STEAMBOAT SPRINGS - The Oil Painters of America National Convention draws artists, collectors and art enthusiasts toward an unparalleled collection of representational oil paintings  by nationally and internationally acclaimed painters. 

The conference venue changes yearly. Steamboat Springs was chosen to host this year's event and exhibition. "Artists Rich Galusha and Shirley Stocks of Wildhorse Gallery and the staff of Steamboat Art Museum provided the impetus for the selection, says executive director Kathryn Beligratis. Visiting artists share their excitement on the inspiration they find in Yampa Valley."

Steamboat Magazine asks artists at Perry Mansfield: What do you find most inspirational Steamboat Springs?

Susan Hong-Sammons - "I've always wanted to come to Steamboat. As soon as I heard it was going be set out here, I bought my ticket. I could be a parking lot painter here. You pull up some place and everything is spectacular."









Joann Bugg - "I'm inspired by the rockiness of the mountains. I also love aspens but have never painted them." 











Lyn Boyer - "It's kind of a painter's paradise, especially the way Perry-Mansfield is set up for us. We have our choice of models, scenery or horses. It's great, we don't often get a venue like this to paint in."