Featured Event | Quest for the West

Indianapolis, IN
Eiteljorg Museum, September 5-October 5

Robert Griffing, Coming Home, oil, 50 x 40.

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

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, IN, hosts the ninth annual Quest for the West Art Show and Sale, which features work by 50 of the finest living western painters and sculptors. “Many of the artists have been part of the show since its inception,” explains assistant curator  Johanna Blume. “They are invited to send up to four pieces each. We expect 180 works in the show.”

Painter Logan Maxwell Hagege participated in the show last year and looks forward to greeting old and new friends at this year’s event. “This is a wonderful chance for me to connect with people who haven’t seen my work before,” says the California-based artist. “I’ve created three paintings with Native American subjects for the show, including one of an older Native American man standing in a field of sagebrush at sunset.”

This marks the fifth year that sculptor Scott Rogers is participating in the show. He’s excited about exhibiting four pieces, in particular HASHKNIFE PONY EXPRESS because it represents a piece of living history. “It shows two riders and two horses delivering the mail,” he says. “What’s fascinating, and what a lot of people don’t know, is that a pony express still operates between Holbrook and Scottsdale, AZ, delivering 20,000 pieces of mail every year.”

Another work by Rogers, THE JURY IS OUT, depicts a court jury of men and women at a time in history when most American states would not allow women to serve. “Three territories—Montana, Oregon, and Utah—let women serve on juries in the 1800s, even though the East Coast states wouldn’t allow them to serve,” Rogers says. “I find that really interesting.”

Terry Isaac, Winter Warrior, acrylic, 31 x 24.

Quest for the West’s opening-weekend activities begin on Friday, September 5, with afternoon visits to the homes of local western-art collectors and an evening cocktail reception that celebrates a special exhibit of 30 oils by the 2013 Artist of Distinction, Donald V. Crowley. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, guests have an opportunity to meet the artists and view their work.

From 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, guests are invited to a panel discussion and question-and-answer session about the joys and challenges of creating and installing monumental sculptures. Among the artists participating is sculptor Doug Hyde. The reception and intent-to-purchase sale takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, followed by an elegant plated dinner and awards ceremony. After a Sunday morning continental breakfast at the museum, the Quest for the West exhibition opens to the public. Art that is not sold on Saturday can be purchased from the museum through October 5.

“Our guests tell us that what they love about Quest for the West, in addition to the fantastic art, is our Hoosier  hospitality, the friendliness of the staff and volunteers, and our wonderful food,” says Blume. “It’s a terrific way to spend a great weekend in Indianapolis.” —Emily Van Cleve

contact information
317.636.9378
www.eiteljorg.org

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