Official Guide to Art Week Great Falls, Montana March 15th-19th, 2023
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/797502
P.8 ~ PORTFOLIO > t h e r u s s e l l : t h e s a l e t o b e n e f i t t h e c m r u s s e l l m u s e u m TEXT BY AMY JOYNER Photos courtesy of The Russell T he Russell. The name could, and almost should, say it all for Western Art Week each spring in Great Falls. Yet, the congregating events C.M. Russell's legacy brings to various Great Falls locations this long-awaited week do deserve distinction of their own. The variety of old and new art seen during The Russell proves the mixture worthy of the vigorous applause received from visitors and art buyers. Surely, there would also be abundant approval from the consummate Westerner himself, Charles Marion Russell (1864–1926). "We are, indeed, The Art and Soul of the American West," says Jackie Slovak, C.M. Russell Museum senior direc- tor of external relations. "As the cornerstone of Western Art Week in Great Falls, The Russell: An Exhibition and Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum is not just an auction, but a true Western art experi- ence, spanning three days and culminating in the sure-to-ex- cite live auction Saturday night. Every year, we look for new ways to ratchet up the excitement, keeping the event fresh and fun for all," Slovak adds. "No one can ever predict what will happen and what the exciting surprise will be (at auction)," she says. "Whether it's a bidding war over a Russell Skull Society of Artists piece or a record sale of an important Russell historical work, The Russell never disappoints. "It starts with the Art Preview Party Thursday night, which is a great time for artists and collectors to network and renew old friendships - or start new ones. The event is held in the mu- seum … surrounded by the fabulous works to be auctioned off the next two evenings. Art in Action Friday morning at the Country Club brings alive the process of creating art during our quick finish event where 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the museum. First Strike Friday Night Live Auction is more casual than Saturday night, and there's always great live dancing music after the auction ends," says Slovak. "Following the Buffalo Run, the featured historical con- signment at this year's Live Auction, is one of Charles M. Rus- sell's most remarkable artistic achievements," Slovak adds. THE RUSSELL Sharing Russell's West With His Excellence