Steve Wood is a Manitou Springs artist who is convinced the creation of public art, involving children and adults from across a region can foster better communication and lead to a deeper understanding and strong overall community.

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Wood, pictured with a whimsical bear sculpture, is such a strong believer art can change the world that he founded “Concrete Couch” to pursue his passion.

This week, he’s going even farther by hosting “Off the Couch” — a regional conference to bring people together across the Pikes Peak region to create public art as a way to build a better community.

And he wants you and your friends to participate for free in any of five workshops.

WORKSHOPS:

1) Art Bench Workshop at Fort Carson: military and civilians work together to make a concrete and ceramic tile bench for a playground on post (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, with a Sunday session)

2) Environmental Restoration Workshop: Manitou teens and community work with Rocky Mountain Field Institute on several Manitou trails (3 to 5 p.m. weekdays)

3) Mosaic Workshop: community works with mosaic experts on a direct project in downtown Colorado Springs (1 to 4 p.m. weekdays)

4) Design Workshop: community works with design professionals to develop public art models and schematic drawings for a site in downtown Colorado Springs (9 a.m. to noon weekdays)

5) Marimba Workshop: Ute Pass Elementary students and community work with musical playground professional to make a marimba at their school (3 to 5 p.m. weekdays)

His conference is under the umbrella of the national Community Built Association, a California-based nonprofit founded in 1989.

To get involved, just email Steve at conference@concretecouch.org

Here’s a look at a couple Concrete Couch public art creations:

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