The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, Colorado, found itself in a poignant spot during the recent flooding and devastation in that area. They had just mounted a show of pieces created during Plein Air Rockies 2013, depicting scenes in the Greater Estes Valley. Now, some of those places are simply gone.
The non-profit, which was safely high and dry in downtown Estes Park, knew it was in a unique place to help, and the result was Autumn Fest, a celebration of music, art, and community, according to Lynda S. Vogel, executive director of the Cultural Arts Council. “Taking our good fortune and reaching out to those who were not as lucky, we decided to raise money for the victims who were recently affected by the floods in the Greater Estes Valley in Colorado,” says Vogel.
“Downtown Hubbub,” by Peggy Immel, 2013, oil. For sale, with proceeds benefiting flood recovery efforts in Colorado.
Several of the Plein Air Rockies artists donated their paintings to the cause, with proceeds from their sales being split between the CAC and Crossroads Ministry. Those artists include Mike Bagdonas, Placerville, California; Peggy Immel, Rancho de Taos, New Mexico; David Harms, Centennial, Colorado; Kelly Kotary, Loveland, Colorado; and Gayle Crites, Golden, Colorado. Lee MacLeod, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, has donated several Lyman Byxbe oil paintings and prints. They will remain on display and available until they are sold.
The CAC has more events planned for the next six months to help the Estes Park area with flood recovery. For more information on how to help, or to inquire about the paintings being sold to raise funds in the recovery effort, please contact the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park at 970.586.9203 or [email protected].
