Official Guide to Art Week Great Falls, Montana March 15th-19th, 2023
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1219974
10 • portfolio here is a plethora of reasons why art lovers from all over the country keep coming back to Great Falls to celebrate Western Art Week every year – and all of them revolve around a shared adoration for Western culture, style, and history. Over a period of five fast-paced, awe-inspiring days in March, the "Electric City" truly transforms into the "Western Art Capital of the World," says Great Falls Mayor Bob Kelly. The celebration, which will take place March 18-22, is held in tandem with famed cowboy artist C.M. Russell's birthday on March 19. The gathering provides art lovers with access to a wide variety of art created by over 800 artists – all in one town! "Great Falls is a basecamp for artists, galleries and patrons," Mayor Kelly adds. "You will find a variety of artwork that has been inspired by the West and captures alluring landscapes, rugged independence, tenacious adventures, and majestic wildlife." "We have more artists and artwork than anywhere else in the Northwest," says Chuck Fulcher, who coordinates the Great Western Living and Design Show and is also a contributing artist to this year's Russell auction. "Fifteen shows, hundreds of artists, and thousands of works of art – they estimate over $8 million dollars' worth of art is sold in just four days during Western Art Week." The excitement and energy in the air during the celebration cannot be overstated, but it's something you have to see to believe. "All the restaurants are full, traffic is packed, bars are hopping, and there are tons of cowboy hats and Wrangler jeans," Fulcher notes. "You just have to experience it!" Lynn Contway, wife of the late bronze sculptor and painter Jay Contway, says that the events of Western Art Week have been a catalyst for keeping art alive in many other communities over the past five decades. "When Norma Ashby began the Great Falls show, I don't think she had any idea that she was creating a model Experience Western Art Week The Celebration You Have To See To Believe T By Holly Matkin