Show Preview | Quest for the West

On the Web
September 11-12

This story was featured in the September 2020 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2020 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

IN NORMAL TIMES, the invitational Quest for the West Art Show & Sale draws as many as 300 art lovers and collectors who spend two days meeting and socializing with artists, as well as viewing and purchasing exceptional western art. Sponsored by the Western Art Society, the highly anticipated event normally takes place at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. But these aren’t normal times.

The 15th annual Quest for the West, set for September 11-12, is being held entirely online for the first time, featuring virtual versions of almost all of the show’s most popular and exciting events while postponing other elements until next year. The new format was prompted by uncertainty about continuing public health restrictions. Yet it comes with silver linings, including expanded opportunities for participation by collectors who otherwise, even without a public health crisis, might not be able to attend in person. And, without the space limitations of the museum’s galleries, artists are able to submit more pieces; the show features almost 200 new works.

“It’s such a wild year, and we didn’t want to pivot at the last minute, so we decided to commit ourselves to this virtual experience and give it all our attention and make it the best we can,” notes Johanna M. Blume, curator of western art, history, and culture at the Eiteljorg. What hasn’t changed this year is the number of invited artists—50 painters and sculptors—and the outstanding quality of their western-inspired works. All of the art will be viewable online at the show’s newly redeveloped website.

The site is the venue for all event-related activities, including registering to bid on artworks and to experience an array of online happenings. Registrants can take advantage of a personalized concierge service, which offers assistance with activities such as placing bids in the “luck of the draw” sales for both miniatures and larger pieces. Opportunities to meet and socialize with artists this year will take the form of Zoom cocktail hours, for which collectors sign up to interact with specific artists. Other digital extras include video interviews with artists and a Quest for the West online newsletter, with updates about new artwork as it is posted.

Many of the artists whose work has made Quest one of the most prominent national western art shows are in the lineup again this year. Among them: Robert Griffing, Daniel Smith, Krystii Melaine, Mian Situ, Howard Post, and Glenn Dean. New to the event this year are painters Bruce Lawes, Michael Untiedt, and Dean Mitchell and sculptor Paul Moore. Painter Roseta Santiago is returning to Quest after a year off.

Postponed until 2021 is the appearance of Academy Award-winning actor Wes Studi, who plans to be present at next year’s Quest instead. Meanwhile, many of the participating artists have been able to spend extended, focused time in their studios in recent months thanks to stay-at-home orders and event cancellations. “I think it’s really interesting to see the work that’s coming out of these times,” Blume says. “We always get top-notch art, but there’s some really incredible work coming to us this year.” —Gussie Fauntleroy

contact information
317.636.9378
quest.eiteljorg.org

This story was featured in the September 2020 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2020 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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