SEASONAL OVERVIEW: COLORADO ARTS & CULTURE
Winter heralds in a new season of theater and fine art at many of the state’s playhouses and galleries. Colorado, well-known for its inspiring geography and skilled artists sees the end of autumn as an opportunity to display its finest pieces and most rewarding displays. Consider these venues for stunning classics and innovative installments.
Fine Arts Center of Colorado Springs
With Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods at its doorstep, Colorado Springs has long been the source of inspiration for artists. In 1936, the city tapped into this spirit with a grand community arts center that continues to thrive. The museum expanded its facility with a new addition, designed by nationally recognized Denver-based architect David Owen Tryba, which complements the original 1936 facility. The expanded 132,286 square-foot facility features nine permanent collection galleries, two traveling exhibition galleries and an unprecedented tactile gallery.
Arts housed in the Fine Arts Center, as well as its satellite show space, the FAC Modern, is exceptionally well-known. Arts of the Southwest, one of the Fine Arts Center's permanent collections, feature some of the finest and most diverse artistic expressions created by American Indian artists. The FAC Modern includes pieces from renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly. For more information, including new and ongoing exhibits, visit Csfineartscenter.org or call 719-634-5581.
Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center
The Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center houses many forms of artistry, and elates the creative spirit no matter what the medium. One of the most popular venues is the Buell Children's Museum, where kids explore their senses through hands-on activities that nurture their imagination. The Children's Playhouse Series is also ideal for engaging the minds of little ones. For the more mature, the arts center is home to The Center Stage Performing Arts Series, Sangre de Cristo Ballet Theater and Sangre de Cristo Dancerz — all local ensembles that showcase the talent found in the area. But movement on stage isn't all there is to art. Paintings and sculptures are also on display. Make sure to visit the nearly 7,500 square feet of exhibit space that showcases regional, national and international art in many different genres. This season’s theater and dance productions include Rodeo performed by the Colorado Ballet and Momix, a combination of dance and illusion. Still pieces displayed at the Helen T. White Galleries include spectacular water colors and paintings that showcase the Western lifestyle. For additional shows, visit the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center online at Sdc-arts.org or call them at 719-295-7200.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet showcases intricately choreographed motion, where dancers perform the most elegant and deceptively difficult movements one can ask of the human body. This troupe is so well-regarded in its abilities that not only do two cities lay claim to their talents, but so do two states—New Mexico and Colorado. The ballet company focuses on celebrating emerging local and regional talent to fill their ranks. Drawing from this well of gifted young dancers has paid off, as its members and ensembles have repeatedly garnered national acclaim. With the season starting in December, tickets are just now going on sale. This year’s performances include The Nutcracker – a family favorite – and Pilobolus, a dance piece that bridges seemingly disparate forms of pop culture and cultural arts. For additional information on this season’s shows, visit Aspensantafeballet.com or call 970-925-7175.
To discover more about Colorado’s arts and culture scene, visit us online at Colorado.com.
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