In an overwhelming response, the citizens of Larimer County have chosen the painting to represent the 2009 Open Lands Visual Artist of the Year, Diane Findley.

The winning painting, entitled The Poudre River, is a vibrant landscape piece that captures our beloved local river meandering through the area where the Pleasant Valley Trail parallels the river corridor in the Laporte area.

The painting was chosen from a dozen pieces created by Findley during her tenure as this year’s Open Lands Visual Artist of the Year. Findley had the idea to let the public choose which of her paintings would hang prominently in the County Courthouse for the next year. Voting took place during the month of October online and at a recent reception in Fort Collins featuring the paintings. There were over 550 votes cast during the campaign.

The painting will be dedicated at a reception with the County Commissioners in January 2010.

The Open Lands Visual Artist of the Year program is an effort by the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources’ Open Lands Program to connect our local protected natural areas and the art community to inspire the creation of art and to educate the public about art and nature.

To learn more about Larimer County’s parks and open spaces, go to www.larimer.org/naturalresources