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Manitou Artists Prove Themselves Extraordinary

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Contributed by: Melanie Grimes on 12/3/2007

Curating an art show is a curious business. Art is subjective and often evokes both feelings and references for each individual. It makes a statement, creates a mood or emotion and, hopefully, sparks an intelligent conversation. As the curator for Extraordinary Manitou, I wanted to reach my audience with an experience uniquely representing Manitou Springs and its artistic identity. To convey a sense of importance and place within a cultural and art historical context to the viewer became paramount.

A year ago I set out to create an exhibition for the Smokebrush Gallery that both highlighted the immense artistic talent residing, working and showing in Manitou Springs, and the diverse community that supports their work. In November, some of the best new and seasoned artists in Manitou contributed work to Extraordinary Manitou. Some artists have contributed new works and some their well known pieces, but they all contain threads of Manitou inspiration. Steve Wood supplies paintings reminiscent of the regionally famous mosaic murals he creates with his non-profit organization Concrete Couch, Paul Dalhsten and Frank Gray provide the show with unique and large scale ceramic pieces and Ken and Tina Riesterer are exhibiting large paintings highlighting both the local landscape as well as beloved Manitou watering hole, The Royal. Jannine Scott and Neil Fenton, fast becoming the most popular new artists in town, showcase some of their best work in lamp-worked glass, large scaled paintings and bronze. Moreover, the dulcimers of Bud and Donna Ford of The Dulcimer Shop, and the music of Bud Ford III at the opening are further examples of the diverse artistry infusing this unique community. Of course, no show highlighting the unique expression of Manitou artists would be complete without the marvelous and fanciful work of Charles H. Rockey, a staple in Manitou's art scene and larger community. Rockey does not disappoint with work that documents his sense of place and love of the day-to-day in Manitou Springs.

Manitou is a town rich with cultural heritage which boasts a tight-knit community and a deep mutual respect among the artists living and working there. An eclectic group of individuals with artistic styles as varied as their their origins, they all find a place in the area to call their own. Each artists work is nourished by the beautiful surroundings and inspired by the hamlet and it's people. The exceptional and varied work displayed at the Smokebrush does indeed represent the warm mood revered by this inspiring town, but it is, in fact, this abiding sense of community that makes the artists and the town of Manitou Springs so extraordinary.

Extraordinary Manitou continues this month with the Holiday Art Bazaar. The event will kick off with a First Friday Art Walk and Artists Reception on Friday, December 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. Holiday sales will continue through December 12, Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Melanie Grimes

Colorado Springs , CO

Melanie Grimes has posted 1 story and 0 comments since joining on 12/3/2007. Melanie Grimes 's average story rating is 0.

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