Masks, puppets and bursts of color fill Gallery 515 as the Manitou Art Center celebrates more than three decades of whimsy with the new “Manitou Springs Carnivale” art exhibition, on display through Feb. 18. The show marks the first time the Manitou Springs Carnivale Parade, a tradition that dates to 1993, has been formally featured as an exhibition at the art center. Inspired by the Venice Carnivale, artists Jim and Arlene Wood helped bring the spectacle home after visiting Italy, planting the seeds for what has since grown into a 33-year celebration. The exhibit will feature Carnivale-inspired pieces by artists Mindy Nichols, Katie Orr and Kat Tudor, among others. “The art show was a way to honor the history of Carnivale and get the community involved,” said Laura Ettinger-Harwell, communications director for Manitou Art Center. “It’s a spectacle of art, music, color and fun that’s free and family-friendly.” The exhibition coincides with the broader Carnivale season, which runs through mid-February and includes events such as the annual parade, shoebox float workshops for children and the CarniBall Masquerade gala on Feb. 7 at The Iron Springs Chateau. ...read more read less