Why Not Bert?

Judges and fans of the 2024 "Why Not Niwot?" Juried Art Show agreed - "Why Not Bert?"

The awards ceremony for the Niwot Cultural Arts Association's (NCAA) signature art event, now in its 13th year, was held at the Former Feed Store at 291 Second Avenue in Niwot on Friday, Sept. 6. And when it came time to announce the awards, the first award and the last award both went to artist Karin Antoni, for her colored pencil drawing titled, "Keep It Running," depicting the late Bert Steele in front of Niwot Market, with the hood up on his red 1957 Chevrolet pickup.

The art work was the clear favorite among the 91 people who visited every store and viewed all 47 entries, then cast their vote for the People's Choice Award, which came with a $100 prize. According to organizer Anne Postle of Osmosis Gallery, both the number of voters and the number of entries were new highs for the contest.

Judges Mary Williams from Mary Williams Fine Arts in Boulder, Mary Horrocks of Open Studios in Boulder, and Alyson Bell from the NCAA's board of directors agreed that Antoni's entry was deserving of the first place award, which includes a $500 cash award.

Bell described the art in a written statement, saying, "Bert Steele and his little red truck are a staple in the Niwot community and will always be the symbol of what makes this community and town so special. Everyone is family at the Niwot Market.

"The piece means everything to those who have put their everything into something important. Just like a classic truck, Bert Steele made sure the Niwot Market, and Niwot as a community, always had the love, care, and attention to Keep It Running.

"Presented in colored pencil, the meticulous detail and vibrant color reflects just how much light and attention he brought to all of our lives."

Biff Warren, president of the NCAA, announced the remaining awards. "The judges decided to add two special awards this year," Warren said. "Our first is the Emerging Artists Award, for Artists under 14 years old." The winning art for the Emerging Artists Award was "Niwot Firehouse Museum" by Steve Livitt, age nine, who was on hand to receive his award. After the ceremony, Livitt's art was purchased by a patron.

Judge Mary Williams commented in a written statement, "Firstly I find the award itself, Emerging Artist Award, utterly wonderful and a real highlight to the entire repertoire of awards. I think this work of art speaks for itself. The honesty and charm it exudes makes me happy. It is good when art makes you happy."

The second Special Award was the Niwot Loves Birds Award, won by Niwot resident Carolyn Bradley, for her art titled "Welcome the Birds." Judge Mary Horrocks commented, "We love the sweetness of capturing these iconic Osmosis bird houses! The painting is fresh, colorful and declares that 'Niwot Loves Birds.'"

Warren introduced other members of the NCAA board of directors, including Vicki Maurer, Lisa Rivard, Gene Hayworth, Kristin Alger and Satir DeMarco, who were present for the First Friday Art Walk event.

Other awards presented included second place for "Tribune En Plein Air" by Marcio Correa, and third place for "In the Headlights" by Kathy Reilly.

Judge Mary Williams commented about "In the Headlights," saying, "The execution of this work is spot on and the title served to really make the piece come full circle as a visual experience. Kathy is a fine and versatile artist within multiple mediums." Horrocks commented about "Tribune En Plein Air," saying, "Marcio's composition and use of light in this piece is perfect. The fact that he painted it to include another artist painting en plein air is simply delightful."

Ballots from patrons who voted for the People's Choice Award were drawn, with five winners selected to receive a print of the winning art, or prints or cards from prior year's winning art. An artist's reception was held after the awards were announced, as the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band performed outside the Former Feed Store.

Prints and cards of the Judged Grand Prize artwork are available at Osmosis Gallery, and wine bearing a label featuring "Keep It Running" is available for purchase at Niwot Liquor.

Proceeds from the purchases help the NCAA support Whistle Stop Park and Niwot Children's Park. The event is funded in part by the Niwot Local Improvement District. Applications for the Why Not Niwot? 2025 contest are available at Osmosis Gallery at 290 Second Avenue.