LOVELAND, Colo. – In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary in 2026, the Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale will introduce a special, one-time honor as part of its 35th annual exhibition: the 250/150/35 Governor’s Legacy Art Award.
Presented personally by Colorado Governor Jared Polis during the show’s Opening Night Gala on Friday, April 24, 2026, the award recognizes a participating artist whose work powerfully reflects Colorado’s shared past, present, and future. The award highlights artwork that honors the state’s land, people, and cultural identity while encouraging reflection on Colorado’s evolving story.
“Art, whether drawn, painted, written, or listened to, is part of Colorado’s 150-year history, telling the stories of our communities, people, and culture. This year, at the annual Governor’s Art Show, the Governor’s Legacy Art Award will recognize an artist who successfully captures our 150-year history in Colorado, while inspiring us to dream of what our next 150 years may bring. I look forward to seeing how artists bring the spirit of Colorado to life in their work,” said Governor Polis.
The 35th Annual Governor’s Art Show & Sale, one of the largest juried fine art shows exclusively featuring Colorado artists, will run Saturday, April 25, through Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Loveland Museum. The exhibition will showcase 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.
“Art has the power to tell the story of who we are as a state,” said Ruth Scott, show director of the Governor’s Art Show & Sale. “As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Governor’s Art Show & Sale alongside Colorado’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th, the Governor’s Legacy Art Award recognizes an artist whose work captures the spirit, history, and evolving identity of Colorado while highlighting the important role the arts play in preserving and sharing our collective story.”
The selected artwork will demonstrate artistic excellence and a meaningful connection to Colorado’s history, heritage, and sense of place. The award reflects the goals of the America 250 Colorado 150 initiative, which encourages storytelling and reflection on the state’s past while looking toward its future.
The 250/150/35 Governor’s Legacy Art Award will be presented during the Opening Night Gala, which offers attendees the first opportunity to view the exhibition, purchase artwork, and meet the artists juried for the show. The award-winning piece will remain on display throughout the run of the show and will be available for purchase along with all exhibited works.
Presented by the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs in conjunction with the Loveland Museum and endorsed by the Governor of Colorado, the Governor’s Art Show & Sale is one of the largest juried fine art exhibitions to exclusively feature Colorado artists. The show is truly Art with Heart, with 100 percent of the net show proceeds supporting community nonprofit programs through the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs.
Tickets for the Opening Night Gala on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., are $100 and available for purchase on the show’s website.
Visitors can experience the exhibition in person at the Loveland Museum, 503 North Lincoln Avenue, or online at GovernorsArtShow.org. 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.
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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.