The C.M. Russell Museum is proud to announce the official ribbon-cutting and public dedication of the Charlie Russell Rider Sculpture Garden on Saturday, July 7 at 10 a.m. The opening ceremony will include talks by members of the Charlie Russell Riders and special guest appearances by artists who created pieces for the sculpture garden.

The sculpture garden, a vision and project of the Charlie Russell Riders, will launch with four major bronzes: Bronze Buffalo by T.D. Kelsey; The Emperor by Dan Ostermiller, donated by Steven L. Rose; and Nose to the Wind by Joe Halko, donated by Margaret Halko, Michelle Halko Stivers, and Stephanie Halko Groux, and September, donated by the artist Michael Coleman.

The sculpture garden not only showcases beautiful sculpture, but also adds a new level of accessibility to the arts for the public as a free permanent installation. “This is a place families can come, free of charge, all four seasons,” said Henry Bedford, founding member of the Charlie Russell Riders. “They can picnic at the benches, roam through the garden, and appreciate wonderful art, enjoying the museum anytime.”

The Charlie Russell Riders and C.M. Russell Museum look forward to the continued development of the Russell Riders Sculpture Garden for the public’s enjoyment through future acquisitions.

The Charlie Russell Riders formed in 1985 as an offshoot of the C.M. Russell Museum’s National Advisory Board. The original concept of the group was to expand the scope and knowledge of the C.M. Russell Museum and increase involvement in the organization beyond Montana state limits. Beginning with about 40 members, the group has grown to nearly 100 members spanning from Hawaii to Connecticut and everywhere in between. Their long and supportive history with the C.M. Russell Museum and their efforts toward the preservation of American Western heritage will be marked with their 28th annual horseback ride in Montana this September.