Photo Gallery – Click To Enlarge

Jim Norton: Cowboy Artist of America

12/17/2010 – 04/10/2011

The Steamboat Art Museum was formed in December 2005 and presented its Opening Exhibition in the historic First National Bank building on December 23, 2006. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was gifted to the City of Steamboat Springs by Helen Rehder, a long time area rancher and amateur artist. Mrs. Rehder stipulated in her will that the building be preserved and  used as a museum to promote the culture and heritage of northwestern Colorado. Earlier this year the City signed a 99 year lease on the building with the Art Museum.

Since the Opening Exhibit, which featured the works of past and present local artists, we have presented an Intaglio exhibit, a western art exhibit that included traditional cowboy and native American arts as well as paintings and sculpture, an international exchange with Mexico of the work of Martha Chapa, an exhibit on loan from the University of Wyoming Art Museum of the work of E.W. (Bill) Gollings, surreal blacklight sculpture of Don Woodsmith, the cartoon art of Jerry Palen, Ace Reid and J.R. Williams, Landscape paintings of Clyde Aspevig, wildlife paintings of Ken Carlson, quilts by David Taylor and exhibits of local northwestern Colorado artists. Future exhibits include Scott Christensen, Quang Ho, American Watercolor Society and the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters.

We believe that the paintings of Jim Norton reflect the mission of our Museum and represent the western environment and its culture and history in a way that only a true westerner can interpret. His paintings tell of not only the struggles, but the beauty and discovery of the West. His technical skill and knowledge of horses are very evident in the quality of brushwork, color and accuracy. He touches the senses, opens a window to his world, and invites his viewer to participate.

It is with tremendous pride and excitement that Steamboat Art Museum presents this beautiful collection of Jim Norton’s paintings.  We hope you enjoy this wonderful exhibit.

Shirley Stocks

Curator