Page 8 - TheRussellCatalogue2017

Letter From the Chairman of the Board C.M. Russell Museum
Christina Hoover-Blackwell Chairman of the Board
We all love a good story. Even in this age of 3D-media and instantaneous communication, we all respond to a great tale. It’s the storyline that makes a memorable movie, novel, or commentary. Charlie Russell was a superb storyteller. He told stories around the re while camping with friends. He reminisced in his studio, providing inspirational backgrounds for his iconic canvases. He wrote illustrated letters that conveyed friendship in times of sorrow and joy, with self-deprecating humor. His stories survive in every one of his paintings and sculptures.
ese stories still appeal because of their timeless authenticity. anks to Russell’s rich personality, the C.M. Russell Museum perpetuates Charlie’s stories about wildlife, conservation, ranch life, and social commentary. Our educational programs and exhibitions reach tens of thousands of avid Russell supporters. is auction catalogue, a Russell tutorial in its own right, is now read online by people from 131 countries and all 50 states.
e Russell Museum campus in Great Falls is the heart of Russell’s life work. is year will see us raise funds to restore the house and studio and to reinterpret the compelling story of Nancy and Charlie and their lifelong partnership, a partnership that brought national attention to Charlie’s West and propelled him to being the highest paid living artist of his era.
Each of us is a Russell ambassador. It is up to us, those who appreciate Russell—the man, the artist, the historian—to take up Charlie’s story. is week at e Russell, you will make new acquaintances, nd new inspiration, and share stories. e future of the museum depends on making the museum relevant, and that means taking the museum to new audiences through storylines depicted in video, publications, lectures, and events. We need your passion and commitment to take Charlie’s stories beyond his home and studio to new students and new patrons who in turn will become their own storytellers.
We are honored to have you attend e Russell, a unique experience in the Western art world. Enjoy the ne art, talented artists and great friends. Oh, and please—tell stories.
Christina Blackwell
Chairman
C.M. Russell Board of Directors
TTOFFiCErS
BOArd OF dirECTOrS
Christina Hoover-Blackwell—Chair omas A. Petrie—Vice Chair Norman I. Book, Jr.—Treasurer Channing Hartelius—Secretary
dirECTOrS
Henry Bedford Jill Cross
J. Michael Dady Philip Drescher Daniel Fiehrer James Fish
Randy Foutch
Gail Hayes Davis Michael Ingram David Kornder Anne Lane Martinez Joe Masterson Marshall Monroe Jim Peterson Werner Quasebarth Robin Rasmussen John D. Rogers, Jr. David Solberg
Sarah Stevenson
Jim Strauss
Annie om
Jessie Van Ness J. Steven Whisler
dirECTOrS EmEriTi
W. Lee Co ey
William Cowan
Ian Davidson
William Healey
Charles M. “Mike” Hunter Barbara Moe
Robert Rasmussen
ACAdEmiC mEmBEr
B. Byron Price