Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show this month

This month’s First Friday Art Walk kicked off a juried art show spread throughout various businesses.

Michelle Henzel, with Osmosis and other Niwot Cultural Arts Association board members, launched the Why Not Niwot Juried Art Show in eight different businesses for the May art walk.

There are a total of 22 pieces — all have to feature Niwot in some way — displayed in eight different businesses around town.

Those businesses are ShopGirl, Pebble Art Jewelry, Painted Primrose, Niwot Inn, Niwot Jewelry, Osmosis, Wise Buys and Little Bird. Each one has several individual pieces on display.

“You can start at any of the businesses any time you want while they’re open,” Henzel said. “It’s not something you have to do all in one day. You have the whole month to fill out the passport and place a vote.”

The judges have already made their decisions, but this month everyone has the opportunity to participate in the people’s choice awards.

To cast a vote, simply visit any of the above businesses and ask for a passport and to see the Niwot entries.

Once the passport has been stamped at each business, patrons can cast their vote for their favorite piece.

Both the juried winner and the people’s choice will be announced at Osmosis during the First Friday event at 6 p.m. on June 2.Participants will be entered for a drawing of a print of the juried winning piece.

Prints and cards of the juried-winning piece, along with the signature wine bottle labeled with the art, will be available for purchase that evening as well.

Between the NCAA and LID, there are awards for the artists as well. First prize out of the juried competition goes home with $500.

“It’s gotten better every year,” Henzel said. “The quality of the pieces this year is fantastic. We’re excited to see who wins.”