|
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Local Colorado Springs' artists Sparky LeBold and Chuck Mardosz founded Cottonwood
Art Academy in 1997 to provide high quality art instruction by professional artists
to serious art students. In 2002, LeBold was leaving the country and shutting it
all down, but artist Kay Jeansonne purchased the school. Two years later, Cottonwood
moved to 25 Cimino Drive across from America the Beautiful Park, and became Cottonwood
Artists' School. Not only did the school increase its floor space, but it also expanded
classes and offered studios to local artists, eventually growing to over 40, who
work in a variety of media and styles.
Bursting at the seams, Cottonwood began to look for a new building approximately
three years ago and set its sights on 427 East Colorado Avenue, just a few blocks
east. E.J. Herbertson, the building’s owner, and the Business Improvement District
made financing possible so that Cottonwood directors, Kay Jeansonne and Peggy Vicaro,
were able to close on the building in December 2008. Tenant improvements were completed
three months later, allowing the school to move into its new digs.
Cottonwood Artists' School has now become Cottonwood Center for the Arts, offering
galleries, art classes, and affordable studios to now over 90 artists, including
jewelry designers, printmakers, potters, acrylic/oil painters, watercolorists, and
sculpturists. Dedicated volunteers primed, painted, patched, and cleaned for 8 weeks
in order to open on time for their Grand Opening on April 24th.
Cottonwood has a new exhibit in their Gallery every month, kicking it off with an
opening reception Artwalk on the last Friday from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy
free refreshments, live music, and a cash bar. All of the artists are in their studios
this night, doing demonstrations and answering visitors’ questions. It’s a fun night
of culture and friendship for all. I’m so honored to be a part of it! It’s truly
a dream come true.
|