Supporters of the Cody Country Art League showed up in full force for the 60th Annual Community Art Show and Sale award ceremony and opening reception. 

In all, 311 artists of all abilities and in a myriad of mediums entered the signature event to compete for top prizes in all categories. Counted among the entries were 28 youth submissions in addition to amateur and professional pieces of artwork.

This year’s show was judged by graphic designer and owner of WordsWorth Publishing, Renee Tafoya. Tafoya has worked many years in the art world. She was an associate professor of graphic design and art at Northwest College for 18 years. Prior to that she managed the publications and design department at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, was an art director at Apple Inc., and has operated her design studio, Tafoya Design, for many years. She has served on the board of trustees for Yellowstone Art Museum and on the board of directors for Park County Arts Council in Cody. 

Best of Show went to Jocelyn Gardner for her graphite drawing “Skyline.” The coveted People’s Choice award went to Randy Burke for his acrylic painting “Buffalo Scouts.” That same painting also received a special award at the show. The Pinnacle Bank award went to a youth amateur this year, Hattie Booth, for her oil painting “Heaven or Hyattville.” 

New this year was the Spirit of Cody Award and that went to Cody sculptor Aaron Connelly for his pre-cast clay model “Remnants of the West.” The Shirley Barhaug Emerging Artist Award went to Margorie White for her oil painting “Sagebrush Fenceline.” 

The Bonner Family again sponsored an award and this year it went to Rebecca Weed for her graphite drawing, “Locker Room.” Olivia Christensen took home the Yellowstone Tax & Accounting Award for her oil painting “Sky Country Catch.”  

“Moment of Glory,” an impressive oil painting on leather hide by Deanna Matteson, garnered the Kay Gribble Award. 

Ted Richmond won the Fern Bath Award this year, being recognized for not only his woodworking skills on “Westslope Cutthroat” but also for being such a great volunteer throughout the year and going the extra mile to help the Art League when it is needed. 

CCAL is a 501c3 nonprofit, membership-based organization open to the public year-round. Located at 836 Sheridan Ave., next to the Cody Visitors Center. This is the only time of the year nonmembers are invited to show in the gallery. The rest of the year members’ artwork is available for purchase. For more information about Cody Country Art League or to see a complete list of youth and adult classes and upcoming events like the 60th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, June 7, go to codycountryartleague.com.