Show Preview | Western Invitational Art Show

Greeley Stampede Events Center, Greeley, CO, June 22-July 4

Cathy Sheeter, Tassels, scratchboard, 8 x 10.

The 13th annual Greeley Stampede Western Invitational Art Exhibit and Sale takes place during the 90th annual Greeley Stampede, held June 22 through July 4 in Greeley, CO. An opening-night gala, including a Quick Draw and live auction, is on June 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. The art then remains on display and for sale in the events center lobby through July 4. Tickets to the gala are available in advance at a discounted rate, and admission to the events center is free.

Forty-six artists from across North America are participating in this year’s event. The show features approximately 200 western-themed works of art in a variety of mediums, including sculpture, painting, scratchboard, beadwork, and more. “It’s a beautiful and interesting show,” says Shirley Holland, who founded the show with her husband 13 years ago and continues to work as the  artists coordinator. Holland says that while the works in the show are certainly western-themed, there is a variety of subject matter on display, including scenes of ranch life, animals, landscapes, and more. “It’s not all cowboys and Indians,” she says, “although there’s plenty of that, too.”

Holland is especially excited to have numerous nationally recognized and award-winning artists participating in this year’s show, including Francois Koch, Michael Dudash, William Scott Jennings, Jami Tobey, Karen Cooper, David Mayer, Greg Kelsey, Cathy Sheeter, Nathan Solano, and Lori Forest. This year’s featured artist is Cheri Cappello, who creates pieces that are historically true to the Native American warshirts, wedding dresses, and children’s ceremonial dress of the 1800s. Each piece is created by hand using buckskin, accented with fine beadwork and authentic adornments.

All proceeds from the show benefit the Greeley Stampede Foundation, a non- profit organization that was formed to support continuing education in the community. Since the program’s inception, the Stampede has given more than $219,000 in scholarships to northern Colorado students. In 2012, the Stampede Foundation is awarding sixteen $1,000 scholarships. —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
970.356.7787
http://stampedewestern.com/

Featured in the June 2012 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase a copy:
Southwest Art magazine June 2012 digital download
Southwest Art magazine June 2012 print edition