Why not appreciate Niwot’s art?

Maybe it’s the splendor of the glorious view of the mountains. It could be the peacefulness and beauty of the rural setting. Whatever the case, the vibe in Niwot inspires many artists.

The seventh annual Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show will be tapping into that creativeness by offering a showcase for pieces featuring Niwot. Sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) and hosted by businesses throughout town, 30 artists will display their entries beginning Friday, April 6, in conjunction with April’s First Friday Art Walk and running through Sunday, May 27.

The public is invited to tour the entire gallery of contestants and vote on their favorite piece by picking up a People’s Choice Award ballot at any hosting business. To submit a ballot, visit every participating location and be sure to have your ballot stamped at each stop.The winning People’s Choice artist will receive a $100 prize. Each ballot submitted will be entered into a drawing to take home a print of the winning piece.

In addition to the People’s Choice Award, the art will also be judged by a jury. The winning piece will be made into several formats — cards, prints, and a wine label. Proceeds from sales of those items — which will be available for purchase at Osmosis Art Gallery and other businesses — will go toward maintenance funding for the Niwot Children’s Park and Whistlestop Park.

The panel of judges for the art show consists of Mary Williams of Mary Williams Fine Art, Allyson Bell of Tool Studios, and Lisa Rivard of Lisa Rivard Illustrations.The grand prize winner receives $500, second place $250 and third place $100.

All of the prize winners will be announced at the First Friday Art Walk on June 1, in front of Osmosis Gallery. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band will play during the ceremony.

“It is wonderful to have our town captured by so many talented artists,” event organizer Anne Postle said. “Every entry is also for sale, so everyone has an opportunity to purchase a painting of our wonderful town.”

Businesses hosting the art pieces in the competition include Pebble Art Jewelry, The Niwot Inn, Niwot Jewelry & Gifts, Osmosis Art Gallery, Wise Buys Antiques, The Old Oak Coffeehouse and Little Bird.