From the Steamboat Art Museum in Steamboat Springs, Colorado:
The SAM Plein Air 2025 Event and Exhibition brought 50 artists from around the country to Steamboat to paint the splendor of the Yampa Valley fall en plein air. This week-long event produced astounding works by artists in Professional and Open Divisions, and created great camaraderie amongst the painters, the patrons, and the public alike. It showcases Steamboat and the surrounding community and landscape through the unique light of the artist’s eyes, including historic sites, ranches, and spectacular mountain vistas.
All works are on display and available for purchase through November 1st — a unique opportunity to begin or expand your collection of original pieces that celebrate the beauty of our surrounding landscapes. Every purchase supports both the artists and the Steamboat Art Museum and allows us to offer free admission, making fine art accessible to all.
SAM Plein Air 2025 Winners
Professional:
1st Place: David Harms | Hillside Color
2nd Place: Kathleen Lanzoni | Finding the Calm
3rd Place: Adam Zabel | Hayfield Sunset
Honorable Mention: Anita Winter | Fish Creek Falls
Honorable Mention: Nancy Lewis | Colors at Hahns Peak
Open:
1st Place: Pam Froemke | Valley View Vista
2nd Place: Vera Corberly | Happy Trails
3rd Place: Emma Friedland | Touch of Light
Community Award Winners:
Selected by sponsoring organizations for works that best represent their visions.
Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust: Ken Hartman | Old Timer Barn
Genuine Steamboat – Rod Hanna & Ski Town Media: Jennifer Cline | Valley of the Sleeping Giant
Historic Routt County: Linda Gardner | Morning’s Embrace on the Yampa
Larson Family Award in Memory of Jim Larson: Connie Schmidt | Glowing Pearl Lake
Main Street Farmers Market: Ken Hartman | The Fruit of Life
Main Street Steamboat: Jody Kauflin | SAM I Am
Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation: Greg Effinger | Chasing Clouds
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of SAM Plein Air 2025 — from the incredible artists and generous sponsors to our welcoming location hosts, devoted volunteers, and dedicated staff,” said the team. “A special note of appreciation goes to guest judge Brienne Brown for sharing her thoughtful expertise, and to all our patrons whose attendance and art purchases support both the artists and the museum. Thank you for being part of this inspiring event!”
For more information, please visit steamboatartmuseum.org.
Very inspiring!