Nobody knew exactly what to expect on the evening of July 5 in and around Manitou Springs. One unscripted scene quickly answered any question about the community jewel known as First Friday Artwalk. All you had to do was climb the stairs inside Miramont Castle Museum and step into what’s known as the Great Hall.
There, at a handful of long tables set up and decorated for the occasion, sat a fascinating collection of Manitou residents who chose this to be their first stop of the night. Nobody had known ahead of time that Miramont was joining the First Friday festivities, opening its doors to the public for a free look inside.
That was enough to attract these locals, mostly ranging from Generation Xers to Baby Boomers and beyond. Some influential, others more in the background but still involved. They had checked out an exhibit of historic Southwestern photographs and now they were enjoying enchiladas, tamales and more (yes, including margaritas).
The group spanned much of Manitou’s past and current diverse generation – some who have spent their entire lives here, others who arrived later and found their permanent place. Many were acquainted, but not from the same social circles.
No one came with preconceived notions, including Peggie Yager, one of the driving forces behind preserving Miramont for today’s visitors. But after the castle recently received its annual check (a little more than $50,000 this time) from the Manitou Arts, Culture & Heritage (MACH) tax initiative, the Miramont folks decided to give back.
With a few Facebook posts and not much more promotion, Yager said, “I was afraid nobody would show up.” But more than enough did, convincing her that Miramont would continue doing this on First Fridays in the months ahead.
Meanwhile, across downtown, the Commonwheel Artist Co-op was doing what it always does, opening an imaginative new offering for local followers, tourists and those who show up every month.
This show, called “Dinner Is Served,” includes the ceramic works of 18 artists, with full place settings as well as cups, mugs and more. Several of the artists willingly described the process of creating their works. Meanwhile, behind the counter and quietly making sure all went well was Julia Wright, who is also busy preparing for the 50th Commonwheel Labor Day Art Festival, always a major highlight on the local calendar.
But instead of talking just about Commonwheel, Wright made sure to push the next destination, the Green Horse Gallery. Its owners, Tina and Ken Riesterer, had decided to rejoin the First Friday family with a new exhibit by artist Susan Odiam. That was a great recommendation, with both Odiam and Tina Riesterer clearly uplifted by the crowds who already had passed through.
“It’s been a while since we’ve done this,” Riesterer said, remembering the pre-COVID times. “We’re just starting to feel comfortable again.”
She also was happy to hear about another budding idea for future First Fridays, setting up the Manitou Express electric tram or a shuttle to move people easily between galleries and venues.
The final stop was the Manitou Art Center, with its usual full array of offerings. The main show, “Veil” by Steffany Butts-Boucher, was captivating. There was the return of the MACH-supported Moonlight Market, with more than 20 makers selling their art, wares and produce. And dozens of music aficionados sat in the courtyard listening to Tenderfoot Bluegrass, sipping drinks from the bar tended as always by MAC executive director Natalie Johnson.
Perhaps the best part, though, was seeing some of the same people who had begun their evening at the Miramont.
All too soon the clock struck 8 p.m., closing time for First Friday. But this one felt different, like a new start with fresh faces and a broader foundation upon which to build.
Nobody owns the First Friday franchise, in Manitou or anywhere. It’s simply a genuine, natural grassroots community event, where you don’t know who or what you might see next.
Granted, First Fridays took a hit during COVID, which separated and isolated so many among us. We might not be quite all the way back to whatever will be the new normal, but if last Friday was any indication, we’re getting there.
The best part is, First Fridays have truly no limit, no capacity maximum. There’s always room for more.