Colossal Beings Mission Statement 

 Colossal Beings is an organization in its infancy that I have founded, located in beautiful downtown Colorado Springs, dedicated to fostering community connection and creativity through arts. Known for our iconic, larger-than-life puppets, we aim to create impactful moments and shared memories that inspire individuals to dream big and unleash their inner creativity.

THE DREAM 

The intent is to have these larger-than-life puppets enchant the crowds with their presence, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere, transporting us back to when we were children and everything seemed possible. This summer I hope to bring this show on the road, traveling all over Colorado. I have also been asked to partner with the Southern Ute tribe, as well as Ute Pass Elementary. My hope with these whimsical happenings is to help create community through shared memory. Now more than ever, the world needs art to unite us and remind us of our common humanity, to celebrate and allow ourselves safe spaces to embrace joy.

THIS YEAR'S PROJECT 

This year I have been working on a pair of of wolves. These wolf puppets will stand roughly 13 feet high and be around 17 feet long. All of their joints will be fully articulating. I have also been working on rebuilding the 24 foot Charles Rockey puppet, in preparation to bring him back to his beloved hometown. I am excited to also be building a colossal peregrine falcon with help of Ute pass elementary with help from the GreenBox Foundation in Green Mountain falls.

How It Began

It’s impossible to tell the story of my journey into creating giant puppets without acknowledging the tremendous losses they were born from. After the tragic death of my 19 year old brother Demitri , I felt compelled to live life fiercely, to lean into experiences that challenged and inspired me, but most importantly to orient myself towards the healing power of community. So when the prospect of making a puppet for a parade was presented, I dug my teeth into the endeavor hoping to bring art to the streets and celebrate life. Little did I know that the act of creating work that invigorated me would truly breathe life back into me, and thus the puppets were born! Last year we suffered another unthinkable loss, the death of our sweet Thomas, who led the 2024 parade with his unforgettable smile. This time, I felt the need to retreat, to lick my many wounds, to heal.

This year the theme of the Manitou Springs parade is Love is All You Need.

I have thought about the many flavors of love a lot in these past few years, sickly sweet love, laugh until you cry love, profound toe curling, teeth chattering love. Then there is the difficult love, the confounding love, the painful love, the void of heartbreak that is left when grief takes hold and love is all that is left behind. Love is comfort, love is pain, love is growth, love is renewal.

Love is Wild!

THE WOLVES

For me, no animal encapsulates the immense, dynamic polarizing power of love quite like the wolf. This keystone species wields the ability to change worlds, shifting rivers, creating wetlands, and building habitats for multitudes of other life, wherever they roam. Mating for life, they show deep devotion and loyalty to their pack, helping to raise young and take care of their elders. They understand the tremendous strength in community. Yet even the bravest among us would have to concede that the site of a pack of wolves would send shivers down their spine. This apex predator both creates life and abundance, while simultaneously taking it. In our modern world we attempt to drive out adversity, persecuting predators in hopes of creating frictionless spaces, forgetting the essential balance nature requires. What does it mean to truly love? Can we ever truly love without risk, without tensions?

How can one claim to love the wilderness yet denounce the wild?

CALL TO ACTION

Undertaking this project marks my biggest challenge yet as an artist.

While the task ahead may seem daunting, I am filled with enthusiasm to bring this dream to fruition. Together, we can transform an artistic vision into a captivating reality, bringing art to the people and making it accessible, helping to foster an atmosphere of otherworldly whimsy and imagination. These enormous community projects are quite costly and require dedicated, knowledgeable blacksmiths, carpenters and transportation and storage fees, not to mention the enormous material expenses. The Charles Rockey puppet cost me $4,000 in materials alone and thousands more for storage. We were able to raise $3,000 with the help of generous donors, for whom I am most grateful, however I have yet to break even , let alone pay a penny towards my efforts. everything helps and is very much appreciated. I promise that any donations will be put to good use and help fill our streets with art!

Sofia Hernandez Crade Fine Art Artist Bio

I grew up in the rural town of Divide, Colorado, a place still teeming with untamed beauty. I attended Beloit College in Wisconsin, where I obtained a Bachelors in Fine Art. There I received several awards for my work, including Best Thesis for sculpture installation. I also had the privilege of working as an advocate, teaching Art Therapy to survivors of sexual assault for three years. While doing so, I was recognized with the honor of Volunteer of the Year in the city of Beloit. I worked as the Art Director at the Squash Blossom Gallery and later at the Broadmoor Galleries, where I enjoyed representing a wide range of artists and their work for several years. I enjoy working in a variety of different mediums including sculpture, oil, watercolor, and pastel. Recently I have gravitated towards multimedia projects. There is no better feeling than allowing oneself space to play and experiment. I am proud to now be a full time studio artist since 2019 and enjoy living and creating art in the picturesque downtown, Colorado Springs. I have also been teaching multidisciplinary art classes to the youth of the Springs, specializing in neurodivergent populations, in hopes of fostering creativity in the minds of the next generation. Recently I have been devoted to large-scale public art works, recently creating a twenty-four foot puppet, inspired by a local artist that made its debut in Manitou Springs. My aim is to bring art to the people and cultivate a sense of community, in hopes of inspiring others to unleash their own creativity.

JOIN THE PARDE-

We are looking for creative minds to join our crews for the parade! Those interested in joining the wolf crew will be asked to dress as a wild animal of your choosing. People wanting to join Rockey’s crew will follow our theme,” Art is Love” and dress as something artistic, be it your favorite famous artist, painting, a tube of paint or one of Rockey’s many amazing creations you pick! I am available to talk ideas that your emotions run wild and have fun with your costumes. We are also looking for people who are strong able-bodied, and willing to push and Puppeteer the giant creations. Let me know what part you want to play everyone is welcome.

WHAT-Manitou Springs Mardi Gras Parade

WHERE-You won't be able to. miss us, across the street from The Manitou Business of Art Center on Manitou Avenue

WHEN-Saturday, February 14th at 12:30, but you. may want to come earlier because parking will surely be a nightmare.

CONTACT-Sofi Hernandez Crade at [email redacted] I will then give you my number as texting will be best as my hands will be busy!

I am deeply grateful for all of your involvement and support! Let's make magic fill our streets!

Video of the Making of Rockey Puppet

KRDO

Colorado Sun Article

Fox 21