First Friday Art Walk July 5 "Peacemaker" fundraiser

First Friday Art Walks have been reoccurring in Niwot for 12 years to help support local artists and businesses. The Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) along with Osmosis Art and Architecture are major sponsors of the event, which is set to take place again on Friday, July 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Niwot's business district.

Visitors can stroll around town and meet artists while viewing the local art scene in Niwot, often enjoying live music flowing through the streets. First Friday Art Walks expose the local businesses and put Niwot on the map as an art destination. Many artists will be spotlighted during the event, with unique artists at each location.

This Friday's Art Walk will highlight Niwot's Sculpture Park. The Niwot Sculpture Park is located on the southwest corner of Niwot Road and 79th Street, and is free and open to the public at all times. The park, a cooperative effort by the Cottonwood Park West HOA, the NCAA, Osmosis and Boulder County, is home to many works of art by local and regional artists.

One noteworthy piece during this walk is the "Peacemaker" statue, created by Bobbie Carlyle of Loveland. "Peacemaker" depicts an image of a Native American chief extending a peace pipe.

"Peacemaker" is not yet owned by the NCAA, but some citizens are dedicated to ensuring it becomes a permanent fixture. The Niwot Sculpture Park Committee of Anne Postle, Lisa Rivard and Jill Whitener, are raising funds through the NCAA to buy the sculpture. About $56,000 has been raised to meet the $78,000 goal.

"Peacemaker" has been a huge part of Niwot, and these organizations are trying to keep it that way, and preserve its history and ties to the town. The statue shows the connections to Niwot's Native American heritage and represents the connectivity Niwot hopes to bring to its community.

The Niwot Sculpture Park Committee has put a lot of effort into this event with hopes that through the First Friday Art Walk, more attention will be brought to the impact of "Peacemaker" and other artwork on Niwot.

Postle and her late husband Jim Postle and their family will be honored at the event for their donation of two sculptures by George Carlson, titled "Of One Heart" and "Courtship Flight."

Anne Postle, owner of Osmosis Art & Architecture, and a key member of the team spearheading the event, said, "Niwot's Sculpture Park is a hidden gem, with world-class artists represented. To have permanent pieces created by artists like George Carlson and Bobbie Carlyle is an amazing achievement for our little park."

To donate toward purchase of the "Peacemaker" statue, use the QR code on the sculpture or write a check to the Niwot Cultural Arts Association with "Peacemaker" in the memo line and drop it off at either Osmosis, located at 290 2nd Avenue or the Warren, Carlson, and Moore offices located at 6964 N 79th Street, Suite 3. Checks can also be mailed to NCAA, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544.

A reception at the Niwot Sculpture Park hosted by the Niwot Sculpture Park Committee will occur at 6:00 p.m. on July 5 where patrons can enjoy live music, a presentation, and food and drinks.

Anne Postle said, "This is actually a really great First Friday to attend because we are also launching the 2024 Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show." There will be art pieces featuring Niwot at eight different locations across the town. The purpose of the Juried Art Show is to highlight Niwot's uniqueness and encourage people to visit and support local businesses and artists. Visitors can vote on their favorite art pieces while exploring the town and local shops, as the People's Choice Award will be presented to the winner on Sept. 6 during First Friday.