The art contest held each year in conjunction with the Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials had 20 great entries this year. Five entries came from Hotchkiss artists, four from Crawford, three from Paonia, two from Cedaredge, one from Fruita and five from Grand Junction.
The artist's reception was held at the Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum Saturday, March 10.
Cheryl Hebenstreit, art competition coordinator, thanked Bill Long of TDS Telecom for their sponsorship of the art contest for the past four years and also for 2012. "Their gracious donation is greatly appreciated," Hebenstreit said. She also thanked Sandy Bliss who shared her wealth of knowledge as a former coordinator of the art event.
Bill Long thanked Hebenstreit for all of her hard work in organizing the art contest and reception "It's carrying on heritage," Long said about the contest artists. About the art submitted, Long said the work was "fantastic." He also acknowledged the dedication of the handlers who raise dogs to compete in the trials.
Long presented the $500 TDS Shepherd's Award to Suki Elisha Strong of Cedaredge for her "For The Run."
Richard Bailey, founder of the Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials, presented the first and third place awards to Crawford artist James Dawson. His "Lovin The Job" won first place and the People's Choice Award. His "Born To Do It" won third place. Dawson took home $375 in prize money.
Hotchkiss artists Jennifer Johnston won the $100 second prize for her "Ready To Please."
Richard Bailey announced he had cancer surgery in February and last year his wife Marilyn fell and broke her hip and had surgery, but assured everyone the Hotchkiss Sheep Camp and Stock Dog Trials would go on as scheduled.
"I want to thank everyone for participating here. I think it is a wonderful turnout," Bailey said. "In the future you'll see Gordon and Cheryl take over more from Marilyn and I."
The Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials is held each year during Mother's Day weekend.
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