16 Feb Round Up: Western Art Week

Experience the art and artists of the West through a variety of art exhibits and events in Great Falls, Montana, March 15 to 19, designed to celebrate Western art in all its forms. Some signature events include:

March 16 – 18  |  The Russell Exhibition & Sale
Various locations  |  (406) 727-8787  |  cmrussell.org

A fundraising event to benefit the C.M. Russell Museum, featuring classic and contemporary Western art, including works from the Russell Skull Society of Artists, a group of distinguished painters and sculptors recognized for their efforts to keep alive the traditions of Charles M. Russell. This year, two new artists — Luke Frazier and Joe Kronenberg — have been welcomed into the society, joining 20 returning members. The Russell event features a Friday night live auction, live music, a cash bar, and food during artist suite hours.

March 16 – 19  |  The Great Western Living & Design Exhibition
Montana Expo Park  |  (406)761-0288  |  thegreatwesternshow.com

Touted as the largest Western living and design show in Montana, this four-day event features more than 80 vendors. The exhibition brings together some of the West’s top functional artisans, whose works include everything from custom furniture and cowboy boots to one-of-a kind household items and fine art. There also will be live music nightly.

March 16 – 18  |  30th Annual March in Montana
Elks Lodge #214  |  (307) 635-0019  |  marchinmontana.com

Manitou Galleries of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and The Coeur D’Alene Art Auction host this annual fine art and collectibles auction, featuring fine Western, sporting, and wildlife art and sculpture by deceased and contemporary masters, as well as cowboy and Native American collectibles. Thursday will be the preview day, followed by two days of auctions. One of the strengths of the sale will be the flat art, the best of which will be offered at Saturday’s session. Collectibles will include nine silver saddle rigs (several by Bohlin), a vintage Blackfeet war shirt, a Crow beaded martingale, circa 1900, an Ogallala Sioux beaded vest, circa 1890s, and Navajo weavings. A boutique dealer show will run in conjunction with the preview and auction sessions beginning Thursday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.