Celebrate the arts in the mountain air of Victor

Looking for something different to do over Labor Day weekend — something that’s close to home and includes clean mountain air, authentic Colorado history and inspired art?

Head to the sunny side of Pikes Peak for Victor’s 11th Annual Victor Celebrates the Arts, running Saturday through Sept. 6. It’s a treat for art lovers, history buffs, families and gamblers alike, with dozens of artists from around the country capturing on canvas the 1890s gold mining community — amid the spectacular scenery of the Sangre de Cristo range.

The artists flock to Victor’s streets the week before the show and sale to capture the ambience of this unpolished gem of Colorado gold mining history. Starting with blank canvases, they seek out historical head frames, 1890s buildings, aging mining shacks and the Colorado Rockies in their fall splendor.

The Open Art Show and Sale takes place all three days at the Elks Lodge, Third Street at Diamond Avenue, with paintings ready for sale at prices ranging from $100 to $800.

See them painting at the Brush Rush Paintout timed competition 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 5, and during the Quick Draw and Sell in Wallace Park 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 6.

Street entertainment, antiques shops, unusual stores and restaurants all add to the fun.

All events are free. You’ll find Victor less than one hour’s drive west of Colorado Springs and five miles south of Cripple Creek. Get information and a complete schedule by visiting www.victorcelebratesthearts.org, or by calling 689-6373.

For lodging and information about other things to see and do in the area, check out www.victorcolorado.com.