How Do You See God? Exhibition and Book Express the Diversity of Beliefs in the Pikes Peak Region
How Do You See God? is an exhibition that asks artists to share their thoughts and beliefs through unique works of art. It is open to all faiths and beliefs, as well as all media, all ages, and 2D or 3D works. Each year, all of the art that is included in the exhibit is photographed and used to create a book. A cademy Art & Frame Company (AAFC) would like to invite the community to share in this expression of thoughts and ideas during the two receptions that will be held July 15, 2016 and August 19, 2016 from 4-8pm at 7560 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Spring s, CO 80920. The opening reception in July is a traditional reception with snacks, drinks and a chance to mingle with the artists. August’s reception is the book signing reception, also with snacks, drinks, and mingling.
How Do You See God? was started in 2011 by Kim Costello, managing partner of AAFC, and continues to be one of the largest exhibitions held at the gallery. The exhibition is held every July and August, and as a coincidence the first reception always lands on or around Costello’s birthday.
“It isn’t a coincidence,” laughs Costello. “I wanted to create an exhibition for my birthday that would always be near and dear to my heart. I have been amazed over the years at the community’s response to this exhibit.”
Last year, the exhibition showcased the work of 50 artists with most submitting 3 images and has grown to 60 artists for 2016. “Thank goodness we have a very large gallery!” says curator Cas Foste. “It typically takes about a week just to hang the show, but that’s only half the work for this exhibit!” Before hanging the show, Foste photographs all the artwork (except for the photographs), and in the course of the next few weeks compiles and edits the images, then designs the book.
2016 marks the 6 th year of the exhibition and the 5 th edition of the book. “The 5 th book is a mile marker! Not sure what I’m going to do to make this book stand out from the others,” says Foste.
The book will be available for purchase in store by the second reception in August, but availability will be limited. To secure your copy in time for the book signing, pre-purchase is recommended. The book usually cost right around the $50 range but depends on the number of entries. A final cost should be available by the end of July.
Academy Art & Frame Company is a locally owned art gallery and custom frame shop dedicated to showing the eclectic creativity of local/regional artists and designing meaningful and beautiful framing options for their customers’ memories. AAFC is proud to showcase over 200 artists on consignment including student work with the High School Ceiling Tile Competition and the AAA (All Ages Art) Miniature Collection. They are also the largest frame shop in southern Colorado with four custom framers and over 8,000 frame samples to choose from. “If you can imagine it, we can create it.”
Gallery/shop hours are Monday through Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 6pm, closed Sunday. For more information go to www.academyframesco.com or call 719-265-6694 or email academyframes@gmail.com. Visit us on Facebook to see our happenings and to enter online only drawings. Or, if you’re in the neighborhood, just drop on in!