May 22, 2022

A favorite among Meeker residents, spectators and handlers.

The Meeker Classic Sheepdog International Art & Photography Contest is diverse in its origins and rich with creativity, the show presents some of the finest original sheep dog artwork to be found. Open daily during the Meeker Classic, the art show has grown over the 35+ years since its inception and now fills the historic Wilbur Barn located at the trial site.

The origination of the Art Contest at the Wilbur Barn is simple and built from need.

“To publicize the first Meeker Classic, organizers had simple flyers printed up,  but when Malcolm Bricklin, who’d put up the original $15,000 purse, saw them, he snorted, “If I’m gonna’ put up that kind of money you’re not gonna use those!” He got out his checkbook again and commissioned Elisa Love to create a painting for use on a promotional poster.”* This was the first, of many, connecting the Meeker Sheepdog Trials to art. “In 1989 it became a contest. Entry fees would pay the prize and the winner would be next year’s poster.

“It was a trial and error thing every year,” says Melinda Parker original Art Committee Chair.

Three entries for the first contest swelled to more than thirty within a couple of years. Open only to Rio Blanco County residents at first, organizers soon welcomed all comers and entries came in from all over, even international artists.”* That’s how it all started, of course it has transformed along the way, including the addition of a silent auction, a photography division and a professional artists and photographers as the jurors.

Boasting strong resumes of talent and experience,

the jurors for the 2022 Meeker Classic Art and Photography Show will be tasked with selecting the top work in the art and photography categories.  We welcome Cecilia H. Calderon, Paonia, Colorado as the art juror and Dale Hallebach, Meeker, Colorado as the photography juror for 2022.

Cecilia H Calderon, 2022 Art Juror
Paonia, Colorado

It’s an honor to welcome Cecilia H. Calderon to the 2022 Meeker Classic. Cecilia will serve as the Art Juror for the 2022 Meeker Classic Art Show. Her winning selection will be used as the official artwork for the 2023 Meeker Classic.

Calderon’s work elicits deep soul connections to the earth. She experiments with copper, bronze, patinas, textures, oils, acrylics, textiles and plaster, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that resonate with collectors from around the globe.

A native of Mexico City, Calderon studied graphic design, expressing her passion for art through stained glass and sculpture. By 1995, when her family moved to Austin, Texas, she’d already gained a following of architects, designers and private clients. When she discovered copper as a medium, she fell in love.

In 2006 she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where she was juried into several renowned artist leagues, was invited to the Arizona Copper Biennial and as a judge for fine art at the Arizona State Fair. She was accepted to participate for several years at the Arizona Fine Art Expo, where she sold her pieces to collectors from around the world.

Today, Calderon lives in Paonia, Colorado and continues to push the limits of texture, color and shape through her work. From striking wall tapestries, to her illuminated “Guardians” series and beyond, her work awakens the bond each of us has to the natural world.
Thank you Cecilia for sharing your time, knowledge and talent with the Meeker Classic. We hope you enjoy your stay in Meeker!

Dale Hallebach – Photography Juror

Meeker, Colorado

Dale and his wife Trish live in Meeker. He appreciates the beauty the state offers in photographic opportunities. His passion for art began at the young age of eight when his mother bought him a decent camera. He’s been hooked ever since. Dale attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago and then free-lanced for National Geographic. These opportunities opened his eyes to the wonderment of the art of photography. Teaching classes through Colorado Northwestern Community College, Dale keeps current on new trends and technology. He enjoys sharing his knowledge to fresh and enthusiastic students.

 

No stranger to the Meeker Classic, Dale is a long-time volunteer sharing his support and photographic talents with us. You will also see Dale alongside the historic sheep wagon as he takes the Dog Sponsor photographs for the event. Thank you for everything Dale!

Art Reception

Lite appetizers and refreshments are served at the Art Reception located at the Wilbur Barn on Thursday evening, September 8, 2022, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Spectators will vote on People’s Choice winner prior to and during the Art Reception while treated to local music and western hospitality.  The 2022 Winning artwork will be the POSTER artwork used for the 2023 Meeker Classic poster, official apparel and souvenir items. A separate PHOTOGRAPHY Contest is included in the show. The winner of the 2022 Photography Contest will be used in 2023 Meeker Classic publicity material.

 

Additionally all artwork is available for purchase through a silent auction which closes on Sunday, bidders do not need to be present to win. 2022 will be the 34th  year of the International Art Contest.