“There is no real art scene in Colorado Springs. If you want serious artists, you have to go to Denver or Santa Fe.”
That statement is false. Colorado Springs has a serious, steady, sometimes surprising art scene, and many artists choose it on purpose, not as a second choice. If you came here after searching something like masterpieces in the mountains a guide to artists in springs colorado, you are already on the right track. The city is full of working painters, sculptors, printmakers, muralists, and mixed media artists who show in galleries, small studios, and even breweries. You do not have to leave town to find strong work. You just need to know where to look and how the local scene really works.
I remember the first time I walked into a First Friday in Colorado Springs. I expected a quiet evening, a few landscapes, maybe a student show. I was wrong. The streets downtown were full of people moving from gallery to gallery, some with wine in hand, some with kids, some clearly artists themselves. The work on the walls was not just mountain scenes, even though there were plenty of those. There were abstract pieces, political pieces, experimental installations, and yes, some very traditional oils next to spray paint and collage. It felt less polished than big city art districts, but not weaker. Just more direct.
So, is Colorado Springs an art destination in the same way as Santa Fe or Taos. Probably not, and that is fine. The rhythm here is different. Rents are still, at least for now, a bit more forgiving, so artists can rent studios in old warehouses or shared spaces. You also have the mountains sitting right there, every day, plus Garden of the Gods, the plains, and the military bases. The tension between natural beauty, suburban growth, and military presence shapes a lot of the work, even for artists who say they are not painting “Colorado art.”
What helps most, if you want to understand or support the artists here, is to think in terms of neighborhoods, hubs, and habits rather than chasing some perfect list of “top” names. The same painter might show at a non-profit arts center one month, hang work in a coffee shop the next, and then spend three months focused only on commissions. So I will walk you through the core areas, some types of artists you will meet, and practical ways to connect with them, whether you are visiting or you live here and just have not looked closely yet.
You will see some contradictions along the way. People say “Colorado Springs is conservative,” then you walk into a studio with raw, experimental work that would easily fit in a big coastal gallery. Or you might hear that “the Springs is changing fast,” but then have a long talk with a painter who has quietly worked here for 30 years and feels like some stories are getting repeated without much nuance. That tension is part of what makes the scene interesting.
How the Colorado Springs art scene actually works day to day
If you try to understand the city through tourism brochures, you might think the art here is all red rocks, elk, and cheerful watercolors of Pike Peak. Those things exist. They sell well to visitors. But they are only one piece of a broader mix.
Here is the rough structure you will feel once you start moving through the city:
1. Downtown galleries and studio clusters
Downtown is still the easiest entry point. On a normal day, you can walk Tejon, Kiowa, Bijou, and nearby streets and see several galleries and studios within a few blocks of each other. They range from commercial galleries that focus on selling to collectors, to co-op spaces where artists share rent and rotate shows.
You will find:
– Small galleries run by a single owner who curates the space based on personal taste.
– Member co-ops where each artist has a say in what goes on the walls, and someone is always staffing the front.
– Studios that double as retail spaces, where you can talk directly to the painter while they are working.
If you only have one night in town, plan it around the First Friday Art Walk. Not every gallery participates every month, and some are more energetic than others, but it gives you a quick feel for which spaces are active and which artists are showing often. Try to go into at least one place that is outside your comfort zone. If you love landscapes, step into a contemporary or abstract space. If you prefer modern work, at least glance into the traditional western gallery.
2. Old Colorado City: more relaxed, more tourist traffic
Old Colorado City, a few miles west, has a separate art district, with a looser, more vacation-like feel. You will see more bronze sculptures, plein air paintings, and pottery in the windows. Visitors walking in from nearby restaurants are a big part of the audience.
That does not mean the work is weaker. Many strong oil painters and sculptors show here. The difference is tone. Prices might be a bit higher at first glance, because the expectation is that a fair number of buyers are on a trip and ready to bring something home. If you are trying to understand the range of local artists, it is worth walking both downtown and Old Colorado City and noticing the shift.
3. Manitou Springs: quirky, experimental, and touristy at the same time
Manitou Springs, just a few minutes up the road, has its own energy. It is smaller, with narrow streets and more visitors on casual walks, but inside those old buildings you will find some of the more experimental and odd work in the area.
You see more mixed media, more handmade crafts, more artists who move between fine art and functional work. You might walk past a chain of tourist gift shops, then walk into a small gallery that quietly hosts serious regional shows.
4. Institutions and non-profits that hold the scene together
There are a few organizations that quietly shape how artists work and show in the city:
– Local art centers that host juried shows, classes, and community exhibitions.
– University galleries and student shows that bring in visiting artists.
– Non-profit spaces focused on underrepresented or emerging artists.
If you plan to stay involved with the scene, it helps to follow these places, because they often highlight artists before they start to show in commercial galleries.
Types of artists you will see in Colorado Springs
The art scene here is not just one thing. Instead, you find clusters of artists who share themes, mediums, or habits. These categories are loose, and some people fall into several at once, but thinking this way helps when you are trying to remember names or decide where to explore.
Mountain and landscape painters
You will not escape Pike Peak. Many artists live here precisely because they want easy access to the mountains, changing light, and fast weather. Some are plein air painters who carry an easel into Garden of the Gods or Red Rock Canyon. Others work from photos and memory in studio.
Typical subjects:
– Pike Peak in different seasons
– Garden of the Gods at sunrise or sunset
– Ranches, barns, and open plains near the city
– High country lakes, aspens, and snowfields
The range is wide. Some artists lean toward very detailed, almost photographic oils. Others push color and texture so far that the reference is clear only in the title. Prices usually reflect a mix of size, reputation, and how often the artist shows or sells.
If you enjoy this type of work but want something less predictable, ask gallery staff if they represent any artists who paint local scenes with a modern or abstract twist. You might find landscapes broken into geometric shapes, or mountain views built with collage, or night scenes that focus more on mood than accuracy.
Western, wildlife, and figurative artists
Because of the region, you will also see a lot of western and wildlife art. That can mean:
– Horses, bison, and elk in motion
– Rodeo scenes and ranch life
– Portraits of working cowboys or historical figures
– Birds of prey, bears, and mountain lions
Some of this work is very traditional, clearly aimed at collectors who like western themes. But there are also artists who use the same subjects in unexpected ways, such as:
– Close-up portraits of animals with strong eye contact and less background
– Stylized horses or bison simplified into blocks of color
– Figurative work that explores identity, not just history
If you think you do not like western art, give at least one of these artists a chance. Standing in front of a large, well-painted canvas feels different than scrolling past a thumbnail online.
Abstract and contemporary artists
Abstract work in Colorado Springs can sometimes feel overshadowed by the mountain and western art, but it is present, and in some pockets it is the main focus.
You will find:
– Large abstract paintings that play with color and texture
– Mixed media with collage, found objects, and layered paint
– Geometric works, sometimes influenced by landscape shapes but not literal
– Conceptual installations in non-profit spaces or temporary shows
Some of these artists came from other cities and moved here for space and access to nature. Others grew up in the region but decided to work in a style that has almost nothing to do with mountains or wildlife.
If you want to understand the whole scene, make time for at least one gallery or studio that focuses on abstract or contemporary work, even if you think you prefer realistic art.
Sometimes the most interesting conversations happen in those spaces, because people feel more free to ask “what am I looking at” and get a thoughtful answer.
Muralists and public artists
Public art has grown in Colorado Springs over the past decade. You can see it on downtown walls, in alleyways, near schools, and in parks. Some murals are city-supported projects, others are private commissions for coffee shops and breweries.
Muralists often work in several modes:
– Large exterior murals on brick or concrete
– Interior murals for businesses
– Canvas work or prints sold in galleries or online
If you spot a mural you like, try to find the signature and look it up later. Many of these artists share work-in-progress photos, which give insight into how large pieces come together. Some also teach workshops or accept private commissions for homes.
Craft artists, makers, and functional art
You will also run into:
– Potters and ceramic artists
– Jewelers who work with silver, stone, or mixed metals
– Woodworkers creating bowls, boxes, or furniture
– Textile artists, including quilting and weaving
Often these artists sell through markets, fairs, or small shops rather than big galleries. Do not dismiss them as “just crafts.” A lot of serious skill lives in this part of the community, and functional items can be a very accessible way to start collecting local work.
Where artists actually work: studios, collectives, and hidden spaces
Seeing finished work in a gallery is one thing. Stepping into a working studio changes how you think about an artist. You can smell the paint, see rejected pieces, and understand how long something took.
Studio collectives
Several buildings in and around downtown are home to groups of artists who share common areas, but keep separate work spaces. During open studio events, you can walk from room to room and see many different styles in one trip.
Common features:
– Hallways lined with art, some for sale, some not
– Shared kitchen or lounge where artists talk or host small events
– Open doors on First Fridays or during advertised open studio weekends
The mix might include a portrait painter next to a ceramicist, next to an abstract painter, next to a photographer. This variety is part of the appeal. It also keeps rent more manageable for artists who do not want or need a full retail storefront.
Home and garage studios
Because Colorado Springs has many houses with yards and garages, a lot of artists work from home. They might show publicly only a few times per year, at markets, online sales, or through private contacts.
You can sometimes reach these artists by:
– Following them on social media and watching for open studio announcements
– Joining local art groups or newsletters where they advertise events
– Talking with gallery staff, who might connect you if you are serious about a commission
Home studios can be some of the most personal spaces. You see how the artist lives alongside their work, with canvases stacked in corners and half-finished pieces on easels.
Temporary and pop-up spaces
Not all art in the Springs lives in formal galleries. Pop-up shows in empty storefronts, shared event spaces, or even warehouses appear several times per year. These events might last one night or one weekend.
They can be good places to:
– Find newer artists who are still testing the market
– See experiments that do not fit into commercial galleries
– Talk with several artists in a relaxed setting
If you like this kind of energy, look for announcements through local arts organizations or community calendars.
How to approach artists and galleries without feeling awkward
Many people feel shy walking into a gallery or studio. They worry someone will push them to buy, or that they will say something foolish. That anxiety can keep you from enjoying the art.
You do not have to act like a trained critic. Being honest and curious is enough.
Most working artists in Colorado Springs would rather hear a simple “I like this color” or “this reminds me of a place I know” than a forced attempt at fancy art language.
Here are some straightforward habits that help.
Ask small, real questions
Some questions that tend to start good conversations:
– “How long did this piece take from start to finish?”
– “Do you paint mostly from life or from photos?”
– “What do you like about working in Colorado Springs?”
– “Are there other artists in town whose work you enjoy?”
You do not need to agree with the artist about everything. Sometimes a gentle disagreement, handled with respect, makes the talk more memorable. For example, you might say, “I am usually not drawn to abstract work, but I like this one because of the texture. Can you tell me how you made it?” That mixture of honesty and interest feels human.
Be honest about your budget
If you like a piece but cannot afford it, say so. Many artists and galleries are used to this. They might:
– Point you toward smaller works or studies
– Offer prints or reproductions
– Put you on a list for future shows
Do not feel pressured to buy. It is fine to say, “I am just looking today,” and still spend time in the space.
Respect the work and the space
Some quick reminders:
– Do not touch paintings or sculptures unless invited.
– Ask before taking photos, especially of artists working.
– Keep food and drinks away from display areas.
It seems basic, but in busy events, people forget. A little care goes a long way toward keeping relationships friendly.
Buying art in Colorado Springs: what to expect
Prices in Colorado Springs vary widely. You can find:
– Small prints under $50
– Original paintings under $200 from emerging artists
– Mid-range works in the $500 to $2,000 range
– Larger or established-artist pieces in the $3,000 to $10,000 range or more
Of course, those numbers shift with time and demand. But compared with bigger cities, you will often find that similar quality work costs less here. Part of that is cost of living. Part of it is the stage of the local market.
Here is a simple way to think about where to look based on your goals:
| Your goal | Where to look | What you will likely find |
|---|---|---|
| Start a small collection on a tight budget | Student shows, markets, smaller co-op galleries, print racks | Prints, studies, small originals from emerging artists |
| Support mid-career local artists | Downtown galleries, Old Colorado City galleries, open studios | Original paintings, ceramics, sculptures with stable pricing |
| Commission a custom piece | Direct contact at open studios, email or social media | Works made to fit your space, subject, or color preferences |
| Look for investment-grade work | Established galleries, artists with long regional or national records | Higher priced pieces, more history, often more formal representation |
Commissions and custom work
Many artists in Colorado Springs are open to commissions, but the process works best if you respect their style. Asking a loose, expressive painter to copy a photo exactly usually frustrates both sides.
A better approach:
– Choose an artist whose existing work you genuinely like.
– Tell them what size, subject, and general mood you are thinking about.
– Ask about deposit, timeline, and review points.
– Trust their judgment on composition and technique.
If you micromanage every detail, you remove the reason you wanted that artist in the first place.
Questions to ask before you buy
When you seriously consider a piece, it is fair to ask:
– “Is this original or a print?”
– “What medium is this, and how should I care for it?”
– “Does it come framed, or is that separate?”
– “Can I take a photo to see how it might look in my space?”
None of these are rude. They show that you are thinking long term. And if something feels rushed or vague, you can always step back and think more.
How Colorado Springs shapes its artists
Place matters. You can see the city itself in a lot of the work, even when the subject looks unrelated at first.
The pull of the mountains
Living with mountains in full view changes your sense of scale. Many artists mention this without having a clear theory. It shows up in:
– Vertical formats that echo steep slopes and cliffs
– Strong horizon lines, even in abstract pieces
– Repeating forms that hint at trees, ridges, or rock layers
For some, the landscape is a direct subject. For others, it is just a way of thinking about space and depth on canvas.
Weather and light
The Front Range can shift from bright sun to storm in an hour. That affects painters who work outside, but also those who work in studio. They talk about:
– Clear, sharp morning light
– Fast-moving clouds and dramatic skies
– Long, pinkish twilight in winter
You will see a lot of sky in Colorado Springs art, even in urban scenes. Photographers, in particular, take advantage of late-day light over the plains and foothills.
Military presence and urban growth
This part is more subtle. The city has several military bases and a growing suburban edge. For some artists, that mix of uniforms, fences, and sprawl gives their work a certain mood. It might show up as:
– Themes of movement, travel, or separation
– Interest in infrastructure like roads, bridges, and power lines
– Mixed feelings about change and development
Not every artist wants to talk about this, but if you pay attention, you can sometimes feel the pressure of growth and transience behind the surface images.
Events and rhythms across the year
The art scene here is not constant every week. It has patterns.
Monthly routines
Most galleries plan new shows on a monthly cycle. That means:
– First Fridays often mark opening receptions.
– Mid-month can be quieter but better for slow, focused viewing.
– End-of-month days might have sales or last looks before a show changes.
If you live nearby, picking one evening each month to check what is new can keep you connected without feeling like a big commitment.
Seasonal spikes
Some times of year feel busier:
– Late spring and early summer often bring outdoor art fairs and markets.
– Fall usually has strong shows as artists finish work after summer trips into the mountains.
– Winter can be quieter, but holiday markets give many makers a big part of their yearly income.
You might think winter is a bad time to explore, but visiting galleries on a cold weekday afternoon can be peaceful. Fewer crowds, more time to chat.
Practical tips for exploring Colorado Springs art
You do not need a perfect plan, but a few simple choices can make your experience smoother.
Plan around time and energy, not just distance
On a map, downtown, Old Colorado City, and Manitou look very close. In practice, you might run out of attention before you see everything, even if the drive between them is short.
If you have only a few hours, pick one area and stay there. If you have a full day, you might:
– Spend the morning downtown
– Take a break in a park or café
– Visit Old Colorado City in the afternoon
Trying to squeeze all three districts plus a hike into one day sounds efficient but often leaves you too tired to actually enjoy the art.
Use breaks to process
After walking through several galleries, your memory can blur. Sitting with a coffee or in a nearby park and asking yourself a few questions helps:
– “Which three pieces stay in my mind without checking photos?”
– “Was there one artist I keep thinking about?”
– “Did anything bother me or confuse me in an interesting way?”
This is not homework. It just keeps the experience from turning into a blur of color.
Support does not always mean buying big pieces
If you cannot buy original paintings right now, there are other ways to support the artists you like:
– Buy a small print or card.
– Join a mailing list or follow their updates.
– Share their work with a friend honestly, not as spam.
– Attend openings and bring someone with you.
Showing up, listening, and remembering names can matter as much as a single sale, especially for artists who are still building their audience.
Frequently asked questions about artists in Colorado Springs
Is Colorado Springs really worth visiting for art, or is it just a side activity?
If you are very focused on art, you can fill at least a full day, sometimes a weekend, with galleries, studios, public art, and conversations. It might not feel as polished as Santa Fe or as dense as Denver, but that can be a strength. You get more direct access to working artists and fewer layers of marketing.
If you are in town mainly for hiking or sightseeing, adding an art walk or a gallery afternoon gives you a different view of the city. It rounds out the trip.
Are most artists here full time or part time?
Many are in-between. Some work part time jobs to support studio time. Others teach, do design work, or take commissions. A smaller group makes their full living from art sales and related work.
Do not assume that part time means less serious. A painter who teaches three days a week and paints the rest may be just as committed as someone who works full time in the studio.
Are the artists mostly locals or people who moved in from other states?
Both. You meet artists who grew up in the Springs or nearby towns and never felt the need to leave. You also meet people from California, Texas, the Midwest, and the East Coast who came for the mountains, cost of living, or family reasons.
This mix shows in the work. Some pieces feel rooted in local history. Others carry influences from far away and then absorb Colorado themes over time.
Can I meet artists directly, or will I mostly deal with gallery staff?
On regular weekdays, you will mostly talk with gallery staff. On First Fridays, open studio events, and some weekend receptions, many artists are present and open to conversation. Studio collectives often list open hours where you can find artists working on site.
If there is someone you really want to meet, you can also ask the gallery if they can pass along your note or contact. Just be patient. Artists are not always quick with email.
What if I do not “get” a piece of art but still feel drawn to it?
That is normal. You do not need a full explanation to like something. If you keep thinking about a work after leaving, that might be more meaningful than instant understanding.
You can ask the artist or gallery for context, but it is also fine to live with a bit of mystery. Some pieces reveal themselves slowly over years.
Is it rude to ask for a discount?
This is a touchy point. In some settings, minor price flexibility exists, especially for multiple pieces or long-term clients. But pushing hard for a discount on a single work can feel disrespectful, because you are asking the artist to cut into their main income.
If you truly cannot afford a piece, say so plainly and ask if there are smaller works or payment plans. Let them guide the conversation. If the price is still out of reach, you can walk away without guilt. Not every piece is meant for every buyer.
How do I know if the art I buy in Colorado Springs will “hold value”?
If your main concern is financial return, you will be frustrated, because no one can promise how a local or regional artist’s market will move. Some will grow, some will stay level, some will fade.
A more grounded approach is to buy work that you would be happy to live with, regardless of future resale. You can still pay attention to an artist’s track record, shows, and recognition, but treating art as a stock can take away much of the joy.
Ask yourself: “If this piece never goes up in value, will I still be glad I see it every day?” If the honest answer is yes, then owning it makes sense, whether you are in Colorado Springs or anywhere else.
