Classic art entries on display at Wilber Barn

MEEKER I Forty-seven entries in the Meeker Classic art contest and silent auction are on display at Wendll’s Wondrous Things through Sept. 7, when they will move to the Wilber Barn at Ute Park.
Which one will make the most compelling 2011 poster and look best on a T-shirt? That is what local artist Andy Goettel will have to decide as he judges the entries.
Goettel will announce the winners at the art social at the Wilber Barn, sponsored by Ladder Canyon Ranch, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9. This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to attend and vote for his or her favorite for the People’s Choice Award of $350. Goettel’s first-place choice will receive $2,000, second place $750, and Best of Northwest Colorado, sponsored by Big Beaver Ranch, $250.
Silent auction bidding for the art pieces starts Sept. 8 at the Wilber Barn. Speaking of the 47 entries, art chairwoman Mary Frances Coryell said, “We received some very nice pieces, and most of the works are reasonably priced from $200-$450. And there are several new artists this year.” Entries come from Colorado, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Canada.
Also, Rio Blanco County residents are reminded they can purchase half-price tickets to the Meeker Classic at the Meeker Chamber of Commerce or at Wendll’s.
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The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials Board of Directors wants to make sure every Rio Blanco County resident has the opportunity to attend the 24th annual event.
The board is offering admission tickets at half price to RBC residents at two locations: the Meeker Chamber of Commerce and at Wendll’s Wondrous Things. A discounted adult five-day pass is $15, a day pass is $5. For those over age 65 and between 8 and 16, a five-day pass is $7 and a single-day pass is $2. Discount tickets must be bought in advance. They are not available at the gate.
Then on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the trials, the Meeker Streaker bus and the Scritchfield horse-drawn carriage, with Ann Marie Scritchfield at the reins, will offer rides to Ute Park — site of the trials — from various locations downtown, including the courthouse square.
A schedule is posted on the bulletin board on the post office. The Streaker bus is available courtesy of Pioneers Hospital, and the Scritchfield carriage courtesy of Howard Cooper.