Winston Publishing

16 • portfolio outwest art show & sale he Out West Art Show and Sale promises to celebrate today's and inspire tomorrow's artists with an action-packed schedule during Western Art Week. More than 70 of the nation's finest artists and galleries have convened in the French Quarter and convention center of the Heritage Inn, located at 1700 Fox Farm Road in Great Falls, to show and sell their art, visit with art enthusiasts, compete in events and participate in art lectures, says Johna Wilcox, board chairman, Out West Art Show and Sale. "In the past, we were on two floors, in the backs of rooms and in the hallways," she explains. "We are changing it up in response to COVID - some people feel more comfortable in booths than rooms – and for those who have difficulty using stairs. We are now in all the rooms on the first floor, poolside; the new flow and footprint of the show will encourage visiting with artists and movement throughout." Beer flow and movement enable visitors to participate in the many events scheduled throughout the week, including quick draw competitions, art auctions, and quick finish contests. In the Quick Draw event, artists start with a blank canvas and have one hour to finish a piece of art. However, in the Quick Finish event, the artist begins with an outline or drawing and has one hour to complete the artwork. e family-friendly Paint-A-Round is a popular event. "In the Paint-A-Round, each artist starts with a blank canvas and gets 10 minutes to work on it before passing it to the right," explains Wilcox. "By the time you get to the end, every participating artist will have touched that artwork. What started out as a bison may end up being a moose." Artwork from each contest is then sold in the auction. e Paint-A- Round artwork is sold through a draw – meaning people put their names in a bucket and one name is drawn; all pieces sell for the same fixed price, explains Wilcox. "It can get rowdy sometimes and is always entertaining," she says. "e audience also gets to choose the People's Choice Awards, where the patrons vote, and auction audiences select the artwork that resonates with them most." e Out West Art Show and Sale is Western Art Week's only non-profit show. e Out West Art Show and Sale showcases painters and sculptors from the United States and Canada. It is an event produced by the Out Out West Art Show & Sale Fine Art, Audience Participation Headline Out West Art Show & Sale By Shannon Ruckman T Mimi Grant - Avalanche Sun • 36" x 24" Oil

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