Awards

Best of Show

A select group of prominent art professionals are convened each year to select the piece of art to receive this $2500 cash award. This year’s award is graciously donated by Kathy and Brad Coors. In 2012 the award went to G. Russell Case for Marvel of Ages.

Artists' Choice

This award is selected by the Coors Western Art Show artists on the evening of the Blue Jean Preview. It is their choice of the work or body of work by a fellow artist that stands out among his or her peers. The 2012 award went to Michael Lynch.

Mary Belle Grant

This honorary award is given to people closely associated with the exhibit that best represents and support the western way of life.

The advisory committee has selected Bill and Louise Barrett to receive the 2012 Mary Belle Grant Award.

The Barretts, Denver residents since 1965, have been supporters of the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale since it began. They have 5 children, 16 grand children and 2 great grandchildren that they have instilled with their love of the West and western art.

Mary Belle Grant was one of the creators and early visionaries of the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale. She served on the advisory committee since its inception and every year had been a patron and passionate friend of the arts in the Denver community. Beginning in 2000, the Coors Western Art Exhibit created this award in her memory to honor an individual who embodies the spirit of the western way of life and symbolizes the passion of the West through art.

People's Choice

This honorary award is selected solely by the patrons who visit the exhibit each year. They cast their votes, which are tallied throughout the event. At the end of the show, the artwork with the most votes wins. The 2012 winner was Scorpion Dust by Teresa Elliott.

Southwest Art Award

Selected by editors and publisher of our media patron, Southwest Art magazine, this award provides the winner with an advertisement. The 2012 award was given to Jill Soukup for Bulls Chillin'.

View Past Award Winners