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Home  News Latest Western art show boasts area artists
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Western art show boasts area artists |
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Wednesday, 14 March 2007 |
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Page 1 of 2 By Chary Majerus
Nearly 70 artists from 12 states will host this year’s Western Heritage Artists Art Show at the Holiday Inn in Great Falls during Western Art Week. Nearly a dozen of those artists come from our local communities.
A versatile artist who works in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pencil and ink, Robert (Bob) Moritz of Conrad draws from his surroundings, personal experience with horses and cattle, and from historical studies.
As a member of the Western Heritage Artists Association (WHA), he helps organize the show in addition to helping set up his own exhibit in room 106.
Moritz, chairman of the Quick Finish event, admitted it can get hectic. “Last year a TV station came in for an interview just minutes before we were to begin,” he said, describing the challenges of the Quick Finish where buyers watch as artists compete, working from live models dressed as Lewis and Clark party members or from something of the artist’s choice.
“These things are kind of fun, but you never know what you’ll end up with.”
Once, when finishing up, he knocked the frame off of the table, breaking the glass. Thinking the picture wasn’t very good anyway, he had decided to drop out. Another artist offered him a frame and glass, so he was able to continue.
In order to fit the frame, he had to cut the painting down. “This actually helped the picture,” said Moritz. “So I went ahead and framed it and sold it.”
 QUICK DRAW ARTISTS AT WORK - Bob Moritz participates in the Western Heritage Artists’ Quick Finish and Auction, in which artists are given 45 minutes to compete art that is then auctioned off.
“I’m amazed at the wonderful artwork,” said auctioneer Fred Burow. “Sometimes people can get really nice art at a bargain price.”
But it isn’t bargain prices that draw people to Great Falls for the Russell Art Auction and related art shows. It’s the experience of sharing our western heritage through a medley of media.
According to WHA artist Jim Utsler’s website, “Art brings memories to life.” This Choteau artist has received numerous awards and his profile can be viewed at www.outdoormemories.com . Working in oil, acrylic and pencil, Utsler strives to capture realism in his wildlife and scenic art.
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