A Baca County self-taught artist, poet and knife-maker has been selected as the winner of the 2020/2021 Art on Parade People’s Choice Award.

The Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation, which sponsors the contest, announced that Bill Bunting’s 14-foot steel sculpture, “Raising Old Glory,” was chosen by Northglenn residents as the winner and will reside within city limits for years to come.

“I was happy, surprised and excited to learn I had won,” Bunting said.

The sculpture depicts a man and child –both wearing cowboy hats– raising the United States flag. Bunting said the inspiration came from those who have fought and died fighting for freedom.

The two figures in the sculpture reflect a poem on the base of the sculpture that Bunting wrote that connects present day to the past.

“It talks about the sacrifices that have been made by those who serve our country and telling the boy to never forget their sacrifice,” Bunting said. 

Aside from the joy Bunting felt when he learned his sculpture had been chosen by the Northglenn community, he said he was inspired that the voters felt the same patriotism he has.

“You see people burning the flag and acting anti-American all the time now, but I was really encouraged to see that there are still people who love this country as much as I do,” Bunting said. 

Currently, “Raising Old Glory” stands tall at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park in Northglenn and will remain there through May 2021 when it’s moved to a permanent location within Northglenn’s city limits.

Northglenn isn’t the only city that showcases Bunting’s work. He also has artwork displayed in Alamosa, Brighton and Longmont.   

Bunting said the best part of making sculptures, poems and knives is knowing that those who see, hear, or use his art appreciate it.

“I get more enjoyment out of other people enjoying my work than I do making a sale (or winning a contest),” Bunting said.