An Afternoon of Art, Storytelling, and Community Showcased Colorado 14er Landscapes While Raising Funds for Students’ Outdoor Adventures
On June 17, Cottonwood Institute was honored to celebrate the Colorado 14ers watercolor artwork of local artist Mike Wilson at a reception at the Colorado State Capitol alongside community members, supporters, and the artist himself.
About the Colorado 14ers Artwork and Reception
About the Colorado 14ers Artwork and ReceptionThis art exhibition was created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood as well as America’s 250th anniversary. Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) is commemorating these milestones with this Creative Capitol Colorado’s Fourteeners Exhibition showcasing the natural beauty of Colorado’s unique landscape with an exhibition of prints of 53 watercolors of Colorado’s fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet). The Exhibit will be on display through July 31st, 2026 from 8am – 5pm at the Colorado State Capitol Monday – Friday.
At the reception, local Denver artist Mike Wilson shared stories from his experiences hiking Colorado 14ers and answered questions about the inspiration behind his watercolor collection. He described the creative challenge of capturing the distinct character of every peak, including broad, less dramatic summits like Mount Massive, and making each one compelling on canvas.
After completing the full watercolor series, Mike decided he wanted to donate the artwork to a nonprofit that could to use the pieces to further its mission. Cottonwood Institute Founder and Executive Director Ford Church admitted that when he was approached about this opportunity, he was initially reluctant to accept such a gift, joking that selling artwork is not part of his job description. The partnership has proven to be a great fit, though, creating a unique source of funding that helps connect more young people with life-changing outdoor experiences.
All the artwork featured in this exhibition is available for purchase as high-quality reprints, and proceeds from these sales will go to Cottonwood Institute to aid in their mission to help break down barriers to get more kids into the outdoors who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, and to inspire them to be leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers in their communities.
If you’re feeling motivated to get outdoors yourself this summer for a group hike of a Colorado14er to help celebrate these anniversaries, read about upcoming opportunities below.
The Colorado 14er Climb: Summit 2026
The 14er Climb: Summit 2026 is a signature initiative of the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, in partnership with the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), honoring Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood and America’s 250th anniversary. Taking place on Colorado Day, August 1, 2026, the initiative is inspired by Colorado’s iconic peaks and outdoor legacy, inviting Coloradans to celebrate the mountains, landscapes, and outdoor experiences that shape our state — whether by joining a climbing team or finding their own 14er adventure.
Inspired by the 1976 Centennial 14er Climb, Summit 2026 reimagines the historic effort with a focus on responsible recreation, environmental stewardship, inclusive participation, and respect for the Tribal Nations who have long held connections to these lands.
Experienced team leaders have been identified for each peak, with public spots available through a lottery system to ensure a fair and accessible process for interested climbers. Participants will be matched with teams based on skill level, experience, and peak requirements to support a meaningful experience centered on responsible recreation and managed risk. Read more about the initiative and enter the lottery to join a climb here.
Cottonwood Institute, CCI, and OREC acknowledge that the Colorado 14ers are located on Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute, and Pueblos land, who are the original stewards of this beautiful state. There are many ways to enjoy the Colorado mountains and 14,000 foot peaks. Enjoy these peaks in whatever way feels comfortable, but please protect them!
