The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College has announced its full season of performances and exhibitions for the coming year. With a theme of wellness, the FAC programming is designed to emphasize the power of art to heal, connect and inspire.
From its origins more than 100 years ago, the Fine Arts Center has been a multidimensional center of creativity that includes visual arts, theater and performance, and artistic instruction. And its new season schedule offers a wide variety of styles for all ages. Here’s what to expect in the 2025-2026 season at the Fine Arts Center Theatre, the FAC Museum and the Bemis School of Art.
On Stage at the Fine Arts Center Theatre
“Our next season is curated in conjunction with the FAC wide, year-long programming built around the theme of Wellness,” says Chris Sheley, producing artistic director. “We’ll share tales of navigating family dynamics, building new friendships and a flying caregiver who believes in a ‘spoonful of sugar’ to help the medicine go down. The goal is to cultivate joy for everyone in our community.”
Here’s the lineup.
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B
Sept. 18 – Oct. 5, 2025
Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson, a quirky, codependent duo, emerge from the pandemic to solve mysteries and face a villain with all the answers in this darkly comic, modern twist on the classic detective tale.
Raquel’s Purple Pineapple Adventures
Oct. 25 – Nov. 2, 2025
Raquel struggles with summer school and reading until Pinkie the Purple Pineapple — real or imaginary — helps her overcome her fears in this bilingual musical for young audiences. In an ongoing partnership, this is a production by the Creede Repertory Theatre.
Mary Poppins
Nov. 19– Dec. 28, 2025
In this heartwarming, iconic tale, a struggling family finds hope and joy when a magical nanny with an umbrella helps bring them back together.
The Roommate
Feb. 12 – March 1, 2026
Midwestern housewife Sharron’s new roommate, Robyn, brings change, leading both women to navigate the complexities of reinvention in this funny and deeply moving play.
Curious George: The Golden Meatball
Feb. 28 – March 22, 2026
George the monkey embarks on an adventure to help his friend Chef Pisghetti win the Golden Meatball Contest in Rome in this lively, musical tale for children and families.
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical
April 30–May 24, 2026
A suburban family faces the cracks beneath their picture-perfect facade in this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical set to the iconic music of Alanis Morissette.
In the Fine Arts Center Museum
“This year at the museum, we’re excited to present a dynamic lineup of exhibitions that inspire reflection, foster conversation and offer new perspectives on the world around us,” says Michael Christiano, director of visual arts and museum. “From exploring collective wellness in Open-Hearted to reimagining our permanent collection in Gathering Place and showcasing work by local and regional artists, each exhibition invites visitors to engage with art in unique and meaningful ways.”
Here’s the lineup.
The Many Travels of Mary Chenoweth
June 25 – October 4, 2025
This exhibition highlights the influence of global travel on Mary Chenoweth’s art, featuring works inspired by her travels beginning in 1958. Chenoweth was a long-time Colorado Springs resident and one of the region’s most prolific artists.
Gathering Place: Permanent Collection Reinstallation
Sept. 5, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2028
The Fine Arts Center is home to a large permanent collection comprisead of more than 20,000 works. This exhibition immerses visitors in the complex histories of the Southwest through collection highlights and rarely shown works, while Work in Progress invites participation in experimental, interactive installations exploring new perspectives on the collection.
Open-Hearted
Sept. 26, 2025 – Jan. 17, 2026
Exploring wellness as a collective project, this exhibition redefines health beyond individual self-care to include societal advocacy.
Works from Ana María Hernando
Feb. 6 – July 6, 2026
Ana María Hernando’s soft sculptures, primarily made from tulle, explore intimacy and monumentality in her multidisciplinary art.
Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard
March 6 – July 26, 2026
This exhibition showcases art created in or inspired by yards, challenging the idea that artistic production is confined to traditional spaces like studios or galleries.
Highlights at the Bemis School of Art
“At Bemis School of Art, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming summer session, filled with exciting new opportunities for creative exploration,” says Tara Sevanne Thomas, director. “This season, we’re introducing an array of fresh classes led by talented new instructors, bringing innovative perspectives and techniques to our community. Alongside these new offerings, we continue to honor our rich tradition of visual arts, providing a strong foundation in painting, drawing, ceramics, and more.”
Many of the classes will tap into the theme of wellness by incorporating elements of mindfulness, movement and self-expression. And the summer session includes offerings for students of all ages and experience levels. Registration opens April 21 for FAC members and April 28 for the general public. The summer class session runs June 2 through Aug. 31.
Here are a few sample classes.
Watercolor Collage
June 10 – July 1
Explore watercolor painting methods, then cut and layer creations into unique collages, creating vibrant artworks. (Ages 9-12)
Beginning Wheel Throwing
June 5 – July 10
Explore the fundamentals of making pottery from centering to throwing, trimming and glazing. Create bowls, cylinders and mug handles. (Ages 16-Adult)
Basic Enameling on Copper
June 20
Explore techniques of enameling: glass fused to metal at high heat. Learn to clean the copper, apply powdered glass, fire it and continue the process in subsequent firings. Then decorate with stencils and create a wall plaque. (Ages 16-Adult)
Find details, tickets, registration and more at fac.coloradocollege.edu.
