The time is nigh to once again stroll through downtown in search of new Art on the Streets pieces.
This year’s 23rd annual outdoor sculpture garden will feature seven sculptures, four murals and one performance-based mural. The performance portion has already happened, but the mural is still up on the east exterior wall of The Majestic Building, 17C E. Bijou St.
The annual Art on the Streets Scavenger Hunt will officially kick off the exhibit Friday during First Friday Downtown. Works will be up for the next year.
This year’s exhibit is rife with pieces by first-generation Americans, including Mel CK, a muralist whose family moved from Panama to Colorado Springs. Her piece, “Low Rider,” adorns the south exterior wall of the Venezia Building, 128 N. Nevada Ave. Los Angeles-based artist Annie Hong, whose work goes under the name Hootnannie, immigrated with her mother from South Korea as a child. Her mural, “The Other Side,” is on the exterior wall of Craddock Commercial
Curbside Culture is back with live performances
Local band called PB & J takes part in small scale performances
and last updated 2021-05-31 09:13:35-04
COLORADO SPRINGS â There s a little bit of culture on every corner in downtown Colorado Springs, but one organization is making sure you can see it and hear it at a safe distance. Musicians are finally getting back to work, thanks to a program called Curbside Culture.
The Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region created the program to help artists get back on their feet and on stage during the pandemic. It brings the performing arts to the community, by allowing musicians and artists to give small-scale performances. During the pandemic, over 60 curbside and outdoor performances were held, and now the program is back for the Summer.
T
he first thing attendees at this yearâs MeadowGrass Music Festival should experience is a degree of familiarity after a year of pandemic. Nicole Nicoletta, executive director of festival sponsor Rocky Mountain Highway, said that dream came closer to fruition last month when the county eased restrictions on outdoor events.
Originally, festival organizers had envisioned all attendees restricted to 10-by-10-foot pods similar to those used at last yearâs MeadowGrass Vibes concert at UCHealth Park. Now, the large meadow at Black Forestâs La Foret Conference & Retreat Center will look much as it has for past MeadowGrass gatherings.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs was quiet on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, during the mandatory lockdown for non-essential businesses to help control coronavirus.
Restaurants and bars in Colorado Springs saw a 35 percent drop in sales last year during the pandemic, but there now are small signs of an economy in recovery according to an annual report released Wednesday by the Downtown Partnership.
The report highlighted a pandemic-fueled downturn for restaurants, bars and art spaces, but pointed to increased traffic and visitors in the first quarter of 2021.
Rebecca Taraborelli, who owns Rasta Pasta and serves on the board of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, said she s looking forward to serving folks as indoor dining restrictions ease.
Today
Sunny skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. High 66F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..
Tonight
Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 33F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Updated: April 6, 2021 @ 11:02 am
photos by JERILEE BENNETT, the gazette
JERILEE BENNETT
photos by JERILEE BENNETT, the gazette
JERILEE BENNETT
JERILEE BENNETT
Lisa Midknight enters her studio where she creates her mixed media artwork, which is on display outside her door. Midknight Studio is where she creates her art at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Wednesday, March 31, 2021. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)