Great Falls auctions draw art lovers
Published: March 3, 2009
Known as the biggest bash in the western art world, the C.M. Russell Auction turns 41 this year, and organizers promise another “enthusiastic, fun-filled, and hospitable event.”
The auction, held March 18-21 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.
Auction festivities begin on Wednesday, March 18, with the grand opening of more than 100 exhibit rooms and Charlie’s Birthday Party and Dance from 6-10 p.m.
Jack Weaver, who created the sculpture of Charlie Russell that has graced Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., for the past 50 years, will reflect on that accomplishment at 1 p.m. Thursday.
The C.M. Russell Museum hosts a reception and art preview from 5-7 p.m. that evening. The more than 300 works of art that will be sold during auctions on Friday and Saturday may also be previewed from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday at the museum.
Friday morning’s Chuckwagon Brunch and Awards Ceremony is followed at 1 p.m. by a free seminar, “Stories along the Path – Three Years Creating ‘The Bison: American Icon, Heart of Plains Indian Culture’” by Dr. Lynne Spriggs, who will discuss the museum’s monumental new exhibition.
The Quick Draw, one of the most popular events of the auction weekend, begins at 4:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday and gives auction-goers the chance to watch artists create original works of art in just one hour. The pieces are then sold before the main auctions, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Russell Museum.
Saturday’s highlights include a presentation by Chief Earl Old Person and the Blackfeet Indian Dancers at noon, and another free seminar at 1 p.m., “Impressions from the Wild” by Tim Shinabarger, this year’s Honored Guest Artist.
Since 1969, the Russell Auctions have grossed more than $28 million, generating over $5.5 million in donations from the Great Falls Advertising Federation to the C.M. Russell Museum. Quick Draw auctions have netted the museum more than $1 million since the inaugural event in 1977.
For tickets, contact the Great Falls Advertising Federation at 406-761-6453 or 800-803-3351; check out this year’s artwork at www.cmrauction.com.
Great Falls Native American Art Show, March 19-22
Approximately 50 Native American artists gather at the Mansfield Civic Center for the 27th annual show.
Works, ranging from paintings and beadwork to other traditional art forms, are on display throughout the event, all created by enrolled tribal members or documented descendents. Demonstrations, dancers, singers, drumming and concessions are also on tap.
Special events include a reception, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, an opportunity to meet the artists, 6 p.m. Friday; and awards and entertainment on Saturday. Doors are open from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
Call 406-452-3608 for details.
Western Heritage Artists Association Art Show, March 18-22
Thomas G. Lewis
The Western Heritage Artists host “Footprints on the Trail” at the Holiday Inn, featuring works by more than 60 artists. Explore paintings, bronzes, photography, sculptures and mixed media by visiting the artist gallery rooms on the first and second floors of the Holiday Inn.
Preview night begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday with entertainment 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 on Thursday evening, which supports the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, artists finish and frame works of art in just 45 minutes, followed by live and silent auctions, featuring auctioneer Fred Burrow.
The event also includes music by Jeni Dodd on Wednesday and Ken Overcast on Saturday, artist demonstrations, and a hands-on Ancient Art Activity at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Call 406-868-9649 or visit www.westernheritageartshow.com for details.
March in Montana Fine Art and Collectibles Show and Auction, March 19-21
Manitou Gallery 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, is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday 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.
Visit www.marchinmontana.com for details or call 307-635-0019.
Jay Contway and Friends Art Show, March 19-22
Great Falls artist Jay Contway invites several artists to join him for this annual show and sale at Montana ExpoPark’s Four Seasons Arena. Doors are open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Call 406-452-7647.
