Manitou Springs Arts Council

A Bit About MSAC

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Ask by Doyle Svenby

Black Diamond by Laszlo Palos

Evolution Metal Flower by Glenn Rudolph

Man-in-Z-Moon by Dan Romano

Manitou, the Jester by Ric Bascobert

North Star by Don and Maxine Green

Pea by Laszlo Palos

Peeps by Liz Szabo

Pequod by James Graham

Phoenix by Neil Fenton

Pile of Spirals by Liz Szabo

Don Quixote by Jim Geary

Sentinel #1 by Steve Wood

Serenity by Ryszard

Snow Bear by Ryszard

Art on the Avenue - Some of the sculptures MSAC has installed

The Manitou Springs Arts Council was established in 2004 for the purpose of serving both artists and the community. MSAC is a Public Charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and serves as the umbrella organization for the arts in Manitou. MSAC supports the visual, performance, holistic, literary and culinary disciplines. This diverse and eclectic range of art is a reflection of the unique place that is Manitou Springs.

Read more . . .

MSAC Increases Stipend to $500

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MSAC is pleased to announce that it has increased its stipend from $350 to $500 under its public art program, "Art on the Avenue." "MSAC is interested in continuing to bring new artwork to town, and we hope that the increased stipend will encourage more artists to submit entries for our consideration," says Ben Kuckel, MSAC president.

At the same time, the MSAC Board decided to provide an additional $150 to artists for each of the 13 sculptures they currently have on loan with MSAC. "We are pleased to be able to extend our appreciation to these artists in this way. As the program has grown over the years, we’ve been able to bring diverse artwork for people of all ages to enjoy. We’ve received many compliments from residents and visitors alike. Our "Art on the Avenue" program has been well-received and has helped enhanced the downtown area," said Ben. In addition to the sculptures on loan, there are 8 that are part of a permanent collection (4 owned by MSAC, 2 owned by the City and 1 owned by the Chamber of Commerce).

Chalk Board

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An exhibit of chalk art adorned Manitou Springs’ sidewalks during the last week in April. The artwork was created by students from high schools throughout the Pikes Peak region. The show was the second such show sponsored by the Manitou Springs Arts Council. The students had fun creating the art for people of all ages to enjoy.

MSAC Acquires “Phoenix”

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The Manitou Springs Arts Council has added the bronze sculpture “Phoenix” to its permanent collection as part of its “Art on the Avenue” program. Pictured here are, from left to right, Ben Kuckel, MSAC president, artist Neil Fenton, and Mike Barsotti, owner of CK Comics and Collectibles, whose generosity helped in the purchase of the sculpture.

MSAC Honors Jack Elder

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At its October 11^th board meeting, the Manitou Springs Arts Council presented Jack Elder with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his volunteerism over the years, especially within the arts community.

Jack has been the organizer of the Carnivale Parade, one of the City’s most fun community events, for many years. He is a board member of both the Business of Art Center and the Manitou Springs Arts Council. He has served on the City Charter Review Committee. He was instrumental in getting Lamar Outdoor Advertising to donate a billboard on Powers Boulevard, and then designed the billboard, for MSAC to use in promoting Manitou Springs as a vibrant arts community. Jack has been a recipient of the Jerome Wheeler Citizen of the Year Award.

"Jack’s knowledge of Manitou Springs and its history, and his relationships with so many community leaders, City employees and long-term residents, make him the most valuable player on our MSAC team," states Ben Kuckel, president of MSAC. "Whenever we have new sculpture to present to City Council under our Art on the Avenue program, Jack does the honors in making these presentations. We rely on him as our go-to guy for many of our programs and projects."

MSAC Honors Julia Wright

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On Monday, October 1, the Manitou Springs Arts Council presented Julia Wright with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her many contributions to the arts. Many of her friends attended the ceremony at the Commonwheel Artists Co-op.

Julia has been a member of the MSAC Board since its inception. She coordinated many events and served as treasurer. She has been a member of the Commonwheel Artists Co-op since 1976 and has chaired the Annual Labor Day Arts Festival in Manitou Springs for many years. Julia creates feathery wearable and decorative art for her Fantafaces business, and she does computer marketing and graphic design as HieroGraphics.

In presenting the award, MSAC President Ben Kuckel said that he couldn’t think of anyone who is more deserving of this award than Julia; she has made a huge positive impact on the arts in Manitou Springs spanning many years.

Manitou’s Got Talent!

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Asher D.

Tabitha B.

Dani M.

Isaiah W.

Kylie M.

Courtney P.

MSAC collaborated with our local school district a few years ago on a program involving our school children to create artistic banners for the City’s lamp posts. Through this ongoing program, the talents of many budding artists help enliven the downtown throughout the summer and fall months. As you stroll along the avenue, check them out!

MSAC Helps Sponsor Lantern Parade

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On April 12^th hundreds of middle school and high school students lit up the avenue with the 4th Annual Lantern Parade organized by Concrete Couch. MSAC has been a sponsor of this event in the past and provided funding to Concrete Couch again this year to enable artists to work with the students on their creative, illuminating costumes.

MSAC Adopt-A-Pedestal Program

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MSAC’s "Adopt-A-Pedestal" program has gotten off to a great start. Under this program, MSAC is seeking businesses and individuals willing to donate at least $350 each to support our "Art on the Avenue" project. Thus far, the following businesses and individuals have stepped up to the plate as "Adopt-A-Pedestal" sponsors. These generous sponsors have contributed $14,600.

Ellen & Donald Anderson, Mike Barsotti, Bestway Disposal, Bill & 2 Chucks, LLP, Ellis & Bernadette Borders, Brooke Bower & Richard Nehring, Todd & Kaki Crystal, Mark & Carol Duster, Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Robert & Sara Ware Howsam, Ken & Sandy Jaray, Kathleen Johns, Ben & Raynelle Kuckel, David & Lisa Larue, Manitou Springs Real Estate, Jon & Becky Medved, Murphy Constructors of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, R. C. Powell & A. O'Brien, Signature Homes by Steve Scott, Dan & Gail Stuart, Sunset Buildings, The Bank at Broadmoor, The USAA Foundation, The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Joseph C. Woodford, The Vann Family.

You too can become an "Adopt-A-Pedestal" sponsor. To learn more about the program, send an e-mail to Ben Kuckel, MSAC president.

MSAC Sponsors Little London Winds Summer Concert Series

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MSAC was proud to have been a sponsor of the Little London Winds concert series, held in Soda Springs Park each Monday evening during this past summer. This was Little London Winds' 20th anniversary year, and their 18th season in Manitou Springs. To learn more about Little London Winds, go to www.littlelondonwinds.org