BELLVUE — When out-of-control flames from the High Park fire licked up the walls of Rist Canyon in June, the all-volunteer Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department set up camp in a central meadow, where the Richard Schmid Fine Art Auction is held every year.
Many risked their lives and lost their dwellings as they protected the homes of their neighbors.
And when the auction committee met to determine whether it should still hold its annual fundraiser, the community offered complete support.
“I don’t think the fire was over with before our auction committee was talking about having have the auction and festival this year,” said firefighter and committee chairman Wes Rutt. “The community needs it. So many people have lost their homes.”
Richard Schmid, the auction’s founding artist, decided to donate 100 percent of the funds raised from the sale of his paintings. A gallery of 22 paintings has the same mission in mind. These paintings will be sold, in addition to the regular juried show.
Read more of the article at ReporterHerald.com.
Richard Schmid fine art auction
Schedule: A preview and silent auction, 10 a.m. Sunday; live auction, 1 p.m.
Site: Rist Canyon Mountain Festival big top tent, located at County Road 52E, west of Bellvue
What to look for: 120 works of art will be available
Information: Go to
