Winston Publishing

32 • portfolio Western Heritage Artist Association Art Show Footprints on the Trail By Heather Bode s Montanans, we've all witnessed it: a set of footprints freshly padded in the snow. You might be able to identify the prints on sight. But there are times when footprints catch us by surprise. You perch on the balls of your feet. Where did they come from? In what direction do they lead? You impress your hand next to one to gauge the size of the creature. It's time to investigate… Western Heritage Artists Association (WHA) invites you to explore their 37th annual show, qualifying them as the longest continuously operating art show at Western Art Week. It started humbly. As the popularity of the CM Russell Auction grew, more artists were interested in coming to Great Falls, and as a result, there needed to be more space for artists to exhibit their work. WHA was founded by volunteers and continues to be run solely by volunteers today. The variety of over 60 artists exhibiting at this year's show is remarkable. Hope Good, marketing director for WHA says, "We have perennial favorite artists, some who have been with us all 37 years. But we also have more than 10 new artists." Working in mediums such as stained glass, batik, pencil, oil on hardboard, metal, earth, and antler carving, as well as more traditional mediums, there's bound to be something at this show for every viewer. Good says, "All of us involved in the show continue to educate people about what's here because often people think, 'I can't afford original art.' Well, you don't know you can't afford it if you don't come and see the prices. Some IS affordable. I guarantee you CAN afford original art because not only do we bring in a variety of art mediums, we also have artists in a variety of price ranges." New this year is the Cat/Griz Wall Sale. Talk about footprints! Mary Michael of WHA says, "We like to have exciting things for people to do poolside and this gives western heritage artist association art show A

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