2019-03-01 Western Art Collector

Guide to Collecting Western Art In

GreatFalls

MONTANA

D

uring Russell Week, the modest town of Great Falls, Montana,

transforms into the Western art capital of the world—it’s a

celebration of Charlie Russell and Western art as a whole,

with events occurring all across the city. While part of that lineup, of

course, includes the C.M. Russell Museum’s annual Russell Exhibition

and Sale, another anticipated event is the Russell Skull Society of Artists

Suites held at the Mansfield Convention Center from March 21 to 23.

“[The Russell Skull Society is] very much ingrained in all aspects

of the Russell Sale and event. We originated the Russell Skull

Society of Artists to really promote and celebrate the top tier

of artists that have a longstanding history of participation in

the auction events to benefit the Russell Museum,” says Duane

Braaten, director of art and philanthropy at the museum.

This secondary event bolsters the energy and excitement

of the Russell’s main exhibition and sale; the Russell Skull

Society of Artists Suites literally surrounds the room in which

the auction is held. “Just visually, it reminds us why we’re

gathered together. We’re surrounding ourselves with art. The

creative spirits from Charlie Russell to the artists of today,”

Braaten says.

Currently, the Russell Skull Society comprises 23 artists,

ushered into the esteemed group for their artistic merits and

history of support to the C.M. Russell Museum, says Braaten.

Members include Joe Kronenberg, R. Tom Gilleon, Nancy

Dunlap Cawdrey and Chad Poppleton, among others, as well as four

newcomers: John Phelps, Don Oelze, Jennifer Johnson and Troy Collins.

“The exhibition suites are a really unique opportunity to come and

meet these artists all in one place...You can visit with these artists and

have a great story to tell about the artwork you just collected over the

weekend,” says Braaten. He adds that the Skull Society show and sale

offers collectors even more art purchasing possibilities throughout the

Event Preview

Elevating the Energy

The Russell Skull Society of Artists Suites is one of the highlights of

Western Art Week, giving collectors the opportunity view additional

works and have one-on-one interactions with artists.

Artist Andy Th omas talks with a collector in his booth at last year’s event.

An overview shot of the 2018

Russell Skull Society of Artists Suites.