By Nicole Herden, Executive Director
Welcome back to the newly revived Fine Arts Center blog! In the past year as Executive Director, I have had the privilege of learning about the FAC’s rich history and profound impact on the Colorado Springs community. I also have been continually impressed and inspired by the FAC’s dedicated staff, generous supporters, and local community leaders and members. I can’t wait to show you what we have in store!
This fall, we’re excited to share with you a myriad of programs and events. In our theatre, we have season of “firsts”! The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company will present its first ever world premiere production, our first bilingual children’s musical, and every show on the mainstage lifts up the stories of strong women. Up first (on stage now through Oct. 6!) is Dial M for Murder, a new version of the celebrated murder mystery that inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s movie masterpiece. And for the holidays, we can’t wait to share with you Disney’s The Little Mermaid, a family-friendly show that is sure to have spectacularly beautiful sets and costumes.
At Bemis School of Art, we just kicked of our fall session of classes. We offer classes in a variety of mediums and for all ages and skill levels. A few highlights include Textured Slab Mugs, Date & Paint!, Creative Drawing for kids ages 6–9, and Introduction to Mosaic Art. No matter your artistic interest, we’re sure to have a class for you!
And in the museum this fall, we present ALHAMDU | MUSLIM FUTURISM, a growing and diverse art exhibition and archive created by MIPSTERZ, a creative group supporting emerging Muslim and allied artists. The exhibition showcases a variety of artwork, including paintings, photography, sculptures, and interactive experiences. Three years in the making at the Fine Arts Center, this exhibition uses art to explore what a bright future might look like for Muslim communities, known as Muslim Futurism. It blends ideas from global movements for freedom and justice with Islamic principles of love and fairness, offering a vision for a hopeful and inclusive future.
Finally, we hope to see you at Día de Muertos on Nov. 1 and 2! This annual community gathering is a celebration of life that demonstrates remembrance, love, and respect for those who have gone before us. In addition to live music and performances, hands-on art activities, and a community ofrenda, new this year will be a mercado with food vendors and artisans and children’s costume parade will be held on both days.
We hope to see you soon at the Fine Arts Center!