On Tuesday, June 3, the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area hosted the Capture the Cache Exhibition opening reception, an evening dedicated to art, culture, and community. The event was held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Visit Fort Collins in Old Town.
Following the opening reception, the exhibit is free and open to the public for the month of June. It was also featured at First Friday Art Walk in June. All artwork is available for purchase.
All artwork and photography showcased in the juried exhibition highlight the fusion of art and heritage tourism, featuring pieces inspired by the agriculture, community, and climate of the Cache NHA. The jury panel comprised Marshall Floyd, Manager of the Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center; Tim O’Hara, a local photographer; and Amy Brackenbury Larson, a local artist. Attendees savored hors d’oeuvres, explored silent auction baskets, viewed the exhibit, and enjoyed live music. Visit the exhibit today to find out who won!
Plein air artists, Xavier Pereria and Jen Snow, from the Petrichor Collective showcased their talents outside on the patio, while Elyse Miller captivated the audience with her live guitar performance. The paintings were auctioned off at the end of the night.
Emeritus Honorees
During the event, emeriti were recognized and honored for their services to heritage area. Emeriti are individuals who have served the Poudre Heritage Alliance, the nonprofit managing entity of the Cache NHA, and the heritage area with distinction, excellence, and outstanding service.
Dr. Robert Ward was honored as an emeritus of the Cache NHA with a name plate on the perpetual plaque that marks the legacy of outstanding service. The perpetual plaque is on display at our office in the Eaton House at 130 N 5th Street, Windsor, Colorado.
As the Director of the Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University from 1991 to 2005, Robert’s influence reached far and wide. Robert is also credited with founding the Water Resources Archive at CSU.
Robert’s interest and passion aligned well with the establishment of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. He served on the Board of Directors from 2001 to 2016. Robert was often learning new things about the Poudre River and finding ways to connect with others, both learning from them and sharing his knowledge. Robert has conducted numerous Pedaling the Poudre bike tours and presented an oral history of water development. Robert also volunteered his time, visiting with Northern Arapaho elders to learn about the significance of sites along the river and record oral histories.
Karen Scopel, long-standing board member, recalled Robert as a “kind and considerate person. Robert was always thoughtful, collaborative and passionate about the National Heritage Area. His enthusiasm for history is remarkable.”
”Dr. Robert Ward, A Gentleman and a Scholar. This phrase signifies a man of refinement, good manners, and intellectual pursuits.
Greg DeweyPHA Board Member
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors who helped to make this event possible: Fort Collins Rotary, OtterCares, and Fort Fund, along with generous in-kind support from local businesses.
