OSAC Meeting Notes, June 1, 2017

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Our Open Space Director and Staff have a lot going on. They work hard for the all of us and for the Open Space Parks, and too often, their efforts go unrecognized.  Every month, usually on the 4th Thursday evening, they meet with OSAC  — the Open Space Advisory Committee, a group of county residents, appointed by our Board of County Commissioners. It’s OSAC’s job to review and consult with Open Space staff regarding Park operations and initiatives, and to advise the BCC on such. Until I started regularly attending the OSAC meetings, I had no idea just how hard the Open Space staff works, or even what was going on in the Parks. I suspect that if you’re reading this posting, that you don’t, either. These notes, taken by PLAN Jeffco Board members during an OSAC meeting, is our attempt to help you understand what a valuable resource we have in our Open Space staff.

 

JEFFERSON COUNTY OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Open Space Administrative Office, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100, Golden, CO

June 1, 2017

AGENDA

3:30 p.m. STUDY SESSION FIELD TRIP

Peaks to Plains, Scot Grossman

The majority of OSAC participated in the field trip.  We took I-70 to the top of Floyd Hill then down to Clear Creek past the North Floyd Hill property acquired in partnership with Clear Creek County.  Clear Creek County anticipates putting up to 5 miles of trail on the property including a trail down to Clear Creek at the “ox bow” on the Peaks 2 Plains Trail.  MALT holds an easement on the property and will assist in the trail planning.

We then proceeded to the “Big Easy” area, about one-half mile east of the Mayhem Gulch Trailhead.  During the early part of this year, Open Spaces contractor shaved a cliff and put up a concrete wall to allow room to build three lanes of US 6 north of the original alignment.  On May 2 and 3, the highway was moved onto the new alignment and a pedestrian bridge was placed across the creek .  The original highway alignment is being converted into a parking lot for about 60 cars.  The area between the parking lot and creek will become a developed recreation area restrooms, shelters, tables, and access to the creek.

The bridge leads across the creek and the trail goes west for about 3/4 miles to connect with the existing Peaks 2 Plains trail.  The Mayhem Gulch parking lot is being expanded for about 50 more cars.  The area has new signage which is much more explicit than before and hopefully will make it easier for visitors to navigate and not be confused about the alternating week-end days on Centennial Cone.
6:00 p.m. PONDEROSA ROOM, OSAC Administrative Office

Final Review of Presentation for June 8th BCC/Committee Meeting

June 8, OSAC meets with the Board of County Commissioners.  We reviewed the presentation to be used and suggested changes.  OSAC members make the presentation, not staff.

 

7:00 p.m. REGULAR SESSION – PONDEROSA ROOM

Call Meeting to Order

Roll Call and Determination of Quorum

Approval of Minutes

Minutes of the April 6 meeting were approved as presented.

Additions to Agenda & Determination of Sequence

No additions

General Public Comment

No public comment

Information Items

2017 Park Regulations Update, Mary Ann Bonnell. Mary Ann Bonnell presented the updated park regulations.  It had been about 4 or 5 years since the last changes were made.  The proposed regulations are listed below.  OSAC will vote on these at another meeting.

Planning & Projects Team Update, Nancy York & Scot Grossman. Nancy noted that this year Open Space had reviewed more than 300 cases and provided comments on 17.  One of interest is a 25-acre parcel east of Meyer Ranch on South Turkey Creek where the owner is considering a private dog park.

The FLAP grant from the Federal Highway Admin to bring the Rocky Mountain Greenway Trail across Rock Flats has been approved.  Concerns by Broomfield of impact ot the trail on Walnut Creek has led to moving the trail to the south and west sides of the Fish & Wildlife Service property.  This route also has the possibility of being used as part of the proposed Front Range trail.  Confirmatory soil samples and analysis will be done before the project begins.  Design is planned in 2018 with construction in 2019.

The Master plan for Beaver Ranch is complete and a community meeting is scheduled for June 7 at 6:00 p.m.

Three updated management plans are scheduled: Ranch area (Map 1), North Plains (Map 2), and the Mesas (including Mt. Galbraith.)

A trail plan for South Table is scheduled for this year.

The 1996 Water Resources Management Plan is being updated.

Projects underway in addition to the P2P on the west, include a new water diversion structure on the South Platte in Pine Valley Park to allow Open Space to maintain their water right.  Removal of the Hall dam in Mt. Galbraith Park is underway.  The P2P trail at the canyon mouth is funded and proposals are due later in June and a contract will be issued in the fall.  It will be a design-build contract with design in 2018 and construction in 2019.

Mesas Region Management Plan Update, Regina Elsner & Andrew Valdez. Regina and Andrew gave a detailed review of the plan development process.  The finished plan will be the basis for making day to day decisions on park management.  The process starts with gathering data, evaluating the data, setting goals within a vision for the park, a monitoring plan, and finally the developed management plan.  The entire processes is a balance between protecting the resource and providing a natural experience.  (An example is signing to stay on trail in sensitive areas and not signing in non-sensitive areas.)  North Table in particular has critical natural resources.  A geo-spacial model for the park has been developed based on density of users and appropriate impact distances.   This will allow evaluation of the placement of existing and potential trails and designation of protected areas.  Two open houses, June 13 and 22, will be held to allow for public input.

Director’s Report

  • 2018-2019 Budget and Fund Balance. The projected fund balances at the end of 2017 and 2018 will be less than one million dollars plus the required reserve.  This will impact the ability for making acquisitions and major capital investments.  It may be necessary to adjust the grant program if a great property or project comes along.
  • JCOS Preservation Progress – 2016 Annual Report. Each year, Jeffco Open Space provides an annual report on accomplishments made toward our 2014-2019 Master Plan goals. The JCOS 2016 Annual Report, Preservation Progress, shares how JCOS has invested in public open space, parks and trails that enrich life throughout Jefferson County.
  • Dakota Ridge Trail Extension Project. Thank you for those who joined staff of the site visit last month of the Dakota Ridge Trail Extension Project. I have heard from many of you how impressed you are with the skill and vision that is being used at that location.
  • Deer Creek Canyon Park – Black Bear Trail Fence Construction Two positive developments have occurred with this project since the last update. First, Lockheed Martin has agreed to waive the requirement for privacy slats on the 2014 Trail Easement fence. Secondly, the fence construction contract will also include installation of approximately 4,400 linear feet of a wildlife friendly wire fence along the north boundary of the County’s 1992 Martin Marietta Trail Easement Agreement. This fence will replace the existing chain link fence, which is required by the Easement Agreement.
  • Jeffco Open Space Volunteers Celebrate Earth Day. On April 22 JCOS staff and their volunteers were very busy celebrating the 47th Annual Earth Day! They participated in the Lakewood Earth Day event, engaging with 675 visitors at the booth. Additionally, 80 volunteers worked on three separate volunteer projects in the parks. At Crown Hill Park, 51 volunteers moved 26 tons of crusher fines to redress existing trails, closed a social trail and erected new fencing. Other volunteer projects took place at Windy Saddle and Clear Creek Canyon Parks in rock climbing areas. Thank you to the Jeffco Open Space Trails, Park Services and Lookout Mountain Nature Center teams for all their hard work in making the events a success.
  • P2P Honors – ACEC and DRCOG.  On April 25, Jeffco Open Space, along with the contractor Muller Engineering Company Inc., received an Honor Award for the Peaks to Plains Trail, from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). Additionally, JCOS was one of eight recipients of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) 2017 Metro Vision Awards. The award is for the three-mile segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail that was opened last year, and DRCOG focused on the community partnerships involved and the future connections the trail will make in the state.
  • Big Easy Trailhead in Clear Creek Canyon Park.  On May 4, a U.S. Highway 6 closure brought us one step closer to the grand opening of the Big Easy Trailhead in Clear Creek Canyon Park. Realigning and paving the highway near mile marker 262.5 allows for construction of a new 50 car parking lot and creek-side recreation area. The closure allowed for the safe delivery and installation of the fourth Peaks to Plains Trail bridge. Spanning 129 feet and weighing over 70,000 pounds, the bridge was built and transported in across Clear Creek.
  • Bark Rangers in the Parks!  The first graduating class of Jeffco Open Space Volunteer Bark Patrollers was May 7, at the Foothills Animal Shelter and supported by Jeffco Animal Control. This is a collaborative effort to provide stewardship education around dog safety and etiquette in our parks through the Park Patroller program. The training integrated important messages around pet licensing and the important work the Shelter does toward animal welfare in the Jeffco community. Jeffco Animal Control officers provided the “test” dog who helped assess temperament for suitability as a dog safety and awareness presence in our parks.
  • 3rd annual Welchester Elementary School Service/Education Day.  On May 10, JCOS held our 3rd annual Welchester Elementary School Service/Education Day at Welchester Tree Grant Park. 37 4th graders and their teachers braved the elements and helped improve their Park as well as learn about its ecosystems. Many thanks to Nature Center staff for preparing and leading the education portion of the morning and the Natural Resources Team for spearheading the service part of the morning.
  • National Trails Day at Dakota Ridge.  Our next large volunteer event is this Saturday, June 3 at Dakota Ridge. National Trails Day is the country’s largest celebration of trails. Staff is encouraging volunteers to joining us in the construction of the Dakota Ridge Trail. Volunteers will be using hand tools to build sustainable rock structures such as, bank turns, rock walls, steps and drops.
  • Beaver Ranch Community Meeting. On June 7, staff will be host a community meeting on the Beaver Ranch Master Plan and Forest Management Project. The event will take place at the Beaver Ranch Main Lodge in Conifer from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Personnel Changes.  Don Klima, Manager of Administration & Real Estate has announced his decision to retire after 30+ yrs. of public service. Don has worn many hats while at JCOS and we are forever grateful for his contributions. In anticipation of Don’s departure, we are happy to report that we have conducted interviews for his replacement.  I’m pleased to announce that our new Administration and Real Estate Manager will be Gina Barton.  Gina will be joining our team on June 19th  which will allow her to spend several weeks transitioning with Don before he departs.  I believe Gina will be a great asset to our already awesome team.  She has worked in the parks and recreation field for over 23 years and has a Bachelors degree in Finance from Regis University.  For the past  19 years she has worked for the City of Westminster Parks, Recreation and Libraries as Management Analyst and as Manager of the City Park and WI

Adjournment

 

What Is a Conservation Easement and Why Do I Care?

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Aubert Ranch was put into permanent conservation in 2006 and owner Maxine Aubert received transferable tax credits through the Mesa Land Trust. Photo courtesy of John Fielder.

What is a conservation easement? And how does a conservation easement compare to the lands owned by the Jefferson County Open Space Program?

The Land Trust Alliance (www.LandTrustAlliance.org) defines a conservation easement as a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. A conservation easement ensures that the land will never be subdivided or commercially developed. In return for “encumbering” the property and restricting future value, the landowner receives tax credits from the State.

Land under a conservation easement is still owned by the original landowners, is generally inhabited by the land owners, and can be worked as an active cattle ranch or farm or whatever it was before the conservation easement was attached to the land. Lands conserved with a conservation easement are not public lands, and the public cannot hike or trek across the land without the express permission of the landowner.

Our Open Space Parks differ from lands preserved with a conservation easement in that the land is owned by the public and administered by Jefferson County, humans are not allowed to live in an Open Space Park, the Park isn’t worked as a ranch or a farm, and the public is encouraged to enjoy the park via the many trails and facilities that are constructed in the Park.

In both cases, the beauty of nature is preserved, and even if we can’t hike a conservation easement (unless the landowner is a personal friend), we can still find pleasure in the fact that these open lands are not going to become a subdivision or a shopping mall.

Conservation easements are not cheap to put in place. The landowner has to pay thousands of dollars in up-front fees (appraisal fees, legal fees, etc) before ever seeing any of the tax credits. In addition, landowners are often land-rich but cash-poor, so tax credit may not be very beneficial to them. Colorado was the first state in the nation to establish a transferable conservation easement tax credit, which they did in 2000. By giving the landowner the option to sell the tax credits to high-income tax payers, the landowner is able to recoup their investment in the conservation easement, and the land is preserved from subdivision and development. This is a win-win-win solution.

But, as with all good solutions, there’s some room for improvement. Rob Bleiberg, Executive Director of the Mesa Land Trust (southwest Colorado), penned an op-ed in The Denver Post, explaining about conservation easements and the some of the issues that the Colorado program has run into.

Conservation Tax Credit Program Too Critical Not To Fix
By Rob Bleiberg, Opinion Columnist, The Denver Post, January 28, 2017

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/28/conservation-tax-credit-program-too-critical-not-to-fix/

Open Space Parks, like ours in Jeffco, are wondrous places, but without the complimentary preservation capability of conservation easements, our State would be a lesser place. By 2016, more than 2.2 million acres of land have been protected by conservation easements.

“Colorado’s future will be defined by the individual decisions that thousands of farmers, ranchers and other landowners make in exercising their private property rights in the coming years. Conservation easements offer an essential tool if we are to pass our state’s grandeur on to future generations.”

Elk Meadow Dog Off-leash Area Meeting Schedule

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Fans of the Jeffco Open Space Dog Off-leash Area (DOLA) are facing changes in their favorite park. The January 11th edition of the Canyon Courier has reported that there will be three public meetings scheduled to discuss the situation.

First meeting, Thursday January 19th at the Buchanan Rec Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. 8 PM. This will include a briefing on the challenges facing the dog park (stream water quality, excessive dog waste, loss of vegetation, stream embankment damage, pedestrian and dog safety), followed by a brainstorming session between DOLA users, residents and Jeffco Open Space staff.

Second meeting, Thursday February 9th, presumably also at the Buchanan Rec Center, 8 PM. At this meeting, DOLA users, residents and Jeffco Open Space staff will categorize potential solutions and narrow down the options.

Third meeting, Thursday February 23rd, presumably also at the Buchanan Rec Center, 8 PM. At this meeting, Jeffco Open Space staff will present the solutions and an action plan for the DOLA.

If you are a DOLA user, a fan of the park, or simply have an interest in what will happen to the DOLA in upcoming months, plan to attend one or all of these meetings.

If you have a subscription to the Courier newspaper, you can read the entire article here, or paste this link into your web browser:

http://www.canyoncourier.com/content/meetings-scheduled-issues-elk-meadow-leash-area-0

 

John David Phillips, Artist of the Taj

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john-david-phillips-portrait“All of my paintings are inspired by the effects of light on a place and how it creates a sense of connection to that landscape. That happens in a very personal way for each of us.”

John David Phillips was born in Roswell, New Mexico in 1955. His first memories are of the open vistas and changing skies of the American Southwest.  John began painting at the age of eight, inspired to capture on canvas his impressions of natural beauty wherever he lived; in the Southwest, California, Australia, Texas, and Asia .  He now lives in the  Colorado foothills, painting both in-studio and en plein air.   His goal as an artist is share the many moods inspired by nature.

Artist’s Email: phillipsstudio@msn.com

Artist’s website: http://www.johndavidphillips.com/

PUBLICATIONS

Phillips’ article “Chamisa in Taos” was featured in the July 2007 issue of American Art Collector Magazine.

Work featured in the July 2007 issue of American Art Collector Magazine, Spring 2007 issue of American Artist’s Workshop Magazine.  

Feature article on Phillips’ Colorado Painting Workshop in Spring 2007 issue of American Artist’s Workshop Magazine.

“The paintings of Colorado artist John David Phillips show an overriding concern for conveying the mood of a scene.  He has a unique approach to lighting, composition and perspective.” – Southwest Art Magazine 

Work featured in Southwest Art’s October 2002 Collector Issue

The paintings of Colorado artist John David Phillips show an overriding concern for conveying the mood of a scene.  He has a unique approach to lighting, composition and perspective.”  —Southwest Art Magazine

Work featured in Art Talk’s December 1999 issue “Eight Young Artists Worth Knowing in the New Millenium”

“John David Phillips’ landscape subjects span a much wider range than can be seen in any one image. They literally go from the darkest of dark scenes, full of mood, to light snow scenes. Drama is evident in his work. Phillips is drawn to unusually lit subjects, and patches of wildly vivid color infuse sometimes otherwise neutral scenes.  In short, his work is distinctive.” – Art Talk Newspaper

Paintings featured in 5280 Denver’s Mile High Magazine.

Featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s December 1999 article “New Directions in Realism”

HIGHLIGHTS

Phillips’ article “Chamisa in Taos” in the July 2007 issue of American Art Collector Magazine

Phillips’ painting “Golden Evening” 36” X 48” is on display in lobby of U.S. Congressional offices, Washington D.C.

Best of show 2005 Plein Air New Mexico Invitational Exhibit, Ventana Fine Art Gallery, Santa Fe

Several of Phillips’ landscapes are on display in the Governor’s Office of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Phillips’ painting “From the Top” was purchased by the Denver Art Museum in 2004

Phillips’ work was featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s October 2002 Collector Issue, “Landscape Collections Across the West”

Phillips teaches in-depth painting workshops for Art in the Aspens Workshops, Pueblo

GALLERIES

Mary Williams Fine Arts, Boulder, CO www.marywilliamsfinearts.com

Art Images & Art at the Loft – Willoughby Galleries, Denver www.artimagesgalleries.com

Total Arts Gallery, Taos, NM www.totalartsgallery.com

AWARDS

2013 Winner of Coutts Museum Juror’s Award, 7th Annual Paint the Parks Mini Competition

 “Golden Evening”, 36″X48″ on display in U.S. Congressional Offices, Washingtion D.C.

Best of Show 2005 Plein Air New Mexico Invitational Exhibit, Ventana Fine Art, Santa Fe

“From the Top”, 18″X24″ was purchased by the Denver Art Museum in 2004

2005-2014 Sangre de Cristo Art’s “Representing the West” Invitational Exhibit, Pueblo, CO

1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2014 OPA National Exhibitions, 2009 OPA Western Exhibit

 

John’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

 Clear Creek Canyon Park, “Clear Creek Vista”, oil on canvas

Matthews/Winters Park, unnamed, oil on canvas

South Valley Park, unnamed, oil on canvas

 

Michael Ome Untiedt, Artist of the Taj

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michael-ome-untiedt-portraitVITAE

Michael Ome Untiedt

born: Lamar, Colorado,  April 26, 1952

Married: wife Donna Marie Montgomery Untiedt

Children: Zachariah Ome Untiedt, Hannah Faye Untiedt

 

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

1970 Graduate, Granada Union High School, Granada, CO

1975 Scholarship; magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, BA University of Denver, Denver, CO

1981 Scholarship; summa cum laude, BS Metropolitan State College, Denver, CO

1984-88 Colorado Artist’s Association, State Board of Directors, President State Board

1986 Post Graduate Studies, Art History University of Colorado, Denver, CO

1987-90 Art Students League of Denver

           1991-94 Board of Directors, Aurora Arts & Humanities Council, Aurora, CO

1991-97 Colorado Artists Guild

1991-97 Citizens Advisory Board, Aurora Fox Arts Center, Aurora, CO  Executive Board Chairperson

2003-4 Member, National Association of Independent Artists, NAIA

1996-2006 Member of the Gatherers, national fund raising group for the cultural arts, Austin, TX, secretary, National Board of Directors

2001-2013 Director, OmeArt LLC, producer of artist workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and Studio Nights, Denver, CO

 

GALLERY REPRESENTATION

Evergreen Fine Arts, Evergreen, CO

Mary Williams Fine Art, Boulder, CO

Sanders Gallery, Tucson, AZ

Whistle Pik Galleries, Fredericksburg, TX

 

PUBLICATIONS

2001 SouthWest Art Magazine, Painting the Landscape, Telling Stories, Feb/01,  feature article and cover

2001 Artist’s Magazine, Living Your Landscapes, Dec/01 feature article and cover

2002 Artist’s Sketchbook, Open Book, An American Painter in Ireland, spring 2002 feature article

2004 Colorado Expressions,  Art Scene,  Winter 2004, feature article

2006 Aristos, an Online Review of the Arts,  January 2006   aristos.org

2006 Cultural Times, An Artist That Almost Didn’t H,appen, Nov/06,  feature article and cover

2012 SouthWest Art Magazine, Governor’s Invitational Art Show, April 2012

 

AWARDS

2006 Poster Artist, Rocky Mountain PBS, Denver

2005 Tuffy Berg Award, CM Russell Auction, Great Falls, Montana

2004 Collector’s Choice Award, Master’s in Montana, Bozeman, MT

2004 Finalist Winner, Artist’s Magazine  20th Annual Art Competition

2003 Finalist Winner, Artist’s Magazine  20th Annual Art Competition

2002 Collector’s Choice, Best of Show, Master’s in Montana, Bozeman, MT

2002 Sullivan Award, Master’s in Montana, Bozeman, MT

2002 Merit Award, Lubbock Art Festival, Lubbock, TX

2001 Poster Artist, Mountain Art Gathering,   Keystone, CO

1997 Poster Artist, Rotary Boot’s and Spurs Invitational Show, Boulder, CO.

1995 Best of Show, Rotary Boot’s and Spurs Invitational Show, Boulder, CO.

1994 Director’s Choice Award, Southwest Arts Festival, Albuquerque, NM

1993 National Greeley Art Mart, Meritorious Painting Award, Greeley, CO

1993 Colorado Artist’s Guild, Annual Watermedia Painting Award, Denver, CO

1992 Meritorious Award, Colorado State Fair Art Show, Pueblo, CO

1992 Picture Perfect Award,  Oil and Acrylic Painters Show, Osage Beach, MO

1992 Fountain Hills National Art Show, 1st Place, Acrylic, Fountain Hills, AZ

1992 Colorado Artists’ Guild, Annual Water media Painting Award, Denver, CO

1991 National Greeley Art Mart, 1st Place, Painting, Greeley, CO

1991 United Bank ART Classic, Best of Show, Denver, CO

1988 Best of Show, Fountain Hills National Art Show, Fountain Hill, AZ

1987 Jurist Award, Winfield Art in the Park, Winfield, KS

1986 Colorado Artist’s Association State Show, 1st Place Watercolor, Denver, CO

1985 Aurora Library Show, Best of Show, Aurora, CO

1984 Colorado Artist’s Association State Show, Jurist’s Award, Denver, CO

 

http://www.michaelomeuntiedt.com/index/About_the_Artist.html

VITAE FINIS

 

Michael’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

 Deer Creek Canyon Park, “Alpine Geometry”, oil on canvas

Lookout Mountain Nature Center, “Sights and Sounds of Nature’s Resolve, oil on canvas

 

Elizabeth Sandia, Artist of the Taj

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elizabeth-sandia-portrait

In September of 1995, Elizabeth Sandia gave up her architectural design practice in Key West, FL to relocate to Santa Fe to become a fine artist. Today she is a prolific and a highly publicized pastel and oil painter.

Elizabeth’s award-winning paintings are luminous expressions of her wide range of subjects here and in the West. Masterful use of color harmonies and intimate portrayals of even vast landscapes are her trademarks.

Elizabeth has had nine one-person openings, numerous two person shows, and regularly participates in invitationals, group shows, and fund-raisers like Coors National Western in Denver.

Ms. Sandia has appeared in 34 art publications here and abroad since 2000 and her work has been on the cover of four of them. Three of her paintings were selected to hang in the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. She was commissioned to paint two large pieces to promote open spaces outside of Denver and they hang in a civic building in Golden, CO. A few years back a painting was selected for a wine label and another is on the cover of a recently published book by Cindy Bellinger.

Elizabeth has lectured, been a judge and a juror for several art shows, occasionally teaches a workshop, gives demos, and tutored online for Academy of Art U., San Francisco.

“When I paint en plein air, I am mainly attracted to bold shapes of sunlight and compositional patterns. I no longer feel constricted by an obligation to follow the exact colors or values I find as I was first taught. I prefer the freedom to interpret and express my feelings in each piece. I communicate my vision through the use of contrast and my personal choice of palette colors.

“My current body of work is done loosely and primarily with transparent, single-pigment oils. As a teenager, I painted in oils and returned to this medium six years ago.”

Invitationals:

CM Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT

“Masters in Miniature 2010,” July 30- September 11

“The Russell” Benefit 2011, March 17-19, 2011

San Isabel Land Protection Trust, Westcliffe

September 25, 2010 12 years

State Department’s Art in Embassies Program

US Embassy, Ankara, Turkey

3 paintings selected 3 years, 2006-2009

Coors National Western Sale, Denver, CO

11 years Invitational

PEBC, Denver, Co

3 years Invitational

Colorado Mountain Club, Golden, CO

4 years Invitational

Wine bottle label

Cover and article, “Trail and Timberline”

Le Salon, Denver, CO

1 year Invitational

Arts Council, Colorado Mountain College, Buena Vista

1 year Invitational

Donations:

Beaux Arts Bash, Scottsdale Artists’ School

Yearly since 1999

Mesa Verde Foundation, CO

3 years

Art for Life, Denver, Co

5 years

Rock Bottom Ranch, Basalt, CO

C.R.R.I Research Institute, Durango, CO

Schooling:

Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Achievement Award for Architecture and Design

Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC

Achievement Award for Illustration/Advertising

H.S. of Art and Design

Achievement Award for Illustration and for Music

Since 1993 have studied with: Matt Smith, Judi Betts, Skip Lawrence, Skip Whitcomb, Handell, Jeanne Dobie, Robert Burridge, and Scott Christensen.

Contact Elizabeth Sandia: 505-603-3624, sandiaelizabeth28@gmail.com

 

Elizabeth’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

 Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, “Allur”, pastel

  Elk Meadow Park, unnamed, pastel

Robert Moore, Artist of the Taj

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robert-moore-portraitTall and soft spoken, Robert Moore possesses a sincerity and courtesy reflective of his Idaho farm upbringing. Robert was born in 1957 in Burley, Idaho. He was raised near the Snake River which sparked his appreciation for nature.

Robert Moore is a contemplative, quiet individual. At a young age he discovered art as a way to freely express his feelings. His practical background and belief in discipline led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with teaching credentials in art from Eastern Oregon State College.

He then received a full scholarship to attend The Art Center College of Design in California. He majored in illustration, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and graduating with honors.

Robert prefers painting on location to best express the immediate impression of each subject. His use of vivid colors and frequent high-keyed values reveal a spiritually inspired joy. His travels have taken him to China, Europe, Canada and extensively throughout the United States.

Robert Moore continues to cultivate his gifts, style, and work ethic as an eminent impressionistic oil painter. Robert’s studio is located in the heart of the Snake River Basin in South Central Idaho.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RobertMooreFineArt/;

Web site: http://www.rmoorefineart.com/index.htm

Bio online: http://www.askart.com/artist/Robert_C_Moore/107349/Robert_C_Moore.aspx

Robert’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

  Crown Hill Park, “Crown Hill Sunset”, oil on canvas

  Lair o’the Bear Park, unnamed, oil on canvas

  Mount Falcon Park, “Mount Falcon Hills”, oil on canvas

  South Table Mountain Park, unnamed, oil on canvas

Rick Howell, Artist of the Taj

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rick-howell-portrait

After receiving a degree from Colorado State University in Biology, Howell pursued a successful career managing stock brokerage firms in Denver. Primarily a self-taught landscape painter, he left the business world in 1993 to become a full-time artist.

Rick’s Home and Studio

He lived in a 150-year-old adobe home and studio that he renovated in Mogote, Colorado, a village more than a town just four miles north of the New Mexico State line at the mouth of Conejos Canyon in the southern San Juan Mountains. The property was the town’s original general store, with walls two feet thick, viga ceilings, and pine wood floors.

Rick converted the largest room into his studio, installing a wall easel, fixing up the fireplace, and complementing the window’s northern light and adding halogen lights (the same used in the galleries he shows in, to give him a better idea of how his paintings will look once they’re up for viewing).

He spent most of his work time outdoors, painting en plein air for weeks at a time, even in winter, then painting his large paintings from these studies in the studio. “Plein air paintings have a raw honesty that one is not able to get from working from a photograph in the studio.”

The larger paintings tend to have more layers and are more complex; however, Howell’s main goal is to have these paintings give the feeling or create the emotion he was able to capture in nature using the studies as a reference.

“In one hour I can be in Abiquiu or Taos or high up in the San Juans or Sangre de Cristos, or over on the Rio Grande.  The area is so rich in diversity of subject matter.”  The scenic Cumbres & Toltec scenic train runs from Antonito (about five miles east of Mogote), Colorado, to Chama, New Mexico.  Visitors from around the world come to ride the train and view the incredible landscape of the Conejos Canyon and beyond.

Howell’s favorite paintings were of everyday scenes. “Nature is fairly gray, so when you add color, the gray tones actually allow those colors to sing.  If you paint the entire landscape with singing color, it is difficult to appreciate the beauty of the more subtle voices you want to hear.”

Rick avoided being labeled a representational, impressionistic, or tonal artist.  His work came from his own experience and interpretation, using a limited palette with unlimited vision of the landscapes before him.

His intent was to take an everyday scene and paint it so well that it stirs a memory or creates a mood.  It is these settings that get his attention and become paintings.

Howell’s Collectors

Howell’s collectors praise his ability to capture the mood of a place, often hearing that his work evokes an emotional response. They are immediately taken by the beauty of his landscapes.  Howell conveys a sense of confidence in his painting technique and a definite love of the Rocky Mountain West.  His large paintings (48 by 60 inches and larger) make a grand statement that continue to draw viewers back again and again.

“No matter how we progress as painters, we continue to strive to make each painting better than the last,” Howell reflects.  “Complete mastery of painting continually eludes us, that is what makes painting so wonderful:  that constant challenge to get one great painting.”

Plein Air Painting

His plein air paintings vary up to 30 by 40 inches.  Those sketches he likes best later become transformed into larger oil paintings back in the studio.  By the Summer of 2011, he will release a long-awaited book, Chasing Shadows, on his direct approach to plein air painting.

Howell has earned a reputation of being one of the best landscape painters in the West.  Aside from having over 50 shows in leading galleries, including a number of one-man shows, Howell has garnered top awards presented by the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, and Salon International’s International Museum of Contemporary Masters.

Founder of Organization

2010 – Founder, Art for Endangered Landscapes, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. Its mission is to preserve our vanishing landscapes through the work of America’s most talented artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, videographers, and others.

Museum Shows
2012 _ Fechin Museum Invitational   August 25th
2012 –  A.R Mitchell Memorial Museum  May 5th
2011 – A.R. Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art, National Invitational Painting Exhibition, Trinidad CO
2011 – C.M. Russell Museum, The Russell Art Show & Sale, Great Falls MT

Shows and Invitationals
2012 – Waterhouse Gallery, one-man show, Santa Barbara CA
2011 – Total Arts, two-man show with Huihan Liu, Taos NM
2011 – Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman MT
2011 – Astoria Fine Art, Jackson Hole WY
2011 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2011 – Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CO
2010 – Fine Art Studio Online’s Informed Collector, featured as a Highly Collectible Fine Artist
2010 – Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman MT
2010 – Total Arts Gallery, Taos NM
2010 – Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CA
2010 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2010 – Astoria Fine Art, Jackson Hole WY
2009 – Astoria Fine Art, Pieces of Wyoming, Jackson Hole WY
2009 – 18th Annual Colorado Governor’s Show Invitational, Loveland Museum, Loveland CO
2009 – Sunset Art Gallery, Life and Leisure Show, Amarillo TX
2009 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2009 – Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman MT
2009 – Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CA
2009 – Total Arts Gallery, Taos NM
2008 – 17th Annual Colorado Governor’s Show Invitational, Loveland Museum, Loveland CO
2008 – Waterhouse Gallery, Invitational Landscape Show, Santa Barbara CA
2008 – Sunset Art Gallery, Amarillo TX
2008 – Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman MT
2008 – Total Arts Gallery, Quiet Dramas, Taos NM
2008 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2008 – Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CA
2008 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2007 – 16th Annual Colorado Governor’s Show Invitational, Loveland Museum, Loveland CO
2007 – 27th Annual Governor’s Invitational, Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale, Old Western Museum, Cheyenne WY
2007 – Howard/Mandville Gallery, Love of the Land Invitational, Kirkland WA
2007 – Greenhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CA
2007 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2007 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2007 – Wendt Gallery, Landscape Show Invitational, Laguna Beach CA
2007 – Scissortail Gallery of Fine Art, Owasso OK
2006 – 26th Annual Governor’s Invitational, Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale, Old Western Museum, Cheyenne WY
2006 – Howard/Mandville Gallery, Invitational, Kirkland WA
2006 – Greenhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA
2006 – Gallery A, Taos, NM
2005 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver, CO
2005 – Willow Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2005 – 25th Annual Governor’s Invitational, Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale, Old Western Museum, Cheyenne, WY
2005 – Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio TX
2005 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2005 – Mad Creek Gallery, Steamboat Springs CO
2004 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2004 – Mad Creek Gallery, Autumn in Portugal, Steamboat Springs CO
2003 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2002 – Scissortail Gallery of Fine Art, Owasso OK
2002 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2001 – Knox Gallery, Denver CO
2001 – Contemporary Southwest Gallery, Santa Fe NM
2001 – Gallery A, Taos NM

Awards
2006 – Society of Master Impressionists International Exhibition, Best of Show, Andy’s Ranch
2006 – American Impressionist Society, National Show, Award of Excellence, Wind
2006 – American Impressionist Society, National Show, Award of Excellence
2005 – American Impressionist Society, National Show, 1st Place, Fall Color
2005 – American Impressionist Society, National Show, Honorable Mention, Conejos River
2005 – Salon International Museum of Contemporary Masters, Award of Excellence, Tributaries
2005 – Salon International, International Museum of Contemporary Masters, Award of Excellence, December on the Rim
2005 – Oil Painters of America, National Show
2004 – Oil Painters of America, National Show, Award of Excellence, On Any Given Day
2003 – Oil Painters of America, National Show, Award of Excellence, Moon Whispers

Publications 
February 2011 – Southwest Art, Landscape Painting issue, My World
Southwest Art article
September 2009 – Western Art Collector, Visions of Wyoming
March-April 2008 – Fine Art Connoisseur, Selecting the Right Frame
July 2008 – American Art Collector, Quiet Dramas
October 2006 – American Artist, Award Winners
December 2005 – Southwest Art, Long Time Coming
July 2003 – International Artist, Award Winners
July 2003 – Art of the West, What’s News
July 2003 – Southwest Art, On the Scene
December 2003 – Southwest Art, Colorado Calling
November 2001 – Southwest Art, Artists to Watch
June 2000 – Southwest Art, Art Event

DVD & Book on Plein Air Painting 
Rick’s DVD, En Plein Air: Painting on the Right Side of Your Brain, is now available, and Chasing Shadows, his instructional book on plein air painting, will be released later in 2011.  Both instructional tools are part of his comprehensive Chasing Shadows Plein Air Painting Program, based out of his studio in Mogote, CO.

Memberships
American Impressionist Society
Art for Endangered Landscapes, Founder
Creede Repertory Theatre (Solo Artist painting for annual event)
Music for Angel Fire (Solo Artist painting for annual event)
Oil Painters of America, Signature Member
Society of Master Impressionists International
The Nature Conservancy

Update on Rick Howell

We were not surprised to hear that Rick passed away from what they call an “enlarged heart”,
he was an immensely kind and generous man who took in lost dogs,
fed stray cats and cared for most everyone who crossed his path.

He read incessantly, seeking a deeper wisdom that he would share only with those close to him.
He opened up his knowledge and gave it to all who would seek it.
Many of his mentoring students would say he changed their lives,
but all of his friends would say their lives were changed too~ from knowing him.
He was a private man, who kept a distance from Art Openings and Shows,
frustrating many of his gallery owners.
But he was always true to himself.

At every moment, of everyday, nature can present herself to the right eye~
with inspiration and emotion.
This was Rick’s greatest gift, he could capture this better than anyone else.

As in his delightful humor,
when you look at a Rick Howell painting~
It can catch your breath, make you pause, and quite possibly…
bring you to tears.

Rick’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

   Centennial Cone Park, “Centennial Cone Hike”, oil on canvas.

   White Ranch Park, “Ralston Buttes”, oil on canvas

Molly D. Davis, Artist of the Taj

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molly-davis-portraitMolly D. Davis
Born 1954, Newport News, Virginia

Education
East Carolina University, N.C., B.F.A.

Affiliations
Rocky Mountain Plein Aire Painters, Assoc.
Member, Rocky Mountain Water media Association
Member, Colorado Watercolor Society
Member, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.

Awards and Honors in Selected Shows
2004 Selected Top 200 Artists, National Park Academy of the Arts, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
2003 Award of Merit, Rocky Mountain Plein Aire Painters, Assoc..
2001 Best of Watercolor, Bronze Award, Lexington Mass
1996 Merit Award, 1995 Bronze Award Pikes Peak Watercolor Society, Colorado Spring, CO
1995 1st, 3rd Place in Watercolor, Images of Spring Show, Longmont Firehouse Museum, Longmont, CO
1995 Hiwan Gallery Award for Landscape, 1993 Claggett Rey Gallery Award, Rocky Mountain Water media Show,
Foothills Art Center, Golden, CO
1994 Texas Watercolor Society’s 45 Annual Exhibition, Traveling show
1994 Georgia Watercolor Society’s 15th National Exhibition, chosen for traveling show.

Selected Publications
Fall 1996 Feature Article, Molly Gough:Capturing the Drama of a Momentary Light, Watercolor Magazine
1996, Best of Watercolor, Composition /1995 Best of Watercolor Figures / 1994 Best Of Watercolor Textures,
Rockport Publishers, Rockport Mass.

Group and solo shows
2005 Salon D’Arts, Denver, CO
2003 Plein Aire Invitational, Rocky Mountain Plein Aire Painters, Assoc..
2002 Invited artist, Denver Artists, artists who have had an impact on Denver for 10 years,
Abend Gallery, Denver, CO.
2002 Solo Show, From the Eyes of a Southern Girl, Tyler White Gallery, Greensboro, N.C. .
1996, 1997 Colorado Watercolor Society
2002, 2003 Public Education and Broadcasting Assoc. Group show
2001 Group Show, Vermont Invitational, Manchester, Vermont
1996-8, 2003 Solo Show and Invited artist in Open Studios, Boulder, CO.
1995-1997 Invited artist, Mayor of Longmont Office, Combined show
1992 Ertl Family Trust Open Space Solo Show

Selected Collections
Congressman Rich Preyer Family Trust
Ertl Family Trust
Colorful Images, Longmont, CO.

Molly’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

 Meyer Ranch Park, “Sometimes One Path is More Brightly Lit”, oil on canvas

 North Table Mountain Park, “A Different View that Requires You to Take the Higher Road”, oil on canvas

 

 

 

 

 

GENE COSTANZA, Artist of the Taj

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gene-costanza-painting-en-plaine-aire

 Over twenty-five years of Gene Costanza’s life was spent in Law Enforcement in such specialties as SWAT, K9 Handler, K9 Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor and Detective.  About mid career, the desire to return to artistic endeavors surfaced after having been abandoned in his early twenties.  Though dormant, there was a constant underlying desire to again delve into the mysteries of paint, light, and subject matter.  Costanza believes it took a decade and a half of discipline to mold his personal tendencies to study and work as hard as one needs to in the very difficult endeavor of making a good painting.  Costanza retired from law enforcement to become a full-time painter.

 Primarily “self-taught,” he has studied with a number of great contemporary artist/teachers including Kevin McPherson, Matt Smith, gene-costanzaJeffery Watt, and has a long standing close personal as well as professional friendship with Scott L. Christensen.  It is Christensen whom Costanza credits with most of his growth.  Frequently these two can be found painting, fishing, hunting or just enjoying the fellowship of intimate friendship.

His work is in collections from coast to coast and is included in the permanent collection of the Academy Museum in Easton, Maryland.

Costanza is married and has two grown sons and makes his home in Eugene, OR.

MUSEUM COLLECTIONS:

  • The Academy Museum Easton, MD
  • Private collection of the St. Joe Companies

RECENT AWARDS:

  • Aritst’s Choice award  – 12TH ANNUAL AMERICAN IMPRESSIONIST SOCIETY’S ANNUAL SHOW, OCTOBER 2011  CARMEL, CA, MOUNTAINSONG GALLERY

HONORABLE MENTION

  • Top 50 Greenhouse Gallery Salon International 2004
  • American Impressionist Society 2006,2007
  • (First Annual) ARTISTS CHOICE/PATRONS AWARD – Painting the Forgotten Coast – 2008

RECENT JURIED/INVITATIONAL EXHIBITIONS:

  • International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art – Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX – May 2004
  • Best of Plein Air – Laguna Plein Air Painters Assoc. 2007 (2 pieces)
  • American Impressionist Society – 2006
  • American Impressionist Society – 2007 (2 pieces)
  • Plein Air Easton – July 2007
  • Salon Invitational – Hilligoss Gallery, Chicago, IL -2007
  • Oil Painters of America – Western Regional 2008

AFFILIATIONS:

  • Professional Member – National Academy of Professional Plein Aire Painters (NAPPAP) –  2005 – 2007
  • Signature Member – Plein Air New Mexico  2005-2006
  • Artist Member – Laguna Plein Air Painters of America (LPAPA)
  • Artist Member – Oil Painters of America (OPA)
  • Artist Member – The American Impressionist Society
  • Member  -California Art Club (CAC)

More of Gene’s work can be found at www.GeneCostanza.com.

Gene’s work will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

Cathedral Spires Park, “Meet Me at the Top” – oil on canvas