Member Spotlight

34th Annual Colorado Governor's Art Show Includes Two PPPAP Artists

The Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale is one of the largest fine art shows to exclusively feature Colorado artists, and the 2025 event introduces the public to over 60 of Colorado’s top fine artists.  PPPAP is proud to announce that Michael Gault and David Mayer are among the artists juried into the event. 

The Show will open on Saturday, May 3rd through June 14th, 2025.  The opening night Gala is Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (Tickets required and will be available in March.) For more information on the show and how to purchase tickets, go to https://governorsartshow.org. To browse the art and list of artists participating in this year’s Governor’s Art Show, go to https://governorsartshow.org/browse-art/. 

The Show is truly “Art With Heart” as net proceeds benefit Rotary-sponsored charitable projects and causes, and the Thompson Education Foundation (TEF), with additional funds for scholarships for local art students. 

Lifetime Achievement Award & Best of Show Win to PPPAP Member

George Hart, an original member of the PPPAP group formed in 2003 recently hit the award jackpot for his work with other Colorado art groups.

His paintings took Best in Show and First Place in the recent Pueblo Art Guild Show. 

And to top that off, Lyn Farrell, president of the Pikes Peak Pastel Society presented George with the PPPS Lifetime Achievement Award at their January meeting. George is one of only two recipients of this honor for PPPS.

George is an active artist who works primarily in pastel and plein air. He has participated in various plein air events in Colorado and shown his work in galleries in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Woodland Park. He currently lives in Pueblo with his lovely wife, Linda. Congratulations George!

Chris Alvarez to Instruct Open Studio Classes at Destination Art School

Colorado Springs Artist, Chris Alvarez has joined the professional insturctor team at Destination Art School in Woodland Park. Chris begins his mentorship with the organization by taking on the Open Studio class held on Wednesday afternoon at the Tamarac Business Center - 800 Research Drive, #210 in Woodland Park. To sign up for classes go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW-r-nqUjMChH6D-sKjJW5NCIUyrk79uzRYhHRHirr0tZerg/viewform

 and if you have questions call              719-401-2301.

Chris has taught drawing at UCCS and various art classes with Cottonwood Center for the Arts. He opened the Alvarez Art School in 2010, where he continues to teach drawing and painting to adults and children and has developed a holistic art program.

Introduces PPPAP Member, Kent Kerns as a Watercolor Instructor in Classes Offered in Woodland Park

Watercolorist, Kent Kerns is teaching the Discover Watercolor Painting

workshops for Destination Art School. The next workshop will be

February 1 & 2, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.(Saturday and Sunday) at the Tamarac Business Center - 800 Research Drive, #210 in Woodland Park. To sign up for classes go to 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW-r-nqUjMChH6D-sKjJW5NCIUyrk79uzRYhHRHirr0tZerg/viewform

 and if you have questions call              719-401-2301.

PPPAP Member Hank Maertens

Watercolorist, Kent Kerns is teaching the Discover Watercolor Painting

workshops for Destination Art School. The next workshop will be

February 1 & 2, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.(Saturday and Sunday) at the Tamarac Business Center - 800 Research Drive, #210 in Woodland Park. To sign up for classes go to 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW-r-nqUjMChH6D-sKjJW5NCIUyrk79uzRYhHRHirr0tZerg/viewform

 and if you have questions call              719-401-2301.

Haunted? 

A Captivating Watercolor by PPPAP Artist Michelle Melville Speck

This enchanting watercolor captures the spirit of the fall season and the excitement of the upcoming Halloween holiday. With rich hues and intricate details, it invites viewers into a world where shadows dance and whispers of eerie tales linger. Who doesn't enjoy a spine-chilling story? There's something universally fascinating about haunted buildings, drawing us in with their mysterious charm and ghostly narratives. Embrace the season and let your imagination wander!  

Michelle's work will be exhibited at the Eichman Gallery in Woodland Park, CO, in November!

George Hart to Exhibit Work in Echman Gallery Show

This January, the Eichman Gallery in Woodland Park will showcase the vibrant paintings and pastels of renowned Pikes Peak Plein Air Artist George Hart.  

With a rich artistic journey spanning 25 years, George has become a prominent figure in the Pikes Peak region. He was a founding member of the Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters, contributing significantly to the local art community. In addition to his involvement with the Pueblo Arts Guild and the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society, he was also a key member of the original Springs Seven Group. His work captures the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes, inviting viewers to experience the essence of the Pikes Peak area through his unique artistic lens.

PPPAP member Michael Gault was a a semi-finalist in the 17th International ARC Salon Competition. Michael's plein air paiting, View of Pikes Peak from Trout Creek was a semi-finalist and his landscape, Cottonwood Reflections was a finalist in the exhibition. Both pieces are displayed on the ARC website and will be included in the Lunar Codex. 

The Lunar Codex is a set of time capsules launched on three NASA-related missions and will include the work of 7,000 creatives. This will be the first significant placement of contemporary arts on the Moon in 50 years.

The annual Salon competition is hosted by the Art Renewal Center. The International Salon is the most prestigious realist art competition in the Americas and perhaps the world, offers over $100,000 in cash awards and International recognition through partnerships with prestigious magazines, galleries, museum exhibitions, and a strong online presence.