Show Preview | Weekend in the West

Evergreen, CO
Evergreen Fine Art Gallery, June 20-July 19

Walt Gonske, On the La Plata River, oil, 30 x 28.

This story was featured in the June 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art June 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

Evergreen Fine Art’s Weekend in the West Art Show and Sale is a dynamic event that brings together nearly 60 painters and sculptors from around the country for a western-style art experience. Festivities begin with an art opening and reception at the gallery from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20. Cowboy poet and guitarist Dean Himes entertains guests with traditional cowboy songs while hors d’oeuvres and drinks are served. Among the artists contributing work to the weekend event are painters Dave Santillanes, Walt Gonske, Michael Untiedt, Quang Ho, Doug Hall, Lindsey Bittner Graham, Edward Aldrich, and Nikolo Balkanski as well as sculptors Stephen LeBlanc, Karryl, and Pati Stajcar.

For this fourth annual show, Denver-area painter Graham expresses her passion for horses and the way they move in her painting MONEY RIDE, which was inspired by a visit to the world-renowned Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. “My husband, who used to be a professional rodeo photographer, helped me know what to look for as I watched the riders,” she says. “I especially liked this rider. The way he was positioned on the horse and the way they moved together made me feel that it was an award-winning ride.”

The bison in Aldrich’s painting HEAD OF THE HERD lives on a ranch an hour’s drive from the artist’s home. “I know this particular bison well,” he says. “A friend of mine owns him. I’ve been able to get within feet of him and really look into his eyes and see his power. Bison are majestic in an interesting way.”

Edward Aldrich, Head of the Heard, oil, 28 x 42.

HEAD OF THE HERD and MONEY RIDE are on display during the opening reception of Weekend in the West, along with more than 100 other artworks. The evening also features a silent auction of china plates designed by both area school children and professional artists. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the plates and artwork helps benefit art education and art appreciation in the local mountain-area schools.

Weekend events continue on Saturday morning as more than 30 painters set up easels in the gallery’s outdoor sculpture garden for a Quick Draw from 9 to 10:30 a.m. “Colorado’s largest Quick Draw and auction provides incredible opportunity for collectors to experience the thrill of watching artists create beautiful works of art in the magnificent mountain setting of Evergreen,” says Doug Kacena, director of exhibitions at Evergreen Fine Art.

At 10:30 sharp, the brushes are laid down. “It’s outstanding what these artists can do in 90 minutes,” Kacena adds. “Keeping to our western theme, they create everything from landscapes to still lifes.” Guests head to a nearby tent to enjoy a champagne brunch while the artists frame their Quick Draw works, which are sold in an auction immediately following the meal.

The opening reception, Quick Draw, and auction are all free and open to the public. Tickets are needed for Saturday’s brunch and can be purchased by contacting the gallery. —Emily Van Cleve

contact information
303.679.3610
 www.evergreenfineart.com

Featured in the June 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art June 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!