Local artist’s work corked for Winefest - Free Press, February 22, 2008

These boots are made for winos.

That may or may not be thinking behind Grand Junction artist Kimmer Jepson’s winning entry for Colorado Mountain Winefest’s inaugural art contest.

“It’s something different and will catch people’s eye,” said Marilyn Jensen, director of Colorado Mountain Winefest.

Jepson’s work — which will stay hanging inside Palisade’s Blue Pig Gallery for another week — will also become the official logo for this year’s festival in September.

You’ll see it on brochures, T-shirts and just about anything else Winefest.

The artist’s poster shows a cowboy riding a bucking wine bottle, or, saving his horse, riding his bottle.

“She went out on a limb,” Jenson said.

Jepson’s work was also submitted with a slogan: "And you thought our wines were TAME?"

Winefest purchased the rights to the winning poster.

A reception for the artists and public was held Feb. 15 at the Blue Pig Gallery. Artist, who were asked for a $40 entry fee to get into the contest, were asked to observe a few rules: The works could not exceed 24 by 36 inches and had to show something related to the wine industry. The competition was open to artists across Colorado.

Money raised in the competition will go toward the nonprofit Colorado Mountain Association of Vintners and Viticulturists.

Winefest proceeds also benefit the same organization.

The festival is scheduled for Sept. 18-21

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