Winston Publishing

34 Western Heritage Artists Footprints on the Trail Art Show western heritage artists - footprints on the trail art show A By Holly Matkin lively lineup of energetic artists is looking forward to welcoming you to this year's Western Heritage Artists (WHA) Footprints on the Trail Art Show at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. "It is more than just an art show," says WHA Secretary Shelley McClellan. "It is an extended family of artists gathering together every year to create amazing pieces for their patrons and everyone to enjoy!" Visitors to the WHA Footprints on the Trail Art Show will find an eclectic, generally contemporary collection of artworks in a variety of genres, including photography, paper art, wheat weavings, earth art, mixed media, woodcrafts, metalworks, stained glass, wood burning, sculptures, batiks, leather, and much more! The plethora of richly-varied artwork available at the WHA show is exactly what keeps people coming back year after year. "Our diverse list of artists demonstrates a wide range of styles and mediums," Shelley notes. "We're all just chomping at the bit to see each other and to have fun!" Now in its 40th year, this event has been deemed the longest continuously-running show at Western Art Week. Self-taught artist Don Lorang has been with the group nearly every step of the way. "I've been with the show for 12 years, but I did my first show with the group in 1983," Don recalls. Don, a lifelong rancher born and raised in Montana, started out with pencil drawings before he began painting in gouache and dabbling in watercolor and acrylics. He retired from ranching in 2015, allowing him to pursue his love for creating as a full-time venture. Today, he primarily works in oils, creating exquisite Western landscape and wildlife pieces, as well as romantic snapshots of historic Native American encampments in their picturesque surroundings. Don says he's looking forward to showcasing his painting, "Free Flight," which features Canadian geese. "I used a muted pallet to achieve a more atmospheric painting," he explains. Above all, Don is excited to chat with art enthusiasts and to meet up with his fellow artists during the year's Special Edition Western Art Week. "I enjoy seeing the new work of other artists and greeting visitors to our show," he says. "We have a free, friendly show and welcome interactions with visitors." The non-profit WHA was founded in 1981 by the late artist and educator Beverly Tietjen and a group of like- minded creatives. Today, the organization is comprised of more than 60 members from across the United States and Canada. Their shared artistic bond continues to guide the group year after year as they introduce their latest work to the world. "I've made so many friends at the show – both artists and patrons – and I love renewing those friendships each year," WHA artist Diane Anderson says. "I see some of these people only at this show!" The laid-back, family-friendly vibe of the event is part of what Diane enjoys most. "We have a fun, friendly show and I want people to know they can have a 'no pressure' visit with the artists," she says.

• Cover