Page 6 - 2015 Russell Catalogue

Michael Duchemin, Ph.D. Executive DirectorLetter From the Executive Director of the C.M. Russell MuseumWelcome to Great Falls, MT, home of Western Art Week and its signature event, The Russell: An Exhibition and Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum. After successfully moving the event to the Mansfield Convention Center last year, we have streamlined the elements for 2015. You will have more opportunities to connect with artists and to spend time with old friends and new, while taking advantage of all that the C.M. Russell Museum has to offer.Our first big change is to the look and feel of the Mansfield Convention Center. We have altered the layout to be more inclusive for the Russell Skull Society of Artists, twenty-two artists who continue in the vanguard of The Russell Exhibition and Sale. We want to give you every opportunity to engage with the artists and learn more about how they create their impressive works.We look forward to hosting you at the museum for the Thursday evening preview party, but wehave done away with the wall sale to give you more time to view The Russell Exhibition and visit with your friends and bidding rivals. The lots previously sold during the Thursday night silent auction have been added to an expanded First Strike Friday Night Live Auction at the Mansfield Convention Center. You will find some other changes and a complete schedule of events in the next few pages.None of this would be possible without the support of the many sponsors, volunteers, board members, and museum staff who have gone to great lengths to ensure that you have a good time during Western Art Week. My most sincere thanks go to our outgoing chair of the C.M. Russell Museum Board, Mr. Steve Whisler, whose stewardship helped secure BNSF Railway as the presenting sponsor for The Russell Exhibition and Sale. Additional thanks go to The Meredith Family, The Windmill Foundation, Calumet Refining, and the rest of the museum sponsors who help make The Russell possible. Last, but not least, I want to thank the dozens of volunteers, board members, museum staff, and especially our Great Falls Ambassadors, Pat and Bob Sletten and Gene and Jane Thayer. They have all been working hard to make your experience with the C.M. Russell Museum the best that it can be. Have a great time!Gail Hayes-Davis and Christina Hoover-BlackwellLetter From the russell Co-chairs Dear Friends:The Russell is a very special event in the world of western art. It is one of the few major western art auctions that benefits an educational non-profit organization. It is not only our signature “fund raiser,” but it is also our “brand raiser” and “friend raiser.”Each year, patrons invite their friends to enjoy three days of fine western art, interaction with world-renowned artists and unmatched hospitality. Why do people travel to Montana in March? For The Russell !It is a place to renew old friendships and garner new experiences. Once you participatein our unique events, you will come back for years. Our Russell family grows and that, in turn, brings greater artistic and financial support and recognition for our educational and cultural programs.So you see, every year, your attendance and your introductions directly contribute to our goals to preserve Charlie’s West and grow our great museum into a national treasure. We thank you.Have fun, pursue great art, and remember our dear friend, Charlie Russell, who cherished friendship and camaraderie. After all, it’s Charlie’s legacy we strive to reflect in every facet of The Russell.With warm regards,GailChristinaGail Hayes-Davis Christina Hoover-Blackwell 2015 Co-chairs for The Russell