Since 1992, the Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts has produced and presented innovative arts experiences that foster curiosity and collaboration. Providing creative leadership and inspiring positive change in the Southern Colorado community and beyond.
Weekly Music
and Movement Classes
Red Crags Arts and Agriculture House
302 El Paso Blvd, Manitou Springs, CO
Ignite the Dancer Within:
Stretching, Posture & Mudras, Zumba & Dances of India
with AuroTejas Hemsell and Shakti Dance School
Wednesdays
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Immerse yourself in a cultural fitness adventure with a series of invigorating classes led by the globally acclaimed dance artist AuroTejas Hemsell — presented by the Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts.
Thursdays
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Discover the vibrant art of bellydance in this fun and inclusive class designed for all skill levels! Learn graceful movements, mesmerizing techniques, and expressive choreography while building strength, flexibility, and confidence.
Strengthen your core and awaken the deep intelligence of embodied movement through this time-honored art.
Afro-Brazilian Capoeira
with Erwin Hewitt
Mondays
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Capoeira is a dynamic Afro-Brazilian martial art that fuses movement, music, and culture. It builds strength, agility, and self-awareness while celebrating African heritage through rhythm, language, and community.
Erwin Hewitt has trained in Capoeira for over 20 years, sharing its rich traditions of music, movement, and philosophy as a student of Mestre Grande.
The Joy of African Drumming
with Heidi Alina
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
African drumming is one of the most invigorating ways to feed your creativity and renew your spirit! Heidi’s classes are an upbeat, empowering, and FUN musical adventure into the power of African drumming. TWO intermediate sessions available weekly.
Develop rhythmic precision, increase stamina, and enjoy the energizing benefits of group drumming.
Upcoming Events, Workshops and Retreats
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Soul Songs & Healing Sound for Hope, Renewal & Restoration
with Judith Piazza
📆 Sunday March 30th, 2025
⏰ 10:30 am — 12:00 noon
🎟️ Suggested Donation $15—$30
🎟️ Suggested Donation $15—$30
Join our community of devotional song! No experience required
We sing from the natural voice in call and response style. Sit, sing, hum, meditate, dance, move, sleep, rest… all are welcome! Bring your favorite morning beverage. Chairs, mats, pillows and blankets are available for your use.
Come in good health for everyone’s sake!
If weather is a consideration, watch for updates
RSVP please to 720-982-8291 or judypiazza@gmail.com
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Art to Align Chakra Exploration; Yoga and Art Experience
with Rachael Deegan MA LPCC & Ryan Hildebrandt 500 E-YT
ignitedsoulat@gmail.com, ignitedsoulit@gmail.com
📆 Saturday, May 17th 2025
⏰ 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm
🎟️ $35 per guest
Join us for a unique three-hour journey into movement and creativity. This experience begins with a 45-minute chakra- and kundalini-inspired yoga flow guided by Ryan Hildebrandt, followed by a two-hour art experiential led by Rachael Deegan.
Through meditation, movement, and hands-on art-making, we’ll explore our connection to inner vision and creative expression.
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
📆 Tuesday, May 6th ⏰ 6 pm – 8 pm
📆 Tuesday, May 13th ⏰ 6 pm – 8 pm
📆 Tuesday, May 20th ⏰ 6 pm – 8 pm
📆 Tuesday, May 27th ⏰ 6 pm – 8 pm
🎟️ $30 per ticket; Ages 18+
For questions regarding class, contact Ry’El at lambaradosprings@gmail.com
Join us for a 90 minute class followed by 30 minutes of social dancing! Lambarado Dance Studios is dedicated to sharing the love of connection, movement, and play through the beautiful Brazilian partner dance known as LambaZouk.
Originating from Lambada in the 1980s, LambaZouk has captivated dancers worldwide with its fluidity, body movement, and deep sense of connection.
In this introductory partner dance class, Ryel will take you on a journey straight to Brazil, covering all the fundamental techniques you need to get started. His teaching style is relaxed, lighthearted, and rich in imagery, making it easy to grasp the concepts and feel confident on the dance floor. Come experience the magic of LambaZouk and start your dance journey with us!
6145 Shoup Rd, Black Forest, CO
16th Annual MeadowGrass Music Festival
📆 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
THREE DAYS May 23—25, 2025
The premiere music festival to kick off summer in the Pikes Peak region, known for attracting up-and-coming talent from the region and all over the world.
Besides the amazing musicians, we have activities for kids (12 and under get in free with a paid adult), guided hikes, workshops, yoga, and late-night shows along with our annual MeadowGrass Beer Festival and Steve Harris Songwriter of the Year Contest. Amazing vendors offer a wide variety of food for all diets and retail items for all styles.
The property, several hundred acres of forest, canyons and historic buildings, is a wonderful place to explore. All of this resides within 60 minutes of Denver and 30 minutes of downtown Colorado Springs!
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Ceramic Bird-Making Workshop
with Maggie Quinn and Smokebrush Art Club
📆 Wednesday May 28th 2025
⏰ 1:30 pm — 4:00 pm
🎟️ $30 per guest, all materials included
This workshop invites you to sculpt your very own terra cotta bird — perfect for perching on your bookshelf, altar, or tucked into a magical garden nook.
No experience? No problem! With Maggie’s warm, encouraging, and step-by-step guidance, this creative adventure is approachable, playful, and full of laughs. Craft a kiln-fired chicken, chickadee or cockatoo & let your imagination soar!
🎟️ Limited spots available
🧱 All materials included
🔥 Kiln-fired pieces ready for pickup post-class
👩🎨 All skill levels welcome
302 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Wild Origin Nature Connection — Every Last Saturday of the Month
with Earthskills of Manitou
📆 Saturday, March 29th ⏰ 9:00 am — 10:30 am
📆 Saturday, April 26th ⏰ 9:00 am — 10:30 am
📆 Saturday, May 31st ⏰ 9:00 am — 10:30 am
🎟️ $10 – $15 Suggested Donation
Reconnect with the Earth and Awaken Your Wild Mind! Join fellow Earth stewards and learn together through hands-on outdoor experiences and meaningful conversations.
Join Earthskills of Manitou at Smokebrush Farm every last Saturday of the month this spring as we explore ways to care for the planet, enhance our sensory awareness, and deepen our connection to nature. Together, we’ll rediscover our integral role in the rhythms of the Land.
🐾 Animal tracking & species identification
🧘 Sit spot reflection
🦅 Bird communication & animal mimicry
🎨 Land art inspired by nature
🌎 Earth-based skills for everyday life
Optional local hike after the event (weather permitting). Bring outdoor clothing, a sitting pad, water, binoculars, journal, and pen. Let’s explore, learn, and renew our bond with the wild. RSVP today!
Questions? Text 719-678-6375
302 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Mural Art Boot Camp
with Jamar Duvol Pierre
artbyjpierre.com
📆 Wednesday, July 9
📆 Thursday, July 10
📆 Wednesday, July 16
📆 Thursday, July 17
📆 Wednesday, July 23
📆 Thursday, July 24
📆 Wednesday, July 30
📆 Thursday, July 31
📆 Wednesday, August 6
📆 Thursday, August 7
📆 Wednesday, August 13
📆 Thursday, August 14
Smokebrush welcomes back Jamar Duvol Pierre, New Orleans muralist and cultural storyteller, as he leads a 12-session community mural series taking place at the Red Crags Arts & Agriculture House.
Artists, neighbors, and creative spirits are invited to help imagine, design, and paint two large-scale, mobile murals honoring First Nations stories and the vibrant spirit of Manitou Springs. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or bringing years of artistic experience, your ideas, talent, and hands-on energy will shape these collaborative works from concept to a lasting piece of Manitou history. Come for a single workshop or join us for all 12!
Hosted by Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts. Funded in part by the Manitou Arts, Culture and Heritage Initiative.
ROCKLEDGE HOUSE • RED CRAGS ARTS and AGRICULTURE HOUSE • ONALEDGE HOUSE
Historic mountain estates thoughtfully transformed into an expansive retreat and urban farm destination — a haven for wellness, creativity, and connection.
Nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountain foothills near the natural healing mineral waters of Manitou Springs, this serene environment is designed to be a peaceful space for deepening your practice.
Rockledge House
Guest Check-in and Retreat Rental Office
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Onaledge House
Retreats, Private Events and Whole House Rentals
336 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Smokebrush Farm Headquarters
Agricultural Center, Community Farm Stand and Gift Shop
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Red Crags Arts and
Agriculture House
Main Foundation Office, Studios and Artist Residences
302 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
