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Upcoming Events to watch for
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Ideas and insights
"Inventing the Shuttlecocks"
The what? "Inventing the Shuttlecocks" is the title of a talk to be given by Jan Schall, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - and the star juror for this year's Art on the Streets exhibit.
Schall's talk will be delivered at 7 p.m., June 25, at the Fine Arts Center, one evening in advance of the AOTS exhibit opening. Schall explains:
When Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's monumental Shuttlecocks landed on the lawn of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in 1994, they created an instant controversy in Kansas City. Why? Because they challenged notions about what art is. Many delighted in their playful forms and modern spirit, while others saw them as a mockery of the Museum's high ideals and noble aspirations. This lecture will explore how the Shuttlecocks came to be, how they expanded the definition of art, and how they enhanced the international image of both the Nelson-Atkins and Kansas City.
The event is free but guests are asked to reserve a place by calling the FAC at (719) 634-5581.
Schall holds a doctorate in art history from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in art history from Washington University in St. Louis.In 2000, she organized the National Endowment for the Arts Millennium Projects exhibition Tempus Fugit: Time Flies and produced both its accompanying catalogue and award-winning website. More recently, she curated Kiki Smith: Constellation and co-curated Sparks! The William T. Kemper Collecting Initiative and the five-part New Media Projects exhibition.
Schall oversaw the renovation and reinstallation of the Museum's Kansas City Sculpture Park and developed and implemented both the program and installation of the modern and contemporary collection in the expanded Museum. Schall's research has been supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
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Indulge. Engage. Enjoy!
11th annual Art on the Streets opens June 26
Thirteen works of art from a record 62 submissions will be officially introduced as the 11th annual Art on the Streets exhibit at an opening reception on June 26th. Works in this year's show represent the creative labor of artists from Colorado, Kansas, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Italy.
"There's no doubt in my mind this is going to be our best show ever," said Denise Schall, staff coordinator for the project. "There is some really fun stuff, including work from some past favorite artists!"
We don't want to give away the store but... Look for an intriguing oversized interpretation at the Plaza of the Rockies by one perennially favorite "native son." Discover a new dose of kinetic whimsy in Acacia Park, too.
After June 26, an Art on the Streets map and walking tour can be downloaded at www.downtown80903.com.
Art on the Streets (AOTS) is presented by U.S. Bank, Nor'wood Development Group, and G.E. Johnson in concert with Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs and its affiliate, Community Ventures, Inc. AOTS is a yearlong venue to showcase the works of new as well as celebrated artists while enlivening the Downtown Colorado Springs cityscape and urban experience. |
Enhancing Downtown
DDA announces grant recipients
Thanks to the Downtown Development Authority's Challenge Grant  program, which recently awarded $124,250 to 20 recipients. At least $765,000 in improvements and enhancements for Downtown businesses, organizations, arts efforts and community events will occur in the next year.
Supported projects run the gamut from façade improvements and landscaping to event support and art projects. The largest DDA grant this year went to Colorado Springs Conservation Corps to assist in the establishment of the Conservation Hardware Center at 409 North Tejon, the first nonprofit of its kind in the nation. The "store" will offer both products and education to encourage wider energy and water conservation in our community. The center's opening is slated for Monday, June 15. The center hopes to be open six days per week. Find out more by calling (719) 636-BULB (636-2852). The Modbo, a unique concept art and music gallery at 17 C East Bijou (in the alley near martini bar 15C), received support for exterior and gallery enhancements. Modbo is the brainchild of Brett Andrus, former co-owner of Rubbish Gallery, and his partner, Lauren Ciborowski. In addition to hosting art shows, Modbo will offer classes, readings, performances and musical concerts. It's grand opening runs Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14, and will feature rock, jazz, opera and other performances. Find out more by calling 719-633-4240. Pikes Peak Arts Fest, FutureSelf, Imagination Celebration, The Club of Arts and the Independent Film Society of Colorado all received support for community events in the next year. Fans of outdoor murals will enjoy more of them in the coming months. Ecumenical Social Ministries, 201 N. Weber, Sierra Madre Investments, 14 N. Sierra Madre, and Rasta Pasta, at 405 N. Tejon, all submitted requests and received DDA grants for murals on their properties. View the complete list of DDA grant recipients at www.downtown80903.com. |
Micro market
Homegrown on Tejon launches
Want to see and taste what you might grow in your own backyard? Then you'll want to sample the tasty produce offered at Homegrown on Tejon - a micro farmer's market each Monday until October 15th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 300 block of Tejon.
Sponsored by the new Conservation Hardware Center, Homegrown on Tejon hopes to provide a sales venue for local growers who produce on less than three acres. Director Kim Schultz also hopes the micro market will inspire individuals to consider trying to grow their own food. |
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Have some fun
Modbo Grand Opening June 12-14
From "five-ish" on Friday to Sunday evening, June 12 to 14, experience something new and different in the Downtown arts and culture scene - the grand opening of Modbo.
Located at 17C East Bijou (in the alley, by martini bar 15C), Modbo is a multimedia experience - art, music, performance and, in the future, classes, readings and more.
Enjoy wine, cheese and art from 5-8 pm on Friday. Featured artists include Brett Andrus, Jo Carol Ciborowski, Lindsay Hand, Phil Lear, Daisy McConnell and Doug Rouse. After 8 pm, catch performances by Andy Tanner, arias by Judeth Shay Burns, and music from owner Brett Andrus's band, Aria Tari. Saturday evening showcases Edith Makes a Paper Chain, modern dance by Dolo McComb, break dancing by Soul Mechanics and some good old DJ music. Sunday will feature more classical music with some blues and jazz thrown in.
For up-to-the-minute info, contact Lauren Ciborowski at 650-2381. |
What's old is new
Streetcar effort seeks support
Want to help get streetcars rolling again through Downtown? While a feasibility study for a service line will be concluded next year, Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Foundation leader Dave Lippincott is looking for assistance in restoring old cars now. Restoring them will help facilitate future matching grants.
If you are interested in sponsoring a car and/or assisting with fundraising, contact Lippincott by phone at (719) 330-4746 or via email at lppnctt@aol.com. |
Preserve it
Architectural art glass workshop
Wondering what to do with that old beveled, leaded or etched glass piece? Learn how to preserve and maintain it properly during a free workshop offered by the Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs on Saturday, June 13.
Jane Riege of The Glass Menagerie will lead the two-hour workshop, which begins at 10 a.m. in the Carnegie Reading Room at the downtown Penrose Library. Riege will discuss appropriate design, execution, uses, and restorations and adaptations. Breakfast rolls and beverages will be served.
RSVP in advance to Pat Doyle at (719) 473-8108. |
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Learn in it
DP to host Downtown Colorado Inc. conference
The Downtown Partnership will host this year's Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) Annual Conference, September 23-25 at the Antler's. DCI, formerly known as Colorado Community Revitalization Association is a nonprofit, membership association committed to building better communities by providing assistance to Colorado downtowns, commercial districts and town centers. Since 2003 the Annual Conference has sponsored the Governor's Awards for Downtown Excellence by recognizing outstanding projects and people that reflect an attitude of perseverance and dedication to community revitalization in Colorado. The conference will be attended by about 200 government, city and county employees. Look for more information in upcoming newsletters. |
Colorful and clean
BID crew keeps Downtown glowing and growing
While Mother Nature keeps playing guessing games with the weather, the Greater Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) crew has plowed ahead with spring plantings and projects.
To date, all the planters at "Busy Corner" - Pikes Peak and Tejon - have been filled with colorful annuals. Between Boulder and Kiowa, both annuals and perennials have been planted to amp up Downtown's seasonal color.
Sidewalk power washing has begun Downtown, and BID Manager Beth Ortiz has an ambitious goal of covering the entire district at least twice this season. Her crew of four gets started often as early as 4 a.m. so that their work is not disruptive and is accomplished before the business day gets underway. New equipment in use this year means that all the water used in the cleaning is reclaimed on the spot.
In addition to these activities, the BID crew works on keeping Downtown litter-free, helps with graffiti removal, and serves as goodwill ambassadors, answering pedestrian questions and providing directions. Next time you spot one of the safety-vested BID workers, give them your thanks!
Questions about BID maintenance? Contact Beth Ortiz at 499-7745. |
Can you guess?
Downtown Puzzler
A few decades ago, this building's original pink granite ground floor façade was covered over in white marble. The Downtown landmark is finally being restored to its original glory. What and where is it? |
Help us help you!
Send us your news
But please send it early!
The Downtown Partnership ezine is sent out on or near the 15th of each month. If you have news or events to publicize, please keep that date in mind and submit your materials by the first of the month. If your event falls on a date during the first two weeks of a month, you'll want to contact us by the first of the preceding month. For example, an August 10th event could be publicized in our July 15th newsletter... so we'd need to have your information by July 1. Questions? Contact Terri at 886-0088. |
MEMBERSHIP 
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We've got answers
Puzzled no more
If you guessed the answer to this month's Downtown Puzzler is the Mining Exchange building at Pikes Peak and Nevada, you're correct. From the City of Colorado Springs web site:
This five-story, 1902 building was constructed by Winfield Scott Stratton, the Cripple Creek millionaire and civic benefactor, to house the Colorado Springs Mining Exchange and promote regional mining companies and their stock. It is regarded as the most substantial and intact building associated with Stratton that remains. As mining ebbed in importance to the region, the building became popular with inventors, insurance companies, railroads and accountants, engineers and lawyers, and remains a prominent business building. The first structure in the city to rise above four stories, the Mining Exchange was also the first fully fireproof office building.
Extensive ornamentation contrasts well with the buff-colored St. Louis pressed brick walls. The building's Italian Renaissance style compliments the adjacent Independence Building, (121 East Pikes Peak Avenue), also erected by Stratton. The building was constructed with two Otis elevators, marble lavatories and multiple vaults.
The original walls at the ground floor were gray granite, but were covered with the existing Italian marble panels in a 1963 remodeling project. The architect was T. E. Linn and the builders were Roberts and Bishoff, who also constructed the Cheyenne Building at 2 East Pikes Peak Avenue and the adjacent Independence Building.
This week, the Colorado Springs Business Journal reported that new owner Perry Sanders has changed his mind on the how to develop the building. Initially Sanders planned to convert the building into residential and retail space. Now he's exploring turning the Mining Exchange (as well as its neighbors, the Independence and Freeman Telegraphs Buildings) into a luxury hotel complex to include guest rooms, spa, bar and restaurants and even a basement comedy club. Stay tuned! | |
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