"THE RUSSELL" 2011

"TREASURES"

What a  RUSSELL it was for Greg this March.  We had been greatly anticipating the show due to  a very special submission in the Russell Live Auction.  Greg offered a one-of-a-kind sculpture, "Treasures of the Judith Basin".  "Treasures" brought a respectable $45,000 in the Saturday morning auction.  Greg was the third high selling artist coming in behind Charlie Russell and Andy Thomas.  The idea and concept for "Treasures" came to Greg on our way home from the Russell in March of 2010.  We thought of bringing something special and extremely unique back to Charlie's house the next year.  The beautiful execution of Charlie astride Red Bird created quite a buzz. The sculpture also depicts Charlie carrying his signature buffalo skull, stepping off an iconic Montana land formation - Square Butte - which Charlie often placed in his works.  The meaningful representation of Charlie and the bold decision to make the piece a one-of-a-kind was truly appreciated by the patrons.  "Treasures" will be able to be viewed in its new home by guests of the exclusive Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana.

C.M. RUSSELL HERTIAGE AWARD

In its second year, the Charlie Russell Heritage Award was presented to Red Steagall. The Charlie Russell Heritage Award is given to recognize significant contributions in interpreting and documenting Charlie Russell’s West. The award is a bronze sculpture designed by Greg entitled GET 'ER ALL DOWN and depicts Russell holding his signature buffalo skull, looking out over a Montana landscape accompanied by his one of his horses.  Red has been a long time cowboy poet, author, singer and songwriter telling tales of the West we love.  Many hours have been spent listening to Red in the studio and on the road.  The appreciation for his work goes well beyond our family.  The strides he has made in preserving our Western Heritage and the way things once were is treasured, and now honored by the C.M. Russell Museum. We were thrilled to see Red receive this award.

FIXED PRICE WALL SALE

Greg's sculpture, "Tryin' to Collect a Buck" sold the opening night of the show in the fixed price wall sale. Friends from Colorado accompanied us to the show and enjoyed the festivities throughout the weekend.  The Wall sale kicked it off for all of us with a beautiful evening at the Museum.

ART-in-ACTION

The fund raising art-in-action auction event has become a crowd favorite.  Patron's get to watch artists work for a few hours before their pieces are auctioned off as a benefit to to the Russell Museum.  Greg worked on an angus cattle piece, "In the Black".  Number one in the edition sold for $6500 in the charity auction.   The rest of the edition will be opening for sale in the next few weeks upon completion in clay. 

PRESENTATION TO KRUSE FAMILY

Greg presented Jesse Kruse's mother, Bonnie with a "Livin the Dream" sculpture on Saturday evening in our exhibit room.  Our sincere thanks go out to the Russell Museum for asking Greg to create this commemorative bronze of Jesse's World Champion Saddle Bronc title.  We also extend a special thank you to Jesse's family for their excitement, support throughout the project, supplying us with the reference material needed and for their gracious presence both years.  It is only fitting that Jesse has one of these pieces to call his own.

We were happy to visit with friends from near and far, many we only get to see once a year at the Russell events in Great Falls, Montana.  This year we were blessed to deepen some friendships and make some new ones.  On our trip home we were able to relax and soak in the weekend and the successes (both as personal and professional) the last year of commitment brought to us.  It is a satisfying feeling to know you have done what you were meant to do. The excitement at the show this year was an inspiration to keep working hard and have Greg give a loose rein to his artistic talents.  Thank you again to all our dear friends that lent support, encouragement and shared our excitement at this special show.

Mark your calendars and make plans now to attend the show next March 15-17, 2012.  We will keep you up to date with show schedules and ticketing information as the date approaches.

Until next time . . . Take care and God Bless!