Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Fort Collins might look like a standard college town upon first glance, but under the surface it has a vibrant hub for creativity and artistic expression. In the midst of these wild college students and lively atmosphere, a thriving community of local artists adds a unique and colorful vibe to the cultural tapestry of Fort Collins. From painters and sculptures to musicians and performers, many talented individuals contribute to the city’s artistic spirit in ways that captivate and inspire. Colorado State University, boasts a thriving art program that serves as a testing ground for honing artistic skills. Fort collins is extremely accepting to the diverse amount of creativity. However, many artists and art majors struggle with the stereotype of being poor or unsuccessful in the college world. Art Majors battle many passive aggressive remarks and questioning of their choices. People wonder what they are going to do with their major or why not choose something you could make more money off of? Most art majors have one goal and that is to express a message they think is worth hearing. Something that could make a difference and cause others to think or brainstorm the path of their own life choices.
The faculty at CSU’s art program are not just educators but also practicing artists themselves, bringing a wealth of real-world experience and a passion for craft into the classroom. This ensures that students receive guidance that is only academically sound, but also deeply rooted in the practical aspects of the art industry. They have connections and are able to set up their students with success. One former art major that continues to support the art program at CSU is Matthew Longton, the current manager at Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewery. For 34 years Coopersmith’s has been showing local art within their restaurant to gain community and spread the artistic culture. Jane and Scott Smith, the original owners of Coopersmith’s started the art wall out of artistic interest and owners ever since have continued this tradition and kept their brewery’s interior alive.
Longton’s intention with the Art wall is to continue to keep this going. He finds artists that give a very similar aesthetic to the brewery to showcase their work. Sometimes artists come in to be shown and other times he finds them himself. As a former art major he is aware that some art students need to show their art work in a gallery in order to pass certain classes. He will occasionally reach out to the CSU Art Department and ask if Art Majors are interested in showcasing their work at Coopersmith’s. The current art at Coopersmith’s is done by the Artist, Frith Ann Jones, who has brought a very unique and descriptive art style to the Coppersmith’s atmosphere.
The opportunities for showcasing local artwork in Fort Collins are endless. Whether you are someone who wants their artwork shown or are someone who just wants to see the hidden talents of this town. Petrichor Collective puts together many shows and accepts applications of any talented artist willing to showcase their work. You can apply through their website or a they also have a studio downtown where they host other events and people within the community are able to reserve the space to teach classes or do what they please.
So far the collective consists of almost 200 artists and their whole goal is to strengthen the art community and make the process easier for artists to display their work and get noticed. It’s family owned and operated and they’re constantly adding new events to their schedule and open to new ideas as well, “Petrichor Collective is a comfortable, inclusive space for everyone to collaborate on projects and accomplish our Collective goals. By cultivating our different skill sets and fostering creativity, we support our community through Art!” quoted on their website.
After an art show they host an after party for all artists, and every Wednesday they do an artist potluck at their studio so you can bring food and something to work on and get to know other artists in the area or all within the show.
On December 1st, 2023 Grace Payne, an abstract acrylic an gold leaf artist, influenced by nature, had her first art show through Petrichor Collective. She mentions how the art community in Fort Collins is strong and continues to grow. The local businesses that are willing to be apart of the art community are inspiring more and more upcoming artists as time continues. Petrichor Collective is a great example of a local business that has created such an amazing space for creative souls to come together and learn from one another.
Payne describes her first art show as nerve-racking, but an overall success! She mentions that the transition from showcasing her artwork on social media, to an in-person showing was a big change yet a thrilling one. Payne said, “It was truly inspiring to see all the joy and intrigue people had while participating in the Art Walk. I am very thankful for the opportunity to be able to connect with other artists and people within the community who value the arts as much as I do,” she mentions how being able to share the process with the public and answer questions was very enjoyable.
Experiencing an ice breaking event such as a first art show gives an artist the ability to learn more about themselves and incorporate more ideas into future events. Payne mentions that she dove into artwork as soon as she could hold a pencil, where most credits go to her artistic bloodline. Although sharing her art publicly was not her overarching goal, she eventually felt like sharing that part of herself was something that would not only bring her joy but hopefully others. She feels that showcasing her artwork allows her to be her authentic self in a vulnerable way, “I hope that when people view my work, they can fall into it for a moment and absorb the beauty and passion put into each piece. I hope that they find comfort, warmth, love, vulnerability, connection, whatever it is they need in that moment,” said Payne.
Art can be described in many ways, and what makes it so cherished by many is that art is all up to interpretation and it is up to the artist, and the viewer for what it could mean. For Payne, “It is self expression, an emotional release, a way to be true to myself, and a display of love and appreciation for this life no matter the difficulties it may present.”
Art is the language of the soul, a medium through which emotions, thoughts and experiences are translated into a tangible form. It is a unique expression of all experiences, a way for artists to communicate the intangible and make the invisible aspects of life visible. Art has this power to provoke, inspire, and connect. There are many opportunities of self-discovery. It encourages a deeper understanding that what might lay on the surface.
The art community is an insanely inclusive environment that accepts all different forms of expression. There are no limits or rules to what an artist can bring to a community, it is up to them how they choose to have it perceived and what difference they intend their message to bring to that community. They vibrant world of local art not only adds color to our surroundings but also serves as a powerful catalyst for community connection and self expression. From these community art events and exhibitions to online platforms that bridge the gap between creators and admirers, there is always an exciting time to explore, share and celebrate the artistic vibe or our local town. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunity and embrace those who have taken it.
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