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Western Art Week in the Electric City
Art Lovers Share an Adoration for Western Culture, Style, and History
By Shannon Ruckman
his year's Western Art Week promises an art adventure for everyone,
with 14 events scaered across the Windy City and nearby towns.
"It's really happening," says Rebecca Engum, Visit Great Falls Montana
executive director. "It's been a bit of a rocky road geing back on track for
Western Art Week, so the fact that people will be able to experience shows
and events in March 2022 is exciting."
Western Art Week was canceled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
e show commiees have adapted their shows for public safety to enable
Western Art Week to continue this year.
"Each show has a different layout, a different vibe, different art," says
Engum. "It is an amazing experience."
Western Art Week occurs in March to celebrate C.M. Russell's birthday.
It began as an art auction to raise funds for the Great Falls Advertising
Club. Farm auctioneer Jack Raty auctioned 78 pieces of art in the Rainbow
Hotel in March 1969, according to founder Norma Ashby-Smith.
Today, Western Art Week fills four days with art celebrations with events,
shows, sales, and competitions with up to 800 artists in venues in Great
Falls and Ulm, Mont., where people from across the United States and
Canada aend. e 52nd Western Art Week is March 16-20, 2022.
Western Art Week is a celebration of C.M. Russell's birthday, drawing art lovers from all over the country with a shared adoration for Western
culture, style, and history.
Expect the unexpected, with art matching your style at every price point.
Interact with artists and marvel at their skills as they create custom
works at various events during the week.
