Pikes Peak arts community welcomes 2024
The Raven Express #8 - 12/22/23
In this issue of The Raven Express, I pull out my Rolodex and ask local artists and art leaders of all kinds what they wish for the local creative community in 2024.
“Being an artist is such an amazing endeavor. We are the ones who get to bring our dreams to life, it is not always easy but for a lot of us it's the only thing we can do. I would love to see artists not just survive but thrive. This takes community support and investing in handmade. Spend time and get to know the storytellers, curators and dreamers of our town. Visit our local galleries, once a month shows, and let others know about the amazing things you have seen. The landscape that art creates improves happiness so Invest in these sacred visions because we can't do it without you.”
K8E Orr, Owner of Jibwa studio at the MAC
“My hopes and dreams for the COS Arts Community in the coming new year are simple really.
I want rest for our creatives. I don't want to see more labor- the endless necessity of performance and online content creation. I want rest for the community I love. I want creatives to spend time with patience and grace as their only goal. I want small business owners to take breaks and eat dinner with their kids. I want sleep and long lunches and real intimate gatherings with no agenda. I want zoom calls ended early and lots of lazy day drinking. We create the most beautiful stuff when we welcome rest into our lives.
I feel like 2024 will bring so much fresh, gorgeous energy and work. I know it, actually. I just hope, between the amazing creations to come, our creative community will get to take one big meditative breath.”
Jasmine Dillavou, Artist/curator/small business owner
2023 brought a dream to fruition when I was hired as the new Director of GOCA, where I intend to continue surprising through provocative exhibitions and experiences. My wish for the year ahead is to facilitate widespread intentional connection, collaboration, and experimentation with visionaries and changemakers as we work alongside each other to make our region an even more vibrant and inclusive place to be. I hope we can continue finding ways to intersect in mutual support across sectors to ensure a healthier society for everyone. And that supporting these initiatives will be a priority for funders and community members alike!
Joy L. Armstrong, Ph.D., Director and Curator UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA)
“My wish for our arts community is for us to grow in boldness and scale, while keeping our collaborative culture. Arts Vision 2030 (our region’s ten-year cultural plan, available at CulturalOffice.org/ArtsVision2030) calls us to reach farther together, but how we do that is important. Leading with inclusiveness and collaboration, we can show our region how to grow best – with soul!”
Angela Seals, Executive Director, Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPeR)
“My wish is that this starts pulling together as a big city that can survive on its own and stop leaning on Denver.
Don't get me wrong, I love Denver, but that being said: tell me where you saw concerts? Sporting events? Or even arts and museums? We have such an amazing community with incredibly talented people right here in Colorado Springs. Yet I go to local events and I can't believe how few people are there. We even have better things like more intimate music venues where you can see bands up close! We have Olympic events right in town where you can see some of the best in the world! And don't forget the arts and theater plays. Heck we even have Space!
Bottom line of what I'm trying to say is we need to support the locals before they give up and move to a big city. I could've opened my gallery anywhere, I chose here. The gallery [Art 1eleven] may have closed, but I haven't left and I don't want to. I want to see this city get its own identity as a beautiful artistic culture that is thriving, not struggling to pay rent while working 2 or 3 jobs. We can do better.”
Robin Schneider, Local photographer
Hey meow, I’m gonna keep this brief: you should subscribe to my dad’s newsletter because he puts a lot of work into it and it affords me treats. How can you say MEOW to that?
- Captain Kirby Jack Raven, a.k.a. How did you get up there?
“Let our New Year’s resolution be this: We will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word. —Göran Persson
The New Year is a time for family, friends, and wishes for a better year. A lot can happen in a year–good, bad, and ugly. However, that doesn’t change the power of art to challenge our beliefs, support our mental well-being, or remind us of what makes life worth living. As you ring in the New Year, keep in mind that the year holds promise, maybe a bit of holiday magic, and a reminder that you can make a difference.
Happy New Year from all of us at the Manitou Art Center!”
The leadership at Manitou Art Center
“Hello, friends!
May 2024 bring collaboration, conversation, and creativity for all of us. Thank you for everything you do to add inspiration and beauty to the Pikes Peak region. This has been a wonderful year with so many amazing experiences for us and we are so grateful that we get to share our work with so many talented and brilliant minds in Southern Colorado. It has been amazing connecting with some of the most incredible musicians, artists, poets, writers, authors, actors, and dancers this year right here in our hometown and we are looking forward to meeting so many more in 2024.
Peace, love, and good vibes to you all!”
Citizen Gamble
“Wishcasting for 2024
My hope for the arts and culture community in 2024 is one of simplicity and abundance: I wish ample access to wonderful experiences for everyone–regardless of their housing, transportation, employment, or educational status. I hope to see unabashedly enthusiastic, growing audiences for all of our venues and retail operators. And above all, I’d invite everyone to join me in supporting those organizations and artists investing their time and talent to build equity by bridging racial and economic divides.”
Becca Sickbert, she/her, Owner, Bijou Bee LLC Consulting
“Colorado Springs has grown into a very vibrant and diverse art community. Our downtown scene, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs is bursting with galleries, incredible food and music. Experience dynamic public art, see brilliant performing arts, buy first-class art work and access outstanding art classes taught by passionate educators. Just come out on a First Friday and see for yourself! We’re simply top-notch here, an evolution that I’ve watched for the past 31 years and hope to see this continued growth in 2024. Come and see me at Bemis. Love you CS arts community!”
Rui Haagen, she/her, Bemis Ceramics Instructor
“Spend 2024 laughing and loving with your family, blood or otherwise.”
Lynne Hastings, she/her, Actor/Director
“I’m so grateful for the Colorado Springs art community. My best days in the gallery, hands down are when artists and collectors alike stop by. Every time they do, I am reminded how connected we are to each other and of the support that exists in this city.”
Valerie Lloyd, Founder, Surface Gallery
“We are so excited for all the art happenings that the art community has in store in 2024! Stay tuned for exciting news coming from G44 and Kreuser Galleries! We love this community and can't wait to present more dynamic exhibits and events in the year to come!”
Gundega Stevens, Owner, G44 Gallery and Abigail Kreuser, Owner, Kreuser Gallery
“May the local art community continue to be a vibrant hub where creativity knows no bounds. I hope artists feel inspired to explore new mediums, techniques, and forms of expression.
May the art community be a welcoming space for artists from all backgrounds, embracing diversity in styles, themes, and perspectives. Let every artist find their voice and be celebrated for their unique contribution.
There should be a strong sense of community support among local artists, where they collaborate, share ideas, and lift each other up. Together, may they overcome challenges and celebrate successes.
Wishing for art to be accessible to all members of the community. More public spaces are adorned with art, and initiatives are in place to make art education and resources available to everyone, regardless of age or socioeconomic status.
Artists should find inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the local community. Let the art produced reflect the stories, traditions, and values that make the community unique.
Hoping for increased appreciation of art within the local community. May people recognize the transformative power of art and understand its ability to inspire, heal, and provoke thought.
There news to be more programs and opportunities for young aspiring artists to nurture their talents. Investing in the next generation ensures the continuity of a thriving and dynamic local art scene.
Wishing for more public art installations that engage and captivate the community. Public spaces can become canvases for creativity, sparking dialogue and fostering a sense of pride in the local culture.
Hoping that local artists receive the recognition they deserve, both locally and beyond. Their work should be showcased in galleries, exhibitions, and events, allowing their talent to reach a wider audience.
Wishing for artists to have the freedom to express themselves without fear of censorship. May the local art community be a haven for bold and thought-provoking creations. Hoping for opportunities for local artists to engage in cultural exchanges with artists from other communities and regions. This can lead to a cross-pollination of ideas, enriching the local art scene.”
Brian Tryon, Fine Art Photographer/Visual Artist, Founder/Owner of Shutter and Strum
“I’m certain 2024 will bring easily achievable progress like world peace, true equity for all, and universal health care. So I won’t waste our precious time pining for those inevitable breakthroughs. Instead, I offer a heartfelt wish that you, dear reader, find fulfillment; that you discover or continue a creative pursuit through which to express and better understand yourself; that you can release fear of an uncertain future and find enjoyment in the present moment; and that you witness a widespread resurgence of kindness and empathy in the coming year.
Jeremiah Walter, songwriter and theatre artist
“My positive outlook for 2024 - I’m excited about the cultural growth in the area recently and there are additional bright prospects on the horizon. I hope these new ventures get a good welcome and can establish the footing they need to succeed. These activities build on the dreams fought for by many people in the arts and education enterprises over the past 25 years. It keeps me engaged and optimistic about the future. I think it would be healthy if we interacted with each other more on person to person levels. Maybe we can start weaning ourselves from using the Fear, Monster and Enemy metaphors so much. That sounds really stupid in an election year, but it’s still a good thought.”
Sean O’Meallie, Local Artist
“In 2024, I invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and unapologetic self-expression. I hope that you will find the courage to dance to your own rhythm, letting go of inhibitions and embracing your authentic self.
Let us celebrate diversity, embracing the beauty of our differences. Like the delicate flutter of a bee's wings, let our actions create ripples of love, acceptance, and empowerment.
Remember, you are the architect of your destiny, and the world eagerly awaits the masterpiece you are yet to create.
May your journey be filled with endless possibilities.
With love and admiration,”
Bunny Bee, La Burla Bee
“As the new president of the Peaks Peak Arts Council, my wish for the new year is for our amazing and diverse creative community to unify and break boundaries. I am a fresh face stepping into this leadership role, which can be a bit intimidating, but I hope that my passion and determination will allow me to continue growing the region’s artistry, culture, and economy. The work is already underway, and I couldn’t be more excited. May the new year bring an abundance of creativity, fearless exploration, and the elevation of diverse voices.”
Sean Pinion, Pikes Peak Arts Council
“I wish abundance in 2024 for our art community. Full of opportunities, inspirations, and collaborations. I want us to get weird and make art that brings us joy and plants seeds of curiosity in others. I hope that those who are flirting with the idea that they are an artist, take the step and fully embrace it in 2024!”
Ashley Cornelius, Pikes Peak Region Poet Laureate and Poetry719 Co-Director
“What is independent film? Simply put, any feature or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system. Low budget. Small crews. Not Hollywood.
All of us at the Independent Film Society of Colorado (IFSOC ) wish everyone in our community a happy and safe holiday. Thank you for supporting independent film in Colorado Springs in 2023 and we look forward to bringing you more Independent film in 2024. See you at the movies!
Some favorite quotes…
I love independent films, it's the only place as an actor you're totally allowed to breathe. — John Leguizamo
Independent films are really the best ones out there. They have the most original stories. and they're very good. — Taika Waititi
Indie film shooting budget: 5k for actors, 2k insurance, 2k food and drink. 9k in the can. We only shot 12 days. That's how to make an independent film. — Edward Burns”
Ralph Giordano, Director, Indie Filmmaker & Festival (IFSOC)
“My wish for our community in 2024 is that you experience some art that you see yourself in and you experience some art that you see someone in who is not like you and that you find a connection. My dream is that empathy for our fellow human creeps into the craggy edges of compassion-fatigued hearts and we learn to fall in love with hope again! My charge is that you invest your time, presence, energy, and resources towards the arts and cultural experiences that you value and want to see stick around into the future!”
Sarah Sheppard Shaver, Theatre Chair at Pikes Peak State College and Community Liaison at Springs Ensemble Theatre
“For the New Year, I wish creative prosperity for all artists everywhere. Without one another, our community could not be what it is today. Each of our differences and the variety of our creativities boost this community up to its fullest. Let us all live in that support for one another during the new year. Through this community support, I hope we all find space to create at max capacity.”
Jessica de la Luna, Community Art Agent
“My hope for all of my artistic compatriots in the upcoming year are that they all engage in projects that continue to build community. Arts are a great tool for unification and creating theatre is a unique way to bring people together for a common goal. I hope that everyone chooses projects that invigorate their artistic spirit. To those not yet involved in the arts- put yourself out there! Audition! Sign up for that class! Go dancing! Make art at home, in nature, or with your friends! Don’t spend all your time living to work. Create. Make something. Fill your cup. Let it run over.”
Jonathan Andujar, He/him/his, Grade 6-12 Theatre teacher, Director, Actor, Playwright, Poet
“Looking ahead to the upcoming year, we eagerly anticipate the continued growth of the art community here in Colorado Springs. At True North Art Gallery, our commitment remains strong to bolstering artist connections. We aim to expand opportunities to allow other local artists to exhibit their work in our inviting space. The city boasts an abundance of talent and we’re eager to support and spotlight these artists.”
Marisa S White, Co-Founder, True North Art Gallery
“The world writhes and turns and twists, and upon completion of its trip around the sun… a few things have changed, but mostly it’s the same old magic on a different day. With this in mind, what do I hope for in the coming year? Good food, plenty of laughter, music that reaches down into your soul, rain, excellent TV shows, and mischief. Especially mischief.”
Darla Slee, Local Artist
“I feel so grateful being part of a small community, but I also get very frustrated because people want to pretend that there isn’t another world out there that we need to be aware of and connect with. SO I wish all Manitoids the spirit of peace AND understanding. This means no hate anywhere! Even with your enemies. I think they need more love and light.”
Donald Herbert Goede (III) aka Don Goede is primarily an art director, curator, publisher, R&D Director, entrepreneur, business owner, artist, singer/songwriter, producer, and musician. BUT NOT NECESSARILY IN ANY ORDER.
“Whatever whimsical fate gave me a creative soul, I'm truly grateful. The luminous night skies of winter and the ending of one year and the anticipation of the next inspire me to reflect on, imagine and realize the enormity of the mysterious phenomenal world we find ourselves in.
All that's gone before us sets the stage for new ideas, inspirations, and arty adventures to savor. Imagine what will be, what could be? Curiosity and wonder, frustration, surprise and delight! I look forward to all of it and to sharing it with everyone, and I wish a delightful and artful year to everyone.”
Laura Reilly, Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery and Studio
“I have decided that 2024 will be the year of being nice to yourself.”
Chris Alvarez, Artist/Teacher
“As the year is winding down, and the gratefulness is settling in, I can’t help but think of all the great things we have accomplished and the impact we made this year. I can’t wait to see what the art community does next. Truly, thank you for being awesome!”
Robert Gray, Artistic Engineer, Leader, Giver of Keys
“2023 has been a very challenging year for many of us, including myself. I hope that next year will bring us an abundant amount of amazing creative opportunities. I am excited to be working with a very talented and hard-working team on a documentary about a young man and his dream of becoming an Olympic athlete. With the uncertainty ahead, one thing I do know is that I won’t be standing on the summit of Pikes Peak on New Year’s Eve, attempting to photograph the AdAmAn fireworks while ringing in 2024. It’s just too damn cold and windy up there.”
Mike Pach, Owner of 3 Peaks Photography
“I wish for more unity and growth. May Yule bring sweet recompense. I wish all my kin well; that the all encompassing mother greet you with nurturing abundance.”
Kevin Shinelikar Persaud, Consultant/community leader, Co-creator of What Kinda Brown Are You?
“And that’s a wrap. Put it in a box and tie a bow around it. Another year is coming to a close and just like that, we get a do-over — a chance to keep the good and turn the growing pains into growth. Looking forward with so much gratitude for this community. 2023 was filled with much love and support, for me, personally, and for the arts community as a whole. It continues to be my pleasure to watch this city evolve. and I’m not giving up my front-row seat any time soon. Here’s to embracing the new, holding on to tradition and every space in between. Make it a great 2024 Colorado Springs! See you on the streets and in the galleries.”
Nichole Montanez, Artist, probably.
The Raven’s Recommendation
This is something I’ve munched on in the past week that I want to share with you.
Essayist and social commentator F.D. Signifier has brought us an examination of the White Rapper Paradox: a dissection of the phenomena where white rappers getting disproportionately more attention than their similarly talented peers of color while contributing little or nothing to the genre’s foundations.
Its premise hinges on the rise of rapper Eminem in the late 90s, who on-boarded me into rap in high school, and what white rappers did before and after him. Signifier highlights that when white rappers succeed, they never quite “succeed” and too many fail to embrace the needs of black people, from whom they borrow so much, like standing for Black Lives Matter. Highly recommended watch.
Such a beautiful article to close out the year and welcome in the New Year! It's great to hear such personal messages from local talent!