SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | By Liza McDougall
Nestled at the base of the Front Range, Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a small village with a vibrant, energetic, and funky arts scene. On Sept. 5, I went to the First Friday Artwalk in Manitou Springs to check it out for myself.
There were actually three concurrent Artwalks that took place in the area: one in downtown Colorado Springs, another in Old Colorado City, and a third over in Manitou Springs. Typically, on the first Friday of the month, an Artwalk is a way to support local artists, listen to live music and engage with different places and communities.
The small-town feel in Manitou Springs was a refreshing feeling after spending the past few weeks on campus. The town is a state-certified Official Arts District, allowing for more arts visibility in the area. I went to three main locations in Manitou: the Green Horse Gallery, the Commonwheel Artist Co-op and the Community Congregational Church.
At the Green Horse Gallery, there were many friendly people to talk to inside, most of whom I later discovered were actually artists with their work on display. The gallery is owned by five partners and features over 50 consignment artists, most of whom are local to the area. There was a wide variety of art both in medium and subject.
Across the street at the Commonwheel Artist Co-op, an engaging mix of art was also on display. The cooperative is made up of 30 to 40 artists who all work at least two months at the gallery. In exchange, they can sell their art at the store, which features a different artist each month. September’s featured artist, Marica Hefti, described her involvement in the co-op and larger Manitou community as not only inspiring but also motivating for her to create art.
Down the road at the Community Congregational Church, there was a temporary art show on display featuring local artists from all walks of life, and live music from local blues trio, Lookee Here. They played for a small but dedicated crowd of all ages, most of whom the lead singer knew by name. The music inspired many people in the audience to get up from their seats and dance.
I had the chance to speak (and dance) with one of the dedicated performers, 9-year-old Penelope. She had art on display at the Church, a fashion piece designed entirely with pages torn from books. She enthusiastically told me that her inspiration was her love of reading, and that the art piece was a group project between herself, her brother and her mom. Her project was just one of the many pieces from the community on display in Manitou Springs.
Throughout the town, I found a tight-knit community showing up in support of one another. Everyone I talked to mentioned the support artists get in a town like Manitou. There is an intentional community centered around creating art.
Whether it is in Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, or downtown Colorado Springs, I highly encourage Colorado College students to check out an Artwalk, whether it’s to get off campus, engage with the larger community that we live in or check out some local art.