The Museum of Art Fort Collins will open two new exhibitions on June 26, running through September 13. "A Celebration of Colorado" is a juried regional showcase featuring 65 artists from Larimer and Weld counties, selected from 780 submissions, spanning media from painting to fiber art. The companion exhibition, "On the Plains," presents oil paintings by Canadian artist Patrick Dunford, inspired by the agricultural landscapes of the Red River Valley. The exhibitions were curated by Beth Venn and the artist-run program Dinghy Rig, respectively.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the vitality of Northern Colorado's arts community, providing a platform for regional artists and fostering public engagement with local creativity. The inclusion of a juried selection process and a solo show by a Canadian artist underscores the museum's role in bridging local talent with broader contemporary landscape perspectives. Support from the National Endowment for the Arts and other local sponsors also reflects ongoing investment in community-based arts programming.