San Antonio, TX Briscoe Western Art Museum, March 29-May 5
This story was featured in the March/April 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art March/April 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
THERE’S NOTHING like the thrill of a live auction to electrify the atmosphere around collectors and magnificent works of art. The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio confirmed that fact last year when, for the first time, it featured a 30-lot, opening-night live auction in its annual Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale.
In previous years, the first opportunity to purchase had been on the event’s second night, with a ballot-box sale. Luck of the Draw still takes place on Saturday, March 30, during the grand opening. But on Friday night, March 29, following an awards dinner, a live auction ups the ante for taking home artwork you really love.
“Especially for popular pieces, it gives collectors a better chance to purchase work they’re particularly interested in,” says the Bris-coe’s president and CEO, Michael Duchemin. Also for the second year, the Briscoe Collectors Summit presents two panel discussions, aimed at both seasoned collectors and those newer to collecting, with a focus on current and emerging trends in the western art market. After the opening weekend, remaining artwork is available through May 5.
This year’s show features more than 280 paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works by 80 highly acclaimed western artists. Among them: Martin Grelle, C. Michael Dudash, John DeMott, Jan Mapes, Billy Schenck, Kim Wiggins, and Z.S. Liang. Established artists new to the show this year include R. Tom Gilleon, Bonnie Marris, Ed Kucera, and Doug Hyde.
Longtime Cowboy Artists of America member John Coleman already knows his major piece captures viewers’ imagination. HE WHO JUMPS OVER EVERYONE, a half-life-size bronze of a Crow chief showing off his equestrian skills, sold out at a recent gallery show, except for the one Coleman saved for Night of Artists. The piece was inspired by an 1832 George Catlin painting in which the chief and his spirited horse both wear full warbonnets. Coleman, known primarily for his sculpture, also brings an oil painting portraying a young Sioux woman.
Australian-born painter Krystii Melaine, now living in eastern Washington, has long been inspired by the history and expansive landscapes of the American West. Among her offerings is OOSIPISTAANA—SUN DOG, BLACKFOOT, which depicts a young mounted warrior in evening light. Although dressed for battle, he appears relaxed, perhaps ready to head home, the artist says. “The quiet moments of reflection allow me to create paintings that speak to people on an emotional level,” she says. “I titled this painting in the beautiful and complex Blackfoot language, to remind us all of the diverse history of this wonderful country and its people.”
Mark Maggiori’s SOUTH TO COCHISE, slated to be sold in the live auction, was inspired by the nocturnes of painter Frank Tenney Johnson. Born and raised in France, Maggiori has been fascinated with the American West since his first visit at age 15. The classically trained artist now lives in Los Angeles and spends time on ranches around the West. He photographs events such as this 77-head cattle drive, which he translated into a striking, timeless moonlit scene. With all his work, Maggiori describes his artistic aim as a “good level of detail and excellence.” —Gussie Fauntleroy
contact information210.299.4499www.briscoemuseum.org
This story was featured in the March/April 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art March/April 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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