According to the show's website, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale began as the joint inspiration of Coors Brewing Company and the National Western Stock Show. Since 1993, Coors and the National Western have worked together to develop what is now considered one of the finest western art exhibits in the United States. It was my first time in this major exhibition, which annually raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide college scholarships for students from rural areas.
And, wow! It was an excellent experience! By the time I left on Tuesday night I had sold all of my work on the wall and at least three additional pieces. I am so pleased to have my work headed to new homes, and to have that work support young scholars throughout the west. Many thanks to exhibition curator Rose Frederick, coordinator Krista Hanley, and the many kind and enthusiastic volunteers who worked so hard to make the event successful. Special thanks to Lynne and Carla, "my" personal volunteers, who helped keep me going and who handled the critical paperwork aspect!
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| The only photo I had time to take! Before the event began. |
Between Monday night's Young Guns event and Tuesday night's Red Carpet Gala we also had a chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Colorado History Center. Among the treasures brought out for us to examine up close were woodblocks and prints from the WPA era. Great fun!
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| Getting up close and personal with WPA-era prints. |
The CHC also hosted a panel discussion, "Discerning Printed Works on Paper." YES! A program about prints and printmaking! The panel was moderated by Seth Hopkins of the Booth Western Art Museum, and included collector Doug Erion, woodcut printmaker Leon Loughridge, and gallerist Tam O'Neill. Fun and interesting, although I had to wince every few minutes. One of my pieces was included in the slide show that cycled behind the panelists and the top few inches were cut off! That evening at the show I had several people tell me they were happy to see the piece in person, since they couldn't figure out what it was in the slide! Oops.
But next week it will be back to the studio! Spring exhibition deadlines are looming, both applications and events. While I was away I learned I will have two pieces included in the "Animalia" exhibit at the Loveland Museum this summer, but before that I need to be sure I'm ready for the Colorado Governor's Show, which opens at that same venue in April. April may seem a long way off, but for a printmaker that's practically tomorrow! Time to stop messing about online and get back to work.
Wow and congratulations, Sherrie! What a great event to be a part of! I am also happy that there was a focus on printmaking! You are a relief rockstar and deserve all these good things!
ReplyDeletesounds like a great event and congrats on the sales :D
ReplyDeleteIt WAS great to have the luncheon event be all about prints. It's so much more fun to be a printmaker surrounded by painters and sculptors when the audience is informed and appreciative. There were several people who stopped by to visit with me at the show that evening who had been at the luncheon.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised that you did so well there. Your work is amazing and the lucky folks who are giving your work new homes are surely enjoying it! Congrats & glad you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteHearty congratulations on such a successful event! I hope you harvested a new pile of ardent fans, and fueled the fires for the next adventures back in your studio. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again, everyone! After a week of poking around trying to decide on my next piece I think I have a decision! Sadly have to spend the day in front of the computer getting a few things done before it goes off for some upgrades, but lino will no doubt be flying next week!
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