2022 Monuments and Canyons Painting Event
October 2nd - October 9th, 2022
Call for Entry is Now Closed
Monuments and Canyons Exhibition of Art
"Quiet Towers" by Artist John Phillips
The Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) and the Art Center of Western Colorado, present an exhibition with 21 juried artists who participated in the 2021 Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event.
The exhibit will take place March 4th – April 9th, 2022 at the Art Center of Western Colorado, 1803 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501.
The Colorado National Monument Association invited over 20 local, regional, and nationally known artists to paint in and around Colorado National Monument during the week of September 26th – October 3rd, 2021. All of the artists created works of art, outside on the spot. Now these artists are invited back for an exhibition of epic proportions. Since the outdoor painting event in Fall, each of the artists have had time at home to create 2 works of art in their studios inspired by their time exploring our geologic gem in Western Colorado. A portion of all sales will go to help the Colorado National Monument’s educational, interpretive, and scientific programs, park projects, as well as the junior ranger program.. 100% of CNMA’s proceeds stay in Colorado National Monument.
The opening reception will be held Friday, March 4th - 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Currently, masks are required at the Art Center of Western Colorado
Participating Artists:
Anita Winter, Lori Batson, Betsy Menand, Charles Morris, Chris Kolupski, Charlotte Quist, Dan Logé, Jason McCullough, Kari Ganoung Ruiz, Kathleen Lanzoni, Laura Gable, Loren Eakins, Marilynn Brandenburger, Marko Marino, Monica Esposito, Maggie Cook, Rachel Pettit, Philip Carlton, John Phillips, Susan Mayfield, Susie Hyer

Sponsored by:
The 2021 Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Invitational September 26th through October 3rd Wrap Up.
The Colorado National Monument Association invited 22 local, regional, and nationally known artists to paint in and around Colorado National Monument during the week of September 26th – October 3rd. This year's event was our 2nd highest grossing in the show's history. The first year being 2019 before COVID-19. We were thrilled to get back to exhibiting and meeting in person. Below are the award results as well as photos from the event itself.
This year the event will be followed by a month-long exhibit in March, 2022. The artists will be invited back to exhibit studio pieces inspired from their time here in the Fall. The Colorado National Monument Association is happy to partner with the Grand Junction Art Center which will host the show in March. More information to come soon!
2021 AWARDS, given by judge Lanny Grant:
1st Place Award Sponsored by Family Health West
Subtle Sentinel Sunrise- by Kari Ganoung Ruiz
2nd Place Award Sponsored by Quick Temps, LLC
A Complement of Autumn- by Susie Hyer
3rd Place Award Sponsored by Lithic Bookstore and Gallery
Forever Friends- by Chris Kolupski
Honorable Mentions:
The Ascent- by Dan Logé
Island Morning- by Kari Ganoung Ruiz
Morning's Monuments- by Susie Hyer
When it Happens- by Chris Kolupski
More images from the amazing week. All photos taken by Christine Gearhart.
Artist Jason McCullough
Artist John Phillips
Artist Monica Esposito
Lanny Grant Judges the Show
People's Choice Award- Artist John Phillips
Artists' Choice Award- Artist Kari Ganoung Ruiz
2021 Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Invitational Artists:
Lorie Merfeld-Batson www.loriemerfeld-batson.com
Westcliffe, CO
Susie Hyer www.susiehyerstudio.com
Evergreen, CO
Don Miskin www.donmiskin.com
Logan, UT
Laura Gable www.lauragable.com
Kennewick, WA
Betsy Menand www.betsymenand.com
Ohio City, CO
Monica Esposito www.monicaespositoart.com
Whitewater, CO
Marko Marino www.markomarino.com
Cedaredge, CO
John Phillips www.johndavidphillips.com
Grand Junction, CO
Chris Kolupski www.chriskolupski.com
Rochester, NY
Loren Eakins www.loreneakins.com
Grand Junction, CO
Charlotte Quist www.charlottequistart.com
Dillon, MT
Philip Alexander Carlton www.pacarlton.com
Fruita, CO
Dan Loge www.danloge.com
Gand Junction, CO
Maggie Cook www.maggiecook.com
Grand Junction, CO
Anita Winter www.anitawinter.com
Centennial, CO
Scott Geary www.artmajeur.com/scottgeary
Santa Fe, NM
Susan Mayfield www.susanmayfield.net
Salida, CO
Kari Ganoung Ruiz www.kariganoungruiz.com
Interlaken, NY
Jason McCullough www.jasondmccullough.com
Wheat Ridge CO
Charles Morris www.charlesmorrisartstudio.com
Grand Junction, CO
Denise Gilroy www.denisegilroy.com
Naples, ID