Building a stronger magnet

Downtown an Emerging Creative District

In 2011, Governor Hickenlooper signed legislation encouraging formation of Creative Districts across the state. Such districts - particularly when assessed and certified - attract creative entrepreneurs and artists, infuse new energy and innovation which enhances economic and civic capital in a community. The overall effect produces an area that becomes a more appealing place to live, visit and conduct business.

Forty-four districts from 25 Colorado counties recently applied for certification as Colorado Creative Districts. Two were so designated - Denver's Art District on Santa Fe and Downtown Salida - while five others were deemed "prospective" Districts and eight others, including Downtown Colorado Springs, were recognized as "emerging" Creative Districts.

For its new designation as an Emerging Creative District, Downtown Colorado Springs will receive a $2,000 grant as well as technical assistance to further its planning.

The program is administered through Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade through the Colorado Creative Industries division.

"Colorado ... is a magnet for creative workers," Governor Hickenlooper stated in a press release announcing the designations. "The formation of Creative Districts provides visitors and residents with an opportunity to participate and invest in the arts, while contributing to the economic vitality of the region and attracting creative entrepreneurs and artists."

In the alley

Future Downtown powerhouse?

Have you been to The Modbo? SPQR? Owners Brett and Lauren Andrus have transformed the Downtown alley experience by not only locating their two businesses on an alley, but also by extending "business" to events that spill out from the actual establishments. They have, in essence, created a mini "alley arts district" which has become a starting point for envisioning future use of additional Downtown Alleys.

HB&A Architects, with additional funding from the Downtown Development Authority, City Parking Enterprise and REMAX, has developed an Alley Arts District Improvement Plan. The plan was developed with input from the approximately 200 stakeholders in the proposed areas, and then presented to the public in an open-house style series of presentations on March 5. This initial design effort is intended to: stimulate positive activities in Downtown; allow stakeholders to see possible enhancements; identify and tackle issues; and create an operational understanding for utilization of the alley.

If you missed the March presentation, you can access the Alley Arts District Improvement Plan at http://www.downtown80903.com/business/alley-arts.

Out with the old, in with the new

2012 Art on the Streets

It's nearly that time of year again - when the yearlong Art on the Streets exhibit begins to disappear in preparation for the next exhibit of public art.

The 2012 Call for Entries ended in early March with a record number of submissions. Fifty-seven artists from 17 states and three countries presented applications for 81 works. For the first time ever, the entire process occurred online, said program director Denise Schall.

The 2012 exhibit, again juried by Kathy Loo and Jim Raughton, opens June 15th. Artists are competing for cash awards of $15,000 for first place, $7,500 for second place and $2,500 for third place. Winners will be announced at the June opening reception.

Art on the Streets is made possible by founding sponsor US Bank and supporting sponsors H. Chase Stone Trust, Nor'wood Development and G.E. Johnson.

Spice it up

Curry Leaf Restaurant

If you have a craving for Sri Lankan cuisine and its unique curries, you've got to check out the Curry Leaf Restaurant, recently relocated to a larger space at 321 N. Tejon Street. Soon offering expanded seating to 106, the Curry Leaf will have an "Asian room" available by reservation for private parties. Coming up: a bigger menu and full bar, a Sri Lankan spice collection and a cookbook for sale.

New hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Beginning in April, the restaurant will be open on Sundays, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 447-0608 or visit www.curryleafrestaurant.com.

Three and counting

Boulder Street Gallery celebrates

 

Boulder Street Gallery will host a new show, Spring

Treasures, featuring the works of "Bear Natured Ladies" Carol Ettenger, Jennifer Hanson and Mary-Linn Benning to celebrate its three years at 206 Tejon St (at Bijou). In addition to collaborative pieces, Ettenger will have new encaustics, Hanson will offer new pottery and Benning is hanging acrylic and mixed media paintings.

Stop in from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 to meet the artists, enjoy the gallery, nibble a few tasty somethings and see why Boulder Street Gallery is a Downtown success story.

Boulder Street (so named because of its original location) has 32 years of history in Colorado Springs, spanning numerous addresses and owners, including current owners Jennie and Terry Henderson. Their purchase of the old Novis Frame & Art building in 2009 has allowed them to showcase local artists in all forms of media, including original art, photography, decorative and functional pottery and jewelry. Boulder Street also offers scanning and reproduction of artwork and photography, providing quality Giclees using state of the art equipment, as well as framing and restoration services.

To learn more, call 719-636-9358 or visit www.boulderstreetgallery.com.

If you've become one of the thousands of fans of the Acacia Park summer Farmers Market, you can take your love to the next level by purchasing a CSA membership from Miller Farms, which runs the Monday market in Downtown Colorado Springs.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agricultural program. When you buy a full or half "share," your food package is ready for pick-up every Monday. You choose what produce you want, too! Membership starts on June 15th and runs through October, or 20 weeks. Costs have remained at 2008 levels: $600 for full or $400 for half. (A full share package feeds 4-6 people for a week; half share fees 2-3.) And while picking up your food at the weekly Acacia market is uber-convenient, members are welcome to visit the farm anytime and personalize their purchase even more. Miller Farms is located at 13912 CR 19 in Platteville, CO. See it on the map at http://www.millerfarms.net/contact.

Miller Farms is proud of its CSA, and states: We consider our members part of our family. We want you to know where and how your produce is grown, and to visit our farm as many times as you can ... so that your family can personally experience the fun of picking your own produce directly from our fields...

The Acacia Park Farmers Market will run from June 4 to October 8, 2012, every Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To learn more about the Miller Farms CSA, email millerfarms80651@aol.com or call 970-785-6133.
 

C'est what?

It's the return of the fabulous sultry divas, Judeth Shay Burns, Jana Lee Ross and Linda Weise in an evening (times deux) of cabaret-style performance, Manger Avec Trois - What Did You Do Over Spring Break? The $25 cost per person includes wine and food at the Conservatory, 415 S. Sahwatch, on either (or both) Friday, March 30 or Saturday, March 31, 2012. The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 719-577-4556.

Focus on Downtown

Mayor's Town Hall Meeting

In the first of several Town Hall Meetings, on February 22nd Mayor Steve Bach and several speakers - including DP Executive Director Ron Butlin and Board Member Chuck Murphy - focused on Downtown. It was great to hear of upcoming events and projects, and see enthusiasm spilling over for our great district.

If you weren't among the 200 or so in attendance (and even if you were), go to http://mayorstevebach.com/2012/02/24/colorado-springs-first-townhall-meeting-with-mayor-bach/ for a full recap.