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Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to unveil the art work for the 2018 Winter Carnival commemorative poster, created by local artist Michelle Ideus in her signature whimsical collage-style.

The commemorative poster program, created by Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty, has raised over $30,000 for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club in its first two years, 2016 and 2017. The program was started with a vision to create a connection between Steamboat Sotheby’s local advocacy program, the arts, and athletics in Steamboat – all three of which are vital to the fabric of our community.

“I am so excited to finally be unveiling this year’s poster. Michelle really went above and beyond,” says Traci Smith, Director of Marketing for Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty. “The first time I walked into her studio and she showed me the work-in-progress, I audibly gasped. It literally took my breath away. There is so much detail to it and so many subtle nuances, every time I look at it, I discover something new and different that I haven’t seen before. It is a really special piece.”

The one-of-a-kind original work was created through Ideus’s unique process of starting with a photograph, sketching the image onto canvas, painting over it with acrylic, and building a collage over that using all kinds of scraps from magazines, homemade paper, newspaper and whatever else she can find. In this case she turned to good friend and professional photographer George Fargo for the initial image. Together, they merged two of his photos to create a certain feel – to combine more traditional images into something new.

Artist Michelle Ideus presents the limited edition giclee prints for silent auction at SSWSC's Stars at Night Gala

Artist Michelle Ideus presents the limited edition giclee prints for silent auction at SSWSC’s Stars at Night Gala

When asked what being a part of this program has meant to her, Michelle Ideus says, “I have done a few posters in the past but this one is such a big deal! My 10-year-old son is in Winter Sports Club and I’ve been able to experience Winter Carnival from that perspective, so I really know what this is all about. I am really proud of how it turned out, and am so excited to share it with Steamboat. It’s a huge honor and I hope people love it.”

With detail on all four sides of the wrapped canvas of the original piece, Ideus worked closely with Steamboat Frame Works to build a custom floating frame that would highlight all of the detail. The original art work was sold at live auction at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Foundation’s Stars at Night Gala on Friday, December 29, and the first three signed, numbered and framed limited edition giclee prints were sold on silent auction at the event, raising $11,000 for the SSWSC. There are a small number of additional limited-edition, signed, numbered and framed giclée prints available for purchase for $300 each.

Poster prints are $10 each, available for purchase Off the Beaten Path, Lyon Drug, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty offices, and at Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club offices. Posters can also be ordered online and shipped directly to you for $15 including shipping & handling. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ONLINE.  100% of the proceeds go directly to SSWSC.

The original art work was sold at live auction at SSWSC's Stars at Night Gala

The original art work was sold at live auction at SSWSC’s Stars at Night Gala

Posters will also be available for purchase at two artist-signing events: Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10am – 1pm at UCHealth and Saturday, Feb. 10 from 4:30-5:30pm at Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty’s downtown office (56 9th Street).

For more information or to order a limited edition giclée print, contact traci.smith@steamboatsir.com or 970.879.8100.


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