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
302 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, Colorado.
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
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.
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 mixed level sessions available weekly.
Develop rhythmic precision, increase stamina, and enjoy the energizing benefits of group drumming.
Smokebrush Calendar
Upcoming Events and Workshops
302 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, Colorado.
Autumn Equinox Celebration: Open House, Basket Weaving, & Potluck
with Our Wild Origin: Land-Based Education
facebook.com/Ourwildorigin
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
3:30 pm — 8:00 pm
Donation: $20 – $40 (Cash or Venmo)
CLICK HERE to RSVP
Itinerary
• 3:30—4:30 pm Open House/Show & Tell
• 4:30—5:30 pm Pine Needle Basket Tutorial
• 5:30—6:30 pm Community Potluck
• 6:30—8:00 pm Pine Needle Basket Weaving Continues
Join Our Wild Origin for an Autumn Equinox Celebration! Come learn about ancestral living skills at the Open House in the EarthSkills tent. During this Show & Tell jump into the magic of land based crafts like rope making, basketry, and hide tanning. Ask co-facilitators Austin and Iraiah about their experiences exploring the natural world and crafting with materials gathered from the land.
Feeling ambitious? Choose to start a pine needle basket! Looking for a quick and easy project? Craft a pendant to wear around your neck! To make our creations, we will utilize basic stitching techniques to shape bundled pine needles into a spiral form. Participants are welcome to start their project before or after the community potluck.
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
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Ecstatic Kirtan
Yoga • Chanting • Dance
with Janardana Das (of Butter Thieves)
& Kat Tudor (of Smokebrush Foundation)
Wednesday, September 30th, 2026
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
🎟️ $15 per guest
The evening includes:
✦ Yoga with Kat
✦ Traditional Kirtan with Janardana Das
✦ Dance with Janardana Das
This is an alcohol free event.
Contact smokebrushevents@gmail.com with any further curiosity.
Janardana Das is an internationally touring kirtan artist and storyteller, sharing the timeless practice of Bhakti through devotional music, Sanskrit mantra, and stories of Krsna. Drawing from years of performing around the world, his offerings create an intimate and uplifting space where ancient wisdom, soulful chanting, and heartfelt storytelling come alive.
Kat Tudor is the artistic creative director of Smokebrush Foundation and creator of SunWater Spa. Kat has been teaching yoga, dance, art & Thai yoga massage for many years.
Learn more…
808 Manitou Ave. Manitou Springs, CO
This project was funded in part by the Manitou Arts, Culture and Heritage Initiative and Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts.
World Dance Festival
presented by Tejas, Dance Artist at Smokebrush Foundation
Saturday, October 3, 2026
7:00 — 9:00 pm, Doors open at 6:30 pm
🎟️ $15 Cash or Venmo
Contact: AuroTejas Hemsell
tejasdancershakti@gmail.com | 719-425-7596
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 Outdoor Piano Concert "Jazz Meets Beethoven on the Breeze"
presented by Heidi Alina and Caleb Colours
📆 Sunday, October 4, 2026
⏰ 4:30–6:30 PM
🎟️ FREE to all
Experience the enchanting music of award-winning pianists Heidi Alina and Caleb Colours at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs.
Get ready for an evening of beautiful music! Bring your friends and family! Enjoy LIVE piano performances from your blanket in Memorial Park or, for a more intimate vibe, find a cozy spot indoors at the Heart Center within Sunwater Spa. Bring a jacket and snacks, and settle in for a night to remember!
328 El Paso Boulevard, Manitou Springs, CO
Brushes, Breath and Vines
With Kat Tudor and Jamar Pierre
📆 Saturday, October 10th, 2026
⏰ 3:00 — 5:30 pm
🎟️ $35 per person
Included with Ticket Price:
- Variety of Local Wines
- Strawberries & Chocolate
- Canvas “12 x 18”
- Relaxing Yoga Session
- Meditative Painting Session
- Stunning Garden and Mountain Scenery
- Guidance from a World-Renowned Visual Artists
Yoga, painting, and wine come together in the mountains of Manitou Springs!
Join us for an afternoon of yoga and meditative painting in a beautiful garden with an amazing mountain view. Experience the tranquility and creativity guided by a world-renowned visual artist and the Smokebrush Foundation. Begin with a relaxing yoga session and then transition into a mindful painting experience.
Come and enjoy a relaxing and creative experience in a unique & all levels welcome environment!
Learn more…
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