Great Western Art Bash in Great Falls Known as the biggest bash in the western art world, the C.M. Russell Auction turns 40 this year, and organizers promise another “enthusiastic, fun-filled, and hospitable event.” The auction, held March 12-15 at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls, is a fundraiser for the C.M. Russell Museum. Since its inception in 1969, several other auctions and art shows have joined the line-up, turning the Electric City into a mid-March Mecca for western art lovers. C.M. Russell Auction, March 12-15 Auction festivities begin on Wednesday, March 12, with Charlie’s Birthday Party and the Exhibit Room Premiere, which allows art lovers and auction participants their first chance to view more than 100 exhibit rooms full of original art. The museum hosts a reception from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, with an opportunity to view 300 works of art that will be sold during auctions on Friday and Saturday. Friday morning’s Chuckwagon Brunch and Awards Ceremony includes the presentation of auction awards. In honor of the 40th anniversary, auction founder Norma Ashby presents a special seminar at 2 p.m. Friday detailing the event’s history, complete with videos and special guests. Guest artist Martin Grelle will talk about “Painting Development: From Concept to Completion” at 1 p.m. Saturday; both seminars are free. The Quick Draw, one of the most popular events of the auction weekend, precedes the main auctions on both Friday and Saturday and gives auction goers the chance to watch 12 artists create original works of art in just one hour. The pieces are then sold before the main auction, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Russell Museum. Since the first auction in 1969, auctions have grossed more than $24 million, generating over $5 million in donations from the Great Falls Advertising Federation to the C.M. Russell Museum. Quick Draw auctions have netted the museum $944,475 since the inaugural event in 1977. For tickets, call 406-761-6453 or 800-803-3351; check out this year's artwork at www.cmrauction.com. Western Heritage Artists Association Art Show, March 12-16 The Western Heritage Artists host “Footprints on the Trail” at the Holiday Inn, featuring works by more than 60 artists. Preview night begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday with entertainment by the Great Falls High School Jazz Band and awards for the juried show. Exhibit rooms are open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. During the Quick Finish Auction, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, artists finish and frame works of art in just 45 minutes; live and silent auctions follow, featuring auctioneer Fred Burrow. Proceeds support the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. The show also includes a free Lewis & Clark Seminar, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and demonstrations by artists. Entertainers include Jeni Dodd Friday and cowboy singer and yodeler Ken Overcast Saturday and Sunday. Call 406-868-9649 or visit www.westernheritageartshow.com. March in Montana Fine Art and Collectibles Auction, March 13-15 Manitou Galleries and the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction present this annual dealer show and gala art auction of fine art and western collectibles. The show, featuring more than 50 dealers, begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday at the Town House Inn. Friday and Saturday bring live auctions of original artworks by some of the best-known western artists, plus Native American bead- and quill-work, and cowboy items such as spurs, saddles, bridles and other gear. Absentee bids are accepted through March 7. Visit www.marchinmontana.com for details or call 307-635-0019. Great Falls Native American Art Show, March 13-16 Approximately 50 Native American artists gather at the Mansfield Center for the 26th annual show, which is highlighted this year in the March/April issue of Native Peoples magazine (on newsstands in late February). The show also inspired Gov. Brian Schweitzer to proclaim March 15 as Montana Native American Art Day. The governor’s proclamation reads, in part: “Native American art is an expression thousands of years old that is still heard, seen, and felt today through the talents of Indian artists in every art form imaginable. Their voices are here today in a vibrant cultural experience known as the Great Falls Native American Art Show. Their artistic expressions provide us an opportunity to broaden our understanding of Native people, to bridge cultural divides, and to creatively enrich our lives.” Works, ranging from painting and beadwork to other traditional art forms, are on display throughout the show, with activities, concessions and entertainment also on tap. Featured artist is “Keeper of the Stone” Wayne Gunville, and Blackfeet flute-player Troy De Roche is featured musician. Highlights include an artists’ reception, 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, and an awards ceremony and entertainment, 2-6 p.m. Saturday. Call 406-761-1371 or 406-216-2676. Jay Contway and Friends Art Show, March 13-17 Great Falls artist Jay Contway invites several artists to join him for this annual show and sale at Montana ExpoPark. The fairgrounds is also home to the Gun and Western Collectibles Show, March 13-15; call 406-727-8900 for details.

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