A painting by Colorado artist Julie Leidel that illustrates a lush McIntosh Lake in the foreground and the towering Longs Peak in the background is now officially part of Longmont's celebration of its founding over 150 years ago.
The colorful work — “Longmont, Colorado” — was dedicated to the city’s residents during the city council meeting Tuesday night. The painting was commissioned by Longmont’s Art in Public Places, or AIPP, program.
The painting will reside in the city council chambers for the time being, said Angela Brill, spokeswoman for the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center.
“That is absolutely beautiful,” Mayor Joan Peck said of the painting during the dedication. “Hang this in some place very special.”
The work, completed in 2021, is one of dozens included in the Colorado Gouache series, depicting beloved landscapes and cities in Colorado, according to a staff report to the city council.
Inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement from 1880-1920, Leidel utilizes color, line and form to convey a “nostalgic sensibility,” the report states. Leidel strives to creatively translate nature, architecture and beauty into craft-style works of art, according to the report.
Leidel has a degree in graphic design and a trained “Roycroft Renaissance Craftswoman” continuing the centuries-old tradition and values established by Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters of East Aurora, N.Y, established circa 1895, the report states.
Leidel was not present at Tuesday’s dedication and could not be reached for comment.
Citizens for AIPP Commission, city communications team and leadership all had the opportunity to provide insight, source material and feedback to Leidel prior to her painting, Brill said.
