That was the challenge posed to our local Colorado artists by the Lakewood Arts Council for its current exhibit. Titled "Trees," the 126 entries juried into the show are on display at the South Union Gallery through August 14. Artists really met the thematic challenge with a wide variety of works showing trees of all shapes, sizes and colors.

Top awards went to two Lakewood artists. First place was awarded to " Aspen Glo", a watercolor by Arlene Krogstad. For her winning entry, Arlene used her "pouring" technique, an unusual way of pouring the watercolor on the paper for a resist approach. Arlene teaches this method as well as all types of watercolor painting at the South Union Gallery and the Clements Community Center. Second place went to another Lakewood artist - Lillian Svoboda. Lill is well known for her beautiful pastel paintings of landscapes and still life subjects. Her winning entry titled "Pine Reflections" is sure to please the viewer with its soft rendering of the wonderful evergreen tree.

Entries came from all over Colorado, with additional award winners representing many neighboring cities. Third place went to Denver artist Nancy Priest for her watercolor titled "The Women's Tree." Merit awards were given to "Snow Flocked Tree," a photograph by James Bennett of Highlands Ranch, to "In the Forest" an acrylic by Morrison artist Saundra Lane Galloway, to "Cold Road", an oil by Golden artist Craig Gilcrease, and to "Nannyberry", a colored pencil work by Wheat Ridge artist Carol Till.

The Lakewood Arts Council's South Union Gallery is located at 85 S. Union Blvd, Lakewood (4 blocks south of 6th Avenue on Union, turn in by Wendy's) next door to Kobe An restaurant. Hours are 10-5 Tuesday-Friday, and 10-4 Saturday and Sunday. (Closed Mondays) For information, call 303-980-0625 or visit our web site at www.lakewoodartscouncil.org