Show Preview | Buffalo Bill Art Show

Cody, WY
Buffalo Bill Center of the West, September 19-20

Luke Frazier, Gladiators, oil, 24 x 24.

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!

Participating in the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale has been a ritual for Wyoming painter Ann Hanson since 1990. “It’s a ‘homey’ kind of show,” says Hanson. “Everyone is really welcoming to the artists and the buyers. It feels like a family reunion.” The 33rd annual event, which benefits the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, takes place September  19-20 at the Center and is part of Cody’s annual Rendezvous Royale celebration. Just over 100 artists from around the country who create two- and three- dimensional work with a western theme were invited to be part of this dynamic event, which includes auctions, fabulous food, and a popular Quick Draw. This year’s Honored Artist is well-known landscape painter Jim Wilcox.

The live auction on Friday, September 19, features one piece of artwork from each of the participating artists. Most of these artists also donate a work to the  evening’s silent auction. “We anticipate 750 guests will be assembling in the big tent at 6 p.m. to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a wonderful buffet dinner before the live auction starts at 6:45 p.m.,” says the show’s director, Kathy Thompson. “Our auctioneer, Troy Black, is amazing. He can sell 15 pieces every  30 minutes.”

Saturday morning features a 9 a.m. champagne brunch and silent auction and the 10 a.m. Quick Draw in the Center’s Robbie Powwow Garden, where visitors can watch 45 painters and sculptors complete a work of art in one hour. “I was uncomfortable about doing the Quick Draw in the first years I was in the show because I’m such a detailed painter,” explains Hanson. “I decided to try it in 1995, and I’ve been part of it ever since. It’s still a little nerve-wracking, but after it’s done, I’m glad I did it.”

Terry Donahue, Autumn Excursion, pastel, 22 x 38.

A live auction of the newly created works begins at 11:30 a.m. “While there is only one winner of any piece of sculpture from the Quick Draw, multiples can be made in bronze and delivered to buyers at a later date,” says the chamber of  commerce’s director, Scott Balyo. “In the past we’ve sold up to 30 pieces of the  same sculpture because people have loved it so much.”

Artists who donate work to the Friday-night silent auction are invited to submit one piece for inclusion in the Miniatures Show & Wall Sale. These works are on display and can be purchased at any time during the show.

“This is going to be my first time in the Buffalo Bill Show & Sale, and I’m very excited,” says Waco, TX, pastel painter Denise LaRue Mahlke, whose painting of thermal pools at Yellowstone National Park titled STRING OF PEARLS is in Friday night’s live auction. “It’s been my longtime dream to be in this show.”  —Emily Van Cleve

contact information
307.587.5002
www.buffalobillartshow.com

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!