The city of Cortez, in partnership with the LOR Foundation and Cortez Retail Enhancement, are asking for artists to submit artwork in consideration for a coloring book in honor of Historic Preservation Month.
Each May, the city of Cortez Historic Preservation Board celebrates Historic Preservation Month, and past celebrations have included historic walking tours of downtown Cortez, presentations and more.
This year, the board has teamed up with the city of Cortez Public Arts Advisory Committee with the goal of designing a coloring book that highlights historic areas in and around Cortez, according to the press release.
“We wanted to do something that engages the community and brings history to life,” said Helen West, the Community & Economic Development specialist. “We hope the entire community comes out to celebrate our shared heritage, and we thought a friendly competition might get people excited about history.”
Artists of all ages and levels are welcome to enter, as the city emphasizes that this is not just for “professional” artists.
Those who are chosen to be part of the coloring book will receive a free copy of the finished book, $25 Cortez cash from Cortez Retail Enhancement Association and a check for $100. The artist whose art is chosen for the cover will receive a $250 check and $50 Cortez cash.
There will also be a reception in May where all winning artists will be recognized.
“Submissions must be of a building, site or event that holds historic value to the city of Cortez, although artists are encouraged to be creative and interpretive in their designs,” organizers said.
A list of potential sites for art inspiration can be found on the city’s website at www.cortezco.gov/880/Suggestions-for-Coloring-Book-Entries.
A panel of judges will choose 10 to 25 submissions to be part of the finished coloring book in February. The panel will include judges from the LOR Foundation, Cortez Retail Enhancement Association, the Historic Preservation Board and Public Arts Advisory Committee of the city of Cortez and representatives from City Hall.
Judges will be selecting artwork based on “attractiveness, skill and technique, creativity and interpretation and suitability with a local artist preference.”
Artists do not have to be from the Four Corners, but artists with a connection to Cortez will be given preference, according to the city.
Submissions must be uploaded to the entry portal by Feb. 20 and must be a black line drawing suitable for a coloring book. Artists are also requested to sign each entry in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.
For information or to submit your entry, visit https://tinyurl.com/CTZ-Book.
The finished coloring book will be available for sale at the Montezuma Heritage Museum and Cortez Cultural Center starting in May 2024. A free, downloadable version will also be available on the city website.
