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Beyond The Grandstand At The Greeley Stampede

The annual Greeley Stampede is home to one of the top 25 pro rodeos in the country and attracts more than 200,000 people to the city.

If you’ve never been, just a few steps away from the grandstand there’s something you may not expect – an art show.

Through its almost 14 years of existence the Stampede Western Invitational Art Exhibit and Sale has sold nearly $1 million in art. You’ll find the exhibition staged in a temporary gallery inside the Island Grove Events Center, at the Greeley Stampede. It is clear organizer Mike Ketterling is passionate about “celebrating western heritage” through art.

As a member of the stampede committee, Ketterling helped to launch the art exhibit and sale with his wife, Nomi, as well as Shirley and Willis “Tuffy” Holland. All four are avid collectors of western themed art.

Ketterling said he is even more passionate about the philanthropic aspect of the art sale.

Thirty percent of art show proceeds go to the Greeley Stampede Foundation, a 501c3 organization. The nonprofit’s mission is to fund scholarships for Weld County high school students. This year, Ketterling has a goal of breaking $1million in total sales for the history of the art show. To meet the goal they would need to sell $76,000 worth of art during the 10-day show. 

“We’re going to do it. There is no doubt in my mind,” said Ketterling.

Arts District is a collaboration between KUNC, Rocky Mountain PBS, and KUVO.

A native of Stamford, VT, I call(ed) the Berkshires of western Massachusetts my home. The Berkshires are a culturally rich area -- I’m talking pass the butter and heavy cream -- rich.
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