Colorado Springs Airport Launches Art at COS program

The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is proud to announce the launch of Art at COS, a dynamic new program developed in collaboration with Cottonwood Center for the Arts and the Downtown Creative District's Art on the Streets. In celebration of Arts Month 2025, organized by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, the initiative debuts in October with a call for entries for the January 2026 art exhibit, alongside the installation of three large-scale outdoor sculptures installed on October 15 and 22, 2025.

Inspired by the airport-wide initiative to reflect the vibrancy of the Colorado Springs community, Art at COSshowcases the city's cultural diversity, creativity, and rich heritage. This program is a reimagined revival of the airport's Cultural Gateway of the Rockies program and will build upon our existing art collection through rotating exhibits around the airport.

"With the launch of Art at COS, we have an opportunity to share the spirit of Colorado Springs with every traveler who passes through our airport," said Alex Kovacs, Director of Aviation. "This program is about more than filling walls and spaces with art; it's about honoring the identity of our community and creating a sense of place. From our history and diversity to the creativity that thrives here today, Art at COS allows us to showcase what makes Colorado Springs extraordinary."

Indoor Art Exhibitions:

Curated by Cottonwood Center for the Arts, the indoor exhibition space will be located on the second floor of the airport near TSA queuing. The first exhibition will open in January 2026, with new works rotated quarterly to highlight local and regional artists.

"Colorado Springs Airport is so often the first impression of our city and the Pikes Peak Region, and Art at COS immediately connects visitors and residents alike to our vibrant community. Cottonwood is beyond thrilled to be stewarding this marvelous new gallery space, and we look forward to bringing thoughtfully selected collections of contemporary art to you!" said Jess Preble, Gallery Director at Cottonwood Center for the Arts.

Artists interested in participating must apply through Cottonwood Center for the Arts at https://coloradosprings.gov/ArtatCOS. Submissions will not be accepted directly by the airport.

Outdoor Sculpture Installations:

In addition to the rotating gallery, Art at COS will feature large-scale sculptures selected through an independent jury process as an extension of the Downtown Creative District's Art on the Streets program. The first installation includes Lepidopteraby Kasia Polkowska, installed on October 15, 2025; along with Blossomingand Muse of Musicby Jodi Bliss that will be installed on October 22, 2025.

"The Downtown Creative District is excited to partner with the Colorado Springs Airport for this initiative. The airport is a gateway to the Pikes Peak Region and Downtown, and this is a wonderful opportunity for our artists to use their creativity to welcome people to our community." said Michelle Winchell, Creative District Director at Downtown Colorado Springs.

All art will be located in publicly accessible areas of the airport, available to both travelers and community visitors.

About Art at COS:

As the gateway to the Pikes Peak Region, we celebrate the rich history, cultural diversity, and creativity of our community through Art at COS. This program is a reimagined revival of the airport's Cultural Gateway of the Rockies program, which aims to build upon our existing art collection through rotating exhibits around the airport. It is our identity and authenticity that makes an appearance on what is, for so many, the first stage of our city.

For centuries, art has been inspired here-by towering mountains, sprawling plains, college campuses, military bases, historic districts, and modern marvels. Art is shaped by the people who came before us and the diversity that exists today. It is the unique histories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community vibrant. We are proud to showcase Colorado Springs as a community with art as part of our identity.

We welcome visitors who love art, artists who make art, and locals who see a part of themselves in art. We invite you to celebrate COS as a PLACE, not just a point of transit and ART as a COMMUNITY, not just a commodity.

For Art at COS information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Riley Cronin at [email protected]or visit coloradosprings.gov/ArtatCOS.