Read the Gazette's Todd Wallinger's review of the Fine Arts Center's The Full Monty:
How far would you go to provide for your family? In these troubled times, it's a question more and more people are forced to face. Fortunately, it's also a question that can lead to an abundance of laughter - and some revealing performances - as the Fine Arts Center's production of "The Full Monty" proves.
"Terrence McNally's dialogue comes fast and funny, while David Yazbek's driving, pop-infused songs keep the energy - and laugh - levels high."
Fine Arts Center Blog: Thinking Outside the Square
Jan 29, 2009
The Full Monty on FOX 21
FOX 21's Morning Reporter Meaghan Collier was on the set of the FAC Theatre Company's latest production, The Full Monty, last Monday. Check out the four video clips below:
Jan 26, 2009
Video from Mikel Glass' studio
Want to find out how Mikel Glass creates his amazingly-realistic sculptures? Watch an in-depth feature on the artist and his work from his New York studio. This 14-minute video from TheGreatNude.tv is an expanded version of the film playing in our gallery alongside Mikel Glass The Discarded, now on exhibit at the Fine Arts Center.
Jan 23, 2009
Inside The Full Monty undress rehearsal
Here’s a note from Cyndi Trissel of Colorado Springs, who saw last night’s Invited Dress Rehearsal of The Full Monty:
“I absolutely loved it. Everyone did such a fantastic job. I hadn’t seen a show at the SaGāJi Theatre before; I was very impressed. As with the film, I completely fell for Dave (Cory Moosman) He really evoked empathy from me.
The show stayed very close to the film, which I loved, and the music and songs -- so beautifully executed -- just accentuated the greatness and relevance of the story. The sets were used brilliantly and the cast is wonderful. The actors unwavering dedication to their roles was essential and yet unexpected at the same time. I have much respect for them as artists and craftsman to have that kind of devotion.
I know my opinion is just one tiny person, but I am telling everyone I know to come see it; I think I will even come see it again as well. It was a toe-tapping, heartfelt, fun-loving time, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
“I absolutely loved it. Everyone did such a fantastic job. I hadn’t seen a show at the SaGāJi Theatre before; I was very impressed. As with the film, I completely fell for Dave (Cory Moosman) He really evoked empathy from me.
The show stayed very close to the film, which I loved, and the music and songs -- so beautifully executed -- just accentuated the greatness and relevance of the story. The sets were used brilliantly and the cast is wonderful. The actors unwavering dedication to their roles was essential and yet unexpected at the same time. I have much respect for them as artists and craftsman to have that kind of devotion.
I know my opinion is just one tiny person, but I am telling everyone I know to come see it; I think I will even come see it again as well. It was a toe-tapping, heartfelt, fun-loving time, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
The Full Monty is the Go! cover story today
The Fine Arts Center says it won't shy away from 'The Full Monty'
T.D. Mobley-Martinez writes: While stories have circulated that audience members wear sunglasses to sidestep any lighting tricks to obscure the goods, Osburn saw something different when he appeared in the production years ago: They get seats closer to the stage, he says, anticipating those final moments.
"Again, people talk about the last 30 seconds of the show," he says.
"For me, it's the humanity of the piece. Shakespeare wrote ‘Hold a mirror up to nature.' These are real people and they have real problems and the way they find release is through friendship.
It's about the fellas."
Right, sure, but do they do IT?
"Let me put it this way," he says.
"There's no question as to whether or not they do."
T.D. Mobley-Martinez writes: While stories have circulated that audience members wear sunglasses to sidestep any lighting tricks to obscure the goods, Osburn saw something different when he appeared in the production years ago: They get seats closer to the stage, he says, anticipating those final moments.
"Again, people talk about the last 30 seconds of the show," he says.
"For me, it's the humanity of the piece. Shakespeare wrote ‘Hold a mirror up to nature.' These are real people and they have real problems and the way they find release is through friendship.
It's about the fellas."
Right, sure, but do they do IT?
"Let me put it this way," he says.
"There's no question as to whether or not they do."
Jan 22, 2009
Gazette feature on young 'Full Monty' actor
Gazette arts writer T.D. Mobley-Martinez tells the tale of 12-year-old FAC Theatre Company actor Mark Autry, who appears in The Full Monty as well as another production in town. (Mark is shown here with Nick Madson from The Full Monty.)
"It's amazing. I don't think I have anything after this," he says, his freckles shifting as he gooses his eyebrows for emphasis. "‘The Full Monty' starts again tomorrow."
In the past year, Mark's taken roles in at least four community productions, including TheatreWorks' "The Grapes of Wrath" and now, "The Full Monty," which opens Friday at the Fine Arts Center. That means rehearsals that start about 8 p.m. and last until about 11 p.m. Then it's home, homework and bed.
He shrugs when asked whether he's tired. "Not yet," he says of this recent collision of two productions, "The Full Monty" and "The Boy."
The Independent previews The Full Monty
Today's Independent previews The Full Monty: "The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's upcoming production of The Full Monty is supposed to involve "six steel workers who bare it all." So the obvious question for director Alan Osburn is, "Will we really get the full monty?"
"Unfortunately, he gives the obvious answer for a director who wants a full house: "I think you're going to have to come see it yourself."
"Unfortunately, he gives the obvious answer for a director who wants a full house: "I think you're going to have to come see it yourself."
Jan 21, 2009
News Coverage of FAC Inaugural Bash
Last night's 'Inaugural Bash' at the Fine Arts Center drew several hundred people to the Deco Lounge and Café 36 as well as a couple of local news crews. Watch news coverage from:
- KRDO News 13 ... click on Colorado Springs Inaugural Bash (1:52) under Video Gallery
- News First 5/30 KOAA was also there ... watch their story here.
FOX 21 visits the Mikel Glass exhibition
FOX 21's Morning Reporter Meaghan Collier spoke with FAC Curator Blake Milteer on Monday about the Fine Arts Center's latest exhibition, Mikel Glass The Discarded. Check out the four video clips below:
Jan 20, 2009
From The Full Monty to Slumdog Millionaire
Simon Beaufoy, who came to prominence as the writer of the hugely successful comedy of working-class life, The Full Monty, has written another story of underdogs. The movie titled Slumdog Millionaire has generated a ton of Oscar buzz, after both Beaufoy and the movie earned 2008 Golden Globe awards. In 1998, Beaufoy was nominated for an Oscar for writing The Full Monty.
The FAC Theatre Company's production of the revealing musical-comedy opens Jan. 23. Tickets are available now.
The FAC Theatre Company's production of the revealing musical-comedy opens Jan. 23. Tickets are available now.
Nearly 300 expected at FAC Inaugural Bash
Penny Parker of the Rocky Mountain News mentioned tonight's Inaugural Bash at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in her column. The FAC and caterer, Garden of the Gods Gourmet, are expecting nearly 300 attendees to commemorate today's big event with tapas and wine.
Jan 16, 2009
A Community Tribute to Gerry Riggs
A one-time Fine Arts Center curator and Gallery of Contemporary Art Director from 1992-2006, Gerry Riggs died on Jan. 3 in Pegosa Springs. A Community Tribute to Gerry Riggs is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. at the Gallery of Contemporary Art on the UCCS campus.
He is credited for transforming the gallery at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs into one of the region's most important art spaces, and the only one dedicated to contemporary art. He was also an advocate for all local art.
The event is free and open to the public.
There will be speaking by university and community members followed by an open mic and live music from Pagosa Springs and Colorado Springs artists. Lots of Gerry memorabilia will be on hand including his fine art photography.
The community is invited to bring mementos such as objects and photographs to share at the the event. Persons wishing to bring items are asked to contact the Tribute Committee at friendsofgerryriggs@gmail.com for coordination details.
- Gazette: Art activist urged others 'to let their artistic side shine', Jan. 5, 2009
- Independent: 10 Years at the Heart of Colorado Springs Contemporary Art Community, from 2002 by Noel Black.
- Atomic Elroy remembers Gerry on his blog.
- You can learn more about Gerry at this tribute blog.
Jan 15, 2009
Independent previews Mikel Glass | The Discarded
The Independent previews Mikel Glass The Discarded in today's edition: "Contemporary artist Mikel Glass specializes in realist painting, but his subjects are not as classical as his style.
"I like to paint the things that nobody wants," says Glass from his studio in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.
"Throughout his career, the 46-year-old Glass has represented the "outcasts and discards of society," a sobering set of muses he finds beautiful and honest. They provide the basis for his solo exhibition at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Mikel Glass The Discarded, a three-tiered show, features sculpture, painting and a site-specific installation, and opens this week.
"I like to paint the things that nobody wants," says Glass from his studio in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan.
"Throughout his career, the 46-year-old Glass has represented the "outcasts and discards of society," a sobering set of muses he finds beautiful and honest. They provide the basis for his solo exhibition at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Mikel Glass The Discarded, a three-tiered show, features sculpture, painting and a site-specific installation, and opens this week.
Jan 14, 2009
FAC makes the Post's Winter Arts Preview
In Kyle MacMillan's Winter Arts Preview for the visual arts, he gives the Colorado Abstract exhibitions the major emphasis, mentioning the Fine Arts Center's related exhibit, Colorado Springs Abstract, opening in February.
"Colorado artists have enthusiastically pursued abstraction since its emergence in the early 20th century, building a legacy that continues even as other styles and approaches have taken center stage. A series of exhibitions opening this month explores multiple facets of the state's contributions to abstraction, none more important than a pair of shows centered on a newly published book, "Colorado Abstract: Paintings and Sculpture."
"The Center for Visual Art is spotlighting more recent, primarily living artists, and the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is focusing on historical contributors such as Charles Bunnell, Mary Chenoweth, Vance Kirkland and William Sanderson."
The FAC contributed two pieces to the fabulous Kirkland from our permanent collection: Ken Goehiring's Landscape #1 (pictured) and Watson Bidwell's Song of the Last Act. So get up to Denver and check it out.
The book was written by frequent FAC visitors, Denver art writers Michael Paglia (Westword) and Mary Voelz Chandler (Rocky Mountain News), and the exhibits were curated by Paglia.
Jan 13, 2009
Art Knowledge News features Mikel Glass
Art Knowledge News, an online art magazine with over 700,000 subscribers worldwide, has featured the Mikel Glass The Discarded press materials, including two large photographs. The exhibition opens this Saturday at 10 a.m. in conjunction with Public Free Day. Credit: Mikel Glass - Full Bloom I, oil on canvas, 48" x 34," Collection of Dennis & Elizabeth Shea, Alexandria, Va.
Jan 12, 2009
Public Free Day: Bring the entire family to the FAC this Saturday
The Fine Arts Center welcomes the general public to visit our galleries this Saturday, Jan. 17, with no admission fee. And this Saturday is a good day to visit, because we are opening a new exhibition by Mikel Glass. The internal buzz for this exhibition is high; it's an entertaining, challenging, energetic exhibition that will be fun for the whole family.
Bemis registration now open to the public
A new session of art classes at Bemis School of Art begins later this month, with courses for adults and kids at all levels ... public registration begins today!
ArtDaily.org: Mikel Glass | The Discarded
From ArtDaily.org ... Mikel Glass’s art ranges from Realist paintings to postmodern sculpture of such items as a used pizza box or shipping box. The 12 sculptures, 23 paintings and an installation piece in Mikel Glass The Discarded reflect the artist’s Realist style. “Mikel’s painting and sculpture are a powerful intersection of contemporary themes rendered with astounding craftsmanship,” said exhibit curator Blake Milteer.
With this exhibit, the FAC is producing a 60-page catalogue with a foreword written by FAC President Sam Gappmayer, an introduction by Milteer and an essay by filmmaker J.J. Abrams.
“Mikel Glass approaches his work with a fearless passion,” writes American Artist.
To view a selection of works in the exhibition, see the FAC Mikel Glass slideshow.
With this exhibit, the FAC is producing a 60-page catalogue with a foreword written by FAC President Sam Gappmayer, an introduction by Milteer and an essay by filmmaker J.J. Abrams.
“Mikel Glass approaches his work with a fearless passion,” writes American Artist.
To view a selection of works in the exhibition, see the FAC Mikel Glass slideshow.
Credit: Mikel Glass - Overnight Shipping Box, 2007 - Enamel on wood, 6 1/2 x 21 x 16 in. - Collection of Ron and Una Brasch
Jan 9, 2009
Denver Post: Designing Women is 'completely unexpected and wonderfully audacious'
Our Designing Women exhibition, which closes Jan. 25, has received its second positive review from the Denver art critics. We’ve heard from Michael Paglia of Westword, now Kyle MacMillan of the Denver Post gives his opinion.
“ … the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center has veered in a completely unexpected and wonderfully audacious direction.”
“The exhibition has no connection to the museum's permanent holdings, which are focused on Latino, Southwestern and modern art, and that's the point: something offbeat and startlingly different … (and) has gained the institution heightened credibility nationally. The Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., has just agreed to present the exhibition from May 15 through Sept. 12, 2010.”
“Boosting their appeal is the museum's handsome, viewer-friendly installation, with introductory wall panels on the three designers, each including a painted enlargement of one of their trademark patterns by exhibit designer Laurel Swab.”
“ … the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center has veered in a completely unexpected and wonderfully audacious direction.”
“The exhibition has no connection to the museum's permanent holdings, which are focused on Latino, Southwestern and modern art, and that's the point: something offbeat and startlingly different … (and) has gained the institution heightened credibility nationally. The Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., has just agreed to present the exhibition from May 15 through Sept. 12, 2010.”
“Boosting their appeal is the museum's handsome, viewer-friendly installation, with introductory wall panels on the three designers, each including a painted enlargement of one of their trademark patterns by exhibit designer Laurel Swab.”
Jan 6, 2009
Dream City 2020 closes Friday at the MODERN
Dream City 2020 closes this Friday at the FAC MODERN. The exhibition features vintage photography from the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum and art inspired by those photos created by local artists like Jay Miller and Laura Ben-Amots and students from FutureSelf. Admission is free to the public.
Biddle's Portrait of Frank Loper on view now
George Biddle, featured recently on NPR, was a highly regarded and influential painter and muralist, who helped develop the 'American scene' in the 1930s and 40s. Currently on view at the FAC is Portrait of Frank Loper, a gift of the Friends of the Fine Arts Center in 1937. Loper was a slave for Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America. After the Civil War, he was released from slavery. He moved to Colorado Springs at the request of Jefferson Hayes Davis, grandson of Jefferson Davis and VP of First National Bank. For 20 years, Loper was a renowned doorman for the Antlers Hotel and in his later years was the doorman for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
Jan 5, 2009
FAC artist George Biddle featured on NPR
From NPR's Morning Edition: "The Justice Department headquarters was built when America was struggling through the Great Depression. The country's most prestigious artists of the day competed to win commissions for paintings that would show how law and justice could make life better for everyone." George Biddle, FAC permanent collection portrait artist/muralist, is featured online and in a slideshow. To hear the story, see the pictures, visit NPR.
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