Tucson, AZ
Mountain Oyster Club, November 20-January 14
Francois Koch, Oak Creek, oil, 14 x 18.
This story was featured in the November 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
This month, the Mountain Oyster Club throws open its doors to the general public for its 47th annual Western Art Show and Sale. “It’s a western show, but it’s contemporary western,” says show director Alisha Taylor. “We have an eclectic range of artwork in subject matter and style, a good mix of contemporary and traditional.” This year’s event features some 400 artworks from 250 artists, including longtime participants John Fawcett, Don Weller, and Ken Rowe, along with more recent additions, including scratchboard artist Cathy Sheeter and drybrush watercolor and acrylic artist William Haskell. “We take pride that we exhibit not only established artists but also emerging local artists,” Taylor says. “Some of these artists really got their start with us.”
While club members have a private showing of the collection on Saturday, November 19, the general public is invited to attend a cocktail party and artists’ reception on Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m. During the event, four artists complete a two-hour Quick Finish, putting the final touches on artworks begun prior to the show and speaking with attendees about how and why they do what they do. These works are included in the sale, which takes place that evening. Tickets for the reception are available from the club.
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- William Haskell, Arizona Journey, acrylic, 14 x 18.
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- George Lockwood, Settled In, acrylic, 12 x 24
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- Stephen C. Datz, Honeybee Canyon, oil, 20 x 30.
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- Tim Harmon, Hitchin’ Rail, bronze, 9 x 18 x 12.
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- Cathy Sheeter, Ocotillo Outlook, scratchboard, 10 x 8.
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- Francois Koch, Oak Creek, oil, 14 x 18.
South African-born painter Francois Koch has been attending the show for nearly a decade. “This is one of the nicest shows to attend. They bring in artists who aren’t necessarily established, and it gives them exposure,” Koch says and is quick to add, “The jurors are quite picky about what they accept, but they give the opportunity. Pricewise it gives a nice range of works.” Koch brings two landscapes to this year’s show, each portraying favorite subject matter: a river scene of Oak Creek in Arizona, and a rural farm scene in Utah.
California wildlife and landscape painter George Lockwood has participated in the show for more than 25 years. “I am really looking forward to it,” he says. “I’ve sold works to people from all over the United States at this show. They fly in for it. It’s a huge show and just keeps getting better.” Lockwood, who came into wildlife art by way of a hunting-guide career in Alaska, brings two or three pieces including SETTLED IN, depicting three American wigeon ducks.
Taylor reminds potential buyers that while the show and the club continue to evolve, bring your checkbook because they don’t accept credit cards. —Laura Rintala
contact information
520.792.0319
www.mountainoysterclub.com
This story was featured in the November 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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