Winston Publishing

portfolio • 13 the russell: the sale to benefit the cm russell museum Restoration Complete: Step into Charlie and Nancy's World Historic Russell House and Studio re-open to public March 19 Angie Windheim " e may have Painters in time to come, that will be just as good as old Charley. We may have Cowboys just as good, and we may occasionally round up a pretty good man, But us, and the manicured tribe that is following us, will never have the Real Cowboy, Painter and Man, combined that old Charley was," as written by Will Rogers in his introduction to Charles Russell's book Trails Plowed Under. Russell made his mark as the art and soul of the American West and inspired friendships that have lasted beyond a lifetime. It is with the aid of heartwarming and generous support from the Great Falls community and friends across the country that the C.M. Russell Museum can now reveal the meticulously restored Russell House and Studio. Visitors can now walk through the very doorways that Charlie and Nancy crossed and feel their stories come to life. "We are immeasurably proud of the completed restoration. These spaces will give visitors a greater sense of the Russells' relationship and working lives with Charlie as the artist and Nancy as the business manager." said Curator Emily Wilson. "As we continue to interpret the Russell House and Studio, the spaces will help unveil individual stories of friendships that animated the Russells' social world, especially those with Native people." With the restoration comes a fresh, open access approach to touring both structures. Glass barriers have been removed so that walking through the National Historic Landmark is an interactive experience. Visitors can revel up close in the work of historic architect, Ken Sievert, who helped the museum uncover buried knowledge as to how Nancy and Charlie built their home, where they chose to splurge on elaborate features or pinch pennies, and more. The dedicated restoration team took many extraordinary steps to uncover authentic details that would make maintaining the historical integrity a long- term success. For example, the team was not content with a simple period appropriate wallpaper in the home. A scientific delve into the many layers of wallpaper was conducted to find examples of the first wall coverings placed in the home. The original pattern discovered was then color tested and the new wallpaper was custom hand stamped, ensuring the walls truly reflect what Nancy and Charlie chose for their home together. "Walking the halls of Charlie and Nancy every day was a once in a lifetime experience. The original craftsmanship of the woodwork in the parlor, living room, and dining room was top shelf and the contractors made it look absolutely beautiful," said Chuck Keen, Facility Manager during the restoration project. "Many organizations, families, and individuals have Russell works in their collections, but no one else has the house they lived in or the studio he worked in. I feel they are truly the crown jewels of our collection." The Russell House and Studio will be open to visitors starting March 19 with museum admission. Find hours and more information at cmrussell.org W

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