Entry Deadline for Why Not Niwot? nearing

Now in its 11th year, the Niwot Cultural Arts Association’s 2022 Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show is just around the corner.

All entries are due by Monday, June 13. Each entry must feature Niwot in some way and will be used by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) to market and show the uniqueness of Niwot.

The cost to enter is $30, with $15 charged for a second entry. Anne Postle, owner of Osmosis Art and Architecture and originator of the event, said, “Entries have already started to come in. It’s going to be a really good year.”

Recently, a group of plein air artists have been out and around Niwot painting colorful local scenes, and Postle expects a number of entries from them.

Once all entries are received, they will be on display at businesses around town from July 1st through the end of August. Ballots for the People’s Choice award will be available at all businesses displaying the eligible artwork. Each participating business will stamp entries certifying you’ve viewed the displayed artwork.

People’s Choice ballots will only be accepted with stamps from each participating business. The event was originally started as a way to feature Niwot, promote artists, and encourage customers to visit Niwot businesses. Usually between eight and 12 local merchants sign up to get in on the fun of hosting the works and getting some new people through the doors. “It’s a wonderful event for the businesses,” Postle said. “It’s always fun to hear locals say, ‘I was so excited to go into XX business…I never knew what they actually carried!”

Judges for the juried portion of the event are local artist Lisa Rivard, Alyson Bel of Tool Studios,l and Boulder art gallery owner Mary Williams. Rivard and Bell are also members of the NCAA board of directors.

The winning artwork will be featured on note carts, in prints and as a label on limited edition red and white wine. Postle said the wine bottles “have become a collectible. I know quite a few people who have every bottle since we started. Some even get the bottle signed by the artist at the event.” The artwork in its many forms is “a great way for local businesses to give a special gift to their best clients.” The winning artwork will be revealed at the September 2 First Friday event at Osmosis Gallery, with the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band on hand to help celebrate the winners.

And speaking of First Friday…the event is on tap for June 3. The event, also started by Postle, is in its 12th year, with a break recently due to pandemic restrictions. “The idea for First Friday came when we were in the pit of the recession in 2009,” said Postle. “I met with other galleries and stores to pull together an event that would help get people out and into the businesses. It’s been a solid, long-term event for Niwot ever since.” Participating businesses stay open late for the event and many offer refreshments, drinks and specials. Additionally, live music can be found in various locations throughout town, arranged by the NCAA and funded by the Local Improvement District.

Other Niwot events are slated to start up again this week including Rock and Rails, the Niwot Market’s Friday Dinner and the Cottonwood Square Classic Car Show. “It feels like we’ll be moving forward for the foreseeable future” said Postle. “Everyone is getting back in the swing of things, especially now that it’s summer. It’s a great time to get out and enjoy all that Niwot has to offer.”

For more information on events, visit http://www.niwot.com and http://www.niwot.org.