‘Princess’ tops Colfax banner contest voting

“Princess of the Palouse,” a street banner portrait by Teresa Adams of Colfax of a sheep eating a sunflower, won balloting for the people’s choice award which was presented Thursday, May 25 at the Colfax Arts Council reception at The Center. The award is determined by a count of more than 200 ballots which are collected from paint cans distributed in the downtown area.

Gabrielle Israel of Oakesdale won the art award which was presented by Dick Gebhardt, who sponsors the $300 prize. Gebhardt, Tim Ely of Colfax and Craig Whitcomb of Clarkston were judges for the contest.

Israel painted “Amarcona,” a picture of a pony with the U.S. flag in the background.

People’s choice winner in the youth division was Holly Thomas of Lamont with her “Palouse Country Welcome” banner which features a red tractor. Other youth artists and their creations honored at the reception were Haiden Garza of Spokane with “Codger Pole” and Ashley Richman with “Appaloosa on the Plains.”

Other adult entrants recognized were Katie Martin of LaCrosse with “Whitman Totem,” Don Marshall of Oakesdale with “Harvesting Wind and Wheat,” Matthew Wysock of Colfax with “Ponderosa Sunset,” Claudia Rollins of Colfax with “Stars Above,” Tammy Lewis of Colfax with “Palouse Textures” and Jerry Jones with “Lockarts’ Harvest Crew.”

Emcee Emily Adams reported hanging of the Marshall’s banner entry was delayed because he was supplied with a banner which had two blank sides. The council was able to locate an unfinished banner with the trademark “H’Art of the Palouse” design on one side which was used for backing on Marshall’s entry. It is now hanging on the light standard in front of Almota Elevator.

The people’s choice winner is located on the light pole in front of Fonk’s, and the Israel’s art award winner is in front of the U.S. Bank lot.