Great Falls, MT
Best Western Plus Heritage Inn, March 14-17
This story was featured in the March 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art March 2018 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
As part of the expansive Western Art Week that takes over Great Falls, MT, every March, the Out West Art Show & Sale returns with opportunities to purchase work from some of the biggest names in the western art world. The event, which takes place at the Best Western Plus Heritage Inn, features work from more than 100 individual artists. The festivities begin on Wednesday, March 14, with a gala opening ceremony and launch party from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees get their first taste of offerings from the main exhibition as well as previews of work offered in the Montana Miniature Auction and the 14 Squared Small Works Auction.
The small works show is new to the event this year and features more than 20 paintings and sculptures with dimensions no larger than 14 by 14 inches. Attendees can view the work in the days leading up to the live auction, which is held in the Russell Room on Saturday, March 17, at 4:45 p.m. On both Friday and Saturday, artists participate in Marty’s Quick Finish events. Artists are given one hour to complete a work of art. These pieces are also for sale during the auction in the Russell Room.
Throughout the event, live music plays around the courtyard artrium as both sculptors and painters give live demonstrations. The Missouri River Dance Company returns this year to perform traditional Native American narrative dances on Saturday at 6 p.m. Visitors can peruse the artwork in the show, as well as additional artwork provided by attending galleries. Those participating in the event include Dana Gallery, Samarah Fine Art, Frame of Reference Fine Art, Wrangler Gallery, and Altamira Fine Art. The galleries feature work from more than 100 additional artists in their individual booths.
Another highlight of the event is the Young Masters program, which brings local high school art students in to learn from master artists. Students attend workshops on Thursday to study color theory, types of sculpture, and painting techniques for both oils and watercolors. Their instructors are Rob Akey, Christy Daniels, Meagan Abra Blessing, and R. Tom Gilleon, who also bring their own work for the exhibition. Earlier in the month, students submitted work that was juried for a small show hosted by Embark Credit Union. Visitors to the show voted on the work, and awards are presented on Friday, March 16, at 2 p.m.
Patrick Sullivan, managing director for the show, says the organizers aimed to change the lineup of events this year to make them more accessible to people who can only attend later in the day. He said the organization also works to include many younger artists with new and different styles. “We really hit the mark when it comes to all aspects of art. Yes, we are focused on western art, but we have many artists who are capable in other subjects as well,” Sullivan says. “It’s an art mall, and you can walk in and find something you like in every part of it.” —Mackenzie McCreary
contact information
406.564.8669
www.outwestartshow.com
This story was featured in the March 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art March 2018 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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