Winston Publishing

62 • portfolio portfolio WILD BUNCH ART SHOW A Celebration of Western Art, Craftsmanship, and Camaraderie The Wild Bunch Art Show The Wild Bunch Art Show at the Hampton Inn offers collectors and enthusiasts a more intimate, focused experience, trading the vast, sprawling layouts of larger exhibitions for a warm and welcoming atmosphere. is carefully curated event fosters camaraderie among artists rather than competition, creating a seing where creativity thrives and friendships flourish. "What I love about our show is that there is no competition between the artists; everybody is rooting for everybody else," says Janet Moczar-Buti, who, alongside her husband Jim, has taken the reins of this year's show from longtime organizer Nadine Pickthorn. "It's just a nice, friendly, relaxed atmosphere where everybody gets along and everybody has their own unique style," Jim adds. e couple remains commied to preserving the show's intimate scale, primarily showcasing a core group of artists while remaining open to fresh talent that complements their vision. Jim and Janet Moczar-Buti are accomplished fine art painters, primarily working in oils, though they occasionally explore acrylics. Beyond their individual artistic pursuits, the couple has developed a rare and harmonious creative partnership. "We both paint individually on our own pieces and then we collaborate on our pieces as well, which I think is prey unique," Janet explains. "We will work the whole piece together. ere is not one piece of the painting that both of us haven't touched." Despite their distinct artistic sensibilities—Janet's leaning toward the contemporary and Jim's rooted in realism—their collaborative works achieve a seamless fusion of both styles, resulting in pieces that are as cohesive as they are dynamic. Another returning standout at the Wild Bunch Art Show is master wood sculptor Ken Acton, whose work captures the untamed beauty of the West with remarkable depth and precision. Largely self-taught, Acton has spent over 40 years refining his distinctive approach—carving intricate wilderness scenes from a single piece of wood, relying solely on its natural colors without the use of paints or stains. Starting with a burl or slab, Acton transforms raw wood into striking, three- dimensional dioramas featuring elk, moose, or cowboys on horseback, all framed by naturally occurring elements like trees, bushes, and deadfall. "I just remove the wood that I don't want there," Acton explains. "I know so many woodcarvers say that very thing, but it's true." For Acton, this subtractive method is what defines true sculpture— removing material until the subject emerges. His process is meticulous, oen requiring the use of dental bits, Dremel tools, and grinders to achieve the fine details that bring his scenes to life. e organic, irregular edges of the wood dictate the composition to some extent, creating a natural border that enhances each piece's authenticity. "Everybody mentions that I must have a terrific amount of patience. And I think I have developed some patience with it, but my wife will aest that I'm not a real patient person," he adds with a laugh. Beyond his signature relief carvings, Acton also sculpts coonwood bark, preferring to work with an X-Acto blade and an old Buck pocket knife— a tool choice as Western as the subjects he depicts. For those seeking an art show with heart, crasmanship, and a welcoming atmosphere, e Wild Bunch Art Show is well worth the trip. As Janet Moczar-Buti aptly puts it, "It's worth the drive." By Colter Pedersen WILD BUNCH ART SHOW Show Schedule Thursday, March 20 Show Opens | 10 am - 8 pm Friday, March 21 Show Opens | 10 am - 8 pm Saturday, March 22 Show Opens |10 am - 8 pm Hampton Inn 2301 14th St. SW Wild Bunch Art Show Artists Acton, Ken Buti, Jim Doyle, Ma Ellen, Michelle Guenthner, Ma Harr, Pam Hoff, Jeff Moczar-Buti, Janet Ochsner, Leann Oshsner, Larry Paulsen, Ilene Pickthorn, Nadine Renner, Jeff Skibstad- Huntzicker, Lois From a simple burl or slab, artist Ken Acton skillfully carves intricate three-dimensional scenes, bringing elk, moose, and cowboys on horseback to life. The Wild Bunch Art Show at the Hampton Inn offers a carefully curated layout that showcases a diverse array of artwork, fostering camaraderie rather than competition. With each vendor's unique style on display, the show highlights creativity, friendship, and the passion behind every piece.

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