2020/21 Art on Parade People’s Choice Winner Named

Dec. 18, 2020, Northglenn, CO – The Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation (NAHF) announces Colorado artist Bill Bunting is the recipient of the 2020/2021 People’s Choice Award for his steel sculpture “Raising Old Glory”.  The award is part of Northglenn’s Art on Parade program. The program features on-loan, outdoor sculptures exhibited at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park for one year. The public votes for their favorite, and NAHF works toward purchasing the piece for permanent display in the City of Northglenn.  NAHF has already secured funding for the piece from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

Bill Bunting was born and raised on the ranch his grandfather homesteaded in the canyon lands of Southeast Colorado.  Born on the prairie, he has always had a love for the wide-open spaces.  Bill has a strong interest in the history of Native Americans and the West.  A self-taught artist, poet and knife-maker, much of Bill’s work portrays his own interpretation of the past.

“The inspiration for ‘Raising Old Glory’ comes from those who have fought and many who have given their lives defending our nation and the freedoms we enjoy and the necessity of passing it down to the next generation,” says Bunting.  He continues, “This sculpture is a tribute to all who have served and sacrificed that I might live in freedom.”

This original poem is printed at the base of the sculpture to paint a picture of life and time long past:

They raised the flag together

The rope in both their hands

As he talked about its history

Battles fought in foreign lands

And those who fought for freedom

Who answered our nations call

Not always understanding

Yet they fought and gave their all

Son, don’t ever take it lightly

The sacrifice they made

So we have the freedom to Raise Old Glory

And the price they paid

For more information about Bill Bunting, visit www.artatthreefeathers.com.

The piece will remain on display at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park through May 2021, at which time six new sculptures-on-loan will be installed. The permanent location for “Raising Old Glory” will be announced in 2021. For more information about Art on Parade or NAHF, call Michael Stricker at 303.450-8727.