About

Meet the Artist — Jared Thompson

Hello! My name is Jared Thompson, and I’m proud to call Manitou Springs, Colorado my home. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this amazing, vibrant community. Through Manitou Creative, I aim to give back by collaborating with local businesses and non-profits on art projects that uplift and connect us all.

As an acrylic painter, I love bringing fantasy worlds to life with imaginative characters, vibrant landscapes, and detailed scenes—many inspired by our beautiful surroundings here in Colorado. I also enjoy capturing local events, people, and natural scenery through photography, sharing those images with the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce and fellow community members.

Before founding Manitou Creative, I spent most of my career in the motor-sports and automotive racing industry. (You can learn more about that side of my life at jaredthompsonmotorsports.com.) I've always had a passion for graphic design and web development, often building websites and digital media for racing and performance driving ventures.

In early 2019, after our son Asher was born, our family made the decision that I would step back from full-time work to be a full-time caregiver. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. Manitou Creative grew out of that transition—offering a way to stay engaged with the community while doing what I love: making art and building meaningful connections through creativity.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Managerial Economics from the University of California, Davis, where I was honored to be the 2012 commencement speaker for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. I also served as the primary driver for the U.C. Davis Formula Hybrid SAE racing team.

Outside of art and racing, I’m a longtime tenor saxophonist and guitarist, and I love sitting in with local musicians around town. In my free time, you’ll find me on the trails with my family—hiking, running, and embracing the outdoors. I’ve proudly completed the Pikes Peak Ascent five times and raced the full Garden to Peak series in 2021, 2022, and 2023.