Western Masters Art Show, March in Montana, and The Russell: The sale to benefit the C.M. Russell Museum



Coeur d'Alene Galleries, Exhibit Room #292, Heritage Inn

 It's March, the sun is glistening on the melting snow, the air is brisk, and if you listen closely, you can hear the birds singing.  Oh, the optimism of Spring!  Unless you're in Arizona, then you're cranking up the A/C, throwing on your shorts and your sunglasses and slapping on sunscreen while you head to the golf course...Either way, it's a great time to go to Great Falls, Montana...pause for chuckle, and I apologize if I made you spit your coffee on your computer.  Actually, it really is a wonderful time to go to the self-proclaimed "Western Art Capital" and home of the legendary Charlie Russell, because it's time for the annual Western Art Week where they serve up good ol' western hospitality, quick draws, and art auctions.  There's so much to see and do, it takes a good 3-4 days to experience everything and even then, you may not get to it all.  Fortunately, I'm here to help you maximize your time and take advantage of all the great opportunities to buy art, saddles, spurs, guns and anything else you might want to barter for.  Not to mention, all the great people from artists to collectors to dealers.  Let's go on a Western Art adventure and I hope this helps you plan your weekend.  The only must-stop is room #292 at the Heritage Inn where you'll find me, Coeur d'Alene Galleries, and a terrific collection of new available works.  Here's a day-to-day breakdown of events:

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

• March in Montana at the Townhouse Inn:  Auction Preview 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Free to the public
• Western Masters Art Show at the Heritage Inn:  Exhibitor Rooms Open 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Free to the public

Thursday, March 17, 2011

• Western Masters Art Show at the Heritage Inn:  Exhibitor Rooms Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Visit with Galleries and Artists and enjoy 110 rooms of Western, Wildlife, and Traditional Art.
• St. Patrick's Day Social presented by Best Western Heritage Inn - 6:00 p.m.
• Free to the public
• March in Montana at the Townhouse Inn:
• Auction Preview 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Dealer Show 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Free to the public
• The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum (All Event Ticket is $175)
• Reception & Wall Sale at the C.M. Russell Museum:  6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  (Tickets: $60)
• Works are in the catalog and are sold by draw.

Friday, March 18, 2011

• Western Masters Art Show at the Heritage Inn:  Exhibitor Rooms Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Visit with Galleries and Artists and enjoy 110 rooms of Western, Wildlife, and Traditional Art.
• Exhibit Rooms are free to the public.
• Ree Drummond, national bestselling author and internationally known blogger on ThePioneerWoman.com gives a presentation and book-signing.
• March in Montana at the Townhouse Inn:
  (All Event Ticket is $175)
• Auction Preview 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Auction Begins at 12:30 p.m.
• Dealer Show 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Free to the public
• The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum
• Art in Action at Meadow Lark Country Club:  Brunch at 11:00 a.m. and Auction at 2:00 p.m.
• $25 unless you purchase an "All Event" ticket.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

• Western Masters Art Show at the Heritage Inn:  Exhibitor Rooms Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Visit with Galleries and Artists and enjoy 110 rooms of Western, Wildlife, and Traditional Art.
• Quick Draw featuring 12 artists:  4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.  Sale of quick draw pieces at 6:30
• Off the Wall Live Auction featuring 50-55 works from exhibitors for people in attendance only.  7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• March in Montana at the Townhouse Inn:
• Auction Preview 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Auction Begins at 12:30 p.m.
• Dealer Show 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Free to the public
•  The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum (All Event Ticket is $175)
• Brunch begins at 9:30 a.m. at the C.M. Russell Museum
• Live Auction begins at 11:30 a.m. at the C.M. Russell Museum
• Tickets are $125 unless you purchase an "All Event" ticket.

I hope this helps in planning your trip to Great Falls for Western Art Week.  It really is a one-of-a-kind event because of the availability of quality artwork, the opportunity to meet the artists, and the relationships you make with other collectors.  Not that my opinion matters, but for what it's worth, it would sure be nice if the Museum had their Live Auction in the evening like they used to, especially since March in Montana has always had their auction during the day.  There's a clean slate for Saturday evening, and it would give everyone an opportunity to attend both events.  While I'm at it, why not move the Museum's auction back to the Heritage Inn like it was for over 40 years, so it's even easier to enjoy all the festivities?  I'll see you in Great Falls, and remember, the fridge in room #292 at the Heritage Inn is always stocked, so stop by for a drink, some Western Art, and great time.