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portfolio OUT WEST ART SHOW & SALE portfolio • 27 is connection to e Russell can be transformative for artists, a golden moment where careers ascend to new heights. "People's careers totally kick- off just by being in this auction," Jones says. "Last year, artist Tim Joyner had a piece that went for twenty-seven thousand dollars in the auction. Within an hour, his room was packed with patrons because they wanted to see what else he had," recounts Jones. "He had done really well before, but when you have a breakout piece, it creates quite a buzz." e Out West Art Show, a spirited celebration of Western artistry, has been reimagined this year, bringing a fresh twist to its time-honored traditions. Once home to both the Quick Draw and Quick Finish events, the show has bid farewell to the Quick Draw in favor of an expanded Quick Finish format. Now, over three thrilling days—ursday, Friday, and Saturday—artists will bring their visions to life in Quick Finish events, each followed by a lively auction. e change allows artists more time to showcase their skills, creating pieces that are both inspired and polished. "e artist is much more comfortable selling that piece instead of puing something out there that really is an hour sketch," explains Jones. "And, the patron is geing a much higher quality piece of work, for sure." Following each Quick Finish, an auction brimming with lively bids ensures these stunning creations find homes with collectors while also supporting the Out West Art Foundation, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to elevating Western art and nurturing its next generation of visionaries. Among the distinguished artists returning this year are Ron and Echo Ukrainetz, founding members and long-standing Out West Art Show contributors. Born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, Ron Ukrainetz has dedicated over forty years to his cra, earning numerous accolades and national recognition. A master of acrylics on engraved Claybord, Ukrainetz has been featured in esteemed publications such as Western Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur, and Western Art & Architecture. His artistic achievements include multiple Top 100 awards from PaintAmerica and Paint the Parks, as well as the 2020/2021 Legacy Award from the Out West Art Foundation. Reflecting on the journey of the Show, Ukrainetz says, "I feel honored to have been a part of its founding." When first accepted into the Russell Auction and exhibited at the Heritage Inn back in 1995, he was nervous about meeting expectations. Still, he realized, "e secret was to live up to my own expectations and continue to learn and improve," Ron shares. His dedication to the show and the broader Montana art community remains unwavering. "It was, and still is, an important show for artists, collectors, and the city of Great Falls," he says, adding that he is humbled by the support Echo Ukrainetz - On the Wings of a Butterfly • 33.5" x 30.5" Lost in the beauty of the West—A young art enthusiast takes in the stunning masterpieces at the Out West Art Show.

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