Show Preview | Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center: Sangre de Cristo Art Invitational

Pueblo, CO
February 8-March 22

Nikolo Balkanski, First Day of March, oil, 11 x 14.

This story was featured in the February 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art February 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

The annual Representing the West show is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, and with the celebration comes a name change to the Sangre de Cristo Art Invitational. Curator Elizabeth Szabo says the new title reflects the broadening scope of the exhibition beyond traditional western art. “Pueblo is in a dynamic position in Colorado in the art world right now, and we want to stay on top of that,” Szabo says. “With the city’s recent designation as one of Colorado’s Creative Districts and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center as one of the district’s anchors, Pueblo is becoming a destination for people seeking artistic experiences and enterprise. We want to continue evolving with the community and our audiences.”

Although the name has changed, the show still brings together a stellar group of painters, sculptures, printmakers, and graphic artists to present 100 original artworks. This year all 31 participating artists hail from Colorado, from the eastern plains to the western slope. Among the participants are Nikolo Balkanski, Tim Deibler, Jane Ford, Jill Soukup, Karmel Timmons, and Lani Vlaanderen. The show is juried by Denver-based artist Kang Cho, who also has paintings featured in the exhibit.

Jeremy Manyik, Fall Gathering, oil, 24 x 36.

An opening reception for the artists takes places from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7, in the center’s Helen T. White Galleries. And there are additional opportunities to meet the artists before the show closes in March, such as a “dueling artists” event in which two featured artists paint on location at the center.

Szabo is enthusiastic about this year’s presentation and new direction. “This is a gem of a show,” she says. “It rivals some of the top art exhibitions in this part of the country in the quality of the work and the design and space of the Helen T. White Galleries where it is held. The Invitational complements our permanent King Collection of Western Art but also allows us to present contemporary artists of the genre who are respected and sought after, as well as some rising stars.” —Bonnie Gangelhoff

contact information
719.295.7200
www.sdcartinvitational.org

Featured in the February 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art February 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!