On the Web
December 18-January 24
Clyde Steadman, Composition in Yellow and Blue, oil, 12 x 24.
The American West has long been a subject of fascination for artists working in a range of genres, mediums, and styles. In fact, though we usually know what to expect when it comes to classic depictions of the West, modern western experiences often prompt new and unexpected interpretations that surprise and delight viewers. For this reason and others—including its exemplary roster of established and emerging artists—the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale is known for impressing visitors year after year with its cutting-edge offerings. “I have collectors and artists alike who say to me, ‘This is my favorite show, because I have no idea what I’m going to see every year,’” says curator Rose Fredrick. “And I absolutely love being able to do that for people.”
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- Diana Woods, Bruno and the Fireflies, oil/cold wax, 48 x 36.
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- Joel Ostlind, Coffee From the Hills, acrylic, 12 x 12.
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- Jay Moore, Winter Reflections, oil, 18 x 24.
Traditionally, the show opens in early January at the National Western Complex in Denver, CO, as part of the National Western Stock Show. With the postponement of the 2021 stock show, however, the latest edition of Coors is moving to the digital world. It opens online on Friday, December 18; the auction, which is held via the Handbid platform, closes at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5. That evening, in lieu of the usual Red Carpet Reception, a virtual gala takes place that will be short, lively, and fun, promises Fredrick. Also on the event schedule are a number of lunch-hour Zoom conversations with the artists moderated by Fredrick (check the event website for registration details). All unsold works remain for sale on a first-come, first-served basis through January 24.
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- Quang Ho, Reverence, oil, 30 x 30.
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- David Grossmann, Forest Veil, oil, 40 x 30.
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- Foster Grissim, Bluebell, oil, 48 x 72.
The exhibition—a showstopping collection of 350 western-inspired paintings and sculptures by 69 artists—is expected to be engaging. Among the group are many first-time participants, including Evelyn Gottschall Baker, Jay Moore, Chauncey Homer, Anita Mosher Solich, and Ouida Touchon. Returning artists include a number of past featured artists like Quang Ho, William Matthews, Karmel Timmons, and Sophy Brown. The entire group, enthuses Fredrick, is “bringing it. They are coming to the show with a lot of positivity, even though we are all struggling right now.”
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- Lisa Gordon, Reclining Jack, Sitting Jill, bronze, 22 x 12.
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- Louis Escobedo, Wild Pony, oil, 12 x 16.
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- Evelyn Gottschall Baker, Balance, kiln-formed glass, 9 x 11.
By way of example, Fredrick points to the fused-glass sculptures of Colorado artist Evelyn Gottschall Baker. “What Evelyn is doing with glass is so fascinating to me,” she says. “I love the conversation about glass; it’s really fragile but also very strong and durable, like the human spirit.” Meanwhile, in her dynamic acrylic paintings, Sophy Brown continues to explore equine imagery with a mix of bravado and intimate self-reflection. “All of Sophy’s work is self-portraiture,” notes Fredrick, pointing to pieces like Brown’s expressive COVERAGE, which portrays a horse wearing a gas mask, among other things. “She is directly speaking to the times and how it’s affecting her,” she adds.
Not to be forgotten are the up-and-coming stars on the roster, including Sean Michael Chavez and Jared Brady, who share their own unique perspectives worthy of recognition. “I feel like our niche [at Coors] is to bring young, complete unknowns to the attention of collectors,” says Fredrick. For a national art show, she adds, “I think it’s a cool thing, and a fearless thing, to do.” —Kim Agricola
contact information
303.291.2567
www.coorswesternart.com
This story appeared in the December 2020/January 2021 issue of Southwest Art magazine.