Why Not Niwot? Returns for Its 15th Year

The Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show is back in downtown Niwot, running through September 11 at Niwot Hall. Now in its 15th year, the show invites local artists to capture what they love about Niwot in paint, ink, and mixed media. This July, twenty artists submitted up to three pieces each, and forty works are on view throughout the competition.

“We are so excited to host another Why Not Niwot? event this year,” said Tucker Huey, event organizer and partner at Osmosis Art and Architecture. “We love showcasing all of Niwot’s artistic talent and highlighting the reasons people love, cherish, and appreciate the town.”

Niwot Hall hosts free public viewings every Thursday from 4 to 6 pm, starting August 13, with the full collection on display throughout the month. Visitors are welcome to purchase art at these showcases, with proceeds supporting the artists, Niwot Hall, and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA).

The public also gets a vote. Anyone can cast a ballot for People’s Choice at a Thursday showcase or any other Niwot Hall event this month, with a final round of voting happening live on closing night.

That closing night arrives on Friday, September 11, at 6 pm, with an awards ceremony at Niwot Hall. First, second, and third place artists will receive stipends of $500, $250, and $100, and the People’s Choice winner will take home $100. The evening also features live music from the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band.

Past winners are being celebrated this year on commemorative banners along Second Avenue and in Cottonwood Square, including Jeff Server’s “2nd Ave Rain” (2025) and “Left Hand Ditch Co.” (2023), Karin Antoni’s “Keep it Running” (2024), and Scott Robuck’s “Summer Light” (2022). The banners are a collaboration between Osmosis Gallery, the Niwot Local Improvement District, and the NCAA.

The NCAA’s ongoing partnership with Boulder’s Liberty Puzzles also continues this year, with a new limited edition puzzle featuring Bruce White’s 2017 winning piece, “Niwot’s Colorful History.” The puzzles are available now at Little Bird, Osmosis Gallery, and The Nook inside Niwot Market.

Why Not Niwot? is sponsored by the NCAA and facilitated by Osmosis Gallery. Learn more at osmosisartgallery.com/why-not-niwot.

Read the full story from the Left Hand Valley Courier.