Barbara Lawlor
Nederland

    Here a gallery, there a gallery, everywhere a gallery. As 2007 winds down, Nederland can be proud of the fact that three phenomenal art galleries have sprouted up in the downtown area, offering new shows on a monthly basis, artist receptions and a new option for visitors to the area.
    The Palette Gallery opened in June of 2006, and the Artists Niche and the NOWhere Gallery opened their doors in 2007 to local and Boulder area artists, adding a new facet to Nederland’s tourist attractions.
    The Nederland Community Library announced early in the year that it was awarded a grant by the Colorado Humanities Opera for Everyone, partnering Opera Colorado and Central City Opera in a multi-faceted opera education program. Nederland  Elementary School and Nederland Middle/Senior High School students were treated to shows featuring opera singers and adults were invited to participate in opera workshops throughout the winter.
    In February, there was a Tribute to John Denver, a concert for the whole family held at the Nederland Community Center.
    The Nederland Community Champions volunteers included George Blevins for the Carousel of Happiness; Don and Betty Hunt for the Nederland Area Seniors; Sally Grahn and Barbara Werner for the Nederland Community Library Foundation; Marie Allen for R.I.N.K; Kathy Guyton for the Nederland Parent-Teacher Association and Deb Smiley for NEDSK8.
    Dave Felkley received the NCC Lifetime Achievement Award; Liz Evans and Randy Sachter received the Education Award; Jessica Pierce received the Youth Award; Vince Herman received the Arts and Entertainment Award; Dan Ball received the Business Award; and Tim Underwood received the Community Service Award.
    In June, the Palette Gallery celebrated its one-year anniversary after a group of artists opened the gallery in the former Magnolia Pottery building.
      Many new artists were introduced through gallery openings and featured artist programs from all of the venues, which took place frequently through the year, and several familiar artists were re-introduced, with new work. It was an exciting and productive year in the arts in the Nederland area, and many in the community look forward to the artistic offerings of 2009.