Art with heart: paintings of Niwot exhibited for people to view and vote

A dog on hind legs peeks longingly into the window of Niwot Rental and Feed, a red guitar bursts from the stage at Whistlestop Park as children dance, a golfer tees off with Haystack Mountain in the distance. These are just a few of the iconic images of Niwot and the surrounding area that are on display around town for this year's annual art exhibition, "Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show.

Thirty-five pieces have been entered by 16 artists who submitted up to three works each. A panel of judges picks first, second, and third place. This year the three judges also added a new category, called "For the Love of Niwot" to honor a painting that captures a sense of community.

There is also a "People's Choice" award voted on by members of the public, who can view the paintings at 15 businesses around town. A list is online at Osmosisartgallery.com under the Events tab. People can vote from now through August by picking up a "passport" at the participating businesses and getting it stamped at each venue. Only votes from passports stamped by each merchant will count in the voting

The contest is based on how well it captures the uniqueness of the town. "You'd look at it and say, 'That's Niwot,'" judge Alyson Bell said.

Fellow judge Lisa Rivard said it's entirely possible that a beginner could win. "You could go in there and pick the absolute best, most professionally painted piece," she said. "It's not really about that. We do get really, really good, talented, professional entries as well as the 4Hers or people picking up a brush for the first time. I'm often inspired by the caliber of work that we have in Niwot."

Osmosis Gallery Owner Anne Postle created the contest, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, that is now in its 11th year. "It's a fun way to get people thinking about painting Niwot," Postle said. "One of the main goals is to get people to explore the town."

Postle also assembled judges Bell, Rivard and Mary Williams. "All the judges are great. They really love and understand Niwot and they love and understand art."

Each judge brings her unique expertise and sensibilities. Bell is an owner of Tool Studios, a local advertising firm. She comes from a design perspective. "I love art. It's a medium that evokes emotion. I like things that make you think," she said. "I definitely lean more edgy. More abstract. I don't know as much about fine art, but I know what I like, and I know what makes me feel."

Rivard is an artist and former Art Commissioner in Breckenridge, while Williams is an art dealer with a gallery in Boulder. "We all bring interesting different perspectives when we're together. It's a cool magical time," Bell said.

The three women have been picking the winners for several years and got together at the end of June at Osmosis Gallery in Niwot to view the paintings and make their choices for 2022. "We often agree," Rivard said. But she said they have great discussions getting there, asking, 'What about this, and what about that? '"It's so exciting. It's just such a gift to be able to judge these," she said.

The results of the juried show and the "People's Choice" award will be announced September 2 at 6 p.m. at Osmosis Gallery with the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band on hand as well. A reception for the artists will immediately follow at the Left Hand Grange where all the paintings will be exhibited in one place for the first time.

The winner of the juried show will receive $500 and their painting will be made into prints, note cards and a custom label for two Italian wines selected by Niwot Liquor. Proceeds from the products will go to the Niwot Cultural Arts Association which supports local public art, Children's Park and cultural events in town. Cash prizes will also be awarded to the other winners. The event is funded in part by the Niwot Local Improvement District.