ID from any school in the nation including high schools, trade schools, and higher education institutions).
Further, in conjunction with the FAC's Museum Free Days, currently the third Friday of each month, a new, additional Free Day will be offered on the second Saturday of each month (starting Saturday, Sept. 9) for audiences who may not have the ability to attend on a Friday.
In addition to these adjusted admission rates and additional Museum Free Days, the FAC is also extending evening hours for the museum in hopes of welcoming the Colorado Springs working community to the galleries after work. Tuesday through Saturday, the FAC will open at 10 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Sunday hours will remain 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and starting Sept. 4, the FAC Museum will be closed to the public on Mondays for special touring programs and museum exhibition installations.
The initiatives for creating greater access go beyond the museum with new expanded membership benefits being rolled out, as well as additional Wednesday evening theatre performances slated for all mainstage productions in the 2017-2018 theatre season. Theatre-goers will be able to enjoy award-winning, Broadway-worthy theatre in Colorado Springs for a discounted, flat ticket price of $20 per seat on these new Wednesday evening performances.
"As we review the outcomes of our new strategic plan, these are just a few of many planned initiatives we're instituting to provide the Colorado Springs community with greater access to the arts," says FAC Director Erin Hannan. "Watch in the coming months for news on additional programs and offerings we're creating to fulfill the vision outlined in this plan. It's all about removing potential barriers to visitation and making sure we're doing everything we can to create access to exceptional arts experiences for this great community."
Parallel Live Press Release
Two actresses examine everyday life in the sidesplitting play Parallel Lives at the Fine Arts Center
Colorado Springs (August 24, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College Theatre Company is excited to announce the hilarious season-opening production Parallel Lives written by Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney, directed by Nathan Halvorson, and starring Birgitta De Pree and Leslie O'Carroll Sept. 8-Oct. 1, 2017.
In the opening scene, two Supreme Beings plan the beginning of the world with the relish of two slightly sadistic suburban wives decorating a living room. Once they've decided on the color scheme of the races, a little concerned that white people will feel slighted being such a boring color, they create sex and the sexes. Afraid women will have too many advantages, the Beings decide to make childbirth painful and to give men enormous egos as compensation. From this moment, the audience is whisked through the outrageous universe of Kathy and Mo, where two actresses play men and women struggling through the common rituals of modern life: teenagers on a date, sisters at their grandmother's funeral, a man and a woman together in a country-western bar. With boundless humor, Parallel Lives reexamines the ongoing quest to find parity and love in a contest handicapped by capricious gods – or in this case, goddesses.
" … a romp with a feminist sensibility; it's a humor for a post-Lily Tomlin generation … Above all, PARALLEL LIVES is a smart, provocative show." –Variety
Birgitta De Pree is the Artistic Director of the Millibo Art Theatre. She received her MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory and has spent the last two decades working throughout Colorado as a performer, director, and educator. She was recently seen at the Fine Arts Center in Noises Off, Other Desert Cities, Love Loss and What I Wore, and Shear Madness and at the Millibo Art Theatre in Lovette, Holidaze on Ice, and The Six Women Play Festival. Birgitta received the People's Choice Award for "Best Actress" from the Gazette's Best of the Springs in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Leslie O'Carroll is delighted to be working at the Fine Arts Center for the first time. She has been seen at THEATREWORKS in the recent production of Much Ado About Nothing (Dogberry), Our Town and Grapes of Wrath. A resident of Denver, she recently appeared in Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company's production of Silent Sky and in Tartuffe at the Arvada Center. After Parallel Lives, Leslie will return to the Denver Center of Performing Arts to reprise her role as Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol. She has also worked at Curious Theatre Company, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Senior Housing Options, and The Aurora Fox. TV Credits include Breaking Bad, Longmire, and the original Footloose. She is a graduate of the National Theatre Conservatory.
Parallel Lives
When: Sept. 8-Oct. 1; Fri, Sat | 7:30 p.m. & Sun Matinées | 2 p.m.
Something else: Theatre patrons receive free admission the FAC Museum on the day of their ticketed performance.
JAM FAC Vol. 2 Press Release
The family-friendly street art festival JAM FAC is back and this time it's FREE!
Colorado Springs (August 22, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to bring back JAM FAC Sept. 2 from 12-6 p.m. This festival, appropriate for all ages, will properly celebrate the subculture phenomenon of the urban art scene with live music and dance, a community tagging project lead by Denver-based graffiti guru Robin Munro, a staged reading of Hype Man – a play by Idris Goodwin, light graffiti with photographer Fred Greenwood, special performances, food trucks, and a cash bar.
Special performances include: art demonstrations by Annie Ganzala and Jos Sances; music by Artson, DJ Gravity, Kevin Mitchell and Lord Damage, Stoney Bertz, and The Reminders; poetry slams by Hear Here; dance performances by J & J Hip Hop and Pikes Peak Trickers. Food Truck service by Awaken, Bon Appétit, High Grade Catering, and Vore.
JAM FAC
When: Saturday, September 2 12-6 p.m.
Tickets: FREE and open to the public
Something else: Follow the event on Facebook for the most up-to-date information
An Evening with Jim Breuer Press Release
Comedian Jim Breuer and his off-the-wall humor hit the Fine Arts Center stage next month
Colorado Springs (August 9, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to present An Evening with Jim Breuer on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. With over 20 years of stand-up comedy experience, Jim Breuer remains one of today's top entertainers and continues to win over audiences with his off-the-wall humor and lovable personality.
Named one of Comedy Central's "100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time," Breuer is one of the most recognizable comedians in the business, known for his charismatic stage antics, dead-on impressions, and family-friendly stand-up. In addition to keeping busy on his current comedy tour The Family Warrior, Breuer can be heard on his weekly podcast The Metal In Me which is available for download on BlogTalkRadio and airs Thursdays 7-8 p.m. on Opie Radio Sirius/XM.
Even as a young student at Valley Stream Central High School in Long Island, NY, Breuer knew he wanted to be a stand-up comedian. After spending several years working comedy clubs across the country, Breuer settled in as a regular on the New York comedy club circuit. After being in New York for only seven months, Breuer landed a gig on the nationally syndicated show, Uptown Comedy Club, where he spent two seasons. Later he appeared on ABC's Home Improvement starring funny man Tim Allen, before making his big break which came in 1995 when he joined the cast of NBC's legendary Saturday Night Live. During his four years on SNL, Breuer quickly became a fan-favorite for his original character "Goat Boy" and his dead-on impressions of actor Joe Pesci.
Following his success on SNL, Breuer starred alongside Dave Chappelle in the cult favorite film Half Baked. He has since appeared in the popular films Zookeeper, Dick, Titan A.E., and Beer League. On the small screen, Breuer hosted MTV's popular Beach House and VH1's Web Junk 20. His other television appearances include Kevin Can Wait, This Is Not Happening, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and The Marriage Ref. Breuer is also a frequent guest on the Howard Stern Show.
In 2008, Breuer set out for his Breuniversity Tour with his 85-year-old father and a film crew. The footage that was captured blended together to create The Jim Breuer Road Journals, which showcased what life is like on the road with a comedian and his father. Videos from that tour also sparked the making of his documentary More Than Me, which was shown at the 2009 Montreal Film Festival. In July of 2009, Breuer's one-hour Comedy Central special Let's Clear the Air premiered with hilarious topics that included what "success" really is, his SNL days and life with his elderly parents, his wife, and his three daughters. In 2011, Breuer embarked on a national tour with three of the country's top comedians, Dave Attell, Bill Burr, and Jim Norton, for The Anti-Social Network tour. That same year, Breuer's acclaimed autobiography, I'm Not High: (But I've Got a Lot of Crazy Stories about Life as a Goat Boy, a Dad, and a Spiritual Warrior), was released on paperback. In the memoir, Breuer sheds light on his early struggles, his rise to fame and the many lessons he's learned along in an extremely funny, yet personal and touching way that fans have never seen before. In 2015, Breuer released his all new one hour comedy special on EPIX, Jim Breuer: Comic Frenzy. The latest special focuses on what Breuer's life (and all of our lives) truly consist of: dealing with the elderly, becoming our parents' caretakers, parenting teenagers, and what it takes to be a "marriage warrior." Breuer recently released his debut Metal album Songs From The Garage with his new band Jim Breuer and The Loud & Rowdy through Metal Blade Records.
Throughout the years, Breuer has supported various charities through his comedy, including the Chris Farley Foundation, MusiCares, his local police and fire departments, and more. Breuer currently resides in New Jersey where he enjoys spending time with his family, playing pick-up games of baseball, softball and wiffle ball, and watching the NY Mets.
An Evening with Jim Breuer
When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College; 30 W. Dale St.
Admission: Starting at $36
Something else: Tickets for An Evening with Tom Papa on Nov. 3 are on sale now
Van Briggle Pottery Festival Press Release
The FAC to co-host this years' annual Van Briggle Pottery Festival
Colorado Springs (August 7, 2017) — The Bemis School of Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to co-present the annual Van Briggle Pottery Festival with the Woman's Educational Society (WES contributes funds toward tuition and book allowances for 21 Colorado College women who have been selected as WES Scholars) on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with guided tours running every 20 minutes. All proceeds benefit Colorado College student scholarships and Woman's Educational Society programs.
Patrons will be treated to a guided tour of this unique building on the National Register of Historic Places. There will be tours of the adjacent garden and the Horticultural Art Society will be holding a fall bulb sale.
8:30 a.m. – a dedication to Fred Wills, a potter with Van Briggle Pottery Company from 1947-1988, in Anne Van Briggle's office at The Pottery
12 p.m. – dedication ceremony (hosted by the Horticultural Art Society) of the Lorelei sculpture, an enlarged recreation of one of Van Briggle's most well-known and sought after sculptures, created by artist Larry Terrafranca
The festival will also feature wheel-throwing demonstrations and hands-on lessons from the FAC's Bemis School of Art instructors and advanced students. Visitors are invited to bring in their personal pottery selections and renowned Van Briggle experts, Kathy Honea, Gary Conover, and Rob Wheatley will give assessments of the pottery works. Community partners will host tables featuring the Pioneers Museum, Historic Preservation Alliance, Friends of Monument Valley Park, the Manitou Springs Heritage Center, and the McAllister House.
Van Briggle Pottery Festival
When: Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with tours running every 20 minutes
Where: Van Briggle Building at 1125 Glen Avenue on the corner Glen of Uintah. Some dedicated festival parking will be available.
Admission: $12, to be purchased at the door. Tickets not required for the Lorelei dedication.
Museum Staff Press Release
Fine Arts Center welcomes two new staff members to the museum
Colorado Springs (August 1, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to announce the addition of two new staff members, Kris Stanec and Polly Nordstrand (Hopi), to the FAC's museum department. The staffing additions are one of many positive implications to come from the unanimously approved strategic plan for the alliance between Colorado College and the FAC, titled "Excellence, Access, and Collaboration."
Kris Stanec, assistant chair of the Colorado College Department of Education and the first Mellon Grant Faculty Fellow, has been appointed director of museum education, and will be responsible for the direction and management of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College museum's public education programs. Stanec will be collaborating with the museum staff to create innovative education programs developed around museum exhibitions which will enhance the experience for all visitors. Stanec brings to this new position a longstanding commitment to the Colorado Springs community, outstanding collaboration skills, and a deep commitment to public education.
A faculty member in CC's Department of Education since 1999 and senior lecturer, Stanec is a professional member of the National Art Education Association (NAEA), the Colorado Art Education Association (CAEA), and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Stanec's courses at CC include: Arts Integration: Creating Critical Thinkers and Connected Communities, and Critical Pedagogies in Literacy, Curriculum, and Instruction Methods. Her in-services and conference presentations include: "Changing Paradigms – Using the Arts to increase Critical Thinking, Integrating Technology and the Arts in a Standards-based Curriculum, as well as many others. Stanec received both her Masters of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Theory and Practice of the Arts from Colorado College.
Polly Nordstrand has been appointed Curator of Southwest Art. Nordstrand will curate exhibitions from the museum's permanent collection, including the historic Taylor Collection, as well as special exhibitions of modern and contemporary art from the American Southwest. Nordstrand's work will support the museum's efforts to bring the finest art from the Southwest region to the Colorado Springs community, and to build relationships with local, regional, and national artists, source cultures, and institutions.
Nordstrand is a former Research Associate of Native American Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Arts of Africa, Oceania and The Americas Department, and has an extensive background as a curator. Nordstrand has taught at the Institute for American Indian Arts, the University of Colorado, Denver, and Cornell University. She has been awarded fellowships at the Newberry Library, American Indian Studies Consortium Institute, Otswego Institute for Native American Art, and National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian – to name a few. Nordstrand has published in Art Quantum: The Eiteljorg Fellowship for Native American Fine Art, [Re]inventing the Wheel: Advancing the Dialogue on Contemporary American Indian Art, and more. Selected exhibitions include Indigenous Masterpieces: Diker Collection of American Indian Art, New York, NY, 2016; Fritz Scholder: New Indian Images, Denver, CO, 2009; Maria: American Icon, Denver, CO, 2007; Breaking the Mold: The Virginia Vogel Mattern Collection of Contemporary Native American Art, Denver, CO, 2006; and Fonseca's Coyote: Living with the Trickster, Denver, CO, 2006. As Associate Curator of Native Art at the Denver Art Museum, she made acquisitions of important, contemporary Native art, including works by Rick Bartow, Jeffrey Gibson, James Luna, Jolene Rickard, Melanie Yazzie, and others.
"I am very pleased that Kris Stanec and Polly Nordstrand will be joining the museum team," said FAC Museum Director Rebecca Tucker. "These two new colleagues reflect the commitment to excellence in exhibitions and programs at the FAC. In her new role, Kris Stanec will be continuing her terrific work with the Colorado Springs K-12 schools, collaborating with teachers and reaching out to build new curricular connections. Polly Nordstrand's wide-ranging experience with Native art and artists is a tremendous asset for the museum, and we are excited to share her expertise with the campus and the community. With these two new positions, the FAC will be able to offer rich and exciting programs for our community, and to deepen our commitment to the arts and cultures of the Southwest."
Tom Papa Press Release
Hilarious comedian Tom Papa hits the FAC stage for an evening of laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy
Colorado Springs (July 27, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to announce An Evening with Tom Papa Friday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
With more than 20 years as a stand-up comedian, Tom Papa is one of the top comedic voices in the country, finding success in film, television, and radio as well as on the live stage.
Tom is host of the hit podcast and SiriusXM show, Come to Papa, a weekly, hour-long show featuring Tom exploring the funny side of life, occasionally with guests like Mel Brooks, Ray Romano, Carl Reiner, and Jerry Seinfeld.
Several times a year in New York and Los Angeles, Tom hosts a live Come To Papa scripted radio play that is recorded live for the podcast and SiriusXM show. With residencies at Largo in Los Angeles and The Village Underground in NYC, Tom writes the script for each live radio show and casts top actors and comedians to play the roles or perform stand-up, all backed by a live band. Performers include Matt Damon, Sarah Silverman, Joel McHale, Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, John Mulaney, Kevin Nealon, Kevin Pollack, and many more.
On December 9, 2016, Tom premiered his third hour-long stand-up special, Human Mule, on Epix. Tom's first two, critically-acclaimed, hour-long specials were directed by Rob Zombie: Tom Papa: Freaked Out (2013) is streaming on Amazon and Hulu and is available as a download; and Tom Papa Live in New York City (2011) is streaming on Netflix and is available as a download.
In 2015, Tom guest starred on The Jim Gaffigan Show on TV Land and on Colin Quinn's web series, Cop Show. In 2014, he was seen alongside Clive Owen in two episodes of Steven Soderbergh's Cinemax series, The Knick, and he was seen in Chris Rock's film, Top Five.
In 2013, Tom was seen alongside Michael Douglas and Matt Damon in the HBO film, Behind the Candelabra, which was directed by Steven Soderbergh and won 11 Emmys. Tom was also seen in the hit Comedy Central series, Inside Amy Schumer.
Tom starred opposite Matt Damon in the Steven Soderbergh film, The Informant, and starred opposite Paul Giamatti in Rob Zombie's animated feature, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, as the voice of El Superbeasto. Tom has appeared in the films Analyze That, opposite Robert DeNiro, and Comedian; he had a voiceover role in the DreamWorks animated feature "Bee Movie" and also was a writer on the project.
Personally chosen by Jerry Seinfeld, Tom hosted the NBC series, The Marriage Ref, which ran for two seasons. Tom had a recurring role opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the CBS series, The New Adventures of Old Christine, and starred in his own NBC series, Come to Papa.
When not touring the country, Tom lives in New York and Los Angeles with his wife and family.
For more on Tom visit his website and follow Tom on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
An Evening with Tom Papa
When: Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Something else: Single tickets are now on sale for the FAC's 2017-2018 theatre season!
First Friday August/September Press Release
First Friday artist Emma Powell introduces a photographic fairy tale to the FAC's Deco Lounge
Colorado Springs (July 25, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to introduce works by photographer Emma Powell on view and available for sale Aug. 4 through Sept. 30, 2017 with special First Friday Art Parties Aug. 4 and Sept. 1, from 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Powell's work explores a fictional narrative that visualizes curious scenarios in order to convey a message or feeling instead of a record of a moment. Powell first began to explore photographic storytelling while working on her Master of Fine Arts thesis. Building on this interest in narrative, subsequent bodies of work have emerged. The body of work featured in Deco Lounge is a collaborative narrative with fellow photographer Kirsten Hoving titled "Svala's Saga."
Emma Powell (Colorado Springs, CO)
Powell is an assistant professor of art at Colorado College. She graduated from the College of Wooster, and received her MFA in photography from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her work often examines photography's history while incorporating historic processes and other devices within the imagery.
"'Svala's Saga' is a photographic fairy tale about the journey of a single character and the world she inhabits. As told through 50 interrelated photographs, our strong female heroine, Svala, is confronted with the sudden loss of the world's birds. She then embarks on a mythic quest: as the Earth heats and cools, she journeys through the wilderness searching for the last remaining eggs.
The landscape of Iceland is an active character in the narrative. Svala interacts dramatically with a variety of visually astonishing rock formations, steam vents, glaciers, and geysers. In this realm of environmental extremes, Svala's story abounds with magic and metaphor.
We chose to print 'Svala's Saga' using the historic palladium process coated over a digital/pigment underprint, a process that has been called 'pigment over palladium.' This hybrid technique lacks the immediate historical references of other vintage processes. Instead, it evokes hand-colored photographs or painted illustrations, reinforcing the combination of fantasy and photography."
When: Aug. 4 & Sept. 1, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Something else: On Sept. 1, view photographs by Emma Powell, enjoy music from Michelle Castro Quartet, and tour the FAC's special exhibition "Raízes/Roots" with curator Naomi Wood.
Even more: The Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPeR) will provide a free shuttle bus service that makes stops at key Art Walk destinations and several area hotels. More info at http://www.peakradar.com/shuttle-schedule/
Raízes/Roots Press Release
In "Raízes/Roots," four Brazilian artists complicate the connections between earth, spirit, body, and the impacts of colonialism and globalization in contemporary Brazilian society.
Colorado Springs (July 24, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is excited to announce "Raízes/Roots," an exhibition showcasing Brazilian artists' contemporary approaches to illustrating social issues, on display Aug. 19 through Nov. 15, 2017. This exhibition features contemporary artists – Ana Carolina Fernandes, Annie Gonzaga, Elisa Reimer, and Henrique Oliveira – with a reception and performance of Brazilian music at the FAC on Friday, Sept. 1, from 5 – 7:30 p.m.
"Raízes/Roots: Transformations in Brazilian Art" showcases four dynamic artists whose work addresses questions surrounding Brazilian national identity in the 21st century – including race, gender identity, sexuality, and the lingering consequences of colonialism.
Curated by Naomi Wood, professor of Spanish and Portuguese at Colorado College, with assistance from Mitra Ghaffari, a 2017 graduate of Colorado College, this exhibition seeks to complicate Brazil's typical associations with soccer, samba, and carnival, and instead explore the fluidity, elasticity, and expansiveness of a highly diverse land and people.
"Raízes/Roots" Artists:
Ana Carolina Fernandes (Rio de Janeiro) is a distinguished photojournalist who uses the camera as a tool for protest and activism, often representing political resistance and marginalized identities in powerfully energized images. Her "Bodies and Souls" series is the result of over two years documenting a trans community in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro.
Annie Gonzaga (Salvador) identifies as lesbian, black, a mother, and practitioner of the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomble. Through vibrant watercolors, installations, and graffiti, she creates a dialogue between spirituality, ancestry, body, and sexuality. She considers her work to be "artivism" (art activism), resisting and challenging hegemonic representation of social issues. Gonzaga will demonstrate her graffiti art at JAM FAC on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Elisa Riemer (Maringá) is a mixed media artist who collages graphics into a complexity of sensation, transformation, and affirmation. Her work has been featured on covers of internationally acclaimed novels by Anne Larue and Emily Nagosky.
Henrique Oliveira (São Paulo) is a painter and sculptor primarily known for his large-scale installation pieces and sculptures crafted from recycled wood. Showcasing another side of the dynamic artist, this exhibit will highlight his acrylic paintings, notable for an unrestrained fluidity and abstraction of color and movement.
First Friday Reception, Sept. 1, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
This event combines a reception for photographer Emma Powell, Colorado College assistant professor of art, and a celebration of the exhibition "Raízes/Roots: Transformations in Contemporary Brazilian Art," featuring Brazilian music in Deco Lounge, a tour of "Raízes/Roots," and a performance by acclaimed Brazilian musician and singer, Michelle Castro.
5 – 6:30 p.m. – View photographs by Emma Powell in Deco Lounge and the FAC Shop and music by Michelle Castro Quartet in Deco Lounge (5 – 5:45 p.m.)
5:45 – 6 p.m. – "Lightning Tour" of "Raízes/Roots: Transformations in Contemporary Brazilian Art" led by Naomi Wood, exhibition curator, and featured artist Annie Gonzaga
6:15 – 7 p.m. – Performance by Michelle Castro Quartet in the FAC courtyard. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Michelle Castro began studying music at 12 years old. As a vocalist and guitarist, she began to play internationally when invited to perform two tours of Germany with a choro/samba band as lead singer. She is proud to say she grew up in the Rocinha favela where she draws much of her musical inspiration and her passion for social activism.
"Raízes/Roots: Transformations in Contemporary Brazilian Art"
When: Aug. 19 – Nov. 15, 2017 | Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays and Theatre Nights 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $12; free for FAC members and kids 12 & under
Something else: First Friday Sept. 1 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. – view photographs by Emma Powell, music by Michelle Castro Quartet, and tour special exhibition "Raízes/Roots" with curator Naomi Wood.
Even more: JAM FAC Sept. 2 – live graffiti demos by Annie Gonzaga, food trucks, music, and more!
Ragnarök Press Release
Experience the Norse Mythology Story of Ragnarӧk at the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (June 26, 2017) — The Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pleased to announce a site-specific art installation Wendy Mike and De Lane Bredvik: Ragnarӧk Anthropocene, on view July 15, 2017-Jan 7, 2018. Hailing from the Pikes Peak region, visual artists Wendy Mike and De Lane Bredvik prove that art is inherently powerful and transformational.
The installation is inspired by Ragnarök, a series of future events in Norse mythology in which the death of major figures, various natural disasters, and the complete submersion of the world in fire and water ultimately result in a fertile rebirth, reconciliation of the gods, and re-population of the human race. Given the destructive wildfires and floods that have wreaked havoc on the region in recent years, Ragnarök serves as a cautionary tale, asking us to consider our sacred and practical responsibilities to the earth, to think of our family as something far beyond our kin, and to envision a more holistic world in which our roots may literally be found in the forest.
Wendy Mike's Artist Statement and Bio
"Art has the capacity to bypass the intellect and go straight to the heart. From there, new ways of thinking and feeling can emerge. Transformation becomes possible. This kind of holistic experience is what I'm after. My past involvement in various art forms, such as dance, singing, and acting, as well as visual art, influences this desire to engage as many of the senses as possible in the apprehension of the artwork. As such, collaboration with other artists, choreographers, and musicians becomes a natural state.
Materials are selected more for their sensual and communicative qualities than for familiarity. Creating something sublime from humble materials is appealing: the lowly material is exalted (and redeemed) to the lofty role, in the case of Ragnarök, of defining the Gods. Unlike the permanence of bronze or stone, the ephemeral and disposable qualities of plastic are essential: mundanity becomes transcendent.
By offering illuminations of the Gods in motion, spiraling through the story of Ragnarök locked in battle with the unseen giants, I hope to share an experience of profound terror and beauty captured in something as fleeting as a gesture; the barest breath of form sculpted nearly from the atmosphere it occupies, infused with light: a moment of presence to reflect upon our roles and responsibilities in the Anthropocene."
More at wendymike.com
De Lane Bredvik's Artist Statement and Bio
"Art communicates knowledge about reality by utilizing a form of cognition that is difficult to quantify. We feel, as well as think, about a work of art. Consequently, a viewer may understand something new when looking at art, but not be able to describe it. This ephemeral process of feeling, thinking, and understanding provides the structure for my work.
My art is influenced by a wide variety of public and private concerns and experiences, as well as the compelling sensual quality of materials and the intimate interior world of the mind. Although my process is infused by academic rigor gained from earning a Master degree in architecture from Harvard's Graduate School of Design and undergraduate degrees in studio art and art history, I rely heavily on emotion and the creative process to develop and communicate my ideas."
More at https://sites.google.com/site/delanebredvik/
Wendy Mike and De Lane Bredvik: Ragnarӧk
When: July 15, 2017-Jan 7, 2018 | Daily 10a-5p; Fridays and Theatre Nights 10a-7:30p
Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St.
Admission: $12; free for FAC members and kids 12 and under
Fine Arts Center
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof. And that's how the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) came to be. The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Alliance of Museums, the FAC offers the best in visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, as a TCG member theatre company, and through arts education with the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For more information, visit csfineartscenter.org
NEA Grant Press Release
More Than $82 Million Awarded for Arts Projects Nationwide
Including $10,000 Awarded to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (June 23, 2017) — National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects across the country in the NEA's second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. Included in this announcement is an Art Works award of $10,000 to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center to support a trio of exhibitions and their related programming during the autumn of 2017. The NEA received 1,728 Art Works applications and will make 1,029 grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
"The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America's artists and arts organizations," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, in serving their communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences."
"It is an honor to be one of only sixteen arts and culture organizations in Colorado, and the only Colorado Springs organization to receive this grant," said Erin Hannan, Director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. "With virtually no revenue from the public sector, grants such as this one are critical in creating greater access to the arts and helping us maintain a high level of excellence in programming."
This grant will support a series of exhibitions and related programming exploring themes related to roots and what it means to be connected to the earth, to the people around us, to the heritage of our family trees, and to be grounded within ourselves as we navigate the cycle of life. The series will include three distinct exhibitions that will be on view concurrently from mid-October through the beginning of January 2018: Wendy Mike and De Lane Bredvik: Ragnarök; Jennifer Steinkamp: Judy Crook; and Steven Durow: Heartland. A variety of public programs such as artists' talks, lectures, gallery tours, and dance and musical performances are planned to complement the exhibitions.
To join the Twitter conversation about this announcement, please use #NEASpring17. For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, go to arts.gov.
Bruce Munro Press Release
Internationally renowned British artist Bruce Munro brings his 'A Game' to the FAC this summer
COLORADO SPRINGS (June 2, 2017) — The Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pleased to announce an installation of renowned British artist Bruce Munro's newest piece, Thank You For A Very Enjoyable Game, July 2-Sept 17, 2017. Best known for his immersive large-scale installations and sculptures, Thank You For A Very Enjoyable Game is a rare departure from Munro's focus on light-based creations. Its exhibition at the FAC is the first one outside of the UK.
Munro bases this visual abstraction on a chess game between an astronaut and a computer from the film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. As a child, the novel by Arthur C. Clarke ignited Munro's imagination about all things 'space' but it was Stanley Kubrick's film interpretation of the novel that presented for him, a new perspective on the world. The subtlety of Kubrick's interpretation of a man-made machine surpassing the intelligence of its human makers was a concept Munro found both chilling and humorous.
In Thank You For A Very Enjoyable Game, 30 chess boards inlaid with colored Formica track every move made in the match. A subtle audio soundtrack of chimes (suggesting a 'chess clock' timer) indicating a move has been made by a player. Each square has a designated audio note and is derived from Tingsha – the cymbals used in prayer and rituals by Tibetan Buddhist practitioners. The chime was specifically chosen to emphasize the contemplative nature of the game of chess.
Thank You For A Very Enjoyable Game is as much about Kubrick's genius as a filmmaker as it is a stark warning to a world where artificial intelligence and the human condition grow ever closer – a subject so pertinent in a world driven by technology today. The work is also a reflection on Munro's continued interest in language and literature, where written and visual experiences are translated and re-interpreted by him through his work.
About Bruce Munro
British artist Bruce Munro is best-known for producing large, immersive light-based installations – which often employ a massing of components by the thousands. An artistic diarist, he has spent over 30 years collecting and recording ideas and images in his sketchbooks, which he returns to over time as source material.
Language, literature, science and music have also greatly influenced his work. Frequently, Munro's subject matter is his own experience of fleeting moments of rapport with the world and existence in its largest sense of being part of life's essential pattern. His reoccurring motif is the use of light on an environmental scale in order to create a sensory and emotional experience for the viewer.
Munro completed a B.A. in Fine Arts at Bristol Polytechnic in Bristol, United Kingdom in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Sydney where he worked in design and lighting inspired by Australia's natural light and landscape. Returning to England in 1992, he settled in Wiltshire where he raised four children with his wife Serena.
Munro's work has been shown at Museums and Botanical Gardens internationally, notably, The Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Waddesdon Manor for the Rothschild Collection, Buckinghamshire; and The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. His work is held in private and museum collections internationally including the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford; Texas Tech University, Lubbock; and Cheekwood Gardens and Art Museum.
Bruce Munro: Thank You For A Very Enjoyable Game
When: July 2-Sept 17, 2017 | Daily 10a-5p; Fridays and Theatre Nights 10a-7:30p
Something else: Experience a "Summer of Munro!" Bruce Munro will have two site-specific light installations, Field of Light and Tepees at the Green Box Arts Festival in Green Mountain Falls, CO from July 1-9. More at: http://www.greenboxarts.org/
From Rembrandt to Warhol Press Release
From Rembrandt to Warhol at the Fine Arts Center this Summer
Everyday life, familiar stories and common objects comprise each image, but these stunning artworks are far from ordinary.
COLORADO SPRINGS (May 30, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is pleased to announce an exhibition of the exceptional collection of Drs. Morton and Tobia Mower, Everyday Extraordinary: From Rembrandt to Warhol on view June 24-Sept 17, 2017. Spanning several centuries, the Mower Collection begins with Rembrandt, ends with Warhol, and features masterworks from Impressionist and Modern masters in between: Monet, Renoir, Cassatt, Degas, and Picasso, to name a few.
Drs. Morton and Tobia Mower, recent transplants to Denver, Colorado, have spent 20 years assembling an enviable collection of fine art that rivals those of significant private institutions. The Mowers' passion began with the purchase of a sweetly intimate Renoir Odalesque following the enormous professional success of Dr. Morton Mower, who patented his invention of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in 1985. This first acquisition, initially considered to be a financial investment by these "accidental collectors," sparked a desire for collecting fine art. The Mowers still own the Renoir, but have augmented their holdings with nearly two hundred Rembrandt etchings, scores of Impressionist paintings and prints, as well as a handful of Modern and Pop works.
Everyday Extraordinary: From Rembrandt to Warhol, Selections from the Morton and Tobia Mower Collection, encompasses this tremendous private collection nearly in its entirety. Although highlights or thematic selections have been presented regularly, thanks to the generosity of the collectors, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the vision of the collection holistically – not unlike being a guest in the Mowers' home, where Rembrandt and Warhol simultaneously grace the walls of the sitting room, and Frankenthaler and Degas adorn the foyer. Though the works and artists may seem disparate upon cursory examination, themes of everyday occurrences and common people connect many of the objects, spanning centuries and media, unifying the past with our contemporary human experience.
About the Collectors
Dr. Morton Mower is Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics at Howard University College of Medicine, Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado, and patented his invention of the automatic implantable cardioverter- defibrillator in 1985 – the first of many professional successes. Dr. Tobia Mower (RN, MS, and PhD) received an Honorary PhD from Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel and is known for her work in addiction and recovery. The Mowers are the recipients of numerous awards in their respective fields and are acclaimed for their ongoing commitment to philanthropy in the arts and sciences.
Everyday Extraordinary: From Rembrandt to Warhol
When: June 24-Sept 17, 2017 | Daily 10a-5p; Fridays and Theatre Nights 10a-7:30p
Something else: NEW Libation Lecture Series! This member-only lecture series offers an educational twist to the traditional happy hour. Each lecture will feature a themed drink while exploring an aspect of the culture that contributed to the amazing art and artists featured in this exhibition.
Even more: The FAC is proud to be a member of the Blue Star Museums program. Blue Star Museums offer free admission to all active duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
First Friday Press Release
Experience Paintings that Transcend at the Fine Arts Center's First Friday Art Party
COLORADO SPRINGS (May 24, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is excited to introduce works by local artist Lindsay Hand, on view and available for sale June 2-July 30, 2017 – with special First Friday Art Parties June 2 and July 7 (5-7:30p).
Lindsay Hand (Colorado Springs, CO)
Primarily self-taught, Hand has exhibited her work at various galleries throughout the state of Colorado. Her work was most recently shown at the Southern Colorado Coal Miner's Museum in Trinidad and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center in Pueblo.
Hand's work engages the viewer with the creation of narratives, through an exploration into the concept of spiritualism, as threaded through various cultures and religions, including ideas and intents surrounding the theory of divination. Her works are layered with a reflection of the subconscious by the incorporation of automatism into her technique.
When: June 2 & July 7, 2017 from 5-7:30p
Where: Deco Lounge at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St.
Something else: Mingle with artists, art lovers and friends. Enjoy a cash bar, music, artist demos and exclusive giveaways.
Even more: Get your laugh on at the gut-busting stand-up comedy hour, upstairs in the Music Room at 6p. Tickets are only $10!
Man of La Mancha Press Release
Dream the Impossible Dream at the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (May 11, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is thrilled to conclude its 2016-2017 season with the production of Man of La Mancha, a musical theatre masterpiece inspired by one of the greatest novels of all time. The show will run May 25-June 18 and is directed by Producing Artistic Director Scott RC Levy.
A celebrated Broadway hit and winner of five Tony Awards, Man of La Mancha is a remarkable show and arguably, one of the great theatre successes of the 20th century. Man of La Mancha features Miguel de Cervantes and his faithful servant, who channel the power of storytelling to recount the legend of wannabe knight Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick Sancho as they embark on a journey full of laughter, love and unruly windmills. It will leave you breathless with a score including the touching ode to romance, Dulcinea, the heroic, I, Don Quixote and the unforgettable, The Impossible Dream. Man of La Mancha is a theatrical masterpiece sure to captivate all lovers of musical theater!
"Man of La Mancha proves to be a heroic joy" – The Denver Post
The cast includes Stephen Day, Sammie Joe Kinnett, Gina Naomi Baez, David Hastings, Kyle Dean Steffen, Michael Lee, Drew Horwitz, Randy Chronister, Alex Wood, Joshua Owen, Michael Augenstein, Carmen Vreeman Shedd, Andra Burch, Elizabeth Snyder, Joy Thea, and Jonathan Eberhardt.
Stephen Day (Cervantes/Quixote) returns to the Fine Arts Center for his 4th production, previously appearing in Gypsy, The Drowsy Chaperone and 9 to 5: The Musical. A multiple award nominee and winner, he has won two Denver Henry Awards for Javert (Les Miserables) and Max (Sunset Boulevard). Stephen trained at the University of Windsor and the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. Denver credits: ZaZa (La Cage Aux Folles), Molokov (Chess), Caiaphas (Jesus Christ Superstar), King Arthur (Spamalot), Christmas Present (A Christmas Carol), Soloist (CSO directed by Marvin Hamlisch). Regional credits: The Producers, Peter Pan, Sondheim on Sondheim, Grand Night for Singing.
Gina Naomi Baez (Aldonza / Dulcinea) is making her Fine Arts Center debut in this production. She is a singer/songwriter, and viral YouTuber! She has appeared in the hit Netflix original Orange is the New Black. Her Off-Broadway and regional credits include: A Taste of Things to Come (York Theatre Company & World Premiere at Bucks County Playhouse), A Christmas Carol (MSG), Under Fire (NYMF), Chautauqua! (Public Theater), and In The Heights.
Sammie Joe Kinnett (Sancho Panza) returns to the Fine Arts Center for his 3nd production, previously appearing in in Noises Off and Sweeney Todd; at THEATREWORKS in A Christmas Carol, Game of Love and Chance, The Liar, The Lying Kind, It's A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play, You Can't Take It With You, Love's Labour's Lost, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The 39 Steps, I am Nikola Tesla, and Grapes of Wrath. SJ's other credits include The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream at The Colorado Shakespeare Festival; Topsy Turvy at the MAT; How I Became A Pirate at The Arvada Center; Cyrano de Bergerac and The 39 Steps at Lonetree Arts Center, The WYNOT Radio Theatre Show, and Theatre 'd Art.
When: May 25 – June 18, 2017 | Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30p (Sat, June 3 at 5p) and Sun at 2p
Something else: Join us for a free backstage tour following the June 8 performance and a free talkback session following the June 18 performance.
Even more: Theatre patrons receive FREE admission to the FAC Museum on the day of ticketed performance.
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof. And that's how the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) came to be. The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Alliance of Museums, the FAC offers the best in visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, as a TCG member theatre company, and through arts education with the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org
Souvenir Press Release
A musical odd-couple for the ages at the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (April 18, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is thrilled to present Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins starring local favorite Sally Hybl and directed by Nathan Halvorson April 28-May 21.
For more than half a century, the name Florence Foster Jenkins has been guaranteed to produce explosions of derisive laughter. Not unreasonably so, as this wealthy society eccentric suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano when she was in fact incapable of producing two consecutive notes in tune. Nevertheless, she received extraordinary fame, and the climax of her career was a single concert at Carnegie Hall in 1944. Famously, it sold out in two hours. Souvenir, by turn hilarious and poignant, tells her story.
"A wildly funny and surprisingly touching portrait." –Time Out NY
The cast includes Sally Hybl and Jerry McCauley II.
Sally Lewis Hybl is a lifelong resident of Colorado Springs and has been an active part of the music theatre community in Colorado Springs since childhood. Sally is a proud Cum Laude graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder. She has appeared in productions for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theatre Company, UCCS THEATREWORKS, The Colorado Festival of World Theatre, the Pikes Peak Center, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic – earning such honors as Best Actress (PPAC), Best Supporting Actress (Denver Post), Readers Choice Best Actress Bronze (The Gazette), and nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress (Theatre Colorado). Some of her most memorable FAC shows include Putting it Together, Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, and Sweeney Todd. A tireless advocate for the arts and winner of the first THEATREWORKS Community Art Award (CAW), Sally combines her Masters in Public Administration with her nonprofit leadership experience and serves on the Board of Directors for COPPeR, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, and UCCS THEATREWORKS.
Jerry McCauley II relocated to Colorado Springs from the San Francisco Bay Area in 2015. He grew up in musical theater in San Diego, has a degree in music, and had a 15 year career in church music and production. In the last year and a half, Jerry has been part of several productions at the FAC. He directed the music for: Peter and the Starcatcher, Ivy and Bean, The Stinky Cheese Man, and Shrek: The Musical. He acted in 9 to 5: The Musical and June B. Jones: The Musical. In addition to his theatrical endeavors, Jerry is as a non-profit executive focused on messaging and product development.
Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins
When: April 28-May 21, 2017 | Fri, Sat at 7:30p and Sun at 2p
Admission: $20 ($18 FAC members)
Something else: Theatre patrons receive FREE admission to the FAC Museum on the day of ticketed performance.
April-May First Friday Press Release
Photography-based collage by Patricia Barry Levy featured in the FAC's Deco Lounge & First Friday Art Parties
COLORADO SPRINGS (March 20, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's First Friday Art Parties continue their photography theme with photo-based collage works by Denver-based artist, Patricia Barry Levy, on view and available for sale April 7-May 28, 2017 – with special First Friday Art Parties on April 7 and May 5 (5-7:30p).
Patricia Barry Levy (Denver, CO)
Patricia Barry Levy's work is inspired by beauty, mystery, whimsy and the varieties of challenges faced by humanity and the natural world in a rapidly changing environment.
"I take photographs on designated road trips, most often to the wide-open spaces of the American Great Plains. With few people and an abundance of seemingly empty space, it feels like a tabula rasa from which to reflect on our relationship to the land and the natural world. The skies, horizons, and fields provide backgrounds," stated Levy.
Patricia Barry Levy has degrees in history and photography. Early in her career, she worked as a newspaper photographer in western Colorado, where her fascination with telling stories began. In 1985 she opened her commercial studio in Denver, specializing in people/portraiture for national magazines and corporate communications. Levy found embracing digital tools opened the doors of creativity in new ways, allowing her to move further into the realm of imagination. Increasingly the final images became the result of an additive process, made up of collected and created elements.
"I am excited to be using my camera as the starting point in the construction of visual stories," said Levy.
When: April 7 & May 5, 2017 from 5-7:30p
Something else: Meet the artist, enjoy live music, artist demos, giveaways, a cash bar, and check out the Museum Shop
Even more: This show, along with the current Museum exhibition Larry Hulst: Front Row Center, are participating events with the Month of Photography Denver, a biennial celebration of fine art photography with hundreds of collaborative public events throughout the region. http://www.mopdenver.com/
Comedy Press Release
Hilarious Comedy Acts Hit the FAC Stage!
COLORADO SPRINGS (March 17, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is thrilled to bring Kathleen Madigan (May 4 at 7p) and the socio-political comedian W. Kamau Bell (May 10 at 7p) to the FAC mainstage.
Kathleen Madigan: Bothering Jesus Tour – May 4
Over Kathleen Madigan's 25-year career she has performed on nearly every late night show ever made. Leno, Letterman, Conan, Ferguson, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, and on Ron White's Salute To The Troops on CMT, her fifth appearance on the annual show. Previously she's released 5 CDs and 3 DVDs and starred in 2 HBO specials, 3 Comedy Central specials and her previous one-hour special, Gone Madigan, premiered on Showtime and is available on Netflix.
An Evening with W. Kamau Bell – May 10
Kamau Bell is a comedian based in The People's Republic of Berkeley, CA. Kamau is the host of CNN's new travel show, The United Shades of America, which aired this past April. Kamau is best known for his critically acclaimed, but criminally short-lived FX comedy series, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. Kamau is also proud to be the ACLU's Ambassador of Racial Justice. Although he's pretty upset that they didn't give him a badge along with the title. Kamau sits on the advisory board of race forward, a racial justice think tank, and Hollaback, a non-profit movement to end street harassment. Kamau's special, Semi-Prominent Negro, aired on Showtime this past April.
Kathleen Madigan Bothering Jesus Tour
When: May 4, 2017 | 7p
Tickets: Starting at $36 for FAC Members; $40 non-members
An Evening with W. Kamau Bell
When: May 10, 2017 | 7p
Tickets: Starting at $27 for FAC members; $30 non-members; $58 for show tickets and the Awkward thoughts of W. Kamau Bell book
Something else: Join us for even more laughter at our Happy Hour Stand-Up comedy shows on April 7, June 2, July 7, and Aug 4 at 6p with different acts every show!
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof. And that's how the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) came to be. The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately-funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Association of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, as a TCG member theatre company, and through arts education with the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
2017-2018 Season Announcement Press Release
Award-Winning Theatre, Stunning Exhibitions and Expanded Art School Offerings Slated for the FAC's 2017-2018 Season
COLORADO SPRINGS (March 3, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) has announced the line-up for the 2017-2018 season which kicks off in September and will include world-renowned artists such as Jennifer Steinkamp, Raven Chacon, Mary Cassatt, and Pablo Picasso, life-changing workshops like the Military Artistic Healing program, and award-winning theatre productions such as the regional premiere of Fun Home and the modern classic Annie for the holiday season. The FAC has experienced tremendous success in previous seasons. The 2016-2017 theatre season, coming to a close in June, will be the most attended season in FAC history. And recently named Best Museum, Best Theatre Company, Best Arts Summer Camp, and Commercial Gallery in Colorado Springs by The Gazette, momentum is far from slowing at the FAC. Continuing with this upward trend, the 2017-2018 season programming schedule is an impressive line-up that will delight every person who walks through the FAC doors.
MUSEUM PROGRAMMING
The Stories of the Southwest (March 25-Dec. 31, 2017)
Everyday Extraordinary: From Rembrandt to Warhol, Selections from the Mower Collection (June 24-Sept. 17, 2017)
Wendy Mike and De Lane Bredvik: Ragnarӧk (July 16, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018)
Raizes/Roots: Transformations in Contemporary Brazilian Art (Aug. 19-Nov. 15, 2017)
Raven Chacon: Lightning Strike (Oct. 14, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018)
Jennifer Steinkamp: Judy Crook (Oct. 14, 2017-Jan. 21, 2018)
Steven Durow: Heartland (Oct. 14, 2017-Jan. 21, 2018)
FAC Legacy Series: Adolf Dehn Land/City (Dec. 9, 2017-March 18, 2018)
Chiho Aoshima: Takaamanohara (Feb. 3-May 6, 2018)
Yoshitomo Saito: millionyearseeds (Feb. 3-May 6, 2018)
Loas, History and Memory (Feb. 10-May 20, 2018)
THEATRE PROGRAMMING
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery by Ken Ludwig; Regional Premiere! Oct. 5-29, 2017
Annie by Martin Charnin, Charles Strouse & Thomas Meehan Dec. 7, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018
Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage; Regional Premiere! Feb. 8-25, 2018
Fun Home by Lisa Kron & Jeanine Tesori, based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel; Regional Premiere! March 29-April 22, 2018Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
by David Yazbek & Jeffrey Lane; Regional Premiere! May 24-June 17, 2018
2017-2018 Family Series Theatre Season
Parallel Lives by Kathy Najimy & Mo Gaffney Sept. 8-Oct. 1, 2017
Bunnicula James & Deborah Howe: authors, Jon Klein: playwright, Chris Jeffries: composer; Regional Premiere! Oct. 13-Nov. 12, 2017
Androcles and the Lion by Aurand Harris March 2-April 1, 2018
Fully Committed by Becky Mode; Regional Premiere! April 27-May 20, 2018
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind by Greg Allen June 29-July 21, 2018
FAC'S BEMIS SCHOOL OF ART PROGRAMMING
Award-winning documentary film maker, Tom Shepard, will return to teach two documentary workshops summer 2017. Tom Shepard has produced and directed four award-winning feature documentaries that have broadcast nationally on PBS. His films have won top awards at the Sundance Film Festival and have screened at hundreds of film festivals, theatres and universities around the world.
The award-winning Military Artistic Healing and Military Family Artistic Healing programs will continue throughout 2017-2018
Continued offering of hundreds of enriching classes year-round to all ages and skill levels
Introducing classes and workshops in new mediums such as glass work, calligraphy, casting, sculpture, printmaking, bookmaking and more
Introducing new instructors along with a collection of visiting artists (regional and international)
Museum Detail Release PDF
Theatre Detail Release PDF
Bye Bye Birdie Press Release
"Put on a Happy Face" at the Fine Arts Center's next mainstage production, Bye Bye Birdie!
COLORADO SPRINGS (Feb. 27, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to present Bye Bye Birdie, the first rock 'n' roll musical, to the FAC mainstage March 30-April 23. Directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson, Bye Bye Birdie remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. This modern classic takes the stage in an all-new production. It's the late 1950's and teenagers from across the United States are going crazy for handsome rock star, Conrad Birdie. Disaster strikes when Conrad receives a draft notice to join the military. His manager stages a publicity stunt for Conrad to kiss one lucky fan on The Ed Sullivan Show before he leaves for the army. Conrad Birdie gets more than he bargained for when he arrives in Sweet Apple, which is reeling with excitement for his visit. Songs like An English Teacher, What Did I Ever See in Him?, Put on a Happy Face, One Boy, A Lot of Livin' to Do, Kids, Rosie and Spanish Rose are musical theatre classics. No wonder Birdie won four Tony Awards and remains one of the most captivating shows of our time. "Bye Bye Birdie is still an effervescent, toe-tapping indulgence." – Entertainment Weekly The cast includes Kevin Pierce, Zachary Seliquini Guzman, Scott RC Levy, Miriam Roth, Gabe Levy, Jen Lennon, Nate Ferrick, Tom Auclair, Joye Levy, Danine Schell, Tracy Hedding, Kody Maynard, Daniel Garner, Emily Gardner, Parker Fowler, Thomas Voss, Emory John Collinson, Meggan O'Mahony, and Ellie Levy. The cast also includes current and past students of the FAC Theatre School's Youth Repertory Ensemble (a five-week intensive training program for students ages 14-18 interested in pursuing careers in performance and/or design and technical theatre). Program graduate Alex Campbell, and current students Casey Fetters, Olivia English, Jack English, Arielle Miagkov, Rachel Daguman, Olivia Ellenwood, Emma Walker, Will Edelson, and Evan Lennon.
When: March 30-April 23, 2017 | Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30p and Sun at 2p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: Starting at $20 Something else: Theatre patrons receive FREE admission to the FAC museum on the day of ticketed performance. Even more: For the ultimate rock 'n' roll experience, view current exhibition, Front Row Center: Larry Hulst for FREE in our museum galleries – on view through May 21. Rock, blues, country, and everything in between; photographer Larry Hulst has captured some of the biggest legends of our time, live on stage.
Junie B. Jones The Musical Press Release
Sneak a peek into the "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal" of Junie B. Jones at the FAC!
COLORADO SPRINGS (Feb. 3, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to get topsy-turvy with everyone's favorite first grader in their upcoming production of Junie B. Jones: The Musical, directed by Rebecca Myers running Feb. 24-March 26, 2017. A delightful adaptation of the best-selling children's book series brought to life in a genuinely comical and not strictly-for-kids musical. It's Junie B.'s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie's friend, Lucille, doesn't want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your hearts just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. The cast features Tia Luber, Carmen Shedd, Parker Fowler, Heidi Guzman, Jerry McCauley, and Emory Collinson.
Junie B. Jones: The Musical
When: Feb 24-March 26, 2017 | Fri at 6p; Sat, Sun at 1p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: $20 ($18 members), $10 kids 12 and under Something else: As a theatre patron you receive discounted admission to the museum on the day of your ticketed performance. Receive access to all galleries at our membership rates!
CC, FAC Transition Update Press Release
CC, FAC TRANSITION CONTINUES David Dahlin, Erin Hannan Leadership Updates
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — Jan. 27, 2017 — Colorado College (CC) and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) continue to make progress on their alliance. As of July 1, 2017, Colorado College will assume full operational management of the FAC at which time it will become known as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. Current FAC President and CEO David Dahlin has agreed to continue to shepherd the transition through June 30, 2017. As of July 1, the FAC will no longer be an independent organization with an independent board of directors. Fiduciary responsibility and centralized facility and services management will transition to the college, and, as a result, the position of FAC president and CEO will not continue beyond that date. "The Fine Arts Center is the anchor of the arts sector for our community. Ensuring that the FAC had long-term sustainability became my top priority when I became CEO in 2014," Dahlin said. "I am pleased to have played a significant role in forging this historic alliance with CC, and I am pleased to be able to complete my term as president by managing this transition well, setting the stage for a vibrant future." Since being hired by the Fine Arts Center board in July 2014, Dahlin has been instrumental in the FAC's resurgence, re-building relationships with supporters and the arts community, increasing earned revenues by more than 69 percent and increasing total revenues by 40 percent. The quality of artistic programming and community engagement have improved significantly as evidenced by an increase in membership, donations and patron satisfaction. Dahlin championed the alliance with Colorado College both as a way to build a sizeable endowment to create sustainability for the FAC and as a means to increase the quality, diversity and depth of programming that the alliance will afford. "I am so grateful to David for his service to the Fine Arts Center and the community," said Colorado College President Jill Tiefenthaler. "It has been a pleasure to work closely with him over the past year. He has been vital to the success of this alliance." Erin Hannan, currently executive director of advancement and external affairs at the Fine Arts Center, will assume the newly created position of director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College on May 1, and will report to President Tiefenthaler. "I am very excited that Erin has agreed to take on the directorship of the Fine Arts Center for this new era," said President Tiefenthaler. Hannan has a 15-year history of engagement with the FAC as a staff member, board member, and most recently, serving in a leadership role at the FAC. Her upcoming responsibilities will include guiding the day-to-day operations of the Fine Arts Center, including the museum, theatre, Bemis School of Art; marketing and communications; patron services; member and donor engagement; and working with the FAC Advisory Board and the FAC Foundation Board. Ron Brasch, chair of the Fine Arts Center Board of Trustees, endorsed the leadership transition. "I want to thank David for his visionary leadership and selfless contributions during his tenure here, and I couldn't be more pleased than to see Erin take on this role for the future of the FAC. Erin has been with us through many of the ups and downs of the last two decades, knows the FAC and the Colorado Springs community deeply and has a profound passion for the arts. I am confident in her ability to lead us into this new era." More information is available at www.coloradocollege.edu/csfac/
Feb/March First Friday Press Release
Celebrate the Month of Photography at the FAC's Deco Lounge & First Friday Art Parties with stunning selections by Bill Starr Photography
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan. 26, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's First Friday Art Party kicks off a new year of gallery shows in February with the photography of Bill Starr, on view and available for sale Feb. 3-Apr. 2, 2017 – with special First Friday Art Parties on Feb. 3 and Mar. 3 (5-7:30p). Starr's work captures moments of movement with a sense of reverence for form and motion. This selection of images highlights a number of performance-related photographs that transcend documentation to achieve a uniquely artistic quality.
Bill Starr (Colorado Springs, CO)
For more than 35 years, Bill Starr has shared his passion by photographically capturing movement in dance, theater, and performance art – and throughout Colorado's indie/electronic/folk music scenes. The subject of his work is informed and influenced by his lifelong experience of living with acute rheumatoid arthritis. His photographs harness both the raw and elegant aspects of the human body in motion. He is well known for recording the likenesses of many area artists and students over the span of his career.
When: Feb. 3 & Mar. 3, 2017 from 5-7:30p Where: Deco Lounge at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: FREE and open to the public Something else: Meet the artist, enjoy live music, artist demos, giveaways, a cash bar, and The Museum Shop Even more: This show, along with the April/May featured artist Patricia Barry Levy, and Front Row Center: Larry Hulst, are participating events with the Month of Photography Denver, a biennial celebration of fine art photography with hundreds of collaborative public events throughout the region. http://www.mopdenver.com/ Even more: Be the first to know. At 6:15p in the FAC theatre, the FAC's theatre company, museum and art school will reveal the lineup for the upcoming 2017-2018 season! Even more: On March 3, the FAC is partnering with GOCA 121 to present a progressive First Friday experience presented in conjunction with the Force/Resistance exhibition at FAC and the Black Power Tarot exhibition at GOCA 121. From 5:30-6p enjoy a Spoken Word Performance by Idris Goodwin, Nico Wilkinson, and Friends at the FAC and view Force/Resistance in the museum for free from 5p-7:30p. Then head to GOCA 121 for more entertainment and to view Black Power Tarot.
Front Row Center: Larry Hulst Press Release
Take in music legends from Front Row Center at the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan. 20, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to present Front Row Center, an exhibition showcasing photographer Larry Hulst and his stunning images of well-known musicians, in the museum galleries Feb 18-May 21, 2017. Rock, blues, country, and everything in between; photographer Larry Hulst has captured some of the biggest legends of our time, live on stage. From AC/DC to Carlos Santana and Willie Nelson to David Bowie, Hulst captures dynamic moments from a generation's greatest musicians. Born in 1946 in San Diego, California, Larry Hulst is a loyal participant in the concert scene. His collection of nearly 3,000 black and white negatives have framed influential musicians spanning five decades of rock history. "When I first started I couldn't afford film," Hulst shares, "so I walked around Sacramento with an empty camera, just trying to learn how to focus." His career began in 1969, when the former Navy corpsman returned home to Sacramento after a tour of duty in Vietnam. Citing Jim Marshall, Ansel Adams and Lynn Goldsmith among his influences, Hulst is fueled both by his respect for his musical heroes, and his dedication to improving his photography. The hallmark of Hulst's instantly recognizable work is the authentic ability to depict the raw energy and emotion of the concert experience. The only prop he ever needed was the stage. "I never wanted to go backstage," Hulst states, "I want to be where the action is. After all, the 'show' is projected out onto the audience. I want to be in the audience." While building his anthology of iconic rock imagery, Hulst honed his craft at less manic venues. For 27 years, he worked as a U.S. government photographer. Hulst's lens caught military activities by day, and rock stars by night. His work covered the gamut of Defense Department activities at two Air Force bases, including the US Air Force Academy. He retired from his civil service in 2010, and is now living in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife of 40 years, Laura. Now, it's Hulst's work that projects to an audience. His first concert photos depicted an energetic show by The Who in 1967, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Since then, his concert photography has graced the pages of Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, Guitar World, Relix, Hittin' The Note, Mousike, Blues Access, and Rock and Roll News magazines, several biographies, and numerous books. His photos have been selected for album art for artists Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, and more. Hulst's image of Jimi Hendrix adorned the terminal walls of Los Angeles International Airport. His professional network includes working relationships with Getty Images and Rock Paper Photo. Larry Hulst remains a mainstay at concerts and live music events. Artist Statement My photographs capture the truth, joy, and energy contained within a moment. This series of nearly 80 photographs highlights the rock 'n' roll experience from an audience's stage-level perspective. My work spans from 60s icons like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead, to 90s singer-songwriters like Lauren Hill of the Fugees, to modern jam-bands like Phish, and so many in between. I hope my photography expresses the gratitude I and my fellow concert-goers feel for those who've shared their joy of music with us. This body of work was compiled over a period of several decades. Throughout history, we've captured the threads of our reality through art. From cave etchings to painting to photography, we've relied on art to preserve our experiences. Music is one such enduring part of our lives. While aesthetically enthralling, it flows through our veins and captures our emotions and longing. It is my hope these photographs, taken in the heart of the audience, Front Row Center, will showcase the energy and iconography of the concert experience. For nearly 50 years, my photography has depicted some of popular music's best-known icons. These photographs have been taken with the joy, love, and respect I hold for the artists I've captured on film. I am very enthusiastic to share these images of my musical heroes with you.
Front Row Center: Larry Hulst
When: Feb. 18-May 21, 2017 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: $15 adults; $10 student and military (with ID); free for members and kids 12 and under Something else: This exhibition is a participating event with the Month of Photography Denver, a biennial celebration of fine art photography with hundreds of collaborative public events throughout the region http://www.mopdenver.com/ Even more: For the full rock 'n' roll experience; see the first rock 'n' roll musical, Bye Bye Birdie on the FAC Mainstage Mar. 30-Apr. 23!
The Migrant Series: Don Coen Press Release
Meet the people behind the food you eat in a larger-than-life exhibition at the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan. 20, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to present The Migrant Series by Colorado artist Don Coen Feb 18-May 21, 2017. The Migrant Series is a magnificent group of 15 large-scale realistic portraits painted between 1992 and 2012 of migrant farm workers. Coen's goal with The Migrant Series is to raise the consciousness of America to this often overlooked yet vital segment of our society giving the migrant workers an identity and voice through his paintings. This new work portrays the dualities of the spirits and worlds we often drive by or do not care to notice or research. Exposing the essence of America's migratory labor and the human psyche, Coen's work inspires us to take notice, to respond and to care about these incredible people, their lives and contributions to our society. Coen's life journey to become an influential contemporary artist began at a very early age while growing up on his family farm in Lamar, Colorado. When Coen was five, he began designing and building his own toys and drawing by kerosene lamp at night around the kitchen table. From those quiet nights until the present, Coen's work has been inspired by his experience working the land with his family and the several Latino families that lived and worked alongside Coen throughout his childhood and early adult years. Coen's arduous life on the farm unveiled a deep love and connection to the surreal beauty of the eastern Colorado plains and to the people that worked the land. His ability to see this landscape in its entirety began and continues to result in powerful artworks that capture the landscape, people, and fauna that represent the American plains. Throughout his career, Coen's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and recognized by many publications, awards and museums. His work is widely collected throughout the world and part of permanent collections of many prominent museums. Visit the artist's website to learn more http://www.doncoen.com/index.htm
The Migrant Series: Don Coen
When: Feb. 18-May 21, 2017 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: $15 adults; $10 student and military (with ID); free for members and kids 12 and under
FAC Legacy Series: Mary Chenoweth Works on Paper Press Release
The FAC Legacy Series continues with a look at artist Mary Chenoweth's extensive works on paper
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan. 20, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to present the next Legacy Series offering with an in-depth review of Mary Chenoweth's works on paper Feb 18-May 21, 2017. This exhibition draws from the FAC and Colorado College collections, as well as featuring an equal number of pieces on loan from private collectors across the Front Range, where the artist's tangible legacy is evident in her ongoing impact and influence on students, collectors and the community at large. A long-time Colorado Springs resident, Mary Chenoweth was one of the region's most prolific, multifaceted, yet understated artists of her time. Hired on as an instructor at the Fine Arts Center's well-respected art school in 1953, Chenoweth created a breadth of work over the years in a variety of media including printmaking, woodcarving and painting. As a part of the FAC Legacy Series, this exhibition pays tribute to a Pikes Peak Region gem through an in-depth look at the artist's extensive works on paper that can be found in the Fine Arts Center and Colorado College collections.
FAC Legacy Series: Mary Chenoweth Works on Paper
When: Feb. 18-May 21, 2017 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: $15 adults; $10 student and military (with ID); free for members and kids 12 and under Something else: Throughout its prestigious history, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center museum has curated significant exhibitions dedicated to historic and contemporary regional art. The FAC Legacy Series celebrates the art that continues to represent the spirit of Colorado and the American West through solo exhibitions of work by artists who have worked and/or taught at the FAC.
Force/Resistance Press Release
Colorado College's IDEA program presents Force/Resistance, a new exhibition exploring the intersections of institutional power and social justice at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. January 11, 2017 – From Feb. 25 through Sept. 10, 2017, the InterDisciplinary Experimental Arts Program (IDEA) at Colorado College presents Force/Resistance, an exhibition featuring work by Floyd Tunson, Dáreece Walker and Bunky Echo-Hawk. This collaborative project mark the transition of the IDEA program to its new home at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, following the announcement in August 2016 of an alliance between Colorado College and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The public is invited to attend the free gallery talks with the artists on Monday, Feb. 27 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. About the exhibition: Issues of social justice and racially motivated violence have been tragically at the forefront of the news in the past several years. The deaths of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, and many others have brought with them a painful awareness for many Americans of the sometimes hidden forces that continue to undermine civil rights in our society. The exhibition Force/Resistance seeks to stimulate dialogue around the complex relationships between systems of power and violence in the United States. The artists in the exhibition address a range of issues including racial profiling, mortality, racially motived conflict and legislative oppression.
Painter, sculptor, printmaker, photographer Floyd D. Tunson freely and fluidly combines a variety of media and artistic styles to create artworks that address social and political themes, but also engage ideas of beauty, philosophy, and popular culture. He embraces the complexity of the world in his work, acknowledging in his artist statement, "Looking at life from one direction, I see the terror of chaos, man's inhumanity to man, mortality, and the vastness of the unknown. From another direction, the human condition seems like a magnificent, orderly evolution of extraordinary beauty. The totality of my work reflects my quest to comprehend and express these forces and their interconnectedness."
Dáreece Walker's black and white images capturing instances of police brutality, racial violence, and daily micro-aggressions experienced by African Americans force a direct confrontation of issues of social injustice. Rendered in a classical style, the images bear the weight and the grace of history. He writes, "I was told as a boy, from family and teachers and other adults, 'Your life will be harder because you are a Black man'. If that's true, then I must strive to make the world better for the next generation of Black men, so that a lack of self-confidence and discrimination can no longer be a hindrance. I'm inspired by the future, and what can"
Throughout his career, Bunky Echo-Hawk has merged traditional values with artist creation and activism. Using hyper-pigmented tones and dreamlike settings, his paintings call for environmental justice and firmly identify the violation of sacred lands as systemic oppression. He writes, "In my opinion, it comes down to raising awareness. The vast majority of environmental threats dwell in Indian Country and along our borders, often in economically depressed minority neighborhoods. The government and predatory corporations seek out places that could (will/do) affect our communities. Without public awareness, these issues will continue to occur in our back yards."
Monday, February 27, 5:30p: Reception and Artist Talks Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Free and open to the public Featuring Floyd Tunson, Bunky Echo-Hawk and Dáreece Walker
Friday, March 3, 5:30p: First Friday Progressive Performance Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and GOCA 121 Featuring performance poetry, music, and dancing.
Enchanted April Press Release
A Delightful Romantic Comedy Hits the Fine Arts Center's Mainstage in February
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan. 4, 2017) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to present Enchanted April, based on the beloved novel, on the FAC mainstage for the first time – following 500 critically-acclaimed productions worldwide – Feb 9-26, 2017. The production will be directed by Joye Levy. Feeling lost in the shadows of marriage and post-WWI society, two unhappy London housewives rent a villa in Italy for a ladies-only holiday away, reluctantly recruiting a pair of difficult, upper-class women to share the cost and the experience. Together, among the wisteria blossoms and the Mediterranean sunshine, the four women clash, and then begin to bond and bloom — until men once again upset the balance. "ENCHANTED APRIL is that rarity: a play where every single element falls perfectly into place … a show that leaves you positively glowing." —NYTheatre "The kind of play that reminds you of why you love theater." —Hartford News "Contagious … Perhaps it's time to take a trip to the theatre and see a story come to life in a way that a movie can only dream of." —Seattle City Guide The cast includes Heather Lacy, Carley Cornelius (The Game of Love and Chance, Constellations, Venus In Fur, amongst others for THEATREWORKS), Mackenzie Beyer, Billie McBride (Driving Miss Daisy, 4000 Miles, and recipient of DCPA's 2016 True West Award: Theatre Person of the Year), Kevin Lowry, Logan Ernstthal (Dracula and Of Mice and Men), Karl Brevik, and Jane Fromme. Scenic design by Christopher L. Sheley, lighting design by Holly Rawls, costume design by Janson Fangio, and original music composed by Ryan Banagale, Assistant Professor of Music at Colorado College.
When: Feb 9-26, 2017 | Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30p and Sun at 2p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: Starting at $20 Something else: This delightful romantic comedy will make for a perfect Valentine's Day gift! Even more: All theatre patrons receive discounted admission to the museum on the day of their ticketed performance. Receive access to all galleries at the membership rate!
Major Art Acquisition Press Release
The FAC Unveils Significant Art Purchase for the Museum's Permanent Collection
Colorado Springs Debutante Ball proceeds allow for major art acquisition on the occasion of the Ball's 50th Anniversary
COLORADO SPRINGS (Dec. 23, 2016) — Last night at the Colorado Springs Debutante Ball, a major purchase of art for the Fine Arts Center's permanent collection was announced. This purchase was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Colorado Springs Debutante Ball Committee and was made in honor of their 50th Anniversary. The newly acquired work was created by artist James Surls and is entitled It's Not About the Numbers. The stature of both the artist and this particular work are a perfect tribute to the significance of the 50-year partnership between the Debutante Ball Committee and the Fine Arts Center. Born in 1943 in East Texas, James Surls has become an award-winning, global artist, exhibiting in over 350 solo, group, museum and gallery exhibitions across the world. He is sought-after for large-scale commissioned works throughout the U.S. and as far away as Singapore. Surls is known for his largely monotone sculptures, drawings and prints that feature natural and human images and forms. Surls' work is particularly organic and primal. Having built a career in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s as a Texas artist, Surls currently lives and works on a Colorado ranch in the Roaring Fork Valley. "It takes a mere moment in the presence of James Surls to realize that he is not only a technical and conceptual master of his craft, but an artist of profound philosophical depth," said FAC Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Joy Armstrong. His work is featured in the public collections of more than 50 institutions, including the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, TX; High Museum, Atlanta, GA; Los Angeles County Museum, CA; Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, CA; Seattle Art Museum, WA; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY; Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY; and now the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, CO. "The Fine Arts Center is deeply grateful for the Debutante Ball Committee's ongoing support and we want to congratulate them on 50 years of grace, elegance and philanthropy," said FAC President and CEO, David Dahlin. "This purchase is another very fine example of the quality and magnitude of work that their generous contributions have made possible for us to bring to the community of Colorado Springs." This large-scale sculptural work is installed in the front landing of the glass addition of the FAC, adding drama and beauty that is visible from the outside as well as from within. Other works by James Surls are currently featured in an expansive exhibition at the Fine Arts Center called All I Ever Wanted, along with the work of his wife, Charmaine Locke, through January 15, 2017. Also on view through January 2017 is the exhibition 50 Years of Grace, featuring nearly every purchase made possible by the Debutante Ball Acquisitions Fund; beginning with the first, John Sloan's Eagles of Tesuque in 1968, and ending with 2016's recent acquisition, Cindy Sherman's Madame Pompadour Tea Service.
Limen: Claudia Mastrobuono and Jodi Stevens Press Release
Experience a constructed, immersive installation exhibition at the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (Dec. 20, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to welcome artists Claudia Mastrobuono and Jodi Stevens with a site-specific collaboration, Limen, in which the artists investigate the notion of boundary – suggesting limits and frontier, the container and the contained Jan 28-May 7, 2017. Limen pays homage to the natural environment of Colorado's Pikes Peak Region through mastery of common industrial materials. Claudia Mastrobuono is an installation artist with a background in fiber and clay, often marrying the two materials, creating a dynamic relationship between tension and weight. Most recently, she has been investigating the idea of visual tension, using pattern both on flat surfaces and in three dimensional environments. Mastrobuono's work deals with personal conflict between the desire for domestic foundation and the need to fulfill personal goals. She struggles with her role as a woman, daughter, partner and artist and translates this fight visually, creating noise and tension with material and pattern. Time and place heavily influence her work. Because she works in both fiber and clay, she often switches between the two materials, contingent on facilities or site-specific needs. This gives her parameters while allowing the work to remain organic. More info at claudiamastrobuono.com Jodi Stevens received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textiles from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina in 2006 and completed her MFA in Fibers in 2010, at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She currently resides in New Bedford, MA and has shown work in Canada, various locations in the U.S., and more extensively throughout Massachusetts. Stevens has been a visiting artist in residence for programs in Colorado and Massachusetts. She has directed workshops and participated in textile-based educational outreach programs through museum partnerships and commissions, including the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA and the Albany Institute of History and Art in Albany, New York. She is currently the Lead Curator at Dedee Shattuck Gallery located in Westport, Massachusetts. More info at jodistevensart.com
Limen: Claudia Mastrobuono and Jodi Stevens
When: Jan 28- May 7, 2017 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: $10-15, kids 12 and under and members are FREE Something else: Meet the artists and hear about this exhibition at the Fine Arts Center Saturday, Jan 28 at 11a Even more: Visit GOCA 1420 on the UCCS campus Jan 27-March 18 to view a second site-specific installation from these artists
WYNOT Radio Theatre Press Release
WYNOT Radio Theatre Returns to the FAC!
COLORADO SPRINGS (Dec. 16, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to welcome the hilarious WYNOT Radio Theatre troupe back to the FAC for their fourth residency presenting The Other Coast Caper, directed by Cory Moosman Jan 13-29, 2017. This newest "episode" is a theatrical SPOOF of the golden age of radio – a time when men were men, dames had moxie, and the sound of adventure filled the air waves! The Colorado Springs Gazette calls it a "hilarious send-up of old-time radio," complete with twistedly nostalgic commercials, hysterical 'off-air' actor interaction and audience participation. This ain't your Grandpa's Old Time Radio Show! The WYNOT Radio Theatre Show is an evening of side splitting comedy you don't want to miss! The Other Coast Caper was written by Cory Moosman and Sammy Gleason and the cast features Rosina Sonntag, Janson Fangio, Taylor Cardinal, Sammy Gleason, and Cory Moosman.
WYNOT Radio Theatre in The Other Coast Caper
When: Jan 13-29, 2017 | Fri, Sat at 7:30p and Sun at 2p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: $20 ($18 members) Something else: As a theatre patron you receive discounted admission to the museum on the day of your ticketed performance. Receive access to all galleries at our membership rates! Even more: Need a last minute gift idea? Purchase an FAC Gift Certificate – which can be used for theatre tickets and more!
Announcing 2017 Comedy Acts Press Release
COLORADO SPRINGS (Dec 1, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is thrilled to bring Paula Poundstone (Jan 27) and Kathleen Madigan (May 4) to the FAC stage for gut-busting comedy performances. These two comedic powerhouses in addition to the existing comedy on the calendar make the FAC a comedic hotbed.
An Evening With Paula Poundstone – January 27
Heralded as one of our country's foremost comics, Paula Poundstone's quick-thinking, unscripted approach to comedy makes for a perfect fit as a regular panelist on NPR's #1 show, the screwball weekly news quiz show WAIT WAIT…DON'T TELL ME! where she holds the record for game losses. "The others cheat," Poundstone says, "you wouldn't think NPR would put up with that."
In 2016 Paula voiced the character "Forgetter Paula" in Disney/Pixar's Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Inside Out. In June 2016, her first double-live CD, North By Northwest: Paula Poundstone Live! debuted at #1 on both Amazon's "Hot New Releases – Non Fiction" and "Comedy CD" lists. Paula is also an author. Her second hardcover book, will debut on May 9, 2017. Paula also appeared on the hit television drama, Major Crimes and she has also done commentaries for CBS Sunday Morning.
Kathleen's won the American Comedy Award for "Best Female Comedian" and the Phyllis Diller award for "Best Female Comedian." She has written and produced for Lewis Black's "Root of all Evil" on Comedy Central and for Gary Shandling's Emmy monologues. Kathleen's done two USO tours to Iraq and Afghanistan with pals Lewis Black, Robin Williams, John Bowman and musicals acts Kid Rock, The Zac Brown Band, Kix Brooks and Kellie Pickler. She also remains the only comedian in the history of NBC's Last Comic Standing to go unchallenged by any other comedian – meaning no comedian would say they were funnier than her.
Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes – December 14
Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes will start off the evening at 7p recording their comedy podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old. Then, Smith will finish the evening with a solo Q&A show at 9:30p.
Film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes made history and fans all over the world with the characters Jay & Silent Bob from the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks 2. Ranked #1 on iTunes Comedy podcasts, this is a sometimes touching, always hilarious look at what happens when two people grow up in Hollywood's gaze. These limited engagements will be recorded as the stories evolve live in front of the audience, and released for free on Smodcast.com.
Smith's solo Q&A show, An Evening with Kevin Smith, allows audience members to be part of the show in a personal and interactive session where the crowd can ask Smith about anything. Get up close and very personal, with the man everyone has been waiting to hear from…Silent Bob!
Happy Hour Stand-Up – December 2 & January 6
Back by popular demand! Get your laugh on at our gut-busting stand-up comedy hour, upstairs in our Music Room at 6p. Due to adult content, this event is suitable for 18+. Join us on December 2 to see Erik Knowles, 1st place winner of The World Series of Comedy in 2016! Erik's show leaves everyone satisfied. He looks back nostalgically, at his younger days in the Marines, boot camp, partying, and even a few war stories from his time in overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He then contrasts that with a witty look at his adult life full of responsibilities, becoming a stepfather, and his uncontrollable desire to challenge social stigmas. His comedy is refreshing and edgy without being filthy.
When: Jan 27, 2017 | 7p
Tickets: On sale Thursday, Dec 1 | Starting at $36 FAC Members; $40 Reserved Seating Something else: Poundstone's 2013 and 2015 FAC shows SOLD OUT!
Kathleen Madigan
Tickets: On sale Thursday, Dec 1 | Starting at $36 FAC Members; $40 Reserved Seating
Jay & Silent Bob Get Old
When: Dec 14, 2016 | 7p
Tickets: On sale Friday, Aug 5 | Starting at $36
Something else: Smith and Mewe's 2015 show SOLD OUT
An Evening with Kevin Smith
When: Dec 14, 2016 | 9:30p
Tickets: On sale Friday, Aug 5 | Starting at $36 FAC Members; $40 Reserved Seating Something else: Smith's 2015 show SOLD OUT!
Happy Hour Stand-Up
When: Dec 2, 2016 & Jan 6, 2017 | 6p
Dec/Jan First Friday Press Release
Michael Baum in the FAC's Deco Lounge & First Friday Art Parties
COLORADO SPRINGS (November 16, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's First Friday Art Party is proud to introduce the work of Michael Baum to our Deco Lounge Gallery lineup. Michael's extensive studio career shines as he showcases a variety of landscape paintings, from small plein air works to larger scale studio constructions. His work will be on view and on sale December 2, 2016 through January 29, 2017 – with special First Friday Art Parties on December 2 and January 6, 5-7:30p.
About Michael Baum (Manitou Springs, CO)
Michael Baum is an oil painter specializing in contemporary representations of the western and southwestern landscape. His 35-year, passionate exploration of the American West has led to an advanced landscape painting practice at the top echelon of this genre. He thrives on the challenge of getting to the essence of a scene through translating the immense beauty, light, and air of a place. His passion for paint and the land express themselves together in his works. His paintings are included in numerous private, corporate, and public collections nationally and internationally, and he regularly sells work in the FAC Museum Shop gallery. Michael lives and works in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Recent exhibitions include the Governor's Art Show, Denver, Colorado, 2016. "Revealing the inner essence of a thing by painting its outward appearance is the adventure of a lifetime." – Michael Baum
When: Dec 2, 2016 & Jan 6, 2017 from 5-7:30p Where: Deco Lounge at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: FREE and open to the public. Meet the artist, enjoy live music, giveaways, a cash bar, and more. Something else: At 6p, join us for a gut-busting stand-up comedy hour in the Music Room for only $10! The Dec 2nd comedian will be Erik Knowles, 1st place winner of The World Series of Comedy in 2016. Even more: The FAC Museum Shop will showcase a Trunk Show, Dec 2 (5-7:30p) and Dec 3 (10a-4p), featuring Colorado Springs clothing manufacturer, Janska. Janska's designs will seal in the warmth needed to thrive this winter.
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof. And that's how the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) came to be. The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately-funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Alliance of Museums, the FAC offers the best in visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, as a TCG member theatre company, and through arts education with the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org
Winter Lights Press Release
Experience Winter Lights at the FAC
COLORADO SPRINGS (November 8, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pleased to announce over a month's worth of festive events sure to brighten the spirits of the young, the old, and everyone in-between. From a nostalgic holiday exhibition in the galleries, to a magical collection of artist-decorated trees, a sidesplitting theatre production, and seasonal art classes, we invite the community to celebrate the season with the FAC.
Merry Grinchmas Exhibition Nov 19–Jan 8
In commemoration of the cartoon's 50th anniversary, the Fine Arts Center is proud to present an exhibition of one of the most significant collections of original hand-drawn Grinch animation cels and related artworks in America, on loan from private collectors Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa.
Shrek: The Musical Live On Stage Dec 1–Jan 8
Nominated for 9 Tony Awards! The most famous ogre of all time arrives for the holidays in this hilarious spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film. Shrek: The Musical follows this beloved, unlikely hero and his wisecracking best friend Donkey on a journey of a lifetime to rescue a feisty, headstrong princess. Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie with attitude and more than a dozen other fairytale misfits, and Shrek must learn to see the true hero within to succeed.
Bemis School of Art 17th Annual Art Sale Dec 2–4
Featuring works from the Fine Arts Center's Bemis School of Art faculty. Pottery, jewelry, paintings, handmade cards, prints, textiles and more! Plus, don't miss Colorado College's annual Arts & Crafts Fair happening at the same time right across the street at the Worner Campus Center.
Winter Lights Opening Celebration Dec 3, 5–7p
An evening of special entertainment to kick-off Winter Lights! Experience a magical collection of artist decorated trees. View the significant collection of hand-drawn Grinch animation cels and related artworks, delight in holiday goodies, enjoy live entertainment by Ormao Dance Company, the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, the Colorado Springs Conservatory, and the Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance, and more! This event is FREE and open to the public.
Winter Lights ICE Dec 17, 10a–2p
See the incredible award-winning work of Cool Hand Ice Carving live in the FAC courtyard – sculptures, demonstrations and an interactive ICE experience. Cool Hand Ice Carving most notably placed 1st in the 2014 World Champion in Fairbanks, Alaska, and placed 2nd in the 2015 World Champion in Fairbanks, Alaska. Then, move inside to warm up with special entertainment by Ormao Dance Company, the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, the Colorado Springs Conservatory, and the Celtic Steps School of Dance, holiday goodies and hands-on crafts. This special experience is included with museum admission and FREE for FAC members and children 12 and under.
Bemis School of Art Classes
The FAC's Bemis School of Art is kicking off the Winter/Spring session with over a hundred classes in a wide range of mediums for all ages and skill levels, including seasonal offerings such as painting Holiday Greeting Cards. For a full calendar of events and programming visit csfineartscenter.org/winter-lights Museum Admission: $15 (free for members and kids 12 and under) Hours: Open Daily 10a-5p, Fridays and Theatre Nights 10a-7:30p (Closed Christmas Day)
Kum & Go Grant Press Release
The Kum & Go Awards the FAC with a Grant
COLORADO SPRINGS (November 7, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pleased to announce we are recipients of a $3,000 grant from the Kum & Go. This grant will be used to help support the Free Family Programs the FAC offers through 2017, including Free Family Adventure Days, Museum Free Days, Art Adventure Packs, Museum Scavenger Hunts, and Military Family Artistic Healing Workshops. Free Family Adventure Days are an opportunity for families to spend the day with your together being creative. Teaching artists ignite imaginations with new adventures in art-making and explore different themes with art materials and new techniques in the FAC's Bemis School of Art studios. Museum Free Days are an opportunity for the public to enjoy the FAC's galleries free of charge on the third Friday of each month, with artist demonstrations from 10a–2p in the Smith Family Gallery. Art Adventure Packs are a fun, interactive arts education tools to enhance the museum experience for children and engages them in an experience that will hopefully spark a lifelong interest and appreciation for the arts! Museum Scavenger Hunts help patrons explore the art in the FAC's first floor galleries. From a cheeseburger to a slice of bread, this fun scavenger hunt will open your eyes to things that have never been noticed before. Military Family Artistic Healing Workshops allow families to discover the techniques to help express memories, ideas, musing, emotions and spirituality without being representational. They experience the freedom in focusing on intuitive rhythm, shape, texture, line and balance. Family members will have opportunities to work together with hands-on projects as well as exercises to improve interaction and communication skills.
Kum & Go
Kum & Go is the fifth largest privately held, company-operated convenience store chain in the United States, with more than 430 stores in 11 states. www.kumandgo.com
Sub-committees Begin Work on CC, FAC Program Plans
More than 800 comments collected through community listening process
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado —Nov. 3, 2016 —The first major phase in the strategic planning process undertaken by Colorado College and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center wrapped up in October. A series of community listening sessions were held, as well as small-group focus sessions and large group discussions, in order to seek input from various community constituents regarding the re-envisioning and redefining of the FAC and CC roles in the arts in the region. Nearly 1,600 people participated in the listening and information gathering process. In addition, 821 comments have been recorded from the four community listening sessions, comment cards and online comment forms. "I am so pleased with the number of community members who have participated in this process, and so grateful for the care and thought that were captured in their comments. This input gives everyone involved in planning an excellent foundation for moving forward," said Colorado College President Jill Tiefenthaler. "We're encouraged by the outpouring of thoughtful input from the community into this important process," said Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center CEO David Dahlin. "The value of the community's perspectives can't be overstated as our mission continues to be primarily to the community at large. Hearing from so many what they value about the FAC and what they hope for the future will inform this next phase as we begin to develop programmatic directions that integrate the needs and hopes of both the CC community and the Colorado Springs community." The community comments will now be compiled, reviewed and considered in the next phase of the strategic planning process. The subcommittees will review the emerging themes for each of the Fine Arts Center's three program areas (click on the link to see the emerging themes in each area): the museum, Bemis School of Art and performing arts, and begin to draft program planning. The community comments and feedback reveal several overlapping themes that have surfaced in the various subcommittees' work. These include:
Using the unique opportunities presented by the CC-FAC alliance to serve as a bridge to and between various communities
Increasing access to and engagement with broader communities
Preserving and enhancing programming for new and existing communities
Leveraging resources and proximity of programs between CC and the FAC
On Feb. 1, 2017, the draft program plans will be shared with the broader community. From there, the timeline is as follows:
March 15, 2017: Subcommittees submit final program plans to the Strategic Planning Committee
April 2017: Strategic Planning Committee shares the draft comprehensive plan with the broader community
May 1, 2017: Strategic Planning Committee submits the final comprehensive plan to the Strategic Plan Oversight Committee
On or before June 30, 2017: Strategic Plan Oversight Committee approves the plan
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY THE NUMBERS:
Broad community outreach: (# of participants) Four listening sessions (287) One faculty/staff open house (106) Five CC academic department meetings (34) Online input at the CSFAC website (60) Physical comment cards (81) Total: (568) Subcommittee outreach: 23 large group sessions (including area young professionals) (582) 13 focus groups (94) One electronic survey (298) Total: (974) Number of actual comments received: Listening sessions (181) Website online input (273) Comment cards (367) Total: (821) Comments are still being accepted (webpage includes a comment area) and more information is available at: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/csfac
Shrek: The Musical Press Release
Enjoy "Shrektacular" Family Theatre this Holiday Season
COLORADO SPRINGS (Oct. 26, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theatre Company presents Shrek: The Musical Dec 1, 2016-Jan 8, 2017. Nominated for nine Tony Awards, the most famous ogre of all time arrives for the holidays in this hilarious spectacle based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and book by William Steig. Shrek: The Musical follows an unlikely hero and his wisecracking, best friend Donkey on a journey of a lifetime to rescue a feisty, headstrong princess. The sidesplitting tale brings all of the beloved characters from the film to life on stage with all new jokes by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, and songs from Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori. Irreverent fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie with attitude and more than a dozen other fairytale misfits, and Shrek must learn to see the true hero within to succeed. The 21-member ensemble of Shrek includes David Wiens (Shrek), Maggie Davenport (Fiona), Danny Wilfred (Donkey), Max Ferguson (Lord Farquaad), Alex Campbell (Dragon), Kevin Pierce (Pinnochio), Rebecca Myers (Gingy), Ellie Levy, Ella McCaughley, Arielle Miagkov, Alannah Vaughn, Thomas Voss, Sammy Gleason, Tracy Hedding, Micah Spiers, Adam Blancas, Parker Fowler, Nate Ferrick, Casey Fetters, Carmen Shedd, and Micah Wilborn. Directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson, with tap dance choreography by Zachary Guzman, the collaborative team also includes Christopher L. Sheley (Scenic Design), Holly Rawls (Lighting Design), Lex Liang (Costume Design), Jonathan Eberhardt (Prosthetic and Make-Up Design), and Jerry McCauley (Musical Director).
SHREK: THE MUSICAL
When: Dec 1-Jan 8; see website for specific show dates and times Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Start at $20; Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15 (subject to availability); convenient group sales options offered with special benefits and savings from 10-25% off single ticket prices. More: Shrek: The Musical Day Camps offer kids 6-13 a fun, educational experience complete with a tour of the theatre and hands on interactions with the set, a dance class from a professional actor, a personal meet-and-greet with the cast members, and more! Even more: Winter Lights at the FAC – a month of festive programming featuring a nostalgic How the Grinch Stole Christmas art exhibition, seasonal art classes, a gallery of artist decorated trees, Shrek: The Musical, and other special Winter Lights events. Marvel, laugh, unwind and build memories at the FAC this holiday season.
Halloween Bash Press Release
The FAC Halloween Bash is back and bigger than ever! The dark side just got glamorous
COLORADO SPRINGS (Oct. 4, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is excited to announce the fourth annual Halloween Party, GothGlam Bash, Oct 29 from 7:30p-midnight. Experience the spookiest Halloween party in the most artful venue in town. Prepare for an evening filled with eerie and alluring fun and enter the most creative costume contest in town. Party goers will enjoy live music, dancing, photo booth, tarot card readings, fire dancers, aerial contortionist, acrobatic yoga performances, Taiko drummers, cash bars, food trucks, costume contest with exclusive prizes, and more. The Goth Glam Bash is sponsored by the Yellow Cab Company of Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Springs Independent.
Annual Halloween Party: GothGlam Bash
When: Oct 29, 7:30p-midnaight Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $10 pre-sale, $15 Oct 22-28, $20 at the door Even more: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. Check-out a full listing of FAC Arts Month events including a major museum exhibition opening, concert, family theatre, a Halloween party, and MORE at csfineartscenter.org/events
$3.5 Million in Grants Press Release
COLORADO COLLEGE AND FINE ARTS CENTER RECEIVE $3.5 MILLION IN FOUNDATION GRANTS Gifts follow recent announcement of historic alliance; will support community-wide arts and educational initiatives
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Oct. 3 2016 – Colorado College and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center have received grants from the John E. and Margaret L. Lane Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation to support arts in the community and new educational initiatives. The gifts, which total $3.5 million, come from local as well as national philanthropic foundations, and follow on the heels of the recent announcement about the historic alliance between CC and the FAC. "These incredible investments in the Fine Arts Center and Colorado College are a resounding endorsement of our new partnership and our bright future together," said Colorado College President Jill Tiefenthaler. "The support from these three foundations, as well as the enthusiasm we've heard from the community in the listening sessions, is creating great momentum as we develop a new vision that supports the missions of both the FAC and the college. We are imagining ways that the alliance will create new learning opportunities and enrich arts programming for the entire region. These gifts will help make this exciting future possible." The $2 million grant from the John E. and Margaret L. Lane Foundation is committed to a permanent endowment held by Colorado College for the exclusive support of the Fine Arts Center. This newly established endowment will provide funding in perpetuity for the FAC's diverse, ongoing mission to inspire community vitality through performing arts, visual arts and arts education. The addition of these endowed funds enhances the ability of the Fine Arts Center to build on its decades-long tradition of producing art exhibitions in its museum, theatre and performing arts experiences on its stages, and classes and workshops in the Bemis School of Art. "We believe the mission of the Fine Arts Center is vital to the city of Colorado Springs," said Phil Lane, trustee of the Lane Foundation. "We hope the Lane Foundation's support will inspire others in our community to redouble their investment in this vital institution, now stewarded by Colorado College." Tony Rosendo, who is executive director of the Lane Foundation and a Colorado College trustee, said, "Leveraging new partnerships that now exist as a result of the alliance will benefit both the Fine Arts Center and the college — and ultimately the Colorado Springs community and CC students. These grants represent the beginning of truly exciting possibilities for the arts in our region and for our region from a national perspective." The potential of the recent alliance also has aligned with the priorities of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a leading international foundation making grants in higher education, humanities and the arts, which awarded a $1.2 million grant to forge deeper academic connections between Colorado College and the interdisciplinary arts. The grant will allow Colorado College to expand existing teaching strategies and introduce a more diverse set of individuals on campus and within the community to the arts, with particular focus on programs related to the American Southwest. "The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is pleased to support Colorado College in this important initiative," said Cristle Collins Judd, senior program officer of the Mellon Foundation. "The college's historic dedication to innovative teaching and its commitment to diversity and inclusion now promise to integrate the arts and material culture within the liberal arts curriculum at Colorado College in ways that will benefit both students and, more broadly, the Colorado Springs community." A major gift to the Fine Arts Center from the Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation also supports educational initiatives by providing a scholarship fund for youth who show interest, initiative and talent in visual arts and who don't have the financial resources to undertake serious arts education. The $330,000 gift was made to the Fine Arts Center Foundation, which continues alongside the alliance with the college. The Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation has funded arts education and aspiring visual artists for many years, and this year, their board made the decision to close the foundation and disperse its assets to like-minded arts programs. This carries on the legacy of their founder, Marie Walsh Sharpe, and is being made in honor of the foundation's late executive director, Joyce Robinson, who had deep ties to the Fine Arts Center and served as the FAC's director of education for many years. "We are pleased to continue an important tradition of supporting youth in our community who aspire to achieve success in the visual arts through the Fine Arts Center's excellent programming," said Steve Mulliken, board president of the Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation. "Marie and Joyce would be happy to know that financial barriers will not keep young people in our community from receiving quality visual arts education, thanks to this scholarship fund at the FAC Foundation." "These new commitments provide validation of the synergy that is possible between these important institutions," said David Dahlin, CEO of the Fine Arts Center. "We expect that this is only the beginning of exciting new developments as we begin planning for our combined future."
About Colorado College
Colorado College is a nationally prominent, four-year liberal arts college that was founded in Colorado Springs in 1874. The college operates on the innovative Block Plan, in which its approximately 2,000 undergraduate students study one course at a time in intensive 3½-week segments. The college also offers a master of arts in teaching degree. For more information, visit www.coloradocollege.edu.
About the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof, thus leading to what is now known as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC). The Penrose family donated the land for the building, Alice Bemis Taylor donated her Southwestern art collection and library, and Elizabeth Sage Hare served as the FAC's first President of the Board of Trustees. The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately funded, nonprofit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Alliance of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and traveling exhibitions, in performing arts as a TCG member theatre company, and in arts education through the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For more information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
Too Much Light Press Release
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind 30 plays in 60 minutes
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept. 29, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theatre Company opens the late-night Studio Series with Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind, an amalgamation of Neo-Futurist pieces. This witty collection of comic, tragic, political, personal and abstract plays is directed by Scott RC Levy and runs Oct 21-Nov 19 in the FAC's intimate Music Room. Having opened in 1988 and still playing today as the longest-running show in Chicago history, Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind is an ensemble experiment in presenting 30 plays in 60 minutes. Each two-minute play is performed in random order with an interactive audience. A 60-minute timer starts and the goal is for the audience and the actors to perform all 30 plays in 60 minutes or less. And if the performance is sold out, we order out! At sold-out performances pizza will be delivered in the middle of the show for the entire audience to enjoy. The cast for Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind includes Mackenzie Beyer, Mark Cannon, Anna Faye Hunter, Jordan Matthews, Jareth Spirio, and Kelley Wick.
When: Oct 21-Nov 19 (Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30p) *No performance on Saturday, Oct 29 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $20 ($18 members) Even more: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. Check-out a full listing of FAC Arts Month events including a major museum exhibition opening, concert, family theatre, a Halloween party, and MORE at csfineartscenter.org/events
Surls & Locke Press Release
All I Ever Wanted: James Surls & Charmaine Locke A monument to the mutual pursuit of artistic visions between husband and wife
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept. 20, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) announces a major exhibition showcasing the art of James Surls and Charmaine Locke. One of their rare exhibitions together as husband and wife, All I Ever Wanted is a monument to the symbiotic relationship between their love for one another and their stunning bodies of work. This exhibition runs Oct 15, 2016 through Jan 15, 2017 with a special artist talk, included with museum admission, on Oct 15 at 11a. Born in East Texas, James Surls has been creating works since the 1970s. Along with his wife, artist Charmaine Locke, the two have lived in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado since 1997. Each partner acts as a muse for the other, and their relationship is an essential force of inspiration in their works. Producing primarily large-scale sculpture and 2-D works, the couple regularly focuses on themes of nature, abstraction and cosmic ideology, with the dichotomy of masculine and feminine qualities appearing in both of their works. James Surls' works have been featured in major exhibitions and collected by many major institutions such as the Dallas Museum of Fine Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Charmaine Locke's works are in many public and private collections and have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions locally and internationally at institutions such as the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, TX, The Jung Center, the Strait Jesuit Art Museum, The National Museum of China in Beijing, the Museo de la Nacional in Lima, Peru, the Delhi in India, California State University, Maryland Institute, and the University of Hawaii.
All I Ever Wanted: James Surls and Charmaine Locke
When: Oct 15, 2016-Jan 15, 2017 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: Non Members $10-$15; Members are free Something else: Members-Only Preview is Friday, Oct 14 from 5-7p Even more: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. Check out a full listing of FAC Arts Month events at csfineartscenter.org/events
The Stinky Cheese Man Press Release
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Madcap Versions of Children's Favorite Tales
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept. 14, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theatre Company turns classic fairy tales inside out for the season's first Family Series production: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. The one-hour show, with a host of crazy characters and silly songs, is directed by Meghann Henry (making her FAC debut) and runs Sept 30-Oct 30 in the FAC's beautiful Music Room. Though the characters may be familiar, each of your favorite storybook fables is uproariously derailed in this musical adaptation of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith's quintessential children's book of fractured fairy tales. Everything from Chicken Little to The Gingerbread Man gets a complete makeover. Fun music and witty narration accompany the likes of ineloquent giants, sassy barnyard animals, colossal cow pies and enough stinky cheese to go around. The cast for The Stinky Cheese Man includes Adam Blancas, Will Edelson, Parker Fowler, Heidi Guzman, Brittany Merritt, Mallori Rouse and Jareth Spirio. The production team includes scenic design by Christopher L. Sheley, costume and puppet design by Janson Fangio and musical direction by Jerry McCauley II. Author Jon Scieszka is the National Ambassador for Children's Literature emeritus and the bestselling author of more than 25 books for kids, including Math Curse, Robot Zot!, and the Time Warp Trio series. Lane Smith has written and illustrated numerous books, most recently There Is A Tribe of Kids. He is the author and illustrator of Grandpa Green which was a 2012 Caldecott Honor book and It's a Book which was on the New York Times bestseller list for over six months and has been translated into over 20 languages.
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
When: Sept 30-Oct 30 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $20 ($18 members), $10 Kids 12 and under Something else: As a theatre patron you receive discounted admission to the museum on the day of your ticketed performance. Even more: The cast meets and greets the audience after every performance. With copies of the book available for purchase, get it autographed by the whole company and take a photo that will be a lasting memory! October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. Check-out a full listing of FAC Arts Month events at csfineartscenter.org/events
Oct/Nov First Friday Press Release
FAC First Friday Art Parties Celebrate Day of the Dead
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept 13, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's First Friday Art Parties on Oct 7 and Nov 4 present an exciting show for the time-honored Day of the Dead celebration with works on view and on sale Oct 7-Nov 27, 2016. The opening reception event on Oct 7 also includes a traditional invocation dance by Grupo Folklorico Sabor Latino at 5:30p. Also known in Spanish as El Dia de los Muertos, this celebration honors those who have passed on to the next world with ceremonial elements rooted in Aztec culture. The FAC's version of this celebration includes an invitational selection of Colorado artists whose work exemplifies traditional Day of the Dead artwork.
Participating artists include:
Carlos Fresquez, Quintin Gonzalez, George Rivera, Tony Ortega, Azul DelGrasso, Josiah Lee Lopez, David Ocelotl Garcia, Judy Miranda, Terry Sanchez, Roberto Rodriguez, Jerry Vigil. About Jerry Vigil, Artist & Co-Curator Known as "Denver's Dean of the Dead," now residing in Colorado Springs, internationally-exhibited artist Jerry Vigil is a self-taught Chicano artist who creates Santos art (Saint making) and Muertos art (Day of the Dead/El Dia de los Muertos) as a statement of culture. The two styles, both set within a known and sometimes rigid formula, are at opposite ends of a cultural spectrum. Jerry's creative process contemporizes the styles by incorporating modern materials and design. Jerry's artwork has appeared on the cover of Marketing Review and Denver's Westword, at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum in Chicago, inside Lowrider Arte, Denver, and 5280 magazines. Jerry is a profiled artist in the 2005 ASU/Bilingual Press Publication Triumph of our Communities: Three Decades of Mexican American Art. Jerry is also a co-author of a book on El Dia de los Muertos Crafts. Jerry has also received Westword's "Best of Denver" & "Best of Santa Fe Drive" awards for multiple years. Jerry has lectured on his art and art topics at all the major Front Range colleges, has artwork in the Regis Santos teaching collection and artwork in Museums along the Front Range, including the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. About David Ocelotl Garcia David Ocelotl Garcia's work ranges from large-scale interior and exterior murals, painted directly on existing surfaces, panels, cloth and canvas, to mosaic and sculpture. His sculpture is ever expanding and ranges from bronze to mixed media. His art is culturally diverse, inspired by tradition, history, nature, science and everyday life. He creates art using a technique called Abstract Imaginism, a style of art he developed that combines the spontaneity and unpredictability of abstraction with the creativity and perception of his imagination. About Tony Ortega Tony Ortega holds a Masters in Fine Arts in drawing and painting from the University of Colorado and is currently an associate professor for Regis University. He is the recipient of the coveted Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts (1999) and the Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts (1998). He has been a working artist and teacher for the past 33 years and is known for his vibrant, colorful artwork. Tony Ortega's lifelong goal is to contribute to a better understanding of cultural diversity by addressing the culture, history and experiences of Chicanos/Latinos through his art. His work can be found in the Denver Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum and the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center. He has exhibited extensively in the United States, Latin America and other parts of the world.
When: Oct 7 and Nov 4, 5-7:30p Where: Deco Lounge at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: FREE and open to the public Something else: Meet the artist(s), enjoy live music, giveaways, artist demos, and a cash bar Even more: The opening reception event on Oct 7 includes a traditional invocation dance by Grupo Folklorico Sabor Latino. The performance is scheduled for 5:30p and is sponsored by El Cinco de Mayo, Inc. and the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPeR). But wait, there's more: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. Check-out a full listing of FAC Arts Month events at csfineartscenter.org/events
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof, thus leading to what is now known as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC). The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately-funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Alliance of Museums, the FAC offers the best in visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, in performing arts as a TCG and Actor's Equity member theatre company, and in arts education through the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For more information, visit csfineartscenter.org
FAC CC Museum Staff Press Release
FINE ARTS CENTER MUSEUM STAFF BOLSTERED WITH CC ART AND CURATORIAL EXPERIENCE
Combined expertise broadens programming capabilities
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – Sept. 2, 2016 – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center gained new resources Sept. 1 as Colorado College extended existing art and curatorial expertise to the FAC museum. The additions follow the Aug. 25 announcement that CC and the FAC finalized an agreement to join forces. CC assumed management responsibilities for the FAC on Sept. 1. A four-year strategic planning process will start with a focus on the museum, with that vision being implemented beginning in July 2017. Rebecca Tucker, Colorado College associate professor of art, was named museum director, overseeing all operations of the museum including curatorial and educational programs. A professor of art at CC since 2003, Tucker's teaching focus is on art, Southwest studies, and museum studies programs. She has been awarded fellowships at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Institute of Fine Arts at New York University, and was a scholar-in-residence at The Hague's Royal Cabinet of Paintings Het Mauritshuis. Tucker has co-written two books, "Discovering Leonardo" and "Discovering the Great Masters," and has another in progress. In addition, she has published numerous articles on collecting, Dutch art and Rembrandt's work; curated a show of Spanish Colonial art; and presented at art conferences in Amsterdam and across the United States. Tucker holds Ph.D. and master's degrees from New York University's Institute of Fine Arts and a bachelor's degree in history of art from Bryn Mawr College. Jessica Hunter-Larsen, who has served as curator of Interdisciplinary Experimental Arts programming, including the IDEA Space at CC since 2006, was named director of academic engagement/IDEA curator. In this role, Hunter-Larsen will work with the FAC curatorial team to develop innovative approaches to curating, and to build educational connections between the museum, the community and the campus. Hunter-Larsen previously was curator and then executive director of the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls, Montana. She is an instructor of art history and museum studies at CC, and has curated two dozen exhibitions at the IDEA Space. She has presented public lectures and workshops nationally. Hunter-Larsen was awarded the "Curatorial Excellence" and "Excellence in the Arts" awards from the Pikes Peak Arts Council. She holds a master's degree in art history from the University of Colorado-Boulder and a bachelor's degree in modern art from Colorado College. Briget Heidmous, assistant curator at CC, retains the same title but now also works with the FAC museum. She will continue to manage the IDEA Space and Coburn Gallery exhibitions and programming at CC during the 2016-2017 academic year before moving to the FAC. At CC she assists the IDEA curator with collection management, exhibition design and educational outreach initiatives. Heidmous holds a bachelor's degree in studio art from Hastings College, where she specialized in oil and encaustic painting and glass blowing. She has shown her artwork at Hastings College, Manitou Art Center and The Machine Shop, where she completed an artist residency in 2014. Additionally, CC and the FAC hope to add a curator of the Southwest art and ethnographic collection to the museum staff in coming months. Joy Armstrong, most recently acting museum director and chief curator at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, was named curator of modern and contemporary art. She was awarded the Pikes Peak Arts Council Curatorial Excellence and Creative, Intriguing, Astonishing PPAC awards. Previously Armstrong was assistant director of galleries for the Kent State University School of Art, and director of the Eells Gallery in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, as well as senior exhibition technician at the Akron Art Museum. She has curated or co-curated approximately 45 exhibitions, including working in some capacity on the more than 60 titled shows and untitled permanent collection offerings presented at the FAC since March of 2010. She holds a master's degree in art history from Kent State University, where she specialized in contemporary art and body art, and a bachelor's degree in studio art and communications from the University of Denver. Michael Howell, FAC registrar; Jeremiah Houck, FAC preparator; and Lauren Tyson, FAC special projects/admin, continue in their current roles. "One of the important goals of our alliance with Colorado College is to be able to expand our museum staffing," said David Dahlin, president and CEO of the Fine Arts Center. "By adding these CC employees to our existing museum team, we are beginning the integration process and gaining the capacity to dream big." "With this dynamic team, we will build on our strengths," said CC President Jill Tiefenthaler. "We are excited to immediately start our collaboration by combining our expertise and talents, and to start envisioning what our partnership can be. The community is invited to provide input on plans for the FAC at upcoming listening sessions:
Thursday, Sept. 8, 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m., Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Music Room, 30 W. Dale St.
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Colorado College's Packard Performance Hall, 5 W. Cache La Poudre St.
Monday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Music Room, 30 W. Dale St.
More information is at www.coloradocollege.edu/csfac.
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof, thus leading to what is now known as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC). The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately-funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Alliance of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, in performing arts as a TCG member theatre company, and in arts education through the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For more information, visit csfineartscenter.org
Shear Madness Press Release
Hilarious "Whodunit" Opens the 2016-2017 Theatre Season
COLORADO SPRINGS (September 1, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to produce the Rocky Mountain West premiere of Shear Madness, the longest-running non-musical play in America. Directed by Producing Artistic Director, Scott RC Levy, Shear Madness is in performance at the Fine Arts Center from Sept 22-Oct 16. This hysterical, murder-mystery interactive farce makes its Colorado premiere after entertaining over 11 million people worldwide including over 38 years of performances in Boston and 28 years at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Shear Madness has been voted "Best Comedy of the Year" eight times in Boston and "Best Play of the Year" in Chicago and Philadelphia. The madness erupts at your not-so-typical Colorado Springs hair salon, when suddenly the old lady upstairs gets mysteriously murdered and everyone's dying to know whodunit? Get ready to comb through the clues and question the suspects like a bona fide "Shearlock" Holmes. And the best part … it's different every time you see it! The cast includes local favorites Nathan Halvorson (Associate Director of Performing Arts at the FAC), Birgitta DePree (Artistic Director at the Millibo Art Theatre), Rebecca Myers, Nate Ferrick, Michael Lee (PPAC Best Actor winner), and Denver-based Actor C. Clayton Blackwell. Dates to Remember: Sept 21| Pay-what-you-wish final dress rehearsal Sept 22 | Thursday preview Sept 23 | Opening night Oct 1 | 5p performance and exclusive $40 Under 40 package option Oct 6 | Free guided backstage tour following the performance Oct 16 | Free talkback session with the cast following the performance
When: Sept 22-Oct 16, 2016 | Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30p and Sun at 2p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St Tickets: Starting at $20; Student rush tickets can be purchased one hour before the performance at the FAC front desk for $15; High-School Student Matinees are also available Something else: Special $40 under 40 package offered Sat, Oct 1 only (see website for more details) Even more: October is Arts Month! Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community. The goal is to engage the community and encourage every individual to have at least one new cultural experience with friends and family this October. Check-out a full listing of FAC Arts Month events at fac.coloradocollege.edu/events
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof, thus leading to what is now known as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC). The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately-funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Alliance of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, in performing arts as a TCG and Actor's Equity member theatre company, and in arts education through the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For more information, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu
FAC, CC Alliance Press Release
COLORADO COLLEGE, FINE ARTS CENTER ALLIANCE REDEFINES ARTS IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Four-year transition period allows for careful planning, integration
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – Aug. 25, 2016 – Colorado College President Jill Tiefenthaler and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center President and CEO David Dahlin today announced an historic alliance between the two institutions that signals the re-envisioning and redefining of both organizations' contributions to the arts in the region. The partnership supports the missions of both organizations while expanding innovative learning opportunities, arts programming and cultural resources for the greater Colorado Springs community. Today's announcement marks the signing of legal documents by both organizations. "The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is a cultural gem, and I'm excited about the immense possibilities this alliance presents for all involved," Tiefenthaler said. "I look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working to create the most innovative, dynamic and vibrant organization possible. I plan to actively seek community input as together we envision the amazing future potential of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College." "I'm thrilled to help create a strong and vibrant future for the Fine Arts Center that will enable it to thrive and build upon its legacy for another 100 years," Dahlin said. "This is truly a win-win-win agreement benefiting the FAC, CC and the entire community." Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers praised the affiliation. "This partnership, which brings together two of our most prominent institutions in arts and higher education, is something we should all look to as an example of innovative, collaborative future-building," he said. "We all benefit as a community from the expanded and dynamic possibilities this represents in our arts, culture and education sectors." For nearly 100 years, the two institutions have collaborated in a variety of important ways. This includes the FAC serving as the college's de facto art department in the 1920s–1940s, co-hosting an annual Conference on Fine Arts in the 1930s, collaborating on shared programming and exhibitions throughout the decades, and the recent gift in 2015 of the FAC's extensive art publication archives to the Tutt Library at Colorado College. The goal of the alliance goes beyond merging two existing organizations: It seeks to create something new, ground-breaking and forward-looking, leaders of both institutions say. The partnership produces an operational structure that achieves key Colorado College and Fine Arts Center strategic objectives while helping to create long-term sustainability for the Fine Arts Center and solidifying a community goal of a sustainable, ongoing commitment to community fine arts programming. The result will be expanded community offerings and enriched student experiences. Tiefenthaler envisions a year of planning before implementing changes. "We want to hear from those who are committed to the Fine Arts Center as well as bring in new voices," she said. A series of three listening sessions, open to the community, are planned:
8, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Fine Arts Center Music Room
14, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., CC's Packard Performance Hall
26, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Fine Arts Center Music Room
Philanthropic leaders in the Colorado Springs community have pledged their support to this game-changing partnership. "Over the last couple of years, the Fine Arts Center has generated such great programming and great enthusiasm. Yet without public funding, there has been a long-term concern about its sustainability," said longtime FAC supporter Margot Lane. "It has been imperative to find a bold, long-term, strategic solution. This union with Colorado College represents an innovative collaboration that I hope to see more of in our community. The Lane Foundation looks forward to committing significant financial resources to support this alliance." Kathy Loo and Jim Raughton, local philanthropists and long-term patrons of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, have pledged an undisclosed amount to build the endowment to support the Fine Arts Center into the future. "We have a deep love for the Fine Arts Center, its past, its present and its future. We are excited about the sustainability that this alliance has created for our community's signature arts institution and we are committed to see it succeed," Loo said. Alliances between institutions of higher education and nonprofit cultural institutions are an increasingly common model. Many liberal arts colleges and universities have alliances with museums, including Yale University, Harvard University, Williams College, Colby College, Smith College and Amherst College. Others have joined forces with professional theaters such as the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard University, the Syracuse Stage and Syracuse University, Brown University and the Trinity Repertory Theatre. The model is advantageous for both partners, as it allows for additional cultural programming and educational resources, new avenues of fundraising and greater community impact and outreach. Additionally, cultural institutions can cut costs as part of the affiliation with the college or university through shared services. "Noncommercial arts will require the prestige and refuge" of higher-ed institutions, the president of Bard College said when Bard acquired the Longy School of Music in 2011. The president of the Academy of Natural Sciences, which became part of Drexel University in Philadelphia five years ago, said colleges and universities are ideally suited for such partnerships, noting that "they tend to think about collaboration generally and comprehensively." The agreement between Colorado College and the Fine Arts Center calls for a four-year transition period to allow for careful planning and integration. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center will retain its current name until July 1, 2017, when it will become known as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. By July 1, 2020, the Fine Arts Center entity will be fully transferred to the college along with existing donor restrictions on the assets including the building and the art collection. The college will dedicate more than $20 million of its endowment for the ongoing support of the Fine Arts Center. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Foundation will continue as a separate supporting foundation managing the existing FAC $13 million endowment for the mission of the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. "As president of both El Pomar Foundation and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Foundation, I am pleased to see this alliance between the Fine Arts Center and Colorado College," said Thayer Tutt. "Arts institutions around the country are finding that alliances with institutions of higher education create great programming synergies and long-term sustainability. This alliance will allow the Fine Arts Center to build upon its nearly 100-year legacy as the center of our arts community and to develop new initiatives that serve the academic mission of the college, all for the betterment of our region. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Foundation looks forward to working with Colorado College in the years to come to strengthen the bond between the college and the Pikes Peak community." More information is available at www.coloradocollege.edu/csfac/ and fac.coloradocollege.edu/ccalliance/
Colorado Creative Industries Grant Press Release
Colorado Creative Industries Awards the FAC with a Grant
COLORADO SPRINGS (August 11, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) has received a matching grant of $10,000 from Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. This grant was awarded through CCI's Colorado Creates Program and supports general operating costs. State grants are awarded through a competitive process. This grant signifies that the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center provides a high-level of quality in its programs, community service and administrative ability. Supporting the critical infrastructure ensures that the FAC is able to support and maintain its organization as it pursues its mission. Arts and culture are fundamental to a healthy and flourishing community. Supporting the FAC's general operations is an investment in the arts and culture of our community, allowing it to strengthen its collaborations and reach more people through its programming, exhibitions, productions and classes. The FAC's top priority is to focus on what it does best: provide extraordinary arts experiences to the whole community. The grant from CCI supports the FAC's working capital needs in order to help meet its responsibility to the public with confidence.
Colorado Creative Industries
In July 2010, Colorado's new Creative Industries Division merged the former Council on the Arts and Art in Public Places program to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to drive economic growth in Colorado. For more information, visit coloradocreativeindustries.org
In 1919 the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA) was established in the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof, thus leading to what is now known as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC). The FAC, built in 1936, is a privately-funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious BAA, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Association of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, in performing arts as a TCG member theatre company, and in arts education through the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural treasure in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. For more information, visit csfineartscenter.org
Kevin Smith/Jason Mewes Press Release
Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes Return to the FAC – One Night, Two Hilarious Shows!
COLORADO SPRINGS (Aug 1, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is thrilled to bring famed writer, podcaster and film director Kevin Smith, aka Silent Bob, and foul-mouthed sidekick, actor Jason Mewes, aka Jay, back to the stage Dec 14. Smith and Mewes will start off the evening at 7p recording their comedy podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old. Then, Smith will finish the evening with a solo Q&A show at 9:30p. Film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes made history and fans all over the world with the characters Jay & Silent Bob from the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks 2. Ranked #1 on iTunes Comedy podcasts, this is a sometimes touching, always hilarious look at what happens when two people grow up in Hollywood's gaze. These limited engagements will be recorded as the stories evolve live in front of the audience, and released for free on Smodcast.com. Smith's solo Q&A show, An Evening with Kevin Smith, allows audience members to be part of the show in a personal and interactive session where the crowd can ask Smith about anything. During these live question and answer sessions, Smith has answered numerous questions about his films, his start in the movie industry, his longtime friend and fellow actor Jason Mewes and much more. Get up close and very personal, with the man everyone has been waiting to hear from…Silent Bob! Kevin Smith @ThatKevinSmith is the fat guy who got thrown off the plane. He also made Clerks once. Kevin Smith has written and directed numerous films, including Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Red State & Tusk; Creator of AMC's Comic Book Men; authored Silent Bob Speaks, Shootin' the Sh*t with Kevin Smith, My Boring-Ass Life and most recently Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good. He can be heard daily at Smodcast.com, a vast network of podcasts. Jason Mewes Cinema icon Jason Mewes is best known as the potty-mouthed vocal half of Jay and Silent Bob, the on- screen comedic duo who first appeared in Kevin Smith's seminal 1994 indie film Clerks. Mewes would reprise the character five more times on the big screen from 1995 to 2006, becoming a sort of James Bond of mid-90's low budget film—a fast talking, over-sexed but ultimately harmless and likable guy. Bugs Bunny with a boner.
When: Dec 14, 2016 7p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: On sale Friday, Aug 5 | Starting at $36 Something else: Both shows SOLD OUT last year!
When: Dec 14, 2016 9:30p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: On sale Friday, Aug 5 | Starting at $36
Aug/Sept First Friday Press Release
Find Harmony in the Abstract at the FAC's First Friday Art Parties
COLORADO SPRINGS (July 19, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's First Friday Art Parties on Aug 5 and Sept 2 are a great place to chill out this summer and view stunning selections by local artist Betty Ross. Ross' extensive studio career shines in this exhibit as she unites her best talents in representative, narrative abstraction, acrylic, watercolor, and collage works – on view and available for purchase Aug 5-Oct 2, 2016. Betty Ross (Colorado Springs, CO) Betty Ross invites chance and seeks harmony in her studio practice. She endeavors to capture, in the words of Hilton Als, the "rush and chaos of nature" by using different modes and diverse artistic mediums. Some pieces evolve from photographs and on-site sketches, some aim to capture a narrative, while others are simply formal collage explorations. Ross trained as an art historian and has a Master of Arts in Theatre from University of California, Berkeley. She designed and made costumes for UCCS's Theatreworks from 1976-2015. She travels extensively and incorporates ideas gained from these rich experiences into both paintings and costumes. Ross often works onsite in watercolor using the information for larger acrylic works in the studio sometimes adding collage elements – torn paper fragments, antique laces, leather, or shreds of wool. "The gaps between abstraction and the real are actually what fascinate me as a painter— often filled with a narrative or strong emotion that drives the process whether at a pond in Derbyshire, or a cabin in the Sangres." Betty Ross
When: Aug 5 and Sept 2, 5-7:30p Where: Deco Lounge at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: FREE and open to the Public Something else: Meet the artist, enjoy live music, giveaways, artist demos, and a cash bar Even more: First Fridays are offered as part of the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs' First Friday program.
Thoroughly Modern Millie Press Release
Frisky Flappers and Dashing Men Hit the Stage in Thoroughly Modern Millie – A Youth Repertory Ensemble Production
COLORADO SPRINGS (July 7, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's Youth Repertory Ensemble theatre program, the only professional training program for student actors and technicians ages 14-18 in the Pikes Peak Region, presents Thoroughly Modern Millie, a perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment July 28-31, 2016. Based on the 1967 Academy Award-winning film and the winner of six Tony Awards, Thoroughly Modern Millie takes you back to the height of the Jazz Age in New York City, when "moderns" were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the workforce, and rewriting the rules of love. This high-spirited musical romp is a delightful valentine to the long-standing spirit of New York City and the people who seek to discover themselves there. Set in 1922, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of Millie Dillmount, a young girl from Kansas, who comes to New York City in search of a new life for herself. Her grand plan is to find a job as a secretary for a wealthy man and marry him. However, her plan goes completely awry. Get ready for an exciting performance filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men, and a dragon-lady of a villainess audiences will love to hate. Youth Repertory Ensemble The FAC's Youth Repertory Ensemble, currently in its 17th season, is a five-week conservatory training program for aspiring theatre performers, designers and technicians. This year's company consists of 29 students from the greater Pikes Peak region, all of whom auditioned and/or interviewed to be included in the program. Participants in this year's Youth Repertory Ensemble include students who attend: Fountain Valley School, Coronado High School, Palmer Ridge High School, Pine Creek High School, Cheyenne Mountain High School, Discovery Canyon Campus, Palmer High School, Manitou Springs High School, The Colorado Springs School, Falcon Homeschool Program, Academy Online High School, Lewis Palmer High School, Air Academy High School, Rampart High School, St. Mary's High School, and Woodland Park High School. Recent high school graduates in their final year of the program will be attending the following colleges: New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Pace University, and Loyola Marymount University.
When: July 28-31, 2016 | Thu-Sat 7p & Sun 2p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $10; csfineartscenter.org or 719.634.5583
Statement from the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Colorado College
Monday, June 20, 2016 The president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, David Dahlin, and the president of Colorado College, Jill Tiefenthaler, announced on Monday, June 20, 2016, that the respective Boards of Trustees for each organization have voted to take yet another important step forward in developing an alliance between the Fine Arts Center and Colorado College. Leaders of both organizations continue to discuss the potential structure of such an agreement to ensure the greatest success for each organization, their respective stakeholders, and for the benefit of the Colorado Springs community. "This is a big undertaking and we want to do it right," said Colorado College President Jill Tiefenthaler. "This idea came from the community, and we recognize the significance and benefits of the alliance. We are committed to creating a partnership that respects the history of both institutions, and that secures an enduring legacy for the benefit of the Fine Arts Center, Colorado College, and the residents of this region and beyond." "I am excited for what this means for the future of the Fine Arts Center and our community. We don't have all the details worked out but I'm confident that we can create something together that is far superior to what we could do alone," said Fine Arts Center President and CEO David Dahlin. "Our boards are supportive of pressing forward to formalize an agreement that assures the ongoing mission of the FAC for generations to come and that increases our ability to deliver world-class arts programming." An agreement is expected to be finalized later this summer, and an announcement of the formalization of the new relationship will be provided when the information is available.
Summer Exhibitions 2016 Press Kit
Under the Big Top
A Reservoir of Occurrences: Stephen Batura
Salvador Dalí: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso
Summer Exhibition Images
June/July First Friday Press Release
Reconnect with Nature Through Paintings at the FAC
COLORADO SPRINGS (May 25, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pleased to announce the June 3 and July 1 First Friday Art Parties will feature the beautiful oil paintings of local artist Deb Komitor – on view and available for purchase June 3–July 31, 2016. About Deb Komitor Born and raised in Ohio, Deb Komitor spent her childhood enjoying the wealth of nature climbing trees and spending hours in creeks catching tadpoles and butterflies. Always drawing and creating, Komitor received a scholarship to attend Columbus College of Art and Design where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). She then went on to receive her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Colorado State University where she fell in love with Colorado. Komitor moved to Colorado Springs in 1997. She creates her art in a large, light filled studio located in an old school house built in 1902. Komitor finds endless inspiration in all that surrounds her. Her landscape paintings express the joy, wonder and hope she feels in nature through a distinct style all her own. One can feel the energy in each brushstroke as her paintings convey the forces and serenity in nature. "I want my paintings to bring the viewer back to nature. I want them to slow your breath, clear your mind, and ease you into quiet peace," said Deb Komitor. About First Friday at the FAC Since May of 2015, the FAC has presented a number of exhibitions featuring local and regional artists in its Deco Lounge – each celebrated with a vibrant First Friday Art Party which includes artist talks and demonstrations, music, exclusive giveaways to FAC events, a cash bar, and the stunning ambience offered by the chic, historic Deco Lounge event space.
First Friday Art Party
When: June 3 5-7p & July 1 5-7:30p Where: Deco Lounge at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Cost: FREE Admission and Parking Something else: While you're there, be sure and check out the Colorado Originals program featured in the FAC Museum Shop featuring many current and past First Friday artists. The vision of this program is to make collectible, contemporary, Colorado-made artwork accessible to everyone.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's (FAC) story began in 1919 as the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA). After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof. And that's how the FAC came to be, as it is known today. The name was changed to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and an expansive building was created to house a multi-disciplinary center for the arts. The FAC, a privately-funded, nonprofit organization, opened the doors on the exciting architectural treasure in 1936 as an art museum, professional theatre company, and arts education center. The FAC building is considered an architectural landmark in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register for Historical Places. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
Blue Star Program Partnership Press Release
Showing Support and Gratitude for the Military Community through Free and Discounted Arts Experiences
COLORADO SPRINGS (May 17, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is proud to announce that the Blue Star Theatres and Museums program have been renewed for another year. These initiatives recognize the profound contributions of service families and seek to build stronger connections between arts institutions, military families and their communities. The Blue Star Theatres program offers member pricing to military personnel for the purchase of any single theatre ticket throughout the season and the Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to all active duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. With Colorado Springs being home to five military installations: Fort Carson, the United States Air Force Academy, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schriever Air Force Base, the FAC has a long-standing commitment to the military personnel in the community and is pleased to participate in these programs, joining hundreds of cultural institutions around the country. Blue Star Theatres is a partnership among the Theatre Communications Group (TCG) with leadership support provided by the MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. There are currently 153 participating theatres participating in this program. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across the country. Leadership support has been provided by the MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families.
Award-Winning Theatre, Exhibitions and Art School Offerings Slated for the FAC's 2016-2017 Season
COLORADO SPRINGS (May 6, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) has announced the line-up for the 2016-2017 season which starts Sept. 1 and will include world-renowned artists such as James Surls, life-changing workshops like the Military Artistic Healing program, and award-winning theatre productions such as Shrek: The Musical. The FAC has experienced tremendous success in previous seasons. The 2015-2016 theatre season, coming to a close in June, will be the most attended season in FAC history. And recently named Best Museum, Best Theatre Company, and Best Summer Arts Camp in Colorado Springs, momentum is far from slowing at the FAC. Continuing with this upward trend, the 2016-2017 season programming schedule is an impressive line-up that will delight every person who walks through the FAC doors.
James Surls and Charmaine Locke: All I Ever Wanted (Oct. 15, 2016-Jan. 15, 2017)
Claudia Mastrobuono and Jodi Stevens: Limen (Jan. 28-May 7, 2017)
Concurrent exhibitions – Larry Hulst: Front Row Center; Mary Chenoweth Works on Paper; and Don Coen: The Migrant Series (Feb. 18-May 21, 2017)
From Rembrandt to Warhol: Selections from the Mower Collection (June 24-Sept. 17, 2017)
Wendy Mike and Delane Bredvik: Ragnarӧk (July/Aug. 2017-Jan. 2018)
Shear Madness by Paul Portner; Colorado Premiere! (Sept. 22 – Oct. 16, 2016)
Shrek: The Musical Music by Jeanine Tesori, Book & Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Dec. 1, 2016 – Jan. 8, 2017)
Enchanted April by Matthew Barber, from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim (Feb. 9 – 26, 2017)
Bye Bye Birdie Book by Michael Stewart, Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Lee Adams (March 30 – April 23, 2017)
Man of La Mancha by Dale Wasserman, Music by Mitch Leigh, Lyrics by Joe Darion (May 25 – June 18, 2017)
2016-2017 Second Stage Theatre Season
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by John Glore (Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2016)
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind by Greg Allen (Oct. 21 – Nov. 19 2016)
WYNOT Radio Theatre in The Other Coast Caper by Cory Moosman (Jan. 13 – 29, 2017
Junie B. Jones: The Musical Book and Lyrics by Marcy Heisler, Music by Zina Goldrich (Feb. 24 – March 26, 2017)
Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins by Stephen Temperley (April 28 – May 21, 2017)
The partnership with PPLD's Library 21C will continue throughout 2016-2017
The award-winning Military Artistic Healing program will continue throughout 2016-2017
Molly Lord, acknowledged as an elite teacher and visionary, will be back for another Tuned-In Workshop Fall 2016 – discover the secret formula to your toughest and best life questions through music.
Continued to offer hundreds of enriching classes year-round to all ages and skill levels
COLORADO SPRINGS (May 6, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) has announced the blockbuster line-up for the 2016-2017 theatre season. The FAC is overjoyed to bring award-winning theatre productions such as Shrek: The Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, and Shear Madness to the Pikes Peak region in the upcoming season – which kicks off in September, 2016.
Shear Madness (Sept. 22 – Oct. 16, 2016)
Shrek: The Musical (Dec. 1, 2016 – Jan. 8, 2017)
Enchanted April (Feb. 9 – 26, 2017)
Bye Bye Birdie (March 30 – April 23, 2017)
Man of La Mancha (May 25 – June 18, 2017)
2016-2017 Studio & Family-Theatre Season
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2016)
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind (Oct. 21 – Nov. 19 2016)
WYNOT Radio Theatre in The Other Coast Caper (Jan. 13 – 29, 2017)
Junie B. Jones: The Musical (Feb. 24 – March 26, 2017)
Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins (April 28 – May 21, 2017)
All mainstage productions are performed in the FAC's beautifully-restored 400-seat SaGaJi Theatre. With season subscriptions starting at only $86 and single tickets for each performance starting at $20. For more information on subscription options, call the FAC Box Office at 719.634.5583 or visit csfineartscenter.org to buy tickets today. Shear Madness Sept. 22 – Oct. 16, 2016 By Paul Portner Colorado Premiere! The longest-running play in the history of the American Theatre finally arrives in Colorado! Following 25 years at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and 35 years in Boston (where it has been voted "Best Comedy of the Year" eight times), this hysterical interactive farce makes its Rocky Mountain West premiere after entertaining over 11 million people worldwide. The madness erupts at your not-so-typical Colorado Springs hair salon, when suddenly the old lady upstairs gets mysteriously murdered and everyone's dying to know whodunit? Get ready to comb through the clues and question the suspects like a bona fide "Shearlock" Holmes. And the best part … It's different every time you see it! "A Legitimate Phenomenon!" —Variety Shrek: The Musical Dec. 1, 2016 – Jan. 8, 2017 Music by Jeanine Tesori | Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the book by William Steig Nominated for 9 Tony Awards! The most famous ogre of all time arrives for the holidays in this hilarious spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film! Shrek: The Musical follows this beloved unlikely hero and his wisecracking, best friend Donkey on a journey of a lifetime to rescue a feisty, headstrong princess. Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie with attitude and more than a dozen other fairytale misfits, and Shrek must learn to see the true hero within to succeed. The sidesplitting tale brings all of the beloved characters from the film to life on stage with all new jokes by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, and songs from Jeanine Tesori (Tony Award-winning composer of Fun Home). Irreverent fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. "Shrektacular. A great show for all the family" —Sunday Telegraph "A big hit. Brilliant show. Tremendous" —Daily Express Enchanted April Feb. 9 – 26, 2017 By Matthew Barber, from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim This delightful romantic comedy based on the beloved novel comes to the FAC for the first time, following 500 critically-acclaimed productions worldwide. Feeling lost in the shadows of marriage and post-WWI society, two unhappy London housewives rent a villa in Italy for a ladies-only holiday away – reluctantly recruiting a pair of difficult upper-class women to share the cost and the experience. Together, among the wisteria blossoms and the Mediterranean sunshine, the four women clash — and then begin to bond and bloom — until men once again upset the balance. "As good as they come … a lush, thoroughly refreshing theatrical holiday. A magical triumph." —LA Times "A play where every single element falls perfectly into place … a show that leaves you positively glowing." —NY Theatre Bye Bye Birdie March 30 – April 23, 2017 Book by Michael Stewart | Music by Charles Strouse | Lyrics by Lee Adams The first Rock 'N' Roll Musical, this modern classic takes the stage in an all new production. It's the late 1950's and teenagers from across the United States are going crazy for handsome rock star, Conrad Birdie. Disaster strikes when Conrad receives a draft notice to join the military. His manager stages a publicity stunt for Conrad to kiss one lucky fan on The Ed Sullivan Show before he leaves for the army. Conrad Birdie gets more than he bargained for when he arrives in Sweet Apple, which is reeling with excitement for his visit. Songs like An English Teacher, What Did I Ever See in Him?, Put on a Happy Face, One Boy, A Lot of Livin' to Do, Kids, Rosie and Spanish Rose are musical theatre classics. No wonder Birdie won four Tony Awards® and remains one of the most captivating shows of our time. "Fifty years on, 'Bye Bye Birdie' is still as light, frothy, and irresistible as an egg cream." —The New Yorker Man of La Mancha May 25 – June 18, 2017 Written by Dale Wasserman | Music by Mitch Leigh | Lyrics by Joe Darion A celebrated Broadway hit and winner of five Tony Awards®, Man of La Mancha is a remarkable show and one of the great theatre successes of the 20th century. It will leave you breathless with a score including the touching ode to romance, Dulcinea, the heroic, I, Don Quixote and the unforgettable, The Impossible Dream. Inspired by one of the greatest novels of all time, Man of La Mancha features Miguel de Cervantes and his faithful servant, who channel the power of storytelling to recount the legend of wannabe knight Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick Sancho as they embark on a journey full of laughter, love and unruly windmills. Man of La Mancha is a theatrical masterpiece sure to captivate all lovers of musical theater! "…inspires its audiences to become better people by treating one another with unfailing respect." —The New Yorker
FAMILY & STUDIO SERIES in the FAC's MUSIC ROOM
All Family & Studio productions are performed in the FAC's gorgeously-intimate 108-seat Music Room. Tickets for each performance are $20 for non-members $18 for FAC members and $10 for kids 12 and under (family-theatre shows only). The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales *FAMILY SERIES Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2016 By John Glore | Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith Though the characters may be familiar, each of your favorite storybook fables is uproariously derailed in this musical adaptation of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith's quintessential children's book of fractured fairy tales. Everything from Chicken Little to The Gingerbread Man gets a complete makeover. Fun music and witty narration accompany the likes of ineloquent giants, sassy barnyard animals, colossal cow pies and enough stinky cheese to go around. Most enjoyed by ages 5 and up. Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind (30 Plays In 60 Minutes) *STUDIO SERIES Oct. 21 – Nov. 19 2016 By Greg Allen Having opened in 1988 and still playing today as the longest-running show in Chicago history, Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind is an ensemble experiment in presenting "30 Plays in 60 Minutes." Each two-minute play is performed in random order with an interactive audience. An onstage 60-minute timer keeps everyone honest. This is a witty collection of comic, tragic, political, personal and abstract plays. Ready, set, GO! "The most clever, most urgent show in town." —Chicago Theatre WYNOT Radio Theatre in The Other Coast Caper *STUDIO SERIES Jan. 13 – 29, 2017 By Cory Moosman and Sammy Gleason This hilarious troupe returns for their fourth residency at the FAC. This newest episode is a theatrical SPOOF of the golden age of radio – a time when men were men, dames had moxie, and the sound of adventure filled the air waves! The Colorado Springs Gazette calls it a "hilarious send-up of old-time radio," complete with twistedly nostalgic commercials, hysterical 'off-air' actor interaction and audience participation. This ain't your Grandpa's Old Time Radio Show! The WYNOT Radio Theatre Show is an evening of side splitting comedy you don't want to miss! Junie B. Jones: The Musical *FAMILY SERIES Feb. 24 – March 26, 2017 Book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler | music by Zina Goldrich | Based on the book series by Barbara Park A delightful adaptation of the best-selling children's book series brought to life in a genuinely comical and not strictly-for-kids musical. It's Junie B.'s first day of first grade and a lot of things have changed for her. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. "A spirited entertainment. It brought a joyful reaction from youngsters and contributed enough visual and verbal humor to keep the adults entertained, too." —NY Times Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins *STUDIO SERIES April 28 – May 21, 2017 By Stephen Temperley For more than half a century, the name Florence Foster Jenkins has been guaranteed to produce explosions of derisive laughter. Not unreasonably so, as this wealthy society eccentric suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano when she was in fact incapable of producing two consecutive notes in tune. Nevertheless, she received extraordinary fame, and the climax of her career was a single concert at Carnegie Hall in 1944. Famously, it sold out in two hours. Souvenir, by turn hilarious and poignant, tells her story. "A beguiling comic jewel with a heart." —Variety "A wildly funny and surprisingly touching portrait." —Time Out NY Veronika String Quartet *STUDIO SERIES Nov. 6, Dec. 18, April 9, July 2 The award-winning classical quartet continues their impressive residency at the FAC with four concerts over the course of the season, featuring some of the finest performers in the Pikes Peak region.
ACTORS' EQUITY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theatre Company has recently signed a seasonal two-year Letter of Agreement with Actors' Equity Association, the union which represents more than 50,000 professional stage actors and stage managers nationwide. The Letter of Agreement, which was individually negotiated for the FAC, references many of the terms and conditions of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) Agreement and is used by a theater when it progressively moves over a period of time into a standard Equity agreement. This agreement formalizes and increases the number of Equity contracts that the FAC will grant over the course of each season. Each mainstage production will feature at least two Actors and one Stage Manager signed to an Equity contract in the 2016-2017 season, increasing to three actors per production in the 2017-2018 season. While the FAC has been hiring Equity actors for more than a decade, this agreement elevates the standing of the FAC in the greater Colorado and American Theatre field, and in turn makes the FAC the largest professional theatre company in Southern Colorado. Actors' Equity Association ("Equity") Founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 50,000 Actors and Stage Managers. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors' Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions.
Discovery Gallery Press Release
Generous Gift Paves Way for an Interactive Discovery Gallery
COLORADO SPRINGS (April 26, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pleased to announce it has received a major gift of $1,000,000 to develop and launch a 21st-century interactive museum gallery space. The FAC will immediately begin the process of researching, planning, designing, developing, and ultimately launching the new exhibit. The gallery in which the new discovery installation will live will be named for the generous couple whose gift is making it possible, Catharine and Bart Holaday. "We're thrilled to embark upon this journey with the Fine Arts Center. The opportunity to transform the museum experience for the Colorado Springs community is a really exciting one," said Cathy Holaday. "Cathy is really passionate about the Fine Arts Center, and we want to be a part of ensuring it has a long and successful future," said Bart Holaday. "It's important to us that we invest in progressive, unique ways to enrich the cultural offerings and identity of Colorado Springs." The vision for the space combines cutting-edge digital technology with hands-on experiential activities to complement the FAC's museum programming in ways that help make art and art history come alive. "This gift brings to reality an identified priority that has existed for years, but one which the FAC has lacked the resources to make a reality," said Curator, Joy Armstrong. "We're ecstatic to see this come to fruition." "The Holadays and the FAC share a vision for the organization and for the Colorado Springs community that includes exceptional arts experiences and, in particular, activities that are accessible and relevant to a growing and changing population," said President and CEO, David Dahlin. "We are indebted to Bart and Cathy for investing in a strong future for the FAC. Whether the proposed merger with Colorado College moves forward or not, we will continue to need strong community involvement to create exceptional levels of programming." A definitive timeline for the completion of the project has not yet been developed, but the Fine Arts Center anticipates opening the redesigned space in late spring of 2017.
9 to 5: The Musical Press Release
Show 'em Who's Boss with 9 to 5: The Musical
COLORADO SPRINGS (April 12, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to announce the final Mainstage production of the season and regional premiere, 9 to 5: The Musical May 19-June 12. Directed and choreographed by Associate Director of Performing Arts, Nathan Halvorson, this hilarious new musical based on the blockbuster film is an outrageous, thought-provoking story of friendship and getting ahead in the Rolodex era. Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical boss. They conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do, even in a man's world! 9 to 5: The Musical features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton including her original hit title song, along with her Tony and Grammy-nominated score, including Backwoods Barbie and Shine Like the Sun. "NOTHING gets the comic juices flowing like a workplace revenge fantasy." – LA Times The all-star cast includes Miriam Roth, Jennifer DeDominici, Crystal Mosser, Stephen Day, Jen Lennon, Zachary Seliquini Guzman, Brian McClure, Josh Owen, Alannah Vaughn, Marisa Danielle Hebert, Thomas Voss, Sierra Reynolds, Solveig Olson, Kody Maynard, Jerry McCauley II, Sammy Gleason, Tracy Hedding, Nate Ferrick, Grant Brown, Carmen Vreeman Shedd, and Alex Campbell. Dates to Remember: May 18| Pay-what-you-wish final dress rehearsal May 19 | Thursday preview May 20 | Opening night May 29 | Sunday Afternoon Escape – Enjoy an escape to the theatre while the kids (5-12) have an adventure in art through gallery tours, hands-on art activities and other arts education experiences led by FAC Bemis School of Art instructors. June 2 | Free guided backstage tour June 12 | Free talkback session with the cast
9 to 5: The Musical
When: May 19-June 12, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $20; csfineartscenter.org or 719-634-5583 Something else: As a theatre patron you receive discounted admission to the museum on the day of your ticketed performance. Even more: Opening June 11 – You have 99 days to be amazed by our summer exhibitions featuring Salvador Dalí, John Singer Sargent, Marc Chagall, Cindy Sherman, Walt Kuhn, Stephen Batura, and more!
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, established in 1936, is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious Broadmoor Art Academy, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Association of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, as a TCG member theatre company, and arts education with the FAC's Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural landmark in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register for Historical Places. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
Ivy & Bean: The Musical Press Release
Family-Friendly Fun with Ivy & Bean: The Musical
COLORADO SPRINGS (March 24, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to announce the production of Ivy & Bean: The Musical based on The New York Times best-selling children's book series by Annie Barrows April 28-May 8. Directed by producing Artistic Director Scott RC Levy, this one-hour musical adaptation about the unexpected friendship between two very different second graders is suitable for all ages and most enjoyable for 3rd-5th graders. The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they would never like each other. Bean is loud, wild and goofy. Ivy is quiet and full of ideas. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister and needs a place to hide, Ivy comes to the rescue. When the two become a team, there's mischief and laughter at every turn — along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joy of family, friendship and love. The cast includes Mallori Rouse, Kevin Pierce, Tia Luber making her FAC debut, and FAC Youth Repertory alumni Casey Fetters, Gretchen Vosburgh, and Evan Lennon.
Ivy & Bean: The Musical
When: April 28-May 8 | Thurs, Fri, Sat 6p; Sat 1p; Sun 1p & 4p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: $20; $18 Members; $10 Kids 12 and under Something else: Following each performance the cast will be available for photographs and signatures and Ivy & Bean books and merchandise will be available for purchase before and after each performance. Even more: Join the FAC for a bookfair on April 23 at Barnes & Noble on Briargate Blvd. from 12-4p. Enjoy a story time, coloring sheets, Ivy & Bean inspired activities, and enter to win FAC exclusive prizes! Plus, if you purchase in store or online April 23-28 using bookfair ID#11837259, a portion of the proceeds will support the FAC's Student Matinee Program.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, established in 1936, is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, performing arts theatre and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious Broadmoor Art Academy, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Association of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, performing arts through the FAC Theatre Company, and arts education with the Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural landmark in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register for Historical Places. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
April/May First Friday Press Release
Weather the Storm at the FAC's Exciting First Friday Art Party
COLORADO SPRINGS (March 18, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) announces its First Friday exhibition for April and May will feature the photography of four Colorado-based Storm Chasers: David Mayhew, Eric Treece, Caryn Hill, and Roger Hill. This exhibition is presented as part of Pollinate: Biennial Arts Collaboration, exploring the theme of energy across southern Colorado. Holly Parker curated this special exhibition, Storm Chasers, for the FAC's Deco Lounge to showcase the energy of the skies. The works included in Storm Chasers is on view and available for sale April 1 through May 29, 2016 – with special First Friday Art Parties on April 1 (5-7p) and May 6 (5-7:30p).
DAVID MAYHEW (Fort Collins, CO)
David Mayhew chose photography as his life's work in 2003 and studied photography at the College of DuPage near Chicago where he also joined forces with the meteorology program. Mayhew has seen unique and beautiful sights including the largest ever recorded tornado – 2.6 miles wide in El Reno, Oklahoma in May 2013. Based in Fort Collins, Mayhew is ideally located for heading east to tornado alley or west to explore mountain landscapes.
ERIC TREECE (Elizabeth, CO)
Eric Treece is a professional storm chaser and videographer with over ten years of experience capturing extreme weather. Treece's photography and videos are regularly featured on numerous national news broadcasts including: The Weather Channel, CNN and Fox News, among others. Much of Treece's weather expertise comes from his experience as a Great Lakes Ship Master at the helm of the S.S. Wilfred Sykes, where weather is just as unpredictable on the water as it is on the plains. In 2010, he released a full-length video capturing a decade of chase seasons titled Unleashed Fury.
CARYN HILL (Bennett, CO)
Caryn Hill works to create photographs that provide a unique perspective on nature's unbridled fury from a vantage point most will never experience in person. Her photographs reflect not only this exciting point of view, but also the emotion sparked by an unusual camera angle, a thought-provoking composition, or simply a quiet, reflective moment in time. Hill chases storms with fellow photographer and husband, Roger Hill, also included in this exhibition.
ROGER HILL (Bennett, CO)
For nearly three decades, Roger Hill has spent close to 150 days a year in pursuit of thunderstorms to create videos and photographs of these momentous occasions. Hill has witnessed and photographed over 650 tornadoes, thousands of thunderstorms and tens of thousands of lightning strikes. In addition to chasing storms, Roger leads photography tours throughout the Southwest with his wife Caryn Hill.
First Friday Art Walk at the FAC
When: April 1 from 5-7 & May 6 from 5-7:30p Where: Deco Lounge at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: FREE and open to the Public Something else: Storm Chasers is presented as part of Pollinate 2016. Pollinate is a biennial arts festival convening arts organizations in Southern Colorado to explore one compelling theme through exhibitions, events, and experiences. The 2016 theme is energy. Pollinate will energize the region and demonstrate the power of the arts in collaboration through a one-week festival of events April 1–9, 2016 across Colorado Springs; programs will take place from mid-March to mid-May. Visit www.PollinateCOS.com for details on specific exhibitions and events. Even more: On April 1, the Colorado Springs Dance theatre will perform a sneak peak of Shakti – embracing the female principle of divine energy through music, dance and film in the Smith Glass Gallery at 5:30p and 6:15p. Even more: On May 6, the FAC will announce the 2016-2017 season. Join us at 6p in the SaGaJi theatre to hear all about the exciting programming scheduled for the upcoming year.
First Friday at the FAC
Since May of 2015, the FAC has presented a number of exhibitions featuring local and regional artists in the FAC's Deco Lounge. Each exhibition is celebrated with a vibrant First Friday Art Party, which is free and open to the public and includes, artist talks and demonstrations, music, giveaways, a cash bar, and the stunning ambience offered by this chic, historic venue.
Colorado State Historical Fund Grant Press Release
Colorado State Historical Fund Awards Grant to the FAC
COLORADO SPRINGS (March 8, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant of $200,000 from the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF). This grant will allow the FAC to complete the Exterior Restoration Project, which is a significant phase in an ongoing effort to repair and address areas of concern related to the 80-year old historic building. This phase focuses on three main components: weatherproofing from the elements, the integrity of the exterior, and the safety of our patrons. SHF grants are awarded through a competitive process. This grant signifies that the FAC values high-quality historic preservation and demonstrates strong public and community support. The Exterior Restoration Project will increase preservation awareness in Colorado Springs and throughout Colorado. The project will focus on urgent repairs to the exterior of the building that must be addressed before further damage to the historic building is caused, or that are crucial because they present a safety issue to both patrons and the building. All aspects of the Exterior Restoration Project are related to the original historic building. The Fine Arts Center will match the grant with $67,584 to address the following key areas:
The Exterior Masonry Stairs
The Stone Foundation Wall
The Original Balconies: Deco Lounge, The Library, and El Pomar Corridor
Exterior Doors and Windows
The Café Balcony
The completion of this Exterior Rehabilitation Project will ensure long-term preservation of the exterior and provide a weather-tight shell in which to begin interior rehabilitation in the future. "This preservation work is integral to our history as a unique cultural pillar of the Rocky Mountain region and our mission of providing innovative, educational and multi-dimensional arts experiences. As a significant destination for residents and tourists, this building is at the heart of our community, and contributes to the soul and distinct sense of place for this region," said FAC President and CEO David Dahlin. To follow the Exterior Rehabilitation Project's progress, please sign-up to receive e-news from the FAC and follow us on Facebook.
History Colorado and the State Historical Fund
History Colorado comprises the Colorado state history museum as well as the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office. By mandate of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, every state must maintain a State Historic Preservation Office to monitor the treatment of historic resources, administer preservation programs, and uphold historic preservation laws. In Colorado, this office is called the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's story begins as a burgeoning art colony at the foot of Pikes Peak. Colorado Springs founder Gen. William Jackson Palmer had envisioned a city he nicknamed "Little London" — an oasis of culture and refinement amidst the untamed rugged landscape — and from 1919 to 1935, artists from around the country streamed in to make that happen. In the former home of philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose, they established the Broadmoor Art Academy (BAA). After the Great Depression hit in 1929, the BAA looked at diversifying further, expanding into an entire arts district under one roof. And that's how the Fine Arts Center came to be. Julie Penrose donated the land. Alice Bemis Taylor donated her Southwestern art collection and library. Elizabeth Sage Hare volunteered to serve as the first President of the Board of Trustees. They enlisted acclaimed architect John Gaw Meem to design a cutting-edge arts center, one that wove elements of Pueblo structures and Native American iconography with Art Deco styles into a grand building that would later earn a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center remains a privately funded, non-profit art museum, performing arts theatre and arts education center. One of 16 charter members of the American Association of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, as a TCG member theatre company, and arts education with the Bemis School of Art. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
2016 Theatre School Press Release
The FAC Theatre School is the Perfect Place for Aspiring Theatre Artists
COLORADO SPRINGS (March 3, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to announce the 2016 Theatre School offerings. The FAC Theatre School offers innovative, comprehensive professional theatre training programs for students ages 5-18 in the Pikes Peak Region. Musical theatre, Shakespeare, Design, Acting, Choreography, Play Analysis and Stage Combat are just a sampling of the rich curriculum offered by the FAC's award-winning professional staff of instructors. The FAC Theatre Company believes that the developing of theatrical skills is a life-long journey and has created a training program that begins at a young age and is specifically designed to foster development up to high school graduation. Students become part of the FAC family as they pursue further training in the arts. The FAC's annual Theatre School program is comprised of the following classes:
Ages 14–18
Auditions are Sunday, April 3
Five-week intensive June 27-July 31
$900 ($850 Members)
Program culminates in a public performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie
The Youth Repertory Theatre program is the only professional training program for student actors and theatre technicians in the Pikes Peak Region. The FAC Theatre Company offers students interested in pursuing careers in performance and/or design and technical theatre a five-week intensive training program. The serious theater student will get comprehensive, hands-on training through a rigorous class schedule that combines master classes along with a structured rehearsal period and performance experiences. The performance and technical tracks of the program have been designed for both new and returning students in order to develop basic skills as well as foster continual learning and growth. All students will work with a qualified and professional teaching staff, choreographers, directors, and designers, all of whom currently work extensively throughout the United States. This includes director, Nathan Halvorson, and the staff of the FAC Theatre Company. Introductory and advanced studies in the theory and practice of technical theatre are offered. Both are designed to challenge creativity, encourage development of problem solving skills and prepare students for a career in the technical crafts of the entertainment industry. Upon completion of the design and technical track, students will have the technical theatre skills necessary to participate in upcoming FAC Theatre Company Main Stage productions. The performance track has a long history of preparing students for an acting career. Some of the alumni have received full scholarships to college and many have been seen in FAC Main Stage productions.
Budding Thespians
One-week class June 20-June 24, 9a-11a
Program culminates in a public performance of a collection of songs and scenes showcasing material from the upcoming 2016-2017 season
It's time once again to raise the curtain on the youngest performers. This class is perfect for the scene-stealing stars and the budding thespians waiting quietly in the wings. Students will sing, dance and act their way into the magical world of musical theatre. Students will learn songs and dances from shows that will be featured in the FAC's 2016/2017 theatre season. Every day will be filled with music, movement and adventure!
Ages 9–13
Two-week class June 6-June 17, 9a-12:15p & 12:45-4p
$225 ($200 Members) & $350 ($325 Members)
Program culminates in a public performance of Much Ado About Nothing and Willy Wonka Jr.
Shaping Shakespeare Get to know the greatest playwright of all time. Relish the journey of learning how to collaborate, develop characters and tell a story through the use of Shakespeare's delightfully complex language. Emerging artists will love this natural extension of their previous theatrical endeavors. Musical Theatre Madness Who doesn't love a musical filled with exuberant dancing, rich singing and focused acting? This musical theatre intensive for emerging artists is designed to take triple threats to the next level. A can't miss for students interested in all aspects of America's greatest art form – the musical. The Best of Both Worlds: Shakespeare and Musical Theatre For the student who doesn't want to choose! Emerging artists will spend half of the day in the Shaping Shakespeare class and the other half of the day in the Musical Theatre Madness class. A can't miss experience for students interested in all aspects of theatre. Students will participate in both emerging artists productions. To register for the FAC's Theatre School visit csfineartscenter.org Questions, contact Nathan Halvorson at nhalvorson@csfineartscenter.org or call 719.477.4340
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, established in 1936, is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious Broadmoor Art Academy, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Association of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, as a TCG member theatre company, and arts education with the Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural landmark in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register for Historical Places. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
Frank Mechau Press Release
FAC Legacy Series: Frank Mechau
His Horses Galloped on the Foundations of the Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (Feb 25, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) announces a major exhibition dedicated to the art of Frank Mechau (1904-1946). Colorado artist Frank Mechau is among the greatest artists associated with early 20th century development of American Art and the FAC's first decades. This third major offering in the FAC Legacy Series, runs March 5 through May 15. This exhibition will explore Mechau's uniquely western vision through a selection of approximately 60 paintings, drawings and prints spanning the artist's career and our very own courtyard mural Wild Horses. Mechau grew up on the Western Slope of Colorado and studied a spectrum of historic and Modern art forms in New York, Paris and throughout Europe. Mechau believed that his "findings in the history of art and aesthetics converged toward the American scene," prompting him back to Colorado to contribute to the development of uniquely American style and subject matter. Mechau taught for the FAC Art School from 1937-38 on the heels of the Broadmoor Art Academy's (BAA) height, and under the continued influence of the BAA's Boardman Robinson. Mechau maintained the Academy's traditional teachings by making the Fine Arts Center a Western focal point for the Works Progress Administration mural projects. Mechau was the first Colorado artist awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship study grant, and he was among the first fellows allowed to use the award at home in the United States. In 1943, Mechau spent the year on cattle ranches traveling to rodeos and creating volumes of preparatory drawings for later paintings and murals. That same year, he was engaged by the Public Works of Art Program committee and offered one of the first mural commissions of the new federal subsistence plan – the beginning of numerous commissions as one of America's foremost public muralists. Throughout its prestigious history, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center museum has curated significant exhibitions dedicated to historic and contemporary regional art. The FAC Legacy Series celebrates the art that continues to represent the spirit of Colorado and the American West through solo exhibitions of work by artists who have worked and/or taught at the FAC. This program, made possible by the generous underwriting of Katherine H. Loo, began in 2012 with the Sandzén in Colorado exhibition. This was the most comprehensive presentation of BAA instructor Birger Sandzén's work in Colorado, and achieved acclaim from visitors and critics alike. The exhibition allowed the FAC to share the rich history of art in Colorado through not only the exhibition and catalogue, but lectures, interpretive material, and related classes. Inspired by both the tradition of the FAC and the success of the Sandzén exhibition, the FAC Legacy Series has continued with stunning exhibitions of work by Charles Bunnell, Eric Bransby, Ellen O'Brien, and Myron Wood.
When: March 5-May 15 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Non Members $10-$18.50; Members are free Something else: The Frank Mechau exhibition catalog is available in the FAC Museum Shop Even more: Members-Only Preview is Friday, March 4 from 5-7p
Statement from the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
February 24, 2016 The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center announced Wednesday, February 24, 2016, that its Board of Trustees voted unanimously on February 18, 2016 to endorse the proposal to consider combining the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center with Colorado College. Over the weekend the Colorado College Board of Trustees also endorsed the proposal. With this decision, both organizations will enter into good faith negotiations and a due diligence period to determine the details of a proposed agreement that would then be brought to the respective boards for further input and final approval. The FAC is encouraged by the potential that this relationship between two complimentary institutions represents to expand on the mission of providing exceptional arts experiences to the community for generations to come. Further information will be provided as it is available.
Peter And The Starcatcher Press Release
Peter And The Starcatcher Brings Whimsical Adventure to the FAC
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan 16, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) announces the regional premiere of Peter & the Starcatcher – the most magical evening of madcap fun this Spring. This play by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker is based on the 2004 novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and is the winner of five Tony Awards®. The FAC production hits the mainstage March 31-April 24. This swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan will have you hooked from the moment you let your imagination take flight. Hailed by The New York Times as "the most exhilarating storytelling on Broadway in decades," this comedy takes a hilarious romp through the Neverland you never knew. A company of a dozen actors play more than a hundred unforgettable characters, all on a journey to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up? Peter and the Starcatcher is directed by Joye Levy (director of previous FAC productions: Play It Again Sam, A Christmas Story, and In The Next Room) and stars Levi Penley, Jordan Leigh, Rebecca Myers, Andrew Wilkes, Sammy Gleason, David Hastings, Omid Dastan Harrison, Michael Lee, Kevin Pierce, Jonathan Andujar, Adam Blancas, and Karl Brevik. Dates to remember: March 30 | Pay-what-you-wish final dress rehearsal March 31 | Thursday Preview April 1 | Opening night April 14 | Free guided backstage tour following the performance April 24 | Free talkback session with the cast following the performance April 2, 9, 16, 23 | Day Camps – offering kids 6-13 a fun, educational experience complete with a tour of the theatre, hands on experiences with the set, a movement class, a meet-and-greet with the leading characters, and more!
When: March 31-April 24, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $20; csfineartscenter.org or 719-634-5583 Something else: As a theatre patron you receive discounted admission to the museum on the day of your ticketed performance. Get access to all galleries for FREE through the run of this production! Even more: The museum and theatre programming in April proudly supports Pollinate. Pollinate is a biennial arts festival convening arts organizations in southern Colorado, such as the Fine Arts Center, to explore one compelling theme through exhibitions, events, and experiences. In 2016 the theme is energy. Pollinate will energize the region and demonstrate the power of the arts in collaboration through a one-week festival of events April 1 – 9, 2016 across Colorado Springs; programs will take place from mid-March to mid-May. Visit www.PollinateCOS.com for details on specific exhibits and events.
January 21, 2016 The president of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, David Dahlin, and the president of Colorado College, Jill Tiefenthaler, announced on Thursday, January 21 that the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Colorado College have entered into substantive conversations about the possibility of forging a future together. The organizations began discussing the potential synergies after being approached by members of the community who are longtime supporters of arts and culture. The two institutions share a long history and have collaborated in both formal and informal ways since the founding of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in 1919. The boards and senior leadership of both institutions are involved in a process of determining if, by joining forces, both institutions would better be able to fulfill their respective missions. Leaders of both institutions are optimistic about the potential, and are approaching these discussions diligently and thoughtfully. At this time, no official decisions have been made other than to continue these conversations and explore the possibilities. Further information will be provided as it is available.
Valentine's Day Press Release
The Art of Romance at the FAC
Make it a Valentine's Day to Remember
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan 21, 2015) — Love and laughter are in the air at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC)! No need to search endlessly for the perfect Valentine's Day gift — the FAC has a wide variety of options to choose from throughout the Valentine's Day weekend! The Perfect Valentine's Day Date Show your significant other the Art of Romance by starting your perfect date with a journey through the 15 galleries in our fine art museum.* Then take in the heartwarming Mainstage theatre production, Driving Miss Daisy, after enjoying a delectable meal at the FAC restaurant, Taste featuring a custom, Prix Fixe menu by Garden of the Gods Gourmet – themed to the show with menu items like Atlanta Sweet Corn Bisque and Idella's Fried Chicken. *Theatre ticketholders can experience our exquisite art museum for FREE the whole weekend and kids 12 and under are free with or without a theatre ticket!) And speaking of kids, if you plan your date for the Sunday, Feb 14 matinee, you can enjoy an escape to the theatre while they (ages 5-12) have an adventure in art led by FAC Bemis School of Art instructors as part of our Sunday Afternoon Escape. My Funny Valentine Love to laugh? Surprise your funny Valentine with tickets to one of our February comedy shows, Gilbert Gottfried Feb 17 and Margaret Cho Feb 25. As a famed comic's comic, Gilbert Gottfried puts aside political correctness for his live performance and fires an onslaught of jokes that know no boundaries. And for comedian Margaret Cho, never one to shy away from a difficult or even 'taboo' topic, there is no subject off limits. These very UN-PC comedians deliver a perfect "naughty" date night. Other Gift Ideas Still searching for the perfect gift? Look no further! Give the gift of art that lasts all year long with an FAC membership. Or, browse for a one-of-a-kind gift (for him or her) at the FAC Museum Shop – offering a treasure-trove of artistic gifts. Be it postcards, calendars, jewelry or original art, we strive to balance quality, artistry, uniqueness and price. Or, let your sweetheart pick for him/herself with a Fine Arts Center gift certificate, redeemable for theatre tickets, museum admission, art classes, and in the Museum Shop. Pricing, reservations, booking and more information can be found on the Fine Arts Center website at csfineartscenter.org or by calling 719-634-5581.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, established in 1936, is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, professional theatre company and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious Broadmoor Art Academy, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Association of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, performing arts as a TCG member theatre company, and arts education with the Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural landmark in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register for Historical Places. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
Driving Miss Daisy Press Release
Driving Miss Daisy – Humor and Heartfelt Emotion Hits the FAC Mainstage in February
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan 20, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) FAC honors Black History Month with one of American theatre's most timeless and touching plays, Driving Miss Daisy, written by Alfred Uhry and directed by Producing Artistic Director, Scott RC Levy. In performance from February 4-21. With humor and heartfelt emotion, Uhry's Pulitzer Prize-winning play poignantly explores the transformative power of true friendship. This production, appropriate for ages ten and up, is set in Atlanta, Georgia from 1948 to 1973. When Daisy Werthan causes a car wreck, her son hires hard-working chauffeur, Hoke Colburn, to look after her. What begins as a hostile clashing of wills between a stubborn Jewish matriarch and a proud African-American man evolves into a decades-long friendship as the two navigate Civil Rights-era Atlanta. In celebration of Black History Month, this play showcases the issues of race and civil rights and the role of African-Americans in U.S. history. "A heartwarming tale about the manner in which two people of goodwill cross the deep ravines of cultural borders and come to an understanding and respect for each other." -The New York Times Driving Miss Daisy was written by Alfred Uhry in 1987and won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Outer Critics Circle Award. The play was then turned into a movie in 1989 starring Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman, and Dan Aykroyd and won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Actress for Tandy. Billie McBride (Daisy) is pleased to be back at the FAC. She was last seen at the FAC as Vera in 4000 Miles. Billie spent 20 years in NYC prior to moving to Colorado. Her Broadway credits include Torch Song Trilogy (Helen Hayes) and Safe Sex (Lyceum). Since moving to Colorado she has received numerous awards and has worked at The Denver Center in The Giver and Benediction, The Arvada Center in The Women, Cabaret, The Importance of Being Earnest, Moon Over Buffalo, Picnic, To Kill A Mockingbird and The Full Monty. Other theaters include And Toto Too, The Pluss at the JCC, TheatreWorks, The Barth Hotel, The Cherry Creek Theatre, Miners Alley Playhouse, and BETC in Boulder. Billie is also a director and is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association. Joseph W. Lane (Hoke) has appeared in productions both nationally and regionally including A House with No Walls at Florida Stage, The Carer (One man show) at Essential Theatre, A Christmas Carol at Penobscot Theatre, Little Foxes at Shakespeare Theatre, Macbeth at Longacre Lea Theatre, To Kill a Mockingbird at Olney Theatre and Penobscot Theatre, Culture Clash- DC at Arena Stage, among others. He has appeared on TV on NBC's Homicide -Life on the Streets, CBS's Hack and HBO's The Wire. He also appeared in Below the Beltway as Rev. Matthews which broadcast on Showtime. He is a proud member of Actor Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA. Steve Emily (Boolie) transplant from Chicago, has worked with such acclaimed theatre companies as Steppenwolf, Lookingglass, Northlight, Steep, American Blues and many more. Since moving to Colorado, Steve has also appeared with Theatreworks, StarBar, Springs Ensemble Theatre and the FAC. In addition, Steve has appeared in numerous commercials, the television series In Plain Sight, America's Most Wanted, and the film Woodshop. Steve's short play The Temp was recently produced at Little Fish Theatre in Los Angeles. Dates to remember: Feb 3 | Pay-what-you-wish final dress rehearsal Feb 4 | Thursday preview Feb 5 | Opening night Feb 14 | Sunday Afternoon Escape – an escape to the theatre while kids have an adventure in art Feb 18 | Free guided backstage tour following the performance Feb 21 | Free talkback session with the cast following the performance
Driving Miss Daisy
When: Feb 4-21 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $20; csfineartscenter.org or 719-634-5583 Something else: As a theatre patron you receive discounted admission to the museum on the day of your ticketed performance. Get access to all galleries for free! Even more: Sunday Afternoon Escape – enjoy an escape to the theatre on Valentine's Day (2/14) while the kids have an adventure in art led by FAC Bemis School of Art instructors. Ignite their imaginations though artistic explorations! Gallery tours, hands-on art activities, and other arts education experiences for ages 5-12.
Elephant & Piggie Press Release
Mo Willems' Colorful Characters Come to Life In Elephant and Piggie's "We Are In A Play!"
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan 14, 2015) — Due to popular demand, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is thrilled to announce the return of Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play!" Feb 13 – Mar 13, 2016. Mo Willems' popular "Elephant and Piggie" series for beginning readers goes musical. With a script adapted by Willems himself, the oddball friends (and their backup singers, the Squirelles) will have all of their little fans toe-tapping along. This production is appropriate for all ages, particularly the elementary school set. Gerald the elephant is careful. Piggie just wants to play! In this vaudevillian romp, Elephant and Piggie sing and dance their way through plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense. Get ready for a musical experience ripped from the pages of Mo Willems's beloved, award-winning, best-selling children's books that will leave audiences doing the "Flippy Floppy Floory" dance all night long! Gerald and Piggie take to the stage in a one-hour rollicking adventure, heroically exploring the importance of friendship. Mo Willems' works in children's books, animation, television, theater, and bubble gum card painting have garnered him 3 Caldecott Honors, 2 Geisel Medals, 6 Emmy Awards, 5 Geisel Honors, a Helen Hayes nomination, and multiple bubble gum cards. He is best known for his characters Knuffle Bunny, The Pigeon, andElephant and Piggie and his work as a writer and animator for PBS's Sesame Street. He is worst known for his work on Cartoon Network's Sheep in the Big City and Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats. Mo also makes sculptures and writes plays. More information about Mo's past, present and future can be gleaned at www.mowillems.com.
Elephant – Sam Priybl Piggie – Arielle Miagkov Squirrelles – Olivia English, Casey Fetters, Gabby Papa Director and Choreography – Nathan Halvorson The entire cast is comprised of alumni from the FAC's Youth Repertory Theatre program. The Youth Repertory Theatre program is the only professional training program for student actors and technicians in the Pikes Peak Region. The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company offers students interested in pursuing careers in performance and/or design & technical theatre a five- week intensive training program each summer. The serious theater student receives a comprehensive, hands-on training through a rigorous class schedule that combines master classes along with a structured rehearsal period and performance experiences.
Elephant & Piggie's "We Are In A Play!"
When: Feb 13 – March 13, 2016; Sat and Sun at 1p and 4p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Members $18; Non-members $20; Children 12 & under $10 TICKETS AVAILABLE by calling the box office at 719-634-5583; or online at fac.coloradocollege.edu Something else: Group ticket discounts available for parties of 10 or more with advance notice. Photo and autograph opportunities available with the cast after every performance.
Gottfried/Cho Press Release
Gut Busting Laughter at the FAC with Gilbert Gottfried and Margaret Cho
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan 12, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to present two un-PC comedians known for their no-holds-barred routines to the FAC Mainstage in February. Gilbert Gottfried, Feb 17 at 7:30p and Margaret Cho: PsyCHO, Feb 25 at 7p and 9:30p. Gilbert Gottfried As a famed comics comic, Gottfried puts aside political correctness for his live performance and fires an onslaught of jokes that know no boundaries. In 1980 Gottfried was hired as a cast member for NBC's Saturday Night Live. A few years later, MTV hired him for a series of improvised promos. He has also had several television appearances on Late Night with David Letterman. Gottfried's film work includes Beverly Hills Cop II, Problem Child, Problem Child II, Look Who's Talking II and The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. He was also the host of the late night movie series USA Up All Night. Gottfried voice work includes, Iago, in the Disney classic Aladdin, the duck in the AFLAC Insurance commercials, the voice of DIGIT in the long running PBS Series Cyberchase, – the Comedy Central series, The Annoying Orange, the horse on Family Guy, Mr. Mxyzptlk in the new Lego Batman 3 – Beyond Gotham video game, and Abraham Lincoln in A Million Ways to Die in the West. "The hardest I've ever laughed in my adult life was at a Gilbert Gottfried joke." – Las Vegas Review Journal Margaret Cho Beginning with her early days on the scene in SoCal, comedian Margaret Cho has always been the Agent Provocateur of stand up. Never one to shy away from a difficult or even 'taboo' topic, there is no subject off limits. Her socially aware brand of comedy has made her both a thought leader as well as a teacher to those with open minds and open hearts. Cho's had two shows debut Off-Broadway (I'm The One That I Want and The Sensuous Woman). She stared in the 1994 network comedy, All American Girl, followed by one of the first "reality sitcoms" to air on VH1, The Cho Show and most recently starring in the Lifetime series Drop Dead Diva for all six seasons. Her other releases include Notorious C.H.O (2001), Assassin (2005), Revolution (2003), Beautiful (2009) and Cho Dependent (2011). Margaret has been widely recognized for her work in the non-profit sector, lending her name, time and tireless work ethic to several charities, especially those involving gay rights and anti-bullying campaigns. In every segment of her life, Margaret is honest, adoring, passionate, uproarious and always entertaining. "Oh, Margaret Cho. Whether she's psycho, or one bad mother, or charitably spreading her charity through charitable acts … the unstoppable comedian and actress never ceases to amaze, surprise, and blow audiences completely away." – Laughspin
When: Feb 17 at 7:30p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $36 (members $34); csfineartscenter.org or 719-634-5583 Something else: Due to strong adult content, this show is intended for mature audiences only (18+). Even more: A limited number of member-priced tickets are available — purchase by phone or in person to receive member discounts! Not an FAC member? Join today!
Margaret Cho: PsyCHO
When: Feb 25 at 7p & 9:30p shows Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $40 (members $36); csfineartscenter.org or 719-634-5583 Something else: Due to strong adult content, these shows are intended for mature audiences only (18+). Even more: Delight your sweetheart with the gift of comedy this Valentine's Day. Perfect for the couple who loves a good laugh and a good time!
The FAC Dubs the Term "Friday Afternoon Club"
As its First Friday, First Stop Status Gains Popularity
COLORADO SPRINGS (January 8, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pleased to announce the First Friday artist for February 5 and March 4 featuring the expressionistic acrylic paintings of local artist Lance Green – on view and on sale through March 28, 2016. About Lance Green Born in Denver and raised in Los Angeles, Lance Green became a famed and favorite local artist after transplanting himself to Colorado Springs following a successful career as an artist, sign painter, and gallerist in Los Angeles. Lance teaches painting classes at the FAC's Bemis School of Art and conducts workshops independently. He exhibits regularly in galleries throughout New Mexico, Los Angeles and in the FAC Museum Shop. A student of the late and famous Fritz Scholder, Lance's expressionistic paintings often feature yoga poses, dancers, birds, and other universally symbolic characters (both human and animal). Collectors love his work for the sense of movement, the incredible play with color and layers, and the contemplative, emotional, or spiritual connections offered by the work. For his First Friday exhibition in Deco Lounge, Lance is taking the opportunity to play with the pure joy of painting more than anything. This intuitive means of painting culminates in a body of work conveying the freedom and fluidity found in the process of expressionist painting at its best. Don't miss it! About First Friday at the FAC Since May of 2015, the FAC has presented a number of exhibitions featuring local and regional artists in its Deco Lounge – each celebrated with a vibrant First Friday art party to include, artist talks and demonstrations, music, exclusive giveaways to FAC events, a cash bar, and the stunning ambience offered by this chic, historic venue.
When: Feb 5; 5-7p & March 4; 5-7:30p Where: Deco Lounge at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Admission: FREE and Open to the Public Something else: While you're there, be sure and check out the Colorado Originals program featured in the FAC Museum Shop featuring many current and past First Friday artists. The vision of this program is to make collectible, contemporary, Colorado-made artwork accessible to patrons.
Gary Emrich Press Release
Colorado Based Artist to Show at the FAC
Gary Emrich: Promise
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan 4, 2016) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) announces the opening of the art exhibition – Gary Emrich: Promise, Jan 30 through May 15, 2016. Emrich is a Colorado based artist whose work combines photography and film, to tell a story. His work is elegant, playful, and often humorous, drawing icons from the historic West, early space exploration and personal experiences. In the video instillation titled Contact, Emrich filmed honeybees and layered the footage with audio from early U.S. space exploration. The video features a montage of vibrant flowers with a telescopic moonscape to suggest the similarity between intimate spaces and cosmic realms, fertility and lifelessness. Emrich's photographic series, Barbre Marietta, illuminates an intersection of personal memories and collective histories through the suggestive qualities of particular objects. In his Firewater series, Emrich creates narratives with antique liquor decanters shaped like Western icons posed against backgrounds taken from contemporary bottled-water labels. Through vibrant, appealing images with ironic titles, the artist calls attention to current struggles with western water rights issues. Gary Emrich's work has been exhibited across the nation for over 30 years. He has work in the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Colorado Art Museum, the Denver Art Museum, and numerous other public and private collections.
When: Jan 30-May 15, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Non Members $12-$18.50; Members are free Something else: Get ready for the most magical evening of madcap fun with Peter and the Starcatcher on the FAC Mainstage March 31-April 24, 2016. Even more: The museum and theatre programming in April proudly supports Pollinate. Pollinate is a regional biennial arts collaboration and convenes diverse arts organizations from across southern Colorado, such as the FAC, to explore one compelling topic through a variety of media, sites, and audiences. In 2016, the theme of ENERGY will be explored, with highlighted events April 1-8.
Buyer & Cellar Press Release
Buyer & Cellar Makes its Colorado Premiere at the FAC
COLORADO SPRINGS (Dec 16, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to present the hilariously funny Colorado premiere of Buyer & Cellar Jan 14-24, written by Johnathan Tolins, starring Sammy Gleason and directed by Cory Moosman. Grab your pals and get ready for this hilarious fictional Off-Broadway hit. The Drama Desk Award winning one-man-show is inspired by the completely real book, My Passion for Design, by Barbra Streisand. In the book, Streisand reveals details about the mall she had built in the basement of her Malibu home. Tolins takes it a step further and creates the story of an underemployed L.A. actor, Alex More, who finds his next gig working in this basement mall. More develops a bizarre and hilarious friendship with his only customer, Babs. "It's a seriously funny and remarkably sustained slice of absurdist whimsy." – The New York Times Sammy Gleason (Alex More) was last seen in the FAC's hit productions of Guys and Dolls and Reefer Madness. Other credits at the FAC include The Drowsy Chaperone, Noises Off, Other Desert Cities, The Producers, Crazy For You, and Sweeney Todd. He also recently appeared in A Tuna Christmas at the Millibo Art Theatre. Jonathan Tolins (Playwright) is the author of Buyer & Cellar, which was named Best Unique Theatrical Experience by the Off-Broadway Alliance. Tolin's other plays include: The Twilight of the Golds, If Memory Serves, The Last Sunday in June, and Secrets of the Trade. His film work includes: The Twilight of the Golds and Martian Child. For television, he was a writer for Queer as Folk, The Academy Awards, The Tony Awards, and Partners. He was the author of Pushkin 200: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall, acted as script consultant on Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular, and co-wrote The Divine Millennium Tour and The Showgirl Must Go On for Bette Midler. He has written articles for Opera News, Opera Monthly, TheaterWeek, Time, and The Huffington Post, and is a panelist on the Metropolitan Opera Radio Quiz. He is also a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Writers Guild of America.
Buyer & Cellar
When: Jan 14-24, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: FAC Members $18; Non-member $20 Something else: Students can purchase rush tickets 1 hour before the performance for $15. Even more: Theatre ticket holders can purchase admission to the FAC museum for the day of their ticketed performance at member rates.
Bemis Winter/Spring Class Registration Press Release
Registration is Now Open for the FAC's Bemis School of Art Winter/Spring Class Schedule
COLORADO SPRINGS (Dec 10, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's Bemis School of Art announces open registration for all Winter and Spring classes. Bemis offers classes for every age and skill level including drawing, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry making, art history, photography, and so much more. With over 100 classes to choose from, you are bound to find your perfect match! The FAC has partnered with PPLD's Library 21C to provide a selection of outreach classes at the 21C Library. "We want our classes to be accessible to all of Colorado Springs and hope people on the north end of town find these classes easily accessible and convenient," said Executive Director of Education, Tara Thomas. "We appreciate the support from PPLD and look forward to a continued partnership."
Bemis School of Art Winter/Spring Class Schedule
When: Now open for registration Where: The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's Bemis School of Art located at the FAC's North Entrance 818 Pelham Place Registration: Register online at csfineartscenter.org under Art School or email at bemis@csfineartscenter.com or phone 719-475-2444
Special Military Offer Press Release
The FAC Gives Special Thanks this Holiday Season Gifting 200 Theatre Tickets to Military & First Responders
COLORADO SPRINGS (Dec 8, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) announces the release of 200 free tickets for the December 31st performance of the live holiday musical, Irving Berlin's White Christmas to military and first responder families. In response to the recent tragedies in Colorado Springs, the FAC wants to express gratitude for those who work, fight and put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe. The men and women from our military and first responder community who attend this New Year's Eve show will be specially recognized in a live curtain speech at the beginning of the performance. FAC Executive Producing Artistic Director, Scott RC Levy stated, "Our community is filled with talented men and women who serve and protect us on a daily basis. This is our way of giving back and thanking them. As Irving Berlin himself noted, 'God Bless America!'" Tickets are available in person at the FAC (30 West Dale St.) and are available on a first come, first served basis until they are all distributed. Limit four per family and must show a valid military/department identification to claim. "During these days of both global and local uncertainty we want to honor and support our community's public safety and military personnel," said FAC CEO, David Dahlin. "The Arts can both challenge and soothe. Right now, some soothing is in order. This feel-good production about WWII veterans provides the ideal opportunity to bring some holiday cheer to our community members who risk their lives to protect ours." The FAC invites local businesses to help us in this effort through ticket underwriting. Interested parties can contact Clayton Zenner at 719-477-4319 or czenner@csfineartscenter.org or Erin Hannan at 719-477-4342 or ehannan@csfineartscenter.org for more information.
The Haunted Windchimes Press Release
The Haunted Windchimes Return to the FAC
COLORADO SPRINGS (November 12, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is excited to announce the return of "Pueblo's Best Export Since Steel" The Haunted Windchimes to the FAC's Mainstage Friday, January 8, 2016 at 7:30p. This will be their third performance at the FAC and the first two shows were completely sold out! The Haunted Windchimes sound is very traditional folk and blues and the songs have a vintage quality, as if they might have been written yesterday or 75 years ago. The groups' subtle and collective genius features original material written by all four members. It's the vocal harmonies that really set them apart, a three-headed juggernaut of Desirae Garcia (ukulele), Chela Lujan (banjo) and Inaiah Lujan (guitar). When their voices blend, it is nothing short of beautiful. The sound is often moody and melancholy, but it is always deeply affecting. That sound is embroidered by the instrumental mastery of Mike Clark (harmonica, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and concertina). "They recreate the vibe of rural 1930s music with a contemporary consciousness. The rustic, honeyed harmonies are a delight." – Bruce Sylvester, Sing Out! Magazine "The Haunted Windchimes paint an evocative and compelling musical picture with familiar hues of folk, blues and Americana." – Cory Casciato, Denver Westword
The Haunted Windchimes
When: Friday, January 8, 2016 7:30p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $20 for FAC & KRCC Members; $25 Non-members Something else: This is the final weekend to view the FAC's El Mac: Aerosol Exalted exhibition
Irving Berlin's White Christmas Press Rlease
The Holiday Musical You Have Been Dreaming Of!
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
COLORADO SPRINGS (Nov 3, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas Dec 10 through Jan 3, 2016. Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. The dazzling score features well known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. Directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson & Mary Ripper Baker, the company features NYC-based actor Matt Gibson (FAC debut, Broadway and Regional Theatre favorite). Matt is joined by local favorites Zachary Guzman (The Drowsy Chaperone, the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz), Alannah Vaughn (Mary Poppins, Hairspray, The Producers), and Mackenize Sherburne (Putting It Together). The 23-member acting company also includes: Mark Rubald as General Waverly, Jen Lennon as Martha, Ellie Levy & Lena Olsen sharing the role of Susan, Matt Radcliffe, Michael Miller, Adam Blancas, Rebecca Myers, Sierra Reynolds, Danine Schell, Alex Campbell, Kate Malloy, Micah Speirs, Tracy Hedding, Nate Ferrick, Josh Owen, Gavin Jucette, Jareth Spiro, Michael Lee, and Anne Stewart. Backed by a live orchestra, under the musical direction of Jay Hahn, the entire company will sing and dance their way through "A jolly live extravaganza that only Scrooges can resist."— New York Magazine "You'll go home happy. A sure-fire seasonal musical. I don't see how anyone who loves Broadway musicals can fail to be pleased by so polished and ingenious a show. The songs are out of Berlin's top drawer."— Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal Join us for the following: Dec 9 | Pay-what-you-wish final dress rehearsal at 7:30p Dec 10 | Preview performance at 7:30p Dec 12, 19, 26 and Jan 2 | Day Camp experience for kids 6-13 at 11a prior to 2p Matinee Dec 17 | Receive a free guided backstage tour following the performance Jan 3 | Enjoy a free talk-back session with the cast following the performance
When: Dec 10 – Jan 3, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $20 Something else: White Christmas Day Camps! Delight your young emerging artist in a magical holiday experience they won't soon forget. Our White Christmas Day Camps offer kids 6-13 a fun, educational experience complete with a tour of the theatre and hands on experiences with the White Christmas set, a dance class from a professional actor, a personal meet-and-greet with the leading characters of White Christmas, and more! Cost is $30 per child (ticket to White Christmas performance is additional). Available Dec 12, 19, 26 and Jan 2 at 11a. Even More: The FAC has a long-standing commitment to the military personnel in our community and is pleased to welcome you to our theatre. As a Blue Star participant, we are proud to offer FAC member pricing (10% discount) to military personnel on the purchase of tickets to White Christmas. But Wait, There's More: Enjoy pre-theatre dining at Taste! Expand your theatre experience with an incredibly delectable Prix Fixe menu themed to the production and crafted by Garden of the Gods Gourmet.
November Military Press Release
Honoring Our Military Community this November through
The FAC's Military and the Arts: Creative Healing Program
COLORADO SPRINGS (October 28, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) proudly supports the Military community year-round with a variety of discounts and programming. It is a great honor to further that by celebrating Military Art Healing Programs through the month of November and showcase the work of these amazing artists. We hope you take the opportunity to show your support and celebrate with us! The Fine Arts Center has been offering Military and the Arts Creative Healing Programs in the community for nine years. It is our mission to educate the community about the power arts can have in the healing process. For active-duty military and veterans, we offer award-winning– and often life-changing–courses to provide healing opportunities for individuals and families dealing with trauma and post-traumatic stress issues. The arts have been proven to enhance coping skills, manage stress and strengthen a sense of self. "By putting individuals in touch with their feelings and providing a means to express this to others, creative self-expression helps to engage one in all aspects of treatment, empowering a person with a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and possibility." —Creative Healing Science To celebrate the active-duty and veteran military personnel who have taken the FAC's Artistic Healing class, their work will be showcased from Nov 1 – Dec 30 in the Kircher Bemis Gallery at the FAC.
Celebrate the Military with these free and open to the public community events:
Nov 4 from 4:30-6:30 at the Fine Arts Center: Military Artistic Healing Exhibition Kick-off Party
Nov-Dec at Hillside ARTSpace Galleries: Opening Nov 4, view patriotic quilts created by veterans, many who have participated in the FAC's Military and the Arts: Creative Healing program and Nov 17, 4-6p special demonstration by Mary Madison – hands-on Fiber Arts/weaving
Nov 6-21 at Cottonwood Center for the Arts: Military Artistic Healing Exhibition Join us Nov 6 from 5-7p at Cottonwood Center for the Arts for a Military Artistic Healing reception with painting and ceramics activities. Snacks provided by AspenPointe, beverages available for purchase. Also on view, 'Celebrate Peoples History: Iraq Veterans Against the War Ten Years of Fighting for Peace and Justice' – a portfolio poster project honoring IVAW's ten year history of speaking out against the wars and taking action to bring home the impact of these wars. It highlights key ideas, moments, projects, tactics and individuals from IVAW history in order to uplift IVAW's ongoing struggle, inspire others to take action, and preserve a snapshot of movement history.
Nov 1-Dec 31 at UCCS Kraemer Family Library: Written Word and Visual Exhibition 'Celebrate Peoples History: Iraq Veterans Against the War Ten Years of Fighting for Peace and Justice' and Written Word exhibit
Nov 30 from 5:30-7p at 21C Library: Film screenings of: Healing through Art – Film by Anthony Ngo, former Military Artistic Healing program participant about veterans coming home dealing with injuries and invisible injuries such as TBI and PTSD are finding a way to deal with injuries through creative outlets such as art; and Military Life: On the Homefront – Produced by the Youth Documentary Academy summer military families program, a film that incorporates the experiences of a four Colorado Springs families whose lives have been formed and affected by their membership in the U.S. military. Contemplating a move to a foreign place; witnessing the direct impact of PTSD in a soldier returned from the front; facing multiple deployments of a loved one; attempting to understand life decisions based on duty to country; and witnessing the profound human costs of war, these vignettes — filmed by seven Colorado Springs teenagers whose lives are inextricably tied to the U.S. military — are woven together to form a portrait of sacrifice and deep awareness.
The FAC is also participating in this year's Give! campaign with our Military Artistic Healing Hands Program. The arts improve mental well-being and have been proven to help heal! The Military Artistic Healing Program guides active-duty military, veterans and their families to discover the techniques to inspire self-expression and gain greater self-awareness. Up to 1 in 5 returning veterans suffer from PTSD or depression; art and creative engagement powerfully influence the overall healing of PTSD. Creativity is often overlooked as a tool that promotes healing and trauma resolution. Through our Military Artistic Healing Program, we offer award-winning and often life-changing courses to provide healing opportunities for individuals and families dealing with trauma and post-traumatic stress issues. The arts enhance coping skills, manage stress and strengthen a sense of self. The classes are free to military members and their families. GIVE! is the Independent's year-end, city-wide multimedia campaign designed to generate funds, volunteers and applause for Pikes Peak region non-profits.
Military Artistic Healing Exhibition Kick-off Reception
When: November 4th from 4:30-6:30p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Free Something else: Cash bar and Hors d'œuvres Even More: Sponsored by The Home Front Cares
PPAC Award Winners Press Release
Fine Arts Center Theatre Company Wins Big at 15th Annual Pikes Peak Arts Council Awards Ceremony
COLORADO SPRINGS (October 27, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) Theatre Company received three of the six awards given to theatres in the Pikes Peak region at the Pikes Peak Arts Council's annual award ceremony held on October 21, 2015. The awards for work during the 2014-2015 season include: The Devil is in the Details Award–Chris Sheley (Design) Chris Sheley has won numerous awards for his magnificent sets at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, but this year he really outdid himself with the apartment he designed for 4000 Miles. Looking like it had been scooped up from Greenwich Village and plopped down on the stage of the SaGaJi Theatre, this astonishingly detailed set featured a complete ceiling, an original Lew Tilley painting from the FAC's archives, a bookcase groaning under the weight of dozens of period-authentic books and, barely visible inside the light fixtures, an assortment of dead bugs. Labors of Hercules Award–Scott RC Levy (Direction) Since arriving at the Fine Arts Center four years ago, artistic director Scott RC Levy has truly raised the bar for theatre in this town. And his energy and passion for the art form are boundless. This year, in addition to his regular duties producing all of the shows at the FAC, he somehow found time to direct three of them. Whether warming our hearts with Mary Poppins, tugging at our hearts with 4000 Miles or making our hearts sing with Guys and Dolls, Levy always puts on a knockout show. Now if only he could find time to sleep. Triple Threat Award–Jennifer DeDominici (Performance) In musical theatre parlance, a triple threat is a performer who can act, sing and dance, and this year Jennifer DeDominici proved her multiple talents with two spectacular performances at the Fine Arts Center. As an actress, she imbued her characters with an infectious combination of sweetness and sass, whether playing everyone's favorite nanny in Mary Poppins or the virtuous Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. And as for her singing? Well, with a gorgeous voice like hers, we can see why Sky Masterson fell in love with her. We did too. Additional awards in theatre were given to the Millibo Art Theatre, Theatreworks and THEATREdART. Additional awards in filmmaking, visual art, poetry and music were also handed out at the ceremony on October 21st. Also recognized that evening were Wayne Wilkinson (winning the Masterful Strings Award) and Isidro Rodriguez (winning the Rising Star Award). Wilkinson has played guitar in the FAC pit for multiple theatre productions, and most recently played accompaniment in Reefer Madness. Rodriguez is enrolled in the Bemis School of Art through the Nueva Ventura Program. He has been creating art in the program for over two years. He often states that these programs saved his life. Bemis has collaborated with the Nueva Ventura program for more than twenty years. Once a week, the Nueva students are brought to Bemis where they receive quality instruction from an art instructor for an hour and a half. The Pikes Peak Arts Council advocates and supports the arts and artists in the Pikes Peak region. These awards aim to give recognition to the artists and performers who have demonstrated a significant and sustained commitment to the Pikes Peak and Greater Colorado Springs arts community.
Surreal Exhibitions Press Release
Two Complementary Exhibitions, One Surreal Experience
Get Ready to Have Your Conceptions of Reality Shattered
COLORADO SPRINGS (Oct 26, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) proudly presents an exhibition highlighting three extraordinary paintings by celebrated artist René Magritte, accompanied by Surrealist works of his contemporaries. Your experience will begin with a companion exhibition of works by four regional artists who have been influenced by their 20th century Surrealist predecessors. Springs Surreal, on view from Oct 24 through Feb 7, will feature works by local and regional artists Kay Williams Johnson, Lorelei Beckstrom, Chris Sedgwick and Aaron Graves. And Collections Surréaliste, on view from Nov 7 through Jan 3, will feature three paintings by René Magritte (on loan from private collections) and works on paper by other well-known European artists Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Kay Sage, Herbert Bayer, and Roberto Matta. Surrealism developed in the years between World Wars I and II. The movement took form through painting, sculpture, photography, film, and literature, and emphasized the irrational, the fantastic, and the accidental. The first Surrealist manifesto was published in 1924, and contained this definition written by painter Andre Breton: "Surrealism, pure psychic automatism by which it is intended to express, either verbally or in writing, the true function of thought. Thought dictated in the absence of all control exerted by reason, and outside all aesthetic or moral preoccupations. He continued to articulate the movement in 1930, writing, "There is a certain point for the mind from which life and death, the real and the imaginary, the past and the future, the communicable and the incommunicable, the high and the low, cease being perceived as contradictions." There were two Surrealist schools of thought. One had to do with automatism and chance and is seen in the abstract work of Joan Miró. The other is exemplified by painters such as René Magritte and incorporates recognizable objects and themes taken out of their natural contexts, and combined in scenes that often refer to dreams and fantasy, and conjure universal concepts. Surrealism's celebration of imagination and liberation of the creative process remain a vibrant component of contemporary art and sustains a thriving legacy as seen through the work of the four living regional artists represented in Springs Surreal. These artists cleverly represent the landscape of the subconscious psyche and natural conflicts between order, chaos, and chance via unexpected materials and subjects, questioning long standing beliefs about art, ourselves, and the world around us – questions that only the viewers can answer for themselves. The subjective experiences imagined by the artists and materialized within the exhibition may be both foreign and familiar, an ongoing fascination with concepts, imagery, and sensations that remain challenging to communicate without the language of visual art.
Springs Surreal
When: Oct 24 – Feb 7, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $17 for non-members; kids 12 and under free Something else: Enjoy William Wegman video selections from 1970-1978 in adjacent gallery. Even More: Join us for our surreal themed Halloween party – Dark Matter Bash Oct 24 from 7:30-midnight
Collections Surréaliste
When: Nov 7 – Jan 3, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $18.50 for non-members; kids 12 and under free
Love, Loss & What I Wore Press Release
Love, Loss and What I Wore: The Perfect Girls' Night Out
COLORADO SPRINGS (Oct 20, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) brings the sold-out and twice extended production from 2014, Love, Loss and What I Wore back to the stage November 12-22. A fun show is always in fashion! Love, Loss and What I Wore is a play written by Nora and Delia Ephron based on the 1995 book by Ilene Beckerman. With its personal monologues, the show uses clothes and accessories and the memories they spur to tell relatable stories for all women. The production features Rachel Baker, Amy Brooks, Joye Cook-Levy, Birgitta De Pree, Marisa Dannielle Hebert, and is directed by Eve Tilley. The actresses tell stories about the terrible lighting in fitting rooms, shoes, prom dresses, all the while stating they have nothing to wear. Accessorizing these stories, which are mostly funny but some are sad and sentimental, are the mothers who disapprove, the men who leave, and the sisters who support you.
Love, Loss, and What I Wore
When: Nov 12 – 22 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Non-members $20; Members $18 Something else: Join the cast for a Girls' Night Out Party at Poor Richards Wine Bar Sunday, Nov 8 from 6-8p Rachel Baker, a theatre major at UCCS, recently appeared in Springs Ensemble Theatre's Lonesome Hollow, TheatreWorks' A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the FAC's production of 4000 Miles. Amy Brooks most recently performed with Springs Ensemble Theatre, in The Goat, Or, Who Is Sylvia? and The Lion in Winter. FAC shows include In the Next Room, Or the Vibrator Play; Broadway Bound; Brighton Beach Memoirs; The Women; Crazy for You; Lend Me a Tenor; and several others. She has performed with Theatreworks (The Wild Duck, Loves Labors Lost, Merry Wives of Windsor, Romeo and Juliet, and King Lear); Star Bar (most recently, Othello); and the MAT. She has received, and been nominated for, numerous regional acting honors: Gazette, Pikes Peak Arts Council, and Broadway World. Joye Cook-Levy most recently you may have seen Joye run around the stage with Birgitta in the FAC's production of Noises Off. She is tickled to have gotten to direct almost all her cohorts on stage in several FAC productions and also at the wonderful Millibo Art Theatre where she is a board member. Joye teaches in the Theater Dept at UCCS and is the Education & Outreach Coordinator for TheatreWorks. She will be directing Peter And The Starcatcher on the FAC mainstage in the Spring. Birgitta De Pree is the Co-Artistic Director of the Millibo Art Theatre. She received her MFA from the National Theater Conservatory and has spent the last two decades working throughout Colorado as a performer, director and artist-in residence. Birgitta was recently seen at the FAC as Dotty in Noises Off and Silda in Other Desert Cities. She performs regularly at the MAT! In 2014 she won "Best of the Springs". Marisa Dannielle Hebert notable roles include Abuela Claudia (In The Heights), Beneatha (Raisin in the Sun), Elizabeth (In the Next Room) and Lady in Blue (for Colored girls…). As a playwright, her first play, Pieces of Him won the 2013 Rough Writers New Play festival, and is available at indietheaternow.com. Marisa is currently working on her second play At The End Of Me and heading up The High Yellow Project, a Multimedia Theatre Performance piece. Eve Tilley (Director) has been doing theatre since age seven (starting here at the FAC!). She has a B.A. in English/theatre minor from Colorado College and taught English and drama at Widefield High School before starting a family. She presided over the Star Bar Players for seven years, has an MA with Theatre emphasis from Colorado College, and was privileged to work with Washington D.C.'s Arena Stage Rep. For 15 years she presided over the Pikes Peak Arts Council, which left little time for directing except for The Six Women Play Festival at The MAT.
Jay & Silent Bob Get Old Press Release
COLORADO SPRINGS (Oct 13, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) presents Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. The hilarious duo Jay & Silent Bob are back. Film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes made history and fans all over the world with the characters Jay & Silent Bob from the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks 2. Now you can see them live at the FAC recording their comedy podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old. Smith, playing to a sold out show at 7:30p, will be joined by Mewes for a second and completely different performance at 9:45p. This is what fans everywhere have been waiting for – a rare opportunity to see their heroes on stage doing what they love, telling stories! Ranked #1 on ITunes Comedy podcasts, this is a sometimes touching, always hilarious, look at what happens when two people grow up in Hollywood's gaze. These limited engagements will be recorded as the stories evolve live in front of the audience, and released for free on www.smodcast.com.
When: December 16, 2015 9:45p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $36 Something else: This performance is following the SOLD OUT performance – An Evening with Kevin Smith: Q&A Session at 7:30p
@ThatKevinSmith is the fat guy who got thrown off the plane. He also made Clerks once. Kevin Smith has written and directed numerous films, including Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Red State & Tusk; Creator of AMC's Comic Book Men; authored Silent Bob Speaks, Shootin' the Sh*t with Kevin Smith, My Boring-Ass Life and most recently Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good. He can be heard daily at Smodcast.com, a vast network of podcasts.
Cinema icon Jason Mewes is best known as the potty-mouthed vocal half of Jay and Silent Bob, the on- screen comedic duo who first appeared in Kevin Smith's seminal 1994 indie film Clerks. Mewes would reprise the character five more times on the big screen from 1995 to 2006, becoming a sort of James Bond of mid-90's low budget film—a fast talking, foul-mouthed, over-sexed but ultimately harmless and likable guy. Bugs Bunny with a boner. But it's in the insanely popular award-winning podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old where Mewes truly shines. For nearly two years, in what's been described as "Lake Wobegon days with anal jokes", Jason has told the story of his tumultuous life on stage every week – initially at the 50 seat SModcastle theater in Los Angeles and now in packed theaters around the globe. His sold out UK tour spawned the home video Jay & Silent Bob Get Old: Teabagging in the UK, and the sold out Australia tour yielded the forthcoming Epix special Jay & Silent Bob Go Down Under.
Dark Matter Bash Press Release
Dark Matter Bash: Annual Halloween Party
COLORADO SPRINGS (Oct 8, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is proud to present the third annual Halloween celebration, Dark Matter Bash! Saturday, October 24 at 7:30p. Whoever told you not to be afraid of the dark … couldn't have been more wrong. Inspired by our theater production, Wait Until Dark, and our art exhibition, Springs Surreal, we invite party-goers to unleash the dark side of their subconscious minds at the Dark Matter Bash. The mysterious quality of Dark Matter (unseen celestial phenomena with enormous mass) reflects the unknown, inner depths of the mind that Surrealist artists sought to extract. This is an opportunity to explore how far the imagination can bend in creating the most bizarre, surreal costumes possible. Enjoy a consciousness-expanding evening not to be forgotten.
Dark Matter Bash
When: Oct 24 7:30p – Midnight Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: $10 pre-sale; $15 Oct 17-23; $20 at the door
Something else: The bash is following a 5p performance of Wait Until Dark and theatre goers are encouraged to dress in costume for the performance and stay for the Bash Even More: There will be fire dancers, a photo booth, food trucks, body painting, tarot card reading, a costume contest, and more!
Anderson & Low: City of Mines Press Release
Anderson & Low: City of Mines
A Photographic Look at Victor, Colorado
COLORADO SPRINGS (Oct 5, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is proud to present a unique photographic exhibition titled Anderson & Low: City of Mines. Jonathan Anderson and Edwin Low describe the sense of wonder that the Colorado town of Victor – the City of Mines – has instilled in them over many years of visiting and photographing this place. The artists have elegantly stated that Victor "hypnotized us and really got under our skin; it is a place to which the Colorado winds always seem to blow us back." They have articulated a similarly poetic expression in both the visual language and subjects of the photographs that comprise their City of Mines project. "We cannot really explain why Victor attracted us so much – it is a ramshackle place in some ways, but with a quirky and beautiful individuality that is all its own. It is a town filled with contradictions – it has few pretensions of elegance, yet somehow there IS elegance in its individual, stark reality. Some of the buildings have fallen apart completely, yet others have been beautifully restored (and not just "prettified"), retaining their original spirit and character. Much of there is very old – and much of what is modern there is a little strange and has elements that are bizarre. But the town feels less much like a mere piece of "21st century eccentricity" and more like some hidden, forgotten place that time passed by, or more accurately a place that time has "re-curated" into a unique style." – Anderson & Low The images weave back-and-forth from expansive landscapes to intimate interiors. Although the subjects are primarily architectural, these historic structures speak of autographic assertion imprinted for over a century. This is the work of permanent and temporary residents, unseen in the photographs, but recorded nonetheless in delightfully accented domestic and commercial spaces. We also witness the hand of those residents in the ravaged mountainsides occupying the background in some of Anderson & Low's photographs. This is the trace of industrial mining activity from which this town blossomed and withered, yet the artists do not dwell on it and trust us to apprehend that tough history while celebrating the persistence of life in this place. "Anderson & Low have peered inside the layers of meaning upon which Victor has been built, one abandoned building or bar room decoration at a time. Once a boomtown and the center of the Colorado gold rush, Victor grew up quickly. Once the veins of precious metal were tapped out, the town emptied nearly as fast. Today, it feels like a community surrounded by the bones of the past." – Steve Anderson
When: October 10, 2015 – January 3, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Members price is a one-time $5 admission price from Oct 4 – Jan 10; Non-members ticket price is $12 – $18.50 depending on the number of special exhibitions on view; kids 12 and under are free Something else: The City of Mines Project is one of many special exhibitions featured at the FAC through Jan 2016. Others include: El Mac: Aerosol Exalted, In the Garden of the Gods, Spreading Its Wings: Cuban Art, Springs Surreal, Collections Surréaliste, and Gary Emrich.
Johnathan Anderson & Edwin Low
Based in London, Jonathan Anderson and Edwin Low have been collaborating as "Anderson & Low" since 1990. Their photographic work includes portraiture, architectural studies, abstract images, reportage, nudes, and landscape. Their work is noted for attention to concept, form, lighting, and printing. Their photographs are exhibited internationally, and are included in many public and private collections including: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, National Portrait Galleries of both the UK and Australia, Museum of Fine Art, Houston, High Museum of Art, Baltimore Art Museum, Atlanta, National Gallery of Australia, Akron Museum, The National Gallery of Australia, the Southeast Photography Museum, Florida, and Museet Fotokunst, Denmark, the US Olympic Center, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Their Athlete/Warrior photographs were exhibited at the Fine Arts Center in 2005.
Kevin Smith Press Release
Get Up Close and Personal in:
An Evening With Kevin Smith – Q&A
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept 21, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) presents a question and answer session with famed writer, podcaster and film director Kevin Smith, aka Silent Bob. This unique format allows audience members to be part of the show in a personal and interactive session where the crowd can ask Smith about anything. Some of Smith's previous Q&A shows have been filmed live and released on DVD. During these live question and answer sessions, Smith has answered numerous questions about his films, his start in the movie industry, his longtime friend and fellow actor Jason Mewes and much more. Get up close and very personal, with the man everyone has been waiting to hear from…Silent Bob! Kevin Smith has written and directed numerous films, including Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Red State & Tusk; Creator of AMC's Comic Book Men; authored Silent Bob Speaks, Shootin' the Sh*t with Kevin Smith, My Boring-Ass Life and most recently Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good. He can be heard daily at Smodcast.com, a vast network of podcasts
Kevin Smith Q&A
When: December 16, 2015 7:30p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: On sale Friday, Sept 25th Starting at $36 Something else: Smith has been very successful with his Q&A sessions in the past and he is playing to four already sold out Q&A sessions in Denver December 14 and 15.
@ThatKevinSmith is the fat guy who got thrown off the plane. He also made Clerks once.
Wait Until Dark Press Release
A New Twist on a Suspenseful Classic – Wait Until Dark
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept 16, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) presents Jeffery Hatcher's new adaptation of Frederick Knotts' classic thriller, Wait Until Dark, directed by Producing Artistic Director, Scott RC Levy (Oct 15 – Nov 1). Don't let Susan Hendrix's quaint apartment fool you; hidden within is a score for which thieves and con men would kill. Employing disguise and deception, two newly acquainted crooks become all the more desperate and depraved, but must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller's chilling conclusion. Frederick Knott's play inspired a film of the same name and multiple Broadway productions, earning Tony and Academy Award nominations for many of the actors involved – including the film's star, Audrey Hepburn. This new adaptation, a Colorado premiere, captures the suspense of the original work and makes it even more noir than before. "A Broadway hit, this masterfully constructed thriller moves from one moment of suspense to another as it builds toward an electrifying, breath-stopping final scene…a tense thriller" – NY World Telegram. The cast includes: Jessica Weaver who was last seen at the FAC as Mina in Dracula, for which she won the Gold for Best Actress in the Gazette's Best of. Michael Lee who was last seen at the FAC as Renfield in Dracula and voted "Star On The Rise" in Gazette's Best of. Adam Laupus is an LA-based actor/director making his FAC debut. Micah Spiers was last seen at the FAC in Guys and Dolls and Mary Poppins. Mallory Hybl was last seen at the FAC as Jane Banks in Mary Poppins. Kyle Dean Steffen is a Denver-based actor, last seen at the FAC as Peter in Prelude To A Kiss. Frederick Knott's 1966 play inspired the film the following year. Knott also wrote the Broadway script and movie screenplay for Dial M for Murder and is known for his strong female characters. Jeffery Hatcher's other plays include Broadway: Never Gonna Dance (book). Off-Broadway: Three Viewings and A Picasso at Manhattan Theatre Club; Scotland Road and The Turn of the Screw at Primary Stages; Tuesdays with Morrie (with Mitch Albom) at The Minetta Lane; Murder by Poe, The Turn of the Screw, and The Spy at The Acting Company; Neddy at American Place; and Fellow Travelers at Manhattan Punchline. For film and TV he has written Stage Beauty, Casanova, The Duchess, and episodes of Columbo. Join us for – Oct 14 | Pay-what-you-wish final dress rehearsal Oct 15 | OPENING NIGHT! Oct 25 | Sunday Afternoon Escape – Treat the kids to an adventure in art while you enjoy the show! Gallery tours, hands-on art activities, and other arts education experiences for ages 5-12. Led by FAC Bemis School of Art instructors. $40 per child, 12:30 – 4:30p. Oct 24 | Dark Matter Bash following the performance Oct 29 | FREE backstage tour for ticket holders Nov 1 | FREE talkback session following the final performance
Wait Until Dark
When: Oct 15 through Nov 1 Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30p; Sun Matinees at 2p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $20 TICKETS AVAILABLE by calling the box office at 719-634-5583; or online at fac.coloradocollege.edu Something else: The Oct 24 performance will be at 5p followed by the FAC's third annual Halloween party inspired by Wait Until Dark and our Springs Surreal art exhibition– Dark Matter Bash. From 7:30 – Midnight enjoy fire dancers, food trucks, body painting, tarot card reading, contortionists, a costume contest, and more! Even More: Did you know October is Arts Month? Each October, Colorado's Pikes Peak region celebrates Arts Month to elevate the visibility and value of arts and culture in our community.
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept 11, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) presents Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play!" Oct 8 – Oct 18. Mo Willems' popular "Elephant and Piggie" series for beginning readers goes musical. With a script adapted by Willems himself, the oddball friends (and their backup singers, the Squirelles) will have all of their little fans toe-tapping along. This production is appropriate for all ages, particularly the elementary school age. Gerald the elephant is careful. Piggie just wants to play! In this vaudevillian romp, Elephant and Piggie sing and dance their way through plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense. Get ready for a musical experience ripped from the pages of Mo Willems's beloved, award-winning, best-selling children's books that will leave audiences doing the "Flippy Floppy Floory" dance all night long! Gerald and Piggie take to the stage in a one-hour rollicking adventure, heroically exploring the importance of friendship. Mo Willems' works in children's books, animation, television, theater, and bubble gum card painting have garnered him 3 Caldecott Honors, 2 Geisel Medals, 6 Emmy Awards, 5 Geisel Honors, a Helen Hayes nomination, and multiple bubble gum cards. He is best known for his characters Knuffle Bunny, The Pigeon, andElephant and Piggie and his work as a writer and animator for PBS's Sesame Street. He is worst known for his work on Cartoon Network's Sheep in the Big City and Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats. Mo also makes sculptures and writes plays. More information about Mo's past, present and future can be gleaned at www.mowillems.com. Cast Elephant – Sam Prybl Piggie – Arielle Miagkov Squirrelles – Olivia English, Casey Fetters, Gabby Papa Director and Choreography – Nathan Halvorson The entire cast is comprised of alumni from the FAC's Youth Repertory Theatre program. The Youth Repertory Theatre program is the only professional training program for student actors and technicians in the Pikes Peak Region. The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company offers students interested in pursuing careers in performance and/or design & technical theatre a five- week intensive training program each summer. The serious theater student receives a comprehensive, hands-on training through a rigorous class schedule that combines master classes along with a structured rehearsal period and performance experiences.
When: Oct 8 – 18; Thurs, Fri, Sat at 6p; Sat & Sun at 1p; Sun at 4p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Members $18; Non-members $20; Children 12 & under $10 TICKETS AVAILABLE by calling the box office at 719-634-5583; or online at fac.coloradocollege.edu Something else: Group ticket discounts available for parties of 10 or more with advance notice. Photo and autograph opportunities available with the cast after every performance.
JAM FAC Press Release
JAM FAC: Not Your Typical Block Party
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept 1, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is kicking off the El Mac: Aerosol Exalted exhibition with an exciting, family-friendly street art festival. JAM FAC will properly celebrate the subculture phenomenon of the urban art scene with live music, breakdancing and graffiti demos from exhibition artists El Mac and Fuse. There will be graffiti demos in the FAC courtyard by El Mac and Fuse, a B-Boy Battle – team competition located in the Aerosol Exalted gallery, music by DJ Gravity, DJ Prominent and DJ Lazy Eyez, performances by MC StoneyBertz, BullHead*ded, and The ReMINDers, Food Truck Service by Piglatin Truck Ltd and The Heavenly Dessert Company, and a cash bar. Releasing their debut album 'Recollect' in 2008 and their latest "Born Champions" in 2012, the ReMINDers have been recognized and applauded for their work internationally through concerts, tours, music awards, TV and radio appearances, and their incredible and dedicated fan base. Having shared the stage with artists such as Les Nubians, Snoop Dogg, Fishbone, Barrington Levy, Nas, Mos Def, Big Boi, KRS-One, Rakim, and K'Naan, the ReMINDers have established a firm place in today's ever-evolving music scene. DJ Lazy Eyez is a DJ for Hip-Hop group The Reminders. DJ Lazy Eyez has shared the stage with and/or opened for The Roots, Snoop Dogg, Big Boi, De La Soul, Mos Def, Rakim, The Pharcyde, Brother Ali, Rev RUN, Crown City Rockers, Akir, Killah Priest, Canibus, DJ Greyboy, Living Legends, Grouch & Eligh, Les Nubians, J-Live, and Binary Star. In conjunction with JAM FAC Colorado College and the NEH professorship will host a presentation by rapper, emcee, producer, and author, Chuck D, at 7p at Colorado College. The Fine Arts Center is proud to present JAM FAC in conjunction with Colorado College, where a presentation by rapper, emcee, producer, and author, Chuck D, will be featured at 7:00pm, sponsored by the NEH Professorship.The Fine Arts Center is proud to present JAM FAC in conjunction with Colorado College, where a presentation by rapper, emcee, producer, and author, Chuck D, will be featured at 7:00pm, sponsored by the NEH Professorship. (not just desserts!) *Cash bar The Fine Arts Center is proud to present JAM FAC in conjunction with Colorado College, where a presentation by rapper, emcee, producer, and author, Chuck D, will be featured at 7:00pm, sponsored by the NEH Professorship.
When: Saturday, October 3rd 12p-6p Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: FAC Members and children 12 and under are free, Non-members $12 Something else: The event will include Graffiti demos in the FAC courtyard by El Mac and Fuse, a B-Boy Battle – including team competition, demos by breakdancing team, Pikes Peak Tricker, music by DJ Gravity, DJ Prominent, and DJ Lazy Eyez, performances by MC Stoney Bertz, Bullhead*ded, and The ReMINDers, food truck service by Pig Latin and Heavenly Deserts, cash bar. Another thing: The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pushing the boundaries with its new exhibition El Mac: Aerosol Exalted. El Mac, born Miles MacGregor, is an internationally renowned graffiti artist whose gorgeous large-scale works blur the lines between fine art and graffiti. Graffiti art is a natural progression for the FAC, following in the artistic traditions of mural art that extends back to our inception as an institution. Mac began painting with acrylics and painting graffiti in the mid '90s, when his primary focus became the life-like rendering of human faces and figures.
El Mac: Aerosol Exalted Press Release
El Mac: Aerosol Exalted it's edgy, it's different and it's beautiful
COLORADO SPRINGS (Sept 1, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is pushing the boundaries with its new exhibition El Mac: Aerosol Exalted. The FAC will kick off the exhibition opening on Saturday, October 3rd from 12p-6p with JAM FAC, a street art festival celebrating urban artistic expression. This event will feature live music, breakdancing and graffiti demos from artists El Mac and Fuse. El Mac, born Miles MacGregor, is an internationally renowned graffiti artist whose gorgeous large-scale works blur the lines between fine art and graffiti. Graffiti art is a natural progression for the FAC, following in the artistic traditions of mural art that extends back to our inception as an institution. Mac began painting with acrylics and painting graffiti in the mid '90s, when his primary focus became the life-like rendering of human faces and figures. Mac has since worked consistently toward developing his unique rendering style, which utilizes repeating contour lines reminiscent of ripples, turning patterns and indigenous North American art. He has been commissioned to paint murals across the U.S., as well as in Mexico, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, South Korea, Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Spain, France, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, the U.K., Vietnam and Cuba. Some of his murals have become local landmarks. Mac continues to balance his love of painting large-scale public artworks around the world with his meticulous and time-consuming creation of indoor works. He aims to uplift and inspire through his careful, perfectionist renderings of both the sublime and the humble. Colorado local artist Fuse, born Larry Masters, will also be featured in this exhibition. Fuse's style is a more classic interpretation of graffiti art, termed "wild style" or text based. Like Mac, Fuse is also from Los Angeles and began spray painting in 1987. He was inspired by the artwork on trains and had a desire to turn the typically negative reaction associated with graffiti art into a positive one. After years of sketching, tagging and bombing (a quick hit on several surfaces in an area) he made a name for himself and eventually helped form the most influential graffiti crew in the world, AWR/MSK. He is part of The Seventh Letter Art Crew and recently was chosen along with 60 other urban artists to participate in the first-ever Seventh Letter Gallery Art Opening in Los Angeles as a representation of top graffiti artists in the nation. Fuse has been a Colorado resident for more than 20 years and founded an interior design company, The Home Masters, where he is able to incorporate custom graffiti and other urban nuances into his work. "It's edgy, it's controversial, it's different, and it's not contained. That's what makes it beautiful," said Fuse about the upcoming exhibition.
El Mac: Aerosol Exalted
When: October 3, 2015 – January 10, 2016 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: FAC Members and children 12 and under are free, Non-members $12 Something else: JAM FAC will open the exhibition on Saturday, October 3rd from 12p-6p. The event will include Graffiti demos in the FAC courtyard by El Mac and Fuse, a B-Boy Battle – including team competition, demos by breakdancing team, Pikes Peak Tricker, music by DJ Gravity, DJ Prominent, and DJ Lazy Eyez, performances by MC Stoney Bertz, Bullhead*ded, and The ReMINDers, food truck service by Pig Latin and Heavenly Deserts, cash bar.
Born in Los Angeles in 1980 to an engineer and an artist, Mac has been creating and studying art independently since childhood. He was inspired at a young age by classic European painters such as Caravaggio, and Vermeer and Art Nouveau symbolists such as Klimt and Mucha. This was mixed with the more contemporary influences of graffiti and photorealism, as well as the Chicano & Mexican culture he grew up around. Mac's art was featured on the cover of Juxtapoz magazine in 2009 and again in 2012, as well as the cover of LA Weekly for a feature on the Seventh Letter collective. In the last few years he has had successful solo exhibitions at Fifty24SF Gallery in San Francisco (2009), and Joshua Liner Gallery in NYC (2010). In 2010 he also painted a large mural on the Museum of Contemporary Art (MARCO) in Monterrey, Mexico as part of the Seres Queridos project. In 2012 he painted a large mural in Havana, Cuba for the 11th Havana Biennial sponsored by the Cisneros-Fontanals Art Foundation.
Ladder to the Moon Press Release
Ladder to the Moon Concert Elevates O'Keeffe Experience
COLORADO SPRINGS (August 21, 2015) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) and The Art Of Jazz join together for a second performance of Ladder To The Moon, a concert of original music inspired by the art and life of Georgia O'Keeffe Thursday, September 10 at 7:00pm at the Fine Arts Center. Ladder To The Moon premiered to a sold-out crowd July 10, 2015 as one of the activities in created for The Year of O'Keeffe at the FAC delighting gallery-goers and music lovers. The FluteDaddy Chamber of Jazz Sextet led by flutist and composer, Joseph Liberti will repeat audience favorites and premier additional compositions and new arrangements played in Chamber Jazz style – a fusion of jazz, pop and orchestral music. The FluteDaddy Chamber of Jazz Sextet features keyboardist Jana Lee Ross, guitarist Alan Joseph, cellist Norah Joy Clydesdale, bassist Marc Neihof, percussionist Stefan Flores, and flutist Joseph Liberti. "Our goal is to provide a deeply engaging experience of art and music, and it looks like we hit the right note," said Director of the Art Of Jazz, Joseph Liberti. The concert includes a complimentary private viewing of Eloquent Objects: Georgia O'Keeffe and Still-Life Art in New Mexico; which is on view through Sunday, September 20th. Ladder To The Moon, Redux tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended and are available at csfineartscenter.org or by calling 719.634.5581.
Ladder To The Moon, Redux Concert
When: Thursday, September 10 at 7:00pm Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: are $20 for FAC members and $25 for non-members Something else: The concert includes a complimentary private viewing of Eloquent Objects: Georgia O'Keeffe and Still-Life Art in New Mexico
The Art Of Jazz
The Art Of Jazz, founded by Joseph Liberti in 2011, is a non-profit organization designed to promote and support jazz and the fine arts. The organization provides a music appreciation course, The Art Of Jazz, facilitated by Liberti using live and recorded music.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, established in 1936, is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, performing arts theatre and arts education center. Built on the foundation of the prestigious Broadmoor Art Academy, the FAC carries the legacy of Colorado's arts and cultural heritage. One of 16 charter members of the American Association of Museums, the FAC offers the best in the world of visual arts via its permanent collection and travelling exhibitions, performing arts through the FAC Theatre Company, and arts education with the Bemis School of Art. The FAC building is considered an architectural landmark in the Rocky Mountain region, designed by John Gaw Meem, and is listed on the National Register for Historical Places. In 2007, the FAC unveiled a $28.6 million renovation and expansion. For information, visit csfineartscenter.org.
Putting It Together Press Release
Sondheim's Putting It Together gathers more than 30 songs from award-winning works
COLORADO SPRINGS (Aug. 10, 2015) This musical revue showcases the songs of Stephen Sondheim, America's most-awarded living musical theatre composer. Featuring nearly 30 Sondheim songs from at least a dozen of his award-winning shows (including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Company and Follies), this one-of-a-kind compilation celebrates Sondheim's incomparable career in musical theatre. "Stephen Sondheim has written some of the best musical theatre of the last 50 years," says Performing Arts Director Scott RC Levy, "and will go down in history as one of the most important American composers of the 20th Century. The FAC has a strong history of producing his work, and when thinking of which show of his to do next, I thought of this piece, which features so much of his beautiful music from pieces throughout his career." The FAC production features an all-star cast, including Max Ferguson, Sally Hybl, Jordan Leigh, Scott RC Levy and Mackenzie Sherburne. Nathan Halvorson directs and choreographs. Sondheim has won the Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award, a Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, eight Grammy Awards, 12 Tony Awards, 16 Drama Desk Awards and six Olivier Awards. The FAC has produced 10 Sondheim works, including Into the Woods, Funny Thing Happened…, Assassins and Sweeney Todd since 1989. "Mr. Sondheim's songs are dazzling on their own merits," wrote New York Times reviewer David Richards about the original Off-Broadway production of Putting It Together in 1993. "Has there ever been any doubt of that?"
When: 7:30p Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2p Sundays, running Sept 10-27 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets: Starting at $20; 634-5583, csfineartscenter.org Something else: Pay-as-You-Wish dress rehearsal at 7:30p Sept 9; Backstage Tour on Sept 24, free with ticket; talkback with the performers following the final performance on Sept 27 Another thing: Our new restaurant Taste will be open for pre-theatre dining. Make reservations at 719.634.5583.
Sample Block
Eloquent Objects: Georgia O'Keeffe and Still-Life Art in New Mexico
Georgia O'Keeffe Biography
O'Keeffe Timeline
O'Keeffe Quotes
Other Artist Biographies
O'Keeffe Trivia
Guys & Dolls Press Release
FAC Will Pull Out All the Stops for Our Blockbuster Production of Guys & Dolls
COLORADO SPRINGS (April 28, 2015) — Tickets are already flying like loaded dice, as theater fans snatch up seats for Guys and Dolls, which will run May 21-June 14 at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Based on the classic stories of Damon Runyon, Guys and Dolls premiered on Broadway in 1950, and has gone on to win nine Tony Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Movie for the hit 1955 film adaptation starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra. Boasting an unlikely love story, unforgettable characters, hilarious situations and Frank Loesser's timeless score, featuring such hit numbers as "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," Guys and Dolls has been called "the perfect musical," a show that "defines Broadway Dazzle." The Fine Arts Center will pull out all the stops in producing this popular musical comedy in our usual grand tradition, recreating Manhattan (and Havana) of the 1930s on our stage. Scott RC Levy directs the show, which stars Jennifer DeDominici (Mary Poppins), Amy Sue Hardy (The Drowsy Chaperone), Nathan Halvorson and Cory Moosman (The Producers). The show begins with a preview night on May 21 at 7:30p, officially opens on May 22, and runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30p and Saturday and Sundays at 2p, through June 14. Tickets start at $20. Pre-theatre dining (in our new restaurant, Taste) and tickets are available through our box office at csfineartscenter.org or 719.634.5583. BIOS Jennifer DeDominici enjoys a career spanning musical theater, opera and concert work. Some of her favorite roles: The title roles in Mary Poppins and Carmen, Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia, Hänsel in Hänsel und Gretel, Siebel in Faust, 3rd Secretary in Nixon in China (available on the Naxos label), Maria in The Sound of Music, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, and Claudia in Nine. Other career highlights: soloist with the Cleveland Pops, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and Chamber Orchestra of the Springs; various roles with Opera Colorado; Santa Fe Opera's Apprentice Artist Program; EPCASO in Oderzo, Italy; first-place winner of the Denver Lyric Opera Guild Auditions; NATS Singer of the Year; and a four-time Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Upcoming: Nixon In China with San Diego Opera and guest soloist with the Fresno Philharmonic. Amy Sue Hardy has been a regular at the FAC, starring in such shows as Drowsy Chaperone (Drowsy – Best Actress nominee – BroadwayWorld.com – Denver), Play It Again, Sam (Nancy), Crazy for You (Polly), Sweet Charity (Charity), Grease (Sandy), Damn Yankees (Lola), Pirates of Pen. (Mabel-Denver Post Ovation Nominee) & Chicago (Roxie-Gazette & PPAC Awards). Regional Credits: CS Philharmonic, Broadmoor Pops & Theatreworks. She is a billboard charted recording artist signed to Hollywood Records who is fortunate to have worked with Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Wayne Brady, Queen Latifah & Ryan Seacrest. Movie/TV/Soundtracks: Model Behavior, Bowfinger, 102 Dalmatians, Boy Meets World, The Parent Trap, The Wedding Planner, Princess Diaries. Tours: Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys. Nathan Halvorson (Director & Choreographer/Associate Dir. of Performing Arts) has worked in a variety of capacities at Lincoln Center Theatre, NY Theatre Workshop, Circle in the Square, The University of Notre Dame, Expanded Arts, SAGE Theatre Company, The NY International Fringe Festival, The Mint Theatre, Theatreworks USA, Carousel Music Theatre, Iowa Summer Rep and many others. He was a founding member and Artistic Director of The Key Theatre, an off-off Broadway theatre company in NYC for eight years. He spent five years as the Resident Director of The Penobscot Theatre in Bangor, Maine, and was the Interim Artistic Director through January 2012. He is a member of Actor's Equity and The Lincoln Center Director's Lab. Nathan recently completed his MFA in Theatre Directing from The University of Iowa. At The FAC, he has directed and choreographed Tilly the Trickster, Dracula, Jacques Brel, Pinkalicous,Forever Plaid and the Youth Rep productions of Pippin, As Thousands Cheer and Applause. Cory Moosman has been seen as Max Bialystock in The Producers, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and John Adams in 1776. Other FAC shows include The Full Monty, Fuddy Meers, Sweeney Todd, 1940's Radio Hour, Complete History and Complete Works. His directing credits include the FAC's hit productions of Drowsy Chaperone, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Beauty and the Beast. He is the creator of WYNOT Radio Theatre, an "old time radio" parody group.
Museum Free Days Press Release
Museum Days return to The Fine Arts Center
COLORADO SPRINGS (April 29, 2015) — The Fine Arts Center announces the reinstatement monthly Museum Free Days, thanks to the generous underwriting support of GE Johnson Construction Company. The Fine Arts Center believes that a strong arts and culture presence is essential for a healthy community. GE Johnson Construction Company has come alongside the Fine Arts Center to underwrite monthly free days at the museum. Museum Free Days require underwriting to pay for the costs of running the museum. Since the Fine Arts Center receives virtually no government funding, it is not able to offer free admissions without generous underwriting and support. "Arts are an important for a healthy and vibrant community. We want all sectors of our community to feel welcome and involved at the Fine Arts Center. Museum Free Days are a great opportunity for people to visit the galleries free of charge. I'm so thankful for GE Johnson making this available to the general public."" says David Dahlin, FAC president and CEO. "We're thrilled to be able to partner with the Fine Arts Center," says GE Johnson Construction Company CEO Jim Johnson. "We recognize that increasing participation in the arts is good for the community and actually fuels the economic growth we need in the Pikes Peak region." The FAC's next Museum Free Day will be Wednesday May 20. Starting June 19th, Museum Free Days will be on the third Friday of each month. The goal of Museum Free Days is to provide access to the FAC's general admission offerings to the widest possible audiences in the Pikes Peak region. Museum Free Days, as a part of the FAC's other free and reduced-fee programs (such as scholarship programs at Bemis, and special military discounts through the Blue Star Theatres and Blue Star Museums programs), make an important impact in our community.
FAC Updates Press Release
May brings new restaurant, retail galleries and more at FAC
COLORADO SPRINGS (April 16, 2015) — As we prepare for our biggest traveling exhibition in years, Eloquent Objects: Georgia O'Keeffe and Still-Life Art in New Mexico, we're expanding and enhancing every aspect of the Fine Arts Center. You will see these significant updates starting May 1.
On May 1, 5-6p, we will announce our 2015-16 Theatre Season and Museum Exhibitions, ambitious programming that promises something for everybody.
We are introducing retail art gallery programs, with local art to be displayed and sold in both the Deco Lounge (opening May 1) and a revamped Museum Shop (opening mid-May). Commercial Gallery and Retail Manager Holly Parker oversees these programs. With these additions we will, for the first time ever, participate in downtown's First Friday art walk (starting May 1, 5-8p). We're working on arranging a bus to shuttle from the FAC and Cornerstone to the mid and southern downtown galleries.
A new restaurant by Garden of the Gods Gourmet is opening at the Fine Arts Center. We're incredibly excited to present Taste, a restaurant that will put our culinary arts to the level of our performing and visual arts. Opening May 3 and now taking reservations for Mother's Day Brunch Sunday May 10. Regular hours for Taste will be 11a-2p daily (closed on Wednesdays) with dinner and brunch hours for pre-theatre dining.
We have, thanks to a generous grant from G.E. Johnson Construction Company, reinstated Museum Free Day to a monthly (rather than semi-annual) event, the first will be on Wednesday May 20. Starting with the month of June public free day will be the third Friday of each month (June 19, July 17, etc.).
We also are getting ready to launch a new app that employs an iBeacon technology used by only a handful of arts institutions in the nation and a new, profoundly intuitive website that captures the vibrant vibe and myriad of facets of the Fine Arts Center.