Winston Publishing

portfolio • 23 THE RUSSELL Seltzer's artistic roots trace back to his grandfather, O.C. Seltzer, a renowned Western painter and one-time protégé of Charlie Russell himself. "I was doing primarily a lot of historical Western subject maer," Seltzer recalls. "I was influenced by my grandfather's work, growing up with my grandfather's art hanging in the house." at passion for the past still fuels his creativity today. "I still love the historical Western scene, and I love history too—particularly the history of Montana and the Western experience—so I still do a fair amount of that subject maer," Seltzer says. "Montana is just so fantastic for a variety of landscapes. ere's just no end to the different things you can find that inspire you to paint." Jennifer Johnson has been a familiar name at e Russell for years, bringing her deep-rooted passion for art and the great outdoors to the event. Creativity runs in her family—her grandmother was an artist, and from the very beginning, Johnson followed in her footsteps. "I even have a photo of me wearing diapers painting with her," she says with a laugh. She always knew art would be her path, but the wide-open landscapes of America's national parks truly shaped her vision. As a child, she crisscrossed the country in a pop-up camper with her father, exploring forests, mountains, and rivers—experiences that continue to influence her work today. Now, Johnson is widely recognized for her breathtaking portrayals of national parks, each piece infused with personal memories and rich history. Her contribution to this year's auction, Queen of the Tetons-399, pays tribute to the legendary Grizzly 399, a conservation icon of the Grand Tetons. For Johnson, painting is about more than just capturing scenery—it's about telling the stories of the land and those who inhabit it. "I always try to be in the environment I want to paint," she explains. "I'm entranced with the '30s and '40s era when the first original screen prints for the national parks were done during the Depression." is year, she brings her artistry to Art in Action, where aendees can witness her creative process unfold in real-time. She will also showcase her work in room 240 at the Heritage Inn, offering visitors a chance to step into the landscapes that continue to inspire her brushstrokes. For those who walk these halls, shake hands over a bid, or witness an artist bring a canvas to life, e Russell is more than just an event—it's a homecoming. It's where history and artistry ride side by side, where new voices join an old tradition, and where the West isn't just remembered but reimagined with every brushstroke. And as the dust seles on another remarkable year, one thing is certain: the spirit of the West is alive and well, and it's here to stay. With a sharp eye and a quicker draw, the auctioneer and spotter work the crowd at the First Strike Friday Night Auction—where bids fly faster than a cowboy at full gallop and the West's finest art finds a new home!" Big hat, big dreams! This young cowboy proves that creativity knows no age at Art in Action, where the spirit of the West and artistic inspiration ride together.

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