Out West Art Show & Sale

The Out West Art Show and Sale showcases the works of more than 140 of the nation’s top Western artists.

Adding to the festive atmosphere that is Western Art Week in Great Falls is the Out West Art Show and Sale, running March 18 to 21. Held at the Heritage Inn, the annual event brings together more than 140 premier Western artists.

During the show and sale, which is free to the public, each artist included in the show has their own “exhibition room” which is also transformed into a makeshift studio. During the four-day event, visitors can check out more than 110 of these rooms, view original artworks freshly made and chat with the artists directly. In addition, the event boasts eight gallery showrooms, quick draws, auctions and more.

Troy Collins is known for his landscape pieces, particularly his aspens, among other subjects like the figure or flags. “I’m excited to return to Great Falls and the wonderful hospitality that the city and our collectors afford us. My collection of available work will be hanging in Room 178 along with Jennifer Johnson’s paintings,” says Collins.

Artist Susan Ayer-anderson paints “with passion, realism, and a love for all things Western.” Her pieces in the show include a cowboy on horseback riding during dusk, titled Manzinita Sunset, and a portrait of a brown workhorse, Moment of Splendor.

“I like being diversified with my art, from

traditional paintings, painting on stone, or one of my most recent pieces, a bronze titled The Lawman,” says sculptor and painter Alan Snell. The artist will be located in Room 145 during this year’s show. In his other piece in the show, an acrylic, a group of bison graze beneath a dramatic sky foretelling a tumultuous storm.

Another artist whose work will be highlighted in the show is Robert Rodriguez, who brings a portrait of a genuine ’49er (the California

Gold Rush, not the football team), wrought in intricate detail.

A gala opening reception kicks off the event on Wednesday, March 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., with hors d’oeurves and live music. Other highlights include the Montana Miniatures Auction each day, Marty’s Friday Quick Draw on March 20 at 2 p.m. followed by a Quick Draw Auction at 3 p.m., and on March 21, a Quick Finish event at 2 p.m. (where artists have already started the piece) and a Quick Finish Auction at 3 p.m. Award presentations begin at 4 p.m.

Troy Collins, Unwavering Honor, oil on canvas, 24 x 36"

Troy Collins, Winter’s Garden, oil on canvas, 24 x 24"

Troy Collins, Beautiful Grace, oil on canvas, 30 x 24"

Robert Rodriguez, The 49’er - The Stories He Could Tell, oil on canvas, 28 x 24"

Susan Eyer-anderson, Moment of Splendor, oil on sealed birchwood panel, 18 x 24"

Alan Snell, Majestic Seven, acrylic on board, 17 x 42"

Alan Snell, The Lawman, bronze, 13½ x 7"

Julie Nighswonger, Waiting, oil, 9 x 12"

Susan Eyer-anderson, Manzinita Sunset, oil on sealed birchwood panel, 18 x 24"