Show Preview | Governor's Art Show - Southwest Art Magazine

Loveland, CO
Loveland Museum/Gallery, April 28-May 28

Daniel Augenstein, Reflection in Butchart, oil, 30 x 40.

This story was featured in the April 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art April 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

As the only show in Colorado that features both established and emerging artists based in the state, the Governor’s Art Show kicks off on Friday, April 28, at the Loveland Museum/Gallery. It’s more than just the finest Colorado painters and sculptors coming together in one exhibition—there are also live music performances, flash mobs, opera singers, a plein-air festival, bagpipers, and more. The Governor’s Art Show is celebrating its 26th year thanks to sponsorship from the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs, with net proceeds from the exhibition going to local youth and community organizations.

John Kinkade, a co-chair of the annual show, says the mission of the event is twofold: “We aim to support our local community in need while also introducing Colorado residents to their artists,” he says. “We have so much artistic talent in our state to share.”

: Patti Andre, Water Carriers, oil, 16 x 20.

: Michael Baum, Summer at the Garage, oil, 20 x 48.

: Jim Biggers, Something New, oil, 30 x 40.

: Jane Hunt, Colorado Summer, oil, 11 x 14.

: Sandy Graves, Browsing, bronze, 33 x 14 x 24.

: Ken Elliott, Saccades, oil, 24 x 24.

The festivities begin on Friday, April 28, with an opening gala and sale from 5 to 9 p.m. preceding the public opening on Saturday, April 29. Other highlights include Saturday artisan exhibits on May 6, 13, and 27 and a plein-air festival and auction throughout downtown Loveland on May 20. Kinkade says the aim is to make the whole event “festive, fun, and participatory.”

This year’s show features artwork in every kind of style, from traditional western themes to abstract ideas. There’s something for everyone, as each artist is invited to bring four pieces to the exhibition, totaling more than 230 works on view. And while there are many notable returning and established exhibitors, exactly 50 percent of the participants are new to the event—due, in part, to a blind jury made up of new committee members each year. The show bestows 10 awards of merit and a Best of Show award.

: Jane DeDecker, Boys in the Boat, bronze, 3 x 10 x 13.

: Carol Hein, Deep Slumber, oil, 30 x 30.

: Chuck Mardosz, South Platte River, oil, 24 x 36.

: Nancy Wylie, He Walks With Me, pastel, 24 x 36.

: Daniel Augenstein, Reflection in Butchart, oil, 30 x 40.

Among the 300 artists who submitted work to be juried, Sabrina Stiles, Nancy Wylie, Pem Dunn, and Richard Schilling are just a few of the 55 artists selected. Mark Andrew Bailey, Karen Storm, Lora Witt, and Don Hamilton, all of whom won individual awards of merit last year, are returning. Noteworthy sculptors Alyson Kinkade and Jane DeDecker collaborated on a piece last year that was named Best of Show in a unanimous vote for a sculpture for the first time ever. They’ll both be returning as well. Finally, James Biggers, an Estes Park-based artist, has participated in the event every year since its inception—and this year will be no different for the landscape painter.

This is Jane Hunt’s first time participating in the Governor’s Art Show. The Denver-based impressionist submitted her oil COLORADO SUMMER, choosing to focus on the dramatic sunset while minimizing the majesty of the mountains in the background. “There’s a lot of artists in the event that I admire,” Hunt says. “It will be nice to get together with Colorado artists and share that connection.” —Katie Askew

contact information
970.670.0035
www.governorsartshow.org