Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1470865
SIGNATURE MONTANA | 57 Join us at The Russell, the premier fundraiser for the C.M. Russell Museum. Widely recognized as one of the most prestigious and fun western art events in the world, The Russell offers competitive bidding for significant works by highly acclaimed historic and contemporary Western artists, entertaining events, and an all-new artist exposition featuring over 100 artists. Remote bidding options will be available for the auctions. MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US! EXHIBITION, AUCTIONS, AND ARTIST EXPO AUGUST 18–20, 2022 Now featuring the lowest buyers premium on contemporary works in the industry at 12%! * Much more than a Western art exhibition and sale, The Russell is a Western art experience! 400 13th Street North | Great Falls, Montana (406) 727–8787 | therussellsale.org *Payment by cash/check. Historic pieces purchased with cash or check realize a premium of 12–17%, the most competitive in the market. Carol Hagen is a distinguished member of the C.M. Russell Skull Society of Artists. THE RUSSELL 2022 HIGHLIGHT: Carol Hagen, Medicine Bear, oil, 36.74 X 44.5 in. 2022 Signature MT Summer HP Ad.indd 1 4/21/22 4:15 PM Just a year aer it opened, the hotel's fortune shied. e completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad to Helena, bypassing Fort Benton in favor of nearby Great Falls, brought an end to the steamboat era and the decline of Fort Benton and the Grand Union Hotel. Like a shooting star, the hotel blazed brilliantly and magnificently but fizzled shortly aerward. For the next century, the hotel would rise and fall several times with 18 owners before the Gagnons became custodians of this important piece of Montana history. e couple was a perfect match for the aging hotel that now was a shadow of its original glorious self. ey brought their Montana sensibility and integrity and the sophistication and worldliness of an international lifestyle to the challenging project. e Gagnons were commied to an authentic restoration and teamed with the U.S. Parks Department, the Montana State Historic Preservation Office, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation resulting in an award-winning restoration. Cheryl and Jim visited historic Montana hotels and met with their owners to gather information and skills in restoring and operating the Grand Union Hotel. It was important to Cheryl, who is a perfectionist, to do things right, and she admits, "ings kind of snowballed." Jim kept his position as CFO and Director of the Hong Kong-based company to help finance the costly restoration. The original staircase presents a dramatic entrance to the two stories of rooms in the hotel. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Union