LOVELAND, Colo. – The 35th annual Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale, one of the largest juried fine art shows to exclusively feature Colorado artists, has announced its 2026 award winners. The Best of Show honor, sponsored by Loveland Ready Mix Concrete, was awarded to Anna Rose Bain of Arvada for her oil painting, “Red Balloon.”
As part of the show’s 35th anniversary and in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary, the 250/150/35 Governor’s Legacy Art Award, sponsored by UCHealth, was presented to Parker McDonald of Longmont for “The Compadres.” The special, one-time award recognizes an artist whose work reflects Colorado’s shared past, present, and future and was presented by Governor Jared Polis at the Opening Night Gala.
An additional 10 artists from across the state received Awards of Merit.
2026 Governor’s Art Show Award Winners
Best of Show sponsored by Loveland Ready Mix Concrete
- Anna Rose Bain, “Red Balloon” (Arvada)
250/150/35 Governor’s Legacy Art Award sponsored by UCHealth
- Parker McDonald, “The Compadres” (Longmont)
Awards of Merit presented by Visit Loveland
- Denise Dambrackas, “The Struggle is Real” (Denver)
- Crystal DeSpain, “Once Upon a Moonlit Trail” (Windsor)
- John Lintott, “Ebb and Flow” (Grand Junction)
- Ivadell Marie, “Inspiration Rock” (Englewood)
- Cristian Mora, “Dreaming in Red” (Denver)
- Eric Nelson, “The Soloist” (Firestone)
- Scott Ruthven, “They Move In Quiet Light” (Fort Collins)
- Adam Schultz, “Balancing Act” (Loveland)
- Daniel Slack, “Champion” (LaPorte)
- Tanner Steed, “Come Forth By Day” (Denver)
The award-winning artwork was juried by professional artists and judged on creativity, originality, technique, artistic composition, and overall appearance.
The Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale opened Saturday, April 25, 2026, and runs through Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Loveland Museum. The exhibition features 65 of Colorado’s top fine artists working across sculpture, mixed media, oil, pastel, watercolor, and acrylic, with both in-person and online sales available throughout the run of the show.
Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Exhibit admission is $7 for Loveland residents, $10 for non-residents, and free for visitors 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
The Governor’s Art Show is presented by Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs, in conjunction with the Loveland Museum and endorsed by the Governor of Colorado. The Show is truly Art with Heart as 100% of the net show proceeds supporting community nonprofit programs through the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs.
To learn more and purchase art from the show, visit governorsartshow.org.
About the Governor’s Art Show and Sale: The Governor’s Art Show is presented by Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs, in conjunction with the Loveland Museum and endorsed by the Governor of Colorado. The Show is truly Art With Heart with 100% of the net show proceeds supporting community nonprofit programs through the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs. The Governor’s Art Show has distributed more than $4 million to Colorado artists, nonprofits and art scholarships; and distributed more than $150,000 to the Thompson Education Foundation’s (TEF) Fund for Unhoused Youth. The goal TEF is to ensure education stability and success by providing support and assistance to students and families in homeless situations. To find more information on Governor’s Arts Show events, visit GovernorsArtShow.org.
About the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commemoration: The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission is leading Colorado’s commemoration of 150 years of statehood and 250 years of American independence in 2026. Established by Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly, the Commission brings together leaders from across the state to guide this historic milestone. Through its campaign, “The View From Here,” the Commission invites all Coloradans to reflect on our shared history and imagine the future, recognizing Colorado’s unique legacy as the only state founded on the nation’s 100th birthday in 1876. Working alongside state agencies, regional Advisory Panels, and local communities, the Commission will showcase signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits, and community-led events to inspire engagement statewide. For more information and ways to get involved, visit Am250CO150.org.
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