May 24, 2007 02:06 AM UTC

Gov. Owens' Portrait Unveiled

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• by: Colorado Pols

The official portrait of former Gov. Bill Owens was unveiled during a ceremony today at the state Capitol. According to a press release from Gov. Bill Ritter’s office:

“Gov. Owens served the people of Colorado with dedication for nearly a quarter of a century in a variety of capacities,” Gov. Ritter said. “From where I sit today, I appreciate the sacrifices he and his family made and all that he did in the name of public service.” 

“I’m grateful to have had the chance to serve the people of Colorado as governor for eight years,” Owens said. “I’m very proud that this portrait will hang near the Governor’s Office, and alongside the portraits of fine public servants who led our state.”…

…The oil portrait is the work of Colorado artist Bob Olson of Bow Mar. He is a renowned artist whose work is found in collections throughout the United States, England and France.  Olson worked from a photographic portrait done by prominent Colorado photographer Donn Bruns, who captured virtually every public event during Owens’ eight years as governor. 

The portrait of Owens, which was paid for with private funds, is hanging in the West Foyer of the Capitol near the Governor’s Office, joining the portraits of other Colorado chief executives. 

“For many years, some people wanted to attend the public hanging of Bill Owens at the Capitol,” Owens joked. “Today they had their chance.”

Click below to view the official portrait.