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.
Cultural Arts Classes
Taking place at Red Crags Arts and Agriculture House, 302 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Indian Temple Dance, Bollywood & Zumba Dance Fitness
with AuroTejas Hemsell and Shakti Dance School
Two Classes on Weds.
Indian Temple Dance, Bollywood & Zumba Dance Fitness
with AuroTejas Hemsell and Shakti Dance School
Red Crags Arts
and Agriculture House
Two Classes on Wednesdays
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.
AuroTejas Hemsell is an international dance artist, born in India who has dedicated her life to the study of Indian Classical Dance.
Thursdays
1:00 - 2:00 pm
This Fusion Bellydance class includes foundational bellydance techniques and drills pulling from American Tribal Style, Raqs Sharqi and Turkish Bellydance styles, as well as Romani-Gypsy Flamenco stylings. During this class the dancer will learn how to smoothly and effortlessly combine different technical moves into an ageless world dance fusion, teaching physical and mental awareness while enhancing personal stamina. Come dance and learn how to release your inner Goddess.
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.
Fridays
10:00 - 11:00 am
Immerse yourself in a deeply meditative, heart-opening experience that creates spaciousness, an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with your true Self.
Rooted in the ancient tradition of Cha Dao, “The Way of Tea,” this ceremony honors Tea as a sacred guide. Each bowl invites a deepening of your inner journey, cultivating presence, curiosity, and awakened listening that reveals your inner wisdom.
Smokebrush Calendar
Upcoming Events and Workshops
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Farm Yoga
with Kat Tudor
📆 Thursday, July 23 2026
⏰ 9:00 — 11:30 am
🎟️ $25 per guest (includes farm-to-picnic lunch)
Reach out to smokebrushevents@gmail.com with any curiosities.
Baby Goats and Farm Yoga! Join Kat Tudor for a playful and joyous Manitou morning, then gather for a farm-fresh lunch harvested straight from the Smokebrush Farm greenhouses and gardens!
Inspired by the natural observation that shaped early yoga practices, join us as we reconnect with the land through movement, awareness, and play. All Ages Welcome!
• These Kat classes fill up FAST! Reserve your place today!
• Your ticket purchase supports local agriculture and Smokebrush Farm. Thank you!
• Please bring a water bottle, comfortable outdoor clothing, and walking shoes. The farm includes some uphill terrain, so expect light to moderate movement.
Learn more…
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Make Your Own Wind Chime Art Class
with Lisa Murphy AKA Midnight
📆 Wednesday, August 26, 2026
⏰ 1:30 — 4:00 pm
🎟️ $25 per student (includes all supplies)
Reach out to smokebrushevents@gmail.com with any curiosities.
Join Lisa Murphy for a journey into making your own wind chime!
The chimes are decorative and cater to a lighter sound, honoring noise guidelines. There will be embellishments provided such as glass, twisted twine, upcycled branches, and wood wire, and plenty of space for imagination.
Come create a wind chime! It will be fun for generations to come.
This class is for all ages and includes all necessary supplies. You are always welcome to bring supplies from home as well if you desire.
Learn more…
302 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, Colorado.
Nature Connection Group
with Our Wild Origin: Land-Based Education
facebook.com/Ourwildorigin
📆 Saturday May 30th ⏰ 9 am to 12 pm
📆 Saturday June 27th ⏰ 9 am to 12 pm
📆 Saturday July 25th ⏰ 9 am to 12 pm
📆 Saturday August 29th ⏰ 9 am to 12 pm
🎟️ $15 minimum donation strongly suggested, those who can give more are encouraged to pay an upwards of $30. No one will be turned away for a lack of funds.
This year, we are switching things around and hosting our FREE friends hike before the class at Red Crags. Join our community space as we awaken our wild minds and reignite our land bodies. Together we will remember that attuning to the cycles and rhythms of the Land is within reach, if we can reclaim our ability to listen.
Participate in group conversations that redefine our intentions and impacts on the planet by recognizing humankind’s role as a keystone species. Through practices that engage our sensory awareness we will grow our capacity to relate with each other and non-human kin. You might just find that the lines between observer and the observed will soon begin to blur, as we realize we are an extension of nature, not an exception.
Together we will adventure the land, retell stories through animal tracking, observe the silence of sit spots, explore bird communication, play with animal mimicry, practice species identification, create land art, learn practical skills, and so much more. Let’s gather & enliven our relationship with the natural world!
Click HERE to sign up
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Drum Building Workshop
with Kara Stutzman
www.facebook.com/DancingGooseTherapeutics
📆 Sunday, August 30, 2026
⏰ Noon — 4:00 pm
🎟️ $292 per student
(includes all supplies, instruction, tea, and snacks)
Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/DrumDayAug2026
Contact: 719-321-8570
DancingGooseTherapy@gmail.com
Craft a frame drum and bless it with intention, community, and ceremony as we amplify our connection to Land, Self, Community, and Spirit.
Certified in the art of Drum Building and leading Drum Ceremony, Kara of Dancing Goose Therapeutics will guide us in building a natural hide drum and teach how to use it! We will learn about the power of drumming, participate in a drum circle, walk the land, and be transformed through the crafting of the drum for our personal medicine.
No experience required.
Learn more…
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Menu
JP’s Gumbo
Made with shrimp, Ranch Foods Direct andouille sausage, chicken, okra, and seasonal greens.
New Orleans-Style Red Beans
Slow-simmered with onions, celery, bell peppers, garlic, and traditional Creole spices.
Louisiana Potato Salad
A classic Louisiana accompaniment, traditionally served alongside, or even in, a bowl of gumbo.
Fresh French Bread
No Louisiana table is complete without it.
Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
House-made bread pudding served warm with a rich bourbon sauce.
Garden 75 (featured cocktail, available at the bar)
J. Pierre’s signature take on the classic French 75, crafted with cognac, fresh lemon, lavender, and sparkling wine.
Summer Harvest Series: Cajun and Creole
Menu by Guest Chef Jamar Pierre
www.artbyjpierre.com/
Live Music by High Life Cajun Band
www.facebook.com/highlifecajunband
📆 Sunday, September 6th 2026
⏰ 5:00 — 8:00 pm
TICKET OPTIONS
$65 Adult (Admits 1) $70 Adult Gluten-Free (Admits 1) $120 Dinner for Two (Admits 2) $130 Dinner for Two Gluten-Free (Admits 2)
Menu Options Available:
Choose standard or vegetarian options when purchasing your ticket
Farm tours begin 30 minutes after doors—boots recommended.
Reach out to smokebrushevents@gmail.com with any curiosities.
The Summer Harvest Series continues with returning artist-in-residence Jamar Pierre's Louisiana- style Cajun and Creole inspired cuisine.
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Menu
Menu to be announced soon
Summer Harvest Series: Latin-Inspired Harvest
Menu by guest chefs
Marina La Riva and Christopher McClung
Live Music by Adriana Jones Rincon www.instagram.com/moonhoopgypsy
📆 Wednesday, September 23, 2026
⏰ 5:00 — 8:00 pm
TICKET OPTIONS
$65 Adult (Admits 1) $70 Adult Gluten-Free (Admits 1) $120 Dinner for Two (Admits 2) $130 Dinner for Two Gluten-Free (Admits 2)
Menu Options Available:
Choose standard or vegetarian options when purchasing your ticket
Farm tours begin 30 minutes after doors—boots recommended.
Reach out to smokebrushevents@gmail.com with any curiosities.
The Summer Harvest Series honors National Hispanic Heritage Month with a dinner celebrating the food, ingredients and culinary techniques.
Full menu and all event details to be announced soon.
Learn more…
513 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO
This project was funded in part by the Manitou Arts, Culture and Heritage Initiative and Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts.
FREE African Drumming Workshops at the MAC!
with Heidi Alina
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Youth and Parent Workshop: 3:30–4:00pm (30 minutes)
Adult Workshop: 4:30–6:00pm (90 minutes)
FREE to all
All levels welcome.
Please reserve your space at africanartsmanitou.com
A limited number of drums are available for participants. Please be sure to reserve one if needed. Otherwise, bring your own djembe or dundun(s).
Join us for this fun and uplifting community experience of rhythm, connection, and cultural learning through drumming.
Heidi Alina is distinguished as one of the top female African drummers in the US, with nearly 30 year’s experience performing and teaching in the field.
These workshops are part of the CMCW (Community Music for Connection & Wellbeing) series.
This project was funded in part by the Manitou Arts, Culture and Heritage Initiative and Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts.
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
This project was funded in part by the Manitou Arts, Culture and Heritage Initiative and Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts.
Soul Songs and Healing Sound For Peace and Wellness
with Judith Piazza
Sunday, September 27, 2026
10:30 am – Noon
🎟️ $15 – $30 sliding scale… Always less if you can’t.
Venmo Judith-Piazza-3, or exchange the day of our gathering.
RSVP appreciated. judypiazza@gmail.com / 720-982-8291
These days may be fraught with anxiety, confusion, paralysis, depression as prices rise, war is waged, and tension builds. We are all connected, and so we feel these tensions inside our body.
Through song, chant, mantra and healing sound, give your nervous system a rest and restore your soul’s voice in community with others. Be inspired by sacred chants and cultures around the world. Sing from your natural voice in simple call and response style to still our minds, open our hearts, and let our spirits soar. No experience necessary. Sing, sit, meditate, hum, dance, rest. Bring your favorite morning beverage. Mats, blankets, cushions and chairs are provided.
• Please come in good health
• Stay tuned for any weather considerations
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, Commercial Kitchen, 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