With previews of gallery exhibitions, museum shows and auctions, Western Art Collector is the premier monthly magazine for collectors searching for works by talented living and past artists who depict the West in paintings and sculptures.
I t’s hard to believe that this is the June 2017 issue of Western Art Collector. But, alas, it is! For me, this is one of the most important issues we do every year. Why, you ask? (I’m pretty sure I heard you just ask.) Well, because I see it as the annual kickoff to the summer months and all the wonderful summer art destinations we’ve become so fond of over the years. Our June issue starts things off with our annual Prix de West coverage. Also in this issue, we are offering a special section on collecting drawings and another on women artists working in the Western tradition. These are always entertaining and informative sections that appeal to serious collectors of Western art. Our July issue features our special…
Consignments are still being accepted by the Jackson Hole Art Auction, which already has an incredible lineup of works including major pieces from W.H.D. Koerner, Edgar Payne and others. The annual sale will be held this year on September 15 and 16 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and will once again cap off nearly two weeks of events that make up the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. One of the top lots being offered in the sale is Payne’s Navajo Scouting Party, an oil on canvas estimated at $400,000 to $600,000. Another Payne work, Blue Shadows, is expected to bring in $150,000 to $200,000. The auction will see a number of works by Koerner, each unique in their subject matter and story, hit the auction block. Works by the famous artist…
Formed in 2015, By Western Hands is aimed at educating, promoting and preserving the legacy of Western design. The not-for-profit organization— formed in the void created when the Western Design Conference moved to Jackson, Wyoming, in 2007, and when Cody High Style discontinued in 2015—has hit the ground running with big plans set for Cody, Wyoming, where the design-oriented group is based. On September 21 through 23, the organization will hold the By Western Hands Invitational Design Exhibition at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The event will showcase talented artisans, craftsmen and women, and artists who continue the Western design traditions started by some of the West’s most iconic figures. “Cody, Wyoming, has a rich legacy in Western design, starting with Buffalo Bill Cody, Edward Bohlin and Thomas…
A first-time bidder found herself in the center of a pivotal lot during Altermann Galleries & Auctioneers’ auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The piece was Fritz Scholder’s Chief #1, and as bidding rose past $40,000 and then $50,000, a smile grew wider and wider on her face. As bidding rose further, she hesitated longer between bids, before finally, and happily, relinquishing the piece to her competitor, who purchased the piece for $74,400—it would be the top lot for the sale, exceeding its high estimate by more than $14,000, and a new world record for Scholder. The auctioneer, recognizing the first timer’s gleeful bidding and positive spirit, acknowledged her with an applause that was joined by audience members. You just never know what you’ll see at an auction. The sale, held over…
Although I have always had a keen interest in taking photographs, it wasn’t until three years ago, after visiting the national parks in Utah, that I became completely consumed with photography. Soon afterwards, I decided to upgrade my camera equipment and I also made a conscious effort to begin learning as much as possible about all aspects of photography. As an avid photographer, I am always looking for new and interesting subjects or scenes to capture with my camera; and, although just about anything interests me, my favorite subject, by far, is Mother Nature—especially the stunning landscapes of the western United States. Now, because of my interest in photography, all the trips that my wife and I plan include scheduled time for interesting photo opportunities. That was the case this…
ART D IRECTOR Jeff Wilcox Wilcox Gallery Jackson, WY Exciting things are happening here for us in Jackson Hole. Up until recently we were located in a space owned by a bank, which recently sold everything to a hotel developer. We lost our lease, but we lucked into an even better place half a block away right on the square in Jackson Hole. It’s a smaller space, but much more usable—we’re really excited about it because it’s just an all-around perfect space. We still have our main gallery about two miles north of the square, on the way out to the Grand Tetons. There isn’t much out there except for a gas stations and two motels, and a mile further is the National Museum of Wildlife Art, so when people…
