In 2001, Jackson and DePree fulfilled their dream to open Manitou Art Theatre, their own family-run theater presenting original works to both children and adults. Since then thousands of people have delighted in Jim and Birgitta’s own shows and experienced some of the best fringe festival performers from across the world. MAT is the foundation of what they do, but there is so much more. Jim and Birgitta willingly and enthusiastically say “yes” to championing the arts in so many ways – by serving as the charming emcees of the Pikes Peak Arts Council Awards and other hosting duties, to bringing improv exercises to Leadership Pikes Peak classes and other corporate environments, to serving on the Manitou Springs Arts Council, to joining in Manitou Springs parades and festivals – whatever it takes to enlighten, delight and even provoke. We are deeply grateful that Jim and Birgitta have chosen to make this area their home and share their talents with us all. The Bee an Arts Champion Award, presented by the Bee Vradenburg Foundation, honors the legacy of Bee Vradenburg by recognizing individuals who have demonstrated sustained, passionate and innovative leadership toward advancing the arts in the Pikes Peak region. The award comes with a $1,000 prize to the arts nonprofit of the winner's choice, and Jim and Birgitta applied that award to the MAT.
Jim Jackson and Birgitta DePree, co-founders of Manitou Art Theatre, were honored with the 2010 Bee an Arts Champion Award, presented April 21 at the annual Arts/Business/Education Luncheon.
