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appreciation for the museum team and celebrating
their successes will be even sweeter this year."
Figarelle's first year at The Russell Live Auction was
bittersweet as the Western art community extended
a warm welcome to the newly appointed executive
director but also bid him farewell. At the 2018
event, board chair Tom Petrie announced Figarelle's
upcoming ten month deployment with the Montana
National Guard. Major Figarelle left a few months later
to perform mission planning for the 495th Combat
Sustainment Support Battalion at the Bagram Air Base
in Afghanistan.
Figarelle's second year at Western Art Week began a
mere three days after his return plane landed. It was a
good week to be welcomed home by family, friends, and
the Western art community.
"Without a doubt, I could not have imagined a better
week to return home to Great Falls than Western Art
Week. I have found this community to be one that
doesn't just speak about authenticity, but reflects it and
lives it. I look forward to continuing to grow this family of
friends for years to come," said Figarelle.
The C.M. Russell Museum makes it easy to immerse
in a full Western art experience with both free-to-the-
public and ticketed events held March 19-21. Figarelle
notes that the enthusiasm really "percolates" on Friday
at the First Strike Auction featuring contemporary artists
and explodes on Saturday at The Russell Live Auction as
significant historical pieces are presented.
"When a piece like Charlie's 1894 oil 'Following the
Buffalo Run' is receiving bids on stage this year, well, let's
just say these events can't be replicated. I look forward to
sharing that energy with everyone in the room."
For more details on The Russell Exhibition and Sale to
benefit the C.M. Russell Museum, visit cmrussell.org or
call 406-727-1939.
