Southwest Artists League Silent Auction to Benefit Dolores Knowledge Bowl Team

Frances Wisner's oil painting "The Barn" and Curtis Moss's charcoal print "Lizard Head" headline a silent auction at Dolores Secondary School on April 17, with all proceeds earmarked for the Dolores High School Knowledge Bowl team's travel and competition expenses.

The Southwest Artists League, based in Cortez, organized the fundraiser in partnership with the Dolores RE-4A School District. Bidding opens to the public at 2 p.m. and closes at 6 p.m. at 1301 Central Ave. Donated works are valued at up to roughly $500, and the event will offer chili bowls for $5 and beverages for $1 during the four-hour window.

Knowledge Bowl is an academic competitive program that pits students against peers from across the region in subject-matter challenges, with participation tied to scholarship opportunities and inter-district recognition. For a school the size of Dolores High, community fundraising covers the travel and entry fees that the district budget alone typically cannot absorb.

The auction joins that financial purpose to a public showcase of regional art. Wisner and Moss are among the Southwest Artists League members who donated original work to the event, giving the league's artists an audience beyond Cortez while directing every dollar of auction revenue to the student team. The structure means buyers take home original regional art while the Knowledge Bowl program gains a direct line of support.

Residents who want to attend, bid, or contribute additional pieces can contact Knowledge Bowl coach Tyler Nielson at tnielson@dolores.k12.co.us or 970-882-7288. Southwest Artists League representative Theresa Goldstrand can be reached at 970-529-0206.