Chaffee Arts’ Open Awards Show returns Sept. 27-29 at the Buena Vista Heritage Museum, 116 U.S. 24 N.
Artists throughout the valley are invited to register and submit their work for the judge’s consideration and the public’s enjoyment. Registration applications will be accepted until Sept. 13.
“Last year, there were over 70 artists who participated,” said Melody Buscher, communications specialist for Chaffee Arts. “It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be able to see the body of the local artists in the valley. It’s a culmination of a variety of people and artwork, and it tells a story when you walk through.”
The opening reception will be from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 27, and the public can meet artists as they explore the show.
“It’s also a way for all the members to get to come together, too, so it’s a lot of fun,” Buscher said. Chaffee Arts has been an organization in the valley since 1985. “It’s just a great way to kick off the weekend, congratulating the winners and getting to talk about the arts.”
Chaffee Arts’ Art Walk will be the same weekend throughout downtown Buena Vista, with art demonstrations, live painting and vendors.
“It’s a very interactive weekend this year,” Buscher said. “We’re excited that it’s all happening at the same time.”
This year, artists can enter 13 different categories: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, drawing, printmaking, photography, 2-D and 3-D mixed media, jewelry, glass, ceramics, metal and/or wood sculpture and fiber.
Toward the beginning of the year, Chaffee Arts’ board explores artists and art educators, narrowing down the field before contacting possible judges to see if they would be interested.
“The choosing was based on his criteria, his background,” Buscher said of the 2024 judge. “He definitely has years of experience not only with his own art and education but he’s judged before.”
The judge submits the results to Chaffee Arts, who then put out all the ribbons for winners.
There must be at least five entries in a category to be judged for prize money. Smaller categories will qualify for a ribbon. Artists’ work will also be available for purchase during the show, which will be handled by Chaffee Arts.
All artists will load in from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 25 and pickup will be from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 30. First-place winners in each category will receive $100. There will also be a Judge’s Award ($100), the People’s Choice Award ($200) and Best in Show ($300).
For additional information, category requirements and registration, go to ChaffeeArts.com.
