Voting begins for Sheepdog art

MEEKER | “All of them are like ‘wow;’ they are the highest quality overall we’ve ever had, ” said Mary Frances Coryell, art committee chair for the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials, of the 50 art contest entries by 38 artists from across North American now hanging at Wendll’s and waiting for public vote.
The public is again invited to vote for the piece they would choose for the 2014 poster and the $350 People’s Choice Award. This year, children, too, may vote for the Children’s Choice and an award of $50 in honor of late Meeker Classic art volunteer Johnny Wix.
Coryell said the vote is not for a favorite piece of art, but for the piece that will make a good Meeker Classic poster.
“A poster should lure you to the event,” she said. “Look for a quality, unique piece of art representing not only the dog trials, but our particular event in Meeker.”
That is what local artist Pat Sheeran-Daggett, too, will be looking for in judging the entries in the 26th annual contest. Winners will be announced at the free art social at the Wilber Barn on Sept. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The winner will be awarded $2,000, and that art will be used for 2014 poster and souvenir items. Second place will receive $650, and the winner of the Shirlee Coy Best of Northwest Colorado award, sponsored by Shirlee’s family, will receive $250. Awards for the People’s Choice and the Children’s Choice will also be announced at that time.
To vote at Wendll’s, located at the corner of 6th Street and Main Street, just ask for a ballot. Ballot boxes and the art will move to the Wilber Barn on Sept. 3, when you may vote on Wednesday or Thursday until midway through the art social.
Coryell urged the public to vote — but only once.