The Historic Wilber Barn at Ute Park houses the art and photography contest and show each year during the Meeker Classic.
Meeker Classic International Art & Photography Committee Chairs,
Sarah Grimes and Kari Jo Rutchi are pleased to introduce the jurors for the 2023 Show. Held in conjunction with the 2023 Meeker Classic, September 6 – 10, 2023 – the show will be open to the public at 9 am to 4 at the trial site pm each day. The public is invited to attend the Reception and Introduction of the 2023 Award Winners on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Wilber Barn at the trial site.
2023 Art Juror – Stephanie Hanson (Kobald)
2023 Art Juror
Stephanie Hanson (Kobald), Meeker, Colorado
You may have seen Stephanie through the years at the Meeker Classic at the information booth. Currently as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, she and the Chamber staff provide Meeker Classic visitors all the information they need to enjoy the event and all that Meeker has to offer. With her 24 years living in Meeker and attending the Meeker Classic, Stephanie is thrilled to be the juror for this year’s poster art competition.
Stephanie grew up surrounded by art.
With her parents in graphic design and fine art, Stephanie and her family were always creating, visiting art museums, and discussing the value and importance of creative expression through the arts. Stephanie received an Associates in Art and a Bachelors in Fine Art in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois. She practiced as a registered Landscape Architect for 12 years, at a Nationally recognized company designing residential, commercial and recreational outdoor spaces. Through this work, Stephanie has gained experience in evaluating design based on design elements, aesthetics and impact.
Stephanie helped develop the Meeker Arts and Cultural Council in 2012
and is currently the Board President. The MACC board and committee are leading the enhancement of cultural and artistic efforts in Meeker through education and advocacy and by creating opportunities for community involvement in theater and the creative arts.
At the Chamber of Commerce, Stephanie leads programs
to support the business community and promote Meeker as a great place to live, work and visit. She still has time for creative outlets including designing graphic brochures, posters, logos, and other fun visual and marketing products.
Stephanie’s children are pursuing their creative talents as well.
Her son Shane, who has created a mural in Meeker at the Smoking River Brewing Co, is studying Studio Art at Colorado Mesa College. Her daughter Allison is a senior at Meeker High School, enjoys painting and will be continuing in the medical field after high school.
2023 Photography Juror
Kelly Osborn 2023 Photography Juror – photo courtesy of Michelle Cox
Kelly Osborn, Hamilton, Colorado
Known for her photography skills
and an active community member, Kelly Osborn will be joining the Meeker Classic as the 2023 Photography Juror.
Kelly Osborn is an enthusiastic wildlife and landscape photographer
based in Hamilton, Colorado. She grew up ranching and camping in southeastern Wyoming which led to a love of the outdoors and natural beauty around the Rocky Mountains. Her work features outdoor scenes in many national parks from Alaska to Uganda, as well as animals and mountains in Northwest Colorado familiar to the locals. As a strong advocate of agriculture, she also photographs livestock and the rural lifestyle at every opportunity. After many years of hobby photography, she has recently started Big Sage Photos and offers prints online and locally.