23rd Annual Governor’s Art Show Announces Awards

LOVELAND, Colo. - June 10, 2014 - PRLog -- The 23rd Annual Governor’s Art Show (formerly The Annual Governor’s Invitational Art Show and Sale) has named winning entries from amongst the pieces accepted into this year’s show.

They include:

Railcar Patina, painting, by Stephanie Hartshorn (http://studiohartshorn.com/)

Autumn Reflections, photograph, by Don Hamilton (http://donhamilton.fineartworld.com/index.php)

Fields of Favor, sculpture, by Clay Enoch (http://clayenoch.com/)

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer awards this year, and truly appreciate the support of local businesses to make them possible,” said Show Director Pam Osborn. “We congratulate the winners, and offer a sincere ‘Thank you!’ to Art of the Rockies and Bronze Services, along with all the participating artists and sponsors.”

Stephanie Hartshorn: “I was wholly impressed with the group’s commitment to the show and sincere enthusiasm for the artists who were chosen. This isn’t your typical painting & sculpture show -- the range of artwork is quite varied and interesting. It expresses many more voices of creativity than you would normally have access to in a show like this. I like that--I find it refreshing and inspiration for my own work. This tanker car was particularly intriguing -- an instant painting in my mind. I was taken by the pattern of oxidation, drips and layers of paint that had built up over the years; but what really sold me were the hits of intense color set off against all that black and gray steel...like an industrial tip of the hat to the works of Mondrian.”

Don Hamilton: “I am honored to receive this award. The Governor’s Art Show has a longstanding history of featuring some of the finest artists in Colorado, and I am privileged to be a part of it. ‘Autumn Reflections’ is a painting of the area near Piney Lake in the Gore Range above Vail, Colorado. I have often painted the area at different times of the year, and find it very appealing. The pattern of reflections in the water combined with the colors of autumn really attracted me to the scene.”

Clay Enoch: “My friends have spoken highly about this show for years, but this was my first time to participate. What a fantastic show: diverse work, great artists, it was beautifully presented and the opening was a wonderful success! I am sincerely honored to be recognized in this company of fine artists.”

Student winners and recipients of $2,000 Loveland Rotary Art Scholarships this year include:

Jacob Ryan Ruscko, Mountain View High School, for Dogfight, done in graphite

Zohra Aslami, Thompson Valley High School, for Pure Perfection, in mixed media and acrylic

Jenna Hepp, Berthoud High School, for Vibrant Life, in watercolor and colored pencil

The City of Loveland’s Visual Arts Commission selected and purchased a piece from this year’s show. It chose 10^th Mountain Division, an oil painting by Jared Hankins (http://www.hankinsfineart.com/): “As a native of Colorado, it meant a lot to me to be accepted into the Governor's Art Show. As a first-time participant, I was very impressed with the level and quality of the art hanging in the show, and honored that I had an opportunity to hang alongside some very talented artists. The City of Loveland has a remarkable collection of art and is a destination for artists and collectors. I am humbled and honored the Visual Arts Commission purchased my depiction of the Gore Range to add to their permanent collection. I am looking forward to seeing where it is placed.'

This year’s Governor’s Art Show is open to the public through June 15^th, 2014, at the Loveland Museum/Gallery. Fridays at 12:30 p.m., show visitors can connect with a local artist acting as a docent for the show. May 30 features Mary Landis; June 7 features Jim Biggers; and June 14 features Gordon Middleton. Join them to hear about their work, the other work featured in GAS, as well as the Loveland and Colorado art scenes.

The 2014 show, as in years past, features a juried collection of outstanding works by Colorado artists. For more than 20 years, both The Loveland Rotary Club and The Thompson Valley Rotary Club have combined efforts to sell more than $2 million of work by Colorado artists.

Beneficiaries of Sale Proceeds

This event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Loveland and Thompson Valley Clubs. Funds raised through the sale of art at the show go to clubs’ respective foundations. Throughout the year, funds are given to a wide variety of causes and groups, including the Thompson Valley Honor Society for painting Valentine hearts; shelter boxes for Haiti; medical supplies for those in need around the world; clean water projects in Nicaragua and Burma; shoes for children in Thailand; Trees, Water, People; Rotary International’s “Stamp Out Polio” project; Project Self Sufficiency; House of Neighborly Service; art scholarships for local students’ and Rotary Youth Leadership Camp scholarships.

About the Governor’s Invitational Art Show & Sale

The Governor’s Art Show & Sale is the largest fundraiser and a capstone project of the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs. It stands out as one of the most prestigious exhibits of original art in the Western United States. For more information about the Governor’s Invitational Art Show & Sale, visit www.governorsartshow.com call 970-663-0919, or email governorsartshow@gmail.com. You can also learn more at the event’s Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/GovsArtShowandSale.