Winston Publishing

PORTFOLIO ~ P.21 > t h e g r e a t w e s t e r n l i v i n g a n d d e s i g n s h o w TEXT BY AMY JOYNER Show Photos By John K. Mercer Photography T he Great Western Living & Design Show coordina- tor says the myriad of art and collectibles at the event speaks to all the human senses. "It is meant to," adds Chuck Fulcher, who has been leading the show since 2013 during Western Art Week. Fulcher knows 'sight' is the primary sense visitors must use at any art show, but it is only the beginning at this vast presen- tation in MT Expo Park Pacific Steel & Recycling Four Seasons Arena. "You can't touch a painting, but you can touch this stuff. At the (Great Western Living & Design) show, you have a lot of opportunities to learn and feel – to be tactile," explains Fulcher, himself an artist. In 2006, he won the Tuffy Berg Award for Aspiring New Artist at the C.M. Russell Art Auction. "This (Great Western) is basically artisans showing non- traditional art forms like jewelry, and creating functional art," Fulcher says. He shares tidbits about the variety of sculpture, apparel, jewelry and furniture that can be experienced through touch during the show. One example is what's been created by Lakeside artist Steve Hanneford, who is again at the Great Western Living & Design Show again this year. Many who attend Western Art Week recall his hand-crafted furniture that is meant to be touched, and then remembered, Fulcher adds. "(From) a past show, people remember his rocking chair," Fulcher says. "You touch it, and it will rock itself. It is manufactured by hand, making his art his furniture. …Hann- eford always brings people in." For 2017, Hanneford again has his handmade chairs at the show in The Four Seasons Arena. Hanneford furniture is also calling to auction bidders again this year at The Russell on both Friday and Saturday. THE GREAT WESTERN LIVING & DESIGN SHOW See, Touch, Feel Western Craftsmanship

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