Winston Publishing

P.22 ~ PORTFOLIO > 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 But, Hanneford is only one of many Montana artists Fulcher has signed for the show. "We have a mix of state- wide artists, and statewide means local for our artists. We have artists represent- ing all Western states and Mexico," Fulcher says. He encourages interaction be- tween all artists and show visitors and says, "It's a nice opportunity for people who have read about the artists to meet them and see their work - and touch it." For see-it and touch-it clothing, visi- tors like the tables with cowboy boots by leatherwork pro Ryder Gautraux. Fulcher says, "This is something you are not go- ing to see anywhere else." A leatherworker for almost 25 years, Gautraux has spent 15 fine-tuning his coveted boots. He has been at The Great Western Living & Design Show since its first year. "I like the people here," the Wallace, Ida, craftsman says. "I go to just a couple other shows, but I love the tradition of the Charlie Russell event." The 42-year- old master adds, "I like that it's the only show in Great Falls that week that puts the emphasis on functional art." Gautraux is known for more than his boots, too. He tells of his "outlaw-inspired couch. "(It was) done as a tribute to the Dalton Gang that robbed two Kansas banks in one day." The collection's Elkhorn chair sold for $35,000, and the couch set brought $75,000, the artist adds. Like his highly sought furniture, Gautraux will not rush his boots. He says, "In a year, I can build 20 unique pairs and put so much energy into it. I create exceptional boots." His boot company operates as bloodsweatleather.com. Because the show uses the Four Seasons Arena to its fullest potential, the experience is not physically exhausting. Fulcher says, "The aisles are huge. …With 12-foot-wide aisles throughout the 33,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Great Western is handicapped accessible. "We have the big aisles and you don't have to go into a booth. You can go through (the show) and you can go back and have a conversation with someone if you really like their stuff. "Even though it's inside, it's Plein Air. You feel like you are outside." To enhance enjoyment during the event, Fulcher has again brought in Pollo Loco to play its energetic Western har- monies Thursday and Saturday evenings, as well as during Cowboy Church and subsequent breakfast Sunday morning. Fulcher says Sunday morning is relaxed, setting the tone for the final day of the March show. "Cowboy Church is just what it sounds like – non-denomination- al, casual wear, and in a non-traditional setting," he adds. The breakfast is a fundraiser for the Great Falls Lions Club, which cooks pan- cakes, eggs and ham on their four to five carts at the event, says club mem- ber Mark Willmarth. "We don't expect to make a lot of money from the breakfast, but anything from an event like this helps us out," Willmarth says. Their club regularly volunteers hours and money to support community parks, elementary school food programs and community vision services, he adds. GREAT WESTERN LIVING & DESIGN SHOW EVENT SCHEDULE Thurs. March 16, 2017 • 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.: Exhibit Room Open • 6- 8 p.m.: Live Music Celebration of Plains Indian with Pollo Loco Fri., March 17, 2017 • 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.: Exhibit Room Open • 6- 8 p.m.: Live Music Sat. March 18, 2017 • 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.: Exhibit Room Open • 6 – 8 p.m.: Live Music - Western Harmonies of Pollo Loco Sun. March 19 • 9 a.m.: Cowboy Church • 8-10 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast, proceeds to Great Falls Lions Club; Pollo Loco Singing Gospel Music • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Exhibit Room Open The Great Western Living & Design Show MT Expo Park Four Seasons Arena 400 3rd St. NW www.thegreatwesternshow.com The "Lazy Chaise" is made of American Black Walnut with Cherry Accents and covered in Buffalo by craftsman, Steve Henneford.

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