Commonwheel Artists Art Festival

10/13/2026

Julia L. Wright has shown at the Commonwheel Art Festival since 1975 with many different art media. She had some of her feather art there along with books and abstract photos this year. During the month of October she has some very different feather pendants and masks in the Kosai gallery show in the Creekside Gallery at Commonwheel Artists Co-op. She found some very iridescent and unusual patterned feathers to make them sparkle. The pendants are can be imagined to look like a shining half moon. Come by and find the perfect mask to inspire a costume to wear for a Halloween or Carnivale event.

10/11/2026

Valerie Bartron showed her lovely glass jewelry at the Commonwheel Art Festival again this year. If you missed her there, come visit the Commonwheel Artists Co-op to discover her art there. She is the Artist of the Month for October and art patrons will get a 10% off discount on her Tree of Life or any pendant, earrings or beads she has created and displayed in the gallery this month.

10/09/2026

Look'ee Here performed at the Commonwheel Art Festival. Tonight from 6-9 come ready to cut a rug to local favorites Look'ee Here! And shhhh.....there might even be a bathtub of h***h available for purchase!
So put on your glad rags, and get yourselves down to The Commons, 808 Manitou Ave, for a party that'll be the cat's meow!
Don't know what to wear? Here are some ideas: gangster/mob boss, silent film star, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Keystone Cop, Fed/G-man, bootlegger, or just come as you are! Be creative and have fun!!
The Commons is located at 808 Manitou Avenue, just across Cañon Avenue from the Commonwheel Artists Co-op.
$10 suggested donation at the door or in advance through https://www.zeffy.com/.../speakeasy-at-the-commons-club

10/08/2026

Kids Art Activity Booth at the Commonwheel Art Festival kids of all ages had the chance to color images related to flying sponsored by the Colorado Springs Airport. Some chose to color luggage waiting to get on a plane. Others colored what they might see out a window on a plane. Local Manitou Springs businesses donated gifts to award some of the children after the Festival. Many will enjoy a custard cone from the Colorado Custard Stand, others will get sweet treats from Goldminer’s Candy Store. Perhaps these drawings will inspire them to want to travel more to visit new places.

10/06/2026

Kids of all ages came to the Kids Art Activity Booth at the Labor Day Art Festival. They had the chance to color images related to flying sponsored by the Colorado Springs Airport. These are few of the ones that had a plane Flying above the Earth. Gigi’s offered a cat puzzle and a Labopoly game and HieroGraphics Books offered a deck of “Find the Flower” cards for kids to play games off of the computer. One child will get to spend $25 at Theo’s Toy Store to chose something fun to play with at their home. The Millibo Art Theatre entertained kids at the Art Festival with the chance to create colorful large soap bubbles and donated 2 VIP tickets for the chance to enjoy one the the Kids First performances. It is so fun to see these creative views of our Earth through a Child’s eyes.

10/02/2026

First Friday in Manitou Springs offers a new place where you’re actually allowed to color on the walls. 🖍️
The Storybooth is getting covered in giant coloring pages featuring Manitou murals, with plenty of stories to hear told by local artists while you’re at it.
Color the walls. Hear the stories. No one gets grounded, we promise!
Come check it out tonight and enjoy Cookies With CRANE from, 5–8 PM at the Manitou Art Center at 517 Manitou Avenue

10/01/2026

Kosai will have an opening reception on October 2nd in the Creekside Gallery at Commonwheel Artists Co-op.
Kosai is a process of v***r work that was named to renowned potter Biz Littell's v***r glazing work. The v***r glazing process, unlike Raku, has proven to be archival. The brilliance doesn't fade with time. The name comes from Japanese master potter Chyako Hashimoto and means "hue of light".
This Creekside Gallery show at Commonwheel highlights to the idea of KOSAI by showing media that is iridized breaking light into the vibrant spectrum of color we see in the pottery, glasswork, painting, feather work, kaleidoscopes, and photography brilliantly executed by the participating artists.
Artists that will be showing their work all October are:
Nitra Olsen: pottery
Maggie Quinn (completed Biz Littell's Kosai master class): pottery
Sabine Wachs: glass work
Tylan Troyer: painting
Teri Rowan: photography
Julia L. Wright: feather masks and necklaces
Alan and Nancy Lindenmier: glass kaleidoscopes
Brighten up your Autumn by wandering into this brilliant gallery show.

09/29/2026

The Rockey Museum had a booth at the Art Festival and now there is another way to own a piece of Art created by Charles Rockey.
For Arts Month, CRANE presents 12 generously donated original prints by the late, renowned Manitou artist Charles Rockey.
The proceeds of this auction will go towards CRANE’s fund to purchase permanent art for the Community of Manitou Springs.
Auction opens online on September 28 at 8AM and closes on October 2 at 7:30PM. Pieces will be available to view in person at First Friday at the MAC from 5-7:30PM on October 2.
11 pieces are hand-colored, signed prints of a bridge dated 2017. The images are 7.0625″ x 9″ on 8.5″ x 11 parchment paper. 4 of these prints are also numbered.
1 piece is an engraving, which includes a poem titled “The Last Great Tree” and is signed and numbered (18/35). The image measures 8.5″ x 11.75″ and is printed on an 11″ x 17″ sheet of paper with a Rives watermark. This image and poem appear in Rockey’s book “Love Songs of Middle-Time”
Visit the Auction Site Here!

The Charles Rockey Print AuctionFor Arts Month, CRANE presents for auction 12 generously donated original prints by the late, renowned Manitou artist Charles…

09/26/2026

This is the last weekend to view the Shape of Flight in the Creekside Gallery at Commonwheel Artists Co-op. It is the perfect vehicle for exploring those places of transition. Flight is more than movement through the air. It is the moment between fear and courage, between holding on and letting go, between earth and heaven.
Two artists, Lori Vafiades and Elizabth Lutz have filled the gallery with a collection of art featuring birds, figures, and symbolic imagery to become visual reminders of hope, freedom, peace, and the quiet ways our spirits are lifted. Each painting invites the viewer to pause for a moment and consider where they are in their own journey.
The hope is that these works offer not only beauty, but also a sense of wonder—and perhaps a glimpse of the places where heaven gently touches earth.

09/24/2026

The Heritage Brew Festival started in 2015 in partnership with the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Heritage Brew Festival serves as a key annual fundraiser for the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum to help keep our admission free. The Festival brings in local breweries for b**r tastings and local bands for live music. The 2026 Brewfest will be our 11th year and we can’t believe its been that long!

Get your tickets now!
https://www.eventeny.com/events/11th-annual-manitou-springs-heritage-brew-festival-25108/?utm_source=manitouspringsheritagecenter&utm_medium=referral

Join us for an unforgettable day of craft b**r, live music, and amazing food at our Outdoor B**r Festival!
What to Expect:
• Unlimited b**r tastings
• Live music throughout the event
• Food vendors with tasty bites
• A lively outdoor atmosphere
• A community coming together for a great cause

This festival is a fundraiser for the Heritage Museum, helping keep the museum free for everyone in our community. Come celebrate, support local culture, and be part of one of the best festivals in the area!

Must be 21 or older to attend. Bring your friends, raise a glass, and support a great cause!

11th Annual Manitou Springs Heritage Brew Festival - Join us for an unforgettable day of craft b**r, live music, and amazing food at our Outdoor B**r Festival! Enjoy unlimited tastings from a variety of breweries while soaking up the atmosphere with friends, great tunes, and delicious eats.🌟 What...