Winston Publishing

12 • portfolio ometimes Western art cannot be contained by a canvas or a sculpted bronze. It cannot be hung on a wall or set on a table. You have to wear it. You have to rock it. The C.M. Russell Museum is preparing the catwalk for the anticipated return of The Russell Runway Show: Wearable Art of the American West on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Meadow Lark Country Club in Great Falls. This year's event will continue its fun and light-hearted atmosphere while showcasing local and regional designers along with couture contributions by Montana Dreamwear, Meredith Lockhart and Lindsey Thornberg. A show highlight will be the auction of vests and shawls hand painted by artists of The Russell including Tom Gilleon, Colt Idol, Carol Hagan, and many more. Lockhart has been designing award-winning wearable Western art for nearly 30 years. She fell in love with the West as a teenager when she got her first horse and again when she married a farmer, settled into the beautiful countryside of Kansas, and has made clothing for major country music artists worn at award shows, in videos and on CD covers. "The designers on my team have all been artists in some way since they could hold a pencil and brush. Charles Russell and his art and the way he tells a story is a big influence. We draw from the richness of the colors of the West and the beautiful leathers and fabrics to tell our story through fashion and accessories," said Lockhart. Lockhart plans to bring fabulous one-of-a-kind fashions to The Russell Runway Show that will compliment Russell's art and ultimately benefit the C.M. Russell Museum when sold. A special Russell tribute jacket is being created for the runway. Thornberg's designs will be another opportunity to "get western" at the show. She designs her heirloom quality pieces to invoke the spirit of the West as she says, "few things highlight more strength and romantic ideals than the Old West." With a desire to keep warm and to have the most interesting jacket in the room, it is no wonder Thornberg chooses the colorful fabrics of heritage Pendleton blankets for her luxurious cloaks. She transforms them with careful attention to the play of each blankets pattern, the handmade detailing, and the fit and finish. The cloaks are worn as a statement pieces and wardrobe essentials by notable celebrities like Goldie Hawn and featured in fashion magazines like Vogue. Thornberg's family roots are local. She was born in Great Falls, her mother attended Charles M. Russell High School. Thornberg shared, "I love that my creations are bringing me back to Montana. I can't wait to see my grandmother's reaction when my cloaks are in Great Falls. It's so special." The Russell Runway Show benefits the C.M. Russell Museum's educational programing. Sponsors include Christina and John Blackwell, Gail and Mike Davis, D.A. Davidson and BNSF Railway. Tickets are $25 per person and include lunch. Information and tickets are available at cmrussell.org or by calling 406-727-1939. Get Western as Fashion and Art Collide on the Runway S the russell: the sale to benefit the cm russell museum

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