Engaging Loveland, known for its collaboration within the community to develop and support community-wide events and enhance tourism, welcomes Ann Marie Cole and Sean McCarthy as new board members.

“We’re thrilled to have new faces and fresh ideas,” said Kristine Koschke, executive director of Engaging Loveland.

Senior Sales Manager for Embassy Suites in Loveland, Ann Marie Cole, has a strong managing and sales background in all aspects of the hospitality realm. She has been in the industry since 1991 as a restaurant manager, director of sales and catering, pastry chef, you name it. An east coast transplant, Cole believes Loveland has the potential to become the heart of the northern Colorado region because of its “small town, big heart” feel.

Sean McCarthy, well-known in Loveland as president of the Colorado Coaching Company and involved community member, has been a reliable friend of Engaging Loveland. His extensive experience as a small business and life coach are a true asset for a small non-profit such as Engaging Loveland. McCarthy has been involved with the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Loveland Homeless Task force and Northern Colorado Coaches Alliance, just to name a few.

ArtSteps, a collaborative project of the Loveland Museum/Gallery and the Thompson School District, will be mentoring 110 local students in grades 4^th-12^th on Saturday, September 18 in the ArtSteps Community Plein Air Art Project at Fairgrounds Park.

The 110 student artists will be working with local professional artists and R2J art teachers in the community art project called “Mini Monets”. The project hopes to inspire a new generation of Plein Air artists. This unique and inspirational event will take place at Fairgrounds Park in Loveland. Students accepted to the project will be mentored in Plein Air painting and drawing. Twelve professional artists and eight teachers will be helping students learn more about the art of working with outdoor light, nature, the elements and structure to paint and draw what they see. The kids will then create and set up their own art show for an afternoon lunch reception with their parents and the community. The resulting student artwork will be judged and 30 of them will be selected for an exhibit at the Loveland Museum from October 2 – November 14, 2010.

The community is welcome to come see these students at work outside of the classroom! They will be creating their artwork from 9:00 a.m. – Noon on Saturday. The art show will be open at the park from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., also at Fairgrounds Park.

ArtSteps is a collaborative effort of the Loveland Museum/Gallery and Thompson R2-J School District and recognizes youth art achievement by hosting the annual student art show and a biennial community art project. The Plein Air project is also sponsored by Judson’s Art Outfitters in LaPorte.

For the past several years, ArtSteps has displayed student artwork annually at the Museum and Aims Community College campus. ArtSteps strives to develop creativity in children, youth and young adults, as well as provide community appreciation for their talents.  The annual ArtSteps art show is held in March in celebration of National Youth Art Month and exhibits the artwork of Thompson School District students in a community-wide event. ArtSteps also plans a biennial Community Art Projects where local artists and teachers have an opportunity to mentor students in creating art. For more information, please contact Jenni Dobson at the Loveland Museum/Gallery at 970-962-2562.

“A Heart So Pure” will be unveiled at The Promenade Shops at Centerra on Friday, September 3

Engaging Loveland announces it will unveil an addition to the Loveland: A City with HeART community art project at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 3 at The Promenade Shops at Centerra.  “A Heart So Pure” created by Ross Lampshire and sponsored by the Family of Linnea Dick will be placed outside of D.O.G.S. (Dog Owner’s General Store) located next to the Bent Fork Grill in the shopping center.

The new heart unveiled to the community is in memory of Linnea Dick.  The five-foot fiberglass heart captures Linnea’s love of animals and features pictures of her beloved pets: Lage (Chihuahua), Bentley (Beagle), Kaja (cat), and Teensil (cat). 

Linnea Dick was a loving, vibrant young woman and passionate animal advocate who was wise beyond her 20 years. From a very young age Linnea was able to easily create special bonds with animals. Her gentle, caring, peaceful nature made it easy for animals to love and trust her, and she always had space in her heart and life to welcome them with open arms.  Her fiery red hair was second only to her fiery spirit and spunk. People were always drawn to her playful nature and generous personality. It didn’t matter to Linnea where a person came from; she welcomed everyone with the same level of friendliness and respect.