The 5 Best Artists

The natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains provides endless inspiration, but Steamboat Springs artists bring their own perspectives, techniques and creativity to the canvas, camera and printing press. From outdoor adventure photography to expressive paintings and intricate printmaking, the artists celebrated in Best of the Boat 2026 demonstrate the diverse talents that contribute to the Yampa Valley's thriving creative community.

Noah Wetzel || Noah Wetzel Photography

Capturing the excitement of outdoor adventure and the beauty of remote landscapes, Noah Wetzel specializes in action sports and nature photography. Based in Steamboat Springs, his portfolio includes skiing, mountain biking and dramatic landscapes, often incorporating sophisticated lighting techniques to photograph athletes and outdoor environments after dark. His work has earned international photography awards and has been exhibited in galleries around the world. Through The Wetzel Gallery, he offers fine art photography in a variety of formats, including archival prints, metal-mounted artwork and canvas pieces.

Jace Romick || Jace Romick Gallery

Steamboat Springs native Jace Romick draws on his experiences in rodeo, competitive skiing and western ranching to create fine art photography celebrating the American West. A former U.S. Ski Team member who competed internationally, Romick grew up on a ranch and later pursued rodeo competition. His photographs feature horses, wildlife, rodeo scenes and western landscapes. At his downtown gallery, Romick complements his photographs with custom frames he builds himself, using hardwoods such as alder and walnut, distressed finishes and traditional woodworking techniques. His background in furniture making brings an additional handcrafted element to the presentation of his artwork.

Simone White || Simone White Art

Landscape painting and environmental themes are central to the work of Steamboat Springs artist Simone White. Her artwork explores natural scenery, mountain environments and the relationship between people and the landscapes around them. Working in watercolor and other artistic media, White creates pieces that reflect her interest in the natural world. She is a member of the Eco Art Collective, a Colorado-based group of artists using creative expression to address environmental and climate issues. Her work has been exhibited at The Alley Gallery & Art Studios in downtown Steamboat Springs, including pieces incorporating reclaimed materials.

Jill Bergman || The Alley Gallery & Art Studios

Through intricate linocut printmaking techniques, Jill Bergman transforms familiar mountain subjects into detailed, hand-pulled works of art. Her illustrations and prints explore western landscapes, wildlife, storytelling and environmental themes, reflecting her connection to the natural world. Bergman carves designs into linoleum blocks and prints them using an etching press, sometimes adding watercolor or gouache to the finished pieces. In 2025, she co-founded The Alley Gallery & Art Studios in downtown Steamboat Springs with painter Ann Feldman. Her work also includes commissioned illustrations, public art projects and collaborative murals for organizations throughout the Yampa Valley.

Lance Whitner || Lance Whitner Studio

Bold colors, expressive forms and interpretations of natural light distinguish the landscape paintings of Steamboat Springs artist Lance Whitner. Working primarily in acrylics, she explores Rocky Mountain scenery and the relationship between color, movement and the natural environment. Whitner studied at the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C., and earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts with an emphasis in ceramics from the University of Colorado Boulder before transitioning to painting. Her work has appeared in regional exhibitions, public art installations and commercial projects, including artwork created for the Steamboat Springs school community. Her paintings offer colorful interpretations of the landscapes and outdoor experiences that have shaped her artistic career.

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