After 30 years, 'bunch of hippies' central part of local art

Commonwheel Artist Co-op

History: As the story goes, a "bunch of hippies" -- artists and potters -- were regulars in the park in Manitou Springs. With art as their common purpose, in 1974 they banded together in a tiny, rented space on Caon Avenue fondly referred to as Little Hole in the Wall or the May Be Shop.

They decided Manitou sorely needed an art festival. A Labor Day event was born, and, as was the style in 1975, there was macram aplenty to buy.

Over the past 30 years the co-op has grown and prospered, expanding into a larger shop and sponsoring multiple festivals each year. This year, the group focuses on only one festival, the anniversary Labor Day event this weekend in Memorial Park.

The name the artists originally chose, Commonwheel, is a version of the old-English word commonweal or commonwealth.

Age range of participants:

25-70

How and why people participate: Members join the co-op to sell their original fine art and crafts. However, artists also can become members without showing in the co-op's shop. Prospective members must submit work to be juried. For those accepted, there's a monthly fee to have their work in the shop.

The audience? Art patrons and tourists, say co-op members.

When the group meets: 6 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.

Moment the group would like to forget: For an entire weekend one year, Octoberfest revelers who had hoisted a few -- or quite a few -- mugs at a nearby location ambled over to mingle with art lovers. It's a Labor Day Commonwheel members will never forget.

Most pie-in-the-sky dream:

Owning their own building

How people can get involved:

Attend one of the monthly meetings or visit the shop, 102 Caon Ave., in Manitou Springs.

Contact information: 685-1008; or www.commonwheel.com

CONTACT US: Have a group to recommend for A&E Link? Send information to Lnavarro@gazette.com or mail to Linda Navarro, P.O. Box 1779, Colorado Springs 80901

details

COMMONWHEEL ARTISTS LABOR DAY FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday

Where: Manitou Springs' Memorial Park, Manitou Avenue and El Paso Boulevard

30th anniversary event: Wine tasting to benefit youth art programs, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, $15 donation.

Copyright 2004
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