Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Gibbons selects artist for capitol portrait

CARSON CITY – An artist from Washington state who painted the official portrait of former Gov. Kenny Guinn has been selected by Gov. Jim Gibbons for his portrait to hang in the hallway of the state capitol.

Gibbons said he chose Michele Rushworth of Sammamish, Wash., from the three finalists.

Rushworth has painted portraits of Govs. Gary Locke of Washington and James Geringer of Wyoming; Sen. Clifford Hansen of Wyoming and American ambassador to Ireland Michael J Sullivan.

She beat out finalists Ned Bittinger of Santa Fe., N.M., and John Ennis of Yardley, Pa. Forty-four artists applied and a panel of the state Arts Council named the finalists. The governor was free to select any of the 44.

The painting must be in oil colors and must be done in the same manner, style and size as the portraits of former governors.

Rushworth will be paid $17,500 for the painting and the frame, and $2.500 for travel expenses. The work must be completed by Dec. 17.

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