Colorado Governor Jared Polis presented the one-time 250/150/35 Governor’s Legacy Award to Longmont sculptor Parker McDonald at the Loveland Museum during the annual Governor’s Art Show. McDonald’s mixed-media sculpture “Compadres,” depicting a bison with a small bird on its back, was selected for telling a distinctly Colorado story. The award commemorates three milestones: the nation’s 250th anniversary, Colorado’s 150th anniversary, and the show’s 35th year. The juried exhibition features over 60 Colorado artists and is jointly sponsored by the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary clubs.
The award and show highlight the role of visual art in celebrating state identity and supporting local artists. The Governor’s Art Show has raised millions of dollars for art scholarships and nonprofit organizations over decades, sustaining both emerging and established artists across Colorado. The recognition from the state’s top official underscores the importance of community-based art events in fostering cultural pride and economic support for the arts at a regional level.