Show Preview | Governor’s Art Show

Loveland, CO
Loveland Museum/Gallery, April 22-May 29

Natan Solano, The Night Mare, oil, 16 x 20.

This is story was featured in the April 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art April 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

The annual Governor’s Art Show at the Loveland Museum/Gallery has always been a big draw for connoisseurs of the Centennial State’s finest painters and sculptors. But in light of the fact that this is its 25th anniversary, this always-engaging show offers even more events to attract the public. Highlights include a special exhibit of works from legacy artists; a preview party on Friday, April 22; the 25th Anniversary Gala from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 23; and the Plein Air Festival on Saturday, May 7, in downtown Loveland.

Such an extensive schedule is commensurate with the goals of the show. “This event is not only an opportunity for Colorado artists to show their work,” says board member John Kinkade, “but also to introduce Coloradans to the amazing portfolios of many artistic talents we have in our state.” Indeed, this year’s show features works in a variety of media by 55 artists exploring myriad themes. More than 300 artists submitted work to the juried show, and while there are many returning and established exhibitors, nearly 25 percent of the participants are new to the event. Among the many works on view are nature and landscape paintings by Alyson Kinkade, Don Hamilton, and James Biggers; wildlife works by Julie Bender and Sherrie York; western scenes by Kim Mackey; and still lifes by Mark Thompson.

Diane Rappisi, Ocean Memories, oil, 12 x 16.

To mark the silver anniversary, the show includes an exhibit honoring its “legacy” artists. “This show has been instrumental in introducing new Colorado talent early in their careers,” Kinkade says. “We’re bringing these artists back to the show through the legacy program.” Works owned by the City of Loveland from each of this year’s legacy artists—Fritz White, Kim English,
and Quang Ho—are on display in the museum’s Green Room. English and Ho also bring new works available for purchase. White, a sculptor who passed away in 2010, helped establish Loveland’s reputation as a vibrant center for the arts. “Fritz was instrumental in encouraging the careers of younger Colorado artists,” observes Kinkade. “It is fitting that he be one of the first legacy artists honored in this new program.” English and Ho also participated in the Governor’s Art Show in its earlier years and both continue to vigorously support and influence younger artists.

Proceeds from the show benefit a number of causes and groups supported by two local Rotary clubs. They also have helped to establish art scholarships for area students. In a poetic closing of the circle, Loveland-born-and-raised Mark Bailey, a painter of narrative urban scenes, won Best of Show when he exhibited in the show for the first time last year. “The Governor’s Art Show,” he says, “is like a homecoming for me, especially seeing the proceeds going toward the very scholarships that I once received and which helped to fund my arts education.”

Similarly fond sentiments are shared by nationally known sculptor and Loveland local Jane DeDecker, who has four new pieces in the show. “One of the reasons I find it especially meaningful to participate in this show,” DeDecker says, “is that it embraces not only established and influential artists but also the emerging talents in our state.” —Lynn Dubinsky

contact information
970.670.0035
www.governorsartshow.org

Featured in the April 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art April 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.