Courtesy of Creative Alliance Manitou Springs
In honor of #ArtsMonthOctober, Manitou Springs continues its 150th anniversary celebration with new public art installations at crosswalks and on its primary mobility hub.
“The arts give us our most important tools to celebrate people, places and key moments,” said Becca Sickbert,
executive director.
“So naturally, we’re working with artists to develop creative approaches to public safety and mobility in this important year. Next week we’ll also debut our new sculpture installations like ‘Comforting Melody’ by Flaminio Antonio and ‘Revivification’ by Zach Tabb.”
Weather permitting, CRANE will coordinate a public event on Wednesday, Oct. 5, called Open Streets, Open Arts, 3-7 p.m. outside SunWater Spa, 514 El Paso Blvd. It will feature live music from Grapefruit Moon and Crystal and the Curious, and activities including mural painting, chalk art and a bike-parking exercise facilitated by PaCMan (Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou Springs).
Starting as early as Oct. 3, Manuel Pulido and Kat Tudor will lead their Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage Initiative-funded “Turtle Crossing II” slip-resistant arts installations at crosswalks on El Paso Boulevard from Manitou Avenue at City Hall to Old Man’s Trail. The project has adapted learning from last year’s installation to use longer-lasting materials, sponsored by the city and Smokebrush Foundation.
Pending final approvals, local artist K8e Orr and collaborator Joel Newmiller will begin their visiting Hiawatha Gardens transit hub installation as early as Oct. 5. This project received MACH funding to decorate the building’s western wall, inspired by a historic postcard from the building’s dance hall years. The work is temporary until the building is reimagined and repurposed.
“We encourage everyone to help select the final design,” CRANE board chair Ralph Routon said. “These projects are what the Creative Alliance is all about, bringing together the best parts of Manitou Springs — our commitment to celebrating local artists and working together for innovative solutions.”
To vote on the final mural design, volunteer to help paint or more information, please visit manitouspringscd.org/openstreets.
Weather will influence the timing, as will coordinating with city staff to ensure minimal disruption.
The projects are funded in part by MACH, city government, Arts Month October/Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, Manitou Music Foundation and Colorado Creative Industries.