The Colorado Governor's Art Show & Sale, one of the largest juried fine art shows to exclusively feature Colorado artists, is hosting its 30th anniversary show through June 27. This year, the work of 60 Colorado-based artists is being featured at the in-person exhibit at the Loveland Museum.
Three of the noteworthy artists being showcased this year are male artists here in Fort Collins.
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Patrick McKee - McKee paints with a view to philosophical themes and ideas. “My message as a painter,” he says, “is entwined with my philosophical reflections.” His current main artistic interest is developing the idea that still life paintings can express sublime, transcendent levels of meaning. To this end, his recent paintings feature strong chiaroscuro effects in amorphous, shadowy backgrounds. McKee has studied with a number of distinguished mentors, including Jeff Legg, John Taft, Karol Mack, Albert Handel, Scott Christensen, Jim Biggers, Cathy Goodale, and others.
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Scott Ruthven - A Colorado native, Ruthven grew up camping, hiking, fishing, and drawing in the Rocky Mountains. Travels throughout the Western United States forged a deep appreciation for the diversity of the Western landscape, from the arid Canyonlands in Arizona and New Mexico to the lush forests and the mighty Pacific Ocean in the Pacific Northwest. Scott’s paintings immerse us in an authentic, yet timeless experience; often evoking an emotional response in the viewer. His ability to capture life and emotion in paint is the result of many hours painting the landscape from life, out in nature, rain or shine. Those field studies are seeds for Scott’s large studio paintings, like this one. Scott’s paintings are widely collected and have been recognized internationally for their beauty and excellence.
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Stephen Shachtman - A native to Northern Colorado, Schactman’s current work focuses on simple large scale forms and their relationship to space. The sculptures, created in a constructivist nature, focus on a play and balance between the dimensional space and that in which the sculpture physically occupies. This focus on dimensional balance and the play of positive of negative space, from both circular and rectangular windows, allows his work to respond to its natural surroundings framing unexpected views and with light and shadow to enhance the viewer’s experience.
In addition to the chosen artists, the show includes two Legacy Artists who have participated in past years of the Colorado Governor's Art Show & Sale and have been strong advocates for the arts. The chosen artists are Denny Haskew, a Loveland-based sculptor, and Daniel Sprick, a Denver-based artist.
The majority of the artwork in this year's show is one-of-a-kind and is available for purchase in-person or online throughout the run of the show. To learn more about this year’s participating artists and purchase tickets to see the exhibit, visit governorsartshow.org.
Presented by Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs and endorsed by the Governor of Colorado, net proceeds from the Show will benefit Rotary-sponsored charitable projects and causes. One-third of net proceeds will go to the Thompson Education Foundation's Homeless Assistance Fund, and additional funds will go toward scholarships for local art students.
Fort Collins Lifestyle has been a media partner with The Governors Art Show since our inception. It's been one of our most treasured collaborations. Artists have had a hard year and we implore you to do what you can to support these incredibly talented members of our community.