Art Shows & Events

The contemporary western art community is a very tight community of artists supporting other artists.  In the spirit of this sense of continual support, we’ve created a calendar of Western Art Events which includes a variety of art shows, exhibits, auctions, classes, fundraisers and any type of event which we believe supports our western art community.

Being part of such a large network of western master artists, we place a great deal of significance on supporting fellow artists as well as up and coming talent.  Our list of western art events will be updated to include opportunities that we believe everyone from first time art buyers to highly seasoned investors, and artists of all ages and talents will enjoy.

Please sign up for our newsletter to be kept in the know on upcoming events, or visit our website monthly for updates.

Artist Workshop Weekend at Triple Creek Ranch
May
9
to May 13

Artist Workshop Weekend at Triple Creek Ranch

Featuring Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey, Jason Rich, and Brenna Kimbro.

It’s no wonder that artists flock to Montana to seek inspiration from the breathtaking scenery, majestic wildlife and vibrant western culture that flourishes in our rustic setting. Under the gentle tutelage of prominent Western artists, seek your own muse and learn how to summon it onto your canvas. Artist Workshop Weekends at Triple Creek Ranch offer a unique opportunity to work alongside masters of oil, watercolor, pastels and sculpture and to engage with these artists on a personal level over the course of a relaxing long weekend.

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Nancy Cawdrey at Whitefish Arts Festival 2024
Jul
5
to Jul 7

Nancy Cawdrey at Whitefish Arts Festival 2024

Come see Nancy’s newest artwork at her booth in the 45th annual Whitefish Arts Festival.

It is an event that has become a highlight for many over the 4th of July weekend and is sponsored by Whitefish Christian Academy. An annual favorite throughout the Northwest, the Whitefish Arts Festival maintains a long tradition of high quality arts and fine crafts. Whitefish is a picturesque village nestled in the Flathead Valley of Montana featuring beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and friendly folks strolling the streets during the 4th of July weekend.

Artists from across the country are represented in the Whitefish Arts Festival. Metal sculptures, paintings and photography, woodworking, pottery, jewelry, clothing, and home decorations are just some of the featured fine arts. There is always a variety of Montana style art available. All of the art is handmade.

July 5th, 6th, & 7th, 2024

Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

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Briscoe Night of Artists 2024 - Opening Weekend
Mar
22
to Mar 23

Briscoe Night of Artists 2024 - Opening Weekend

See Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey and other prestigious Western artists in San Antonio at the Briscoe West Art Museum!

One of the premier Western art events in the world, Night of Artists includes the viewing and sale of new works of painting, sculpture and mixed media by today’s leading contemporary Western artists.

Night of Artists was created to celebrate Western art and the Briscoe would not exist without the artistic seeds that Night of Artists planted. The effort and funds to establish the museum grew from Night of Artists, making it a vital piece of the museum’s history as well as its signature annual event. Night of Artists serves as the primary fundraiser for the museum, benefiting the Briscoe’s full array of exhibitions, engagement, and educational programs throughout the year.

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Out West Art Show 2024 - Room 250
Mar
14
to Mar 16

Out West Art Show 2024 - Room 250

Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey at the Out West Art Show 2024 - Room #250

See Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey at the 2024 Out West Art Show! She will have a room full of artwork for sale, plus signed copies of her book, signed prints, and more.

The Out West Art Show & Sale is the place to be during Western Art Week in Great Falls! Hosted annually at the Heritage Inn, the Out West Art Show features some of the best of the best in the western art world, in an entertaining yet intimate format. With work from acclaimed artists and multiple galleries, the Out West Art Show & Sale is unique in that it is managed by a cooperative of artists and art-lovers, for the benefit of our artists.

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The Russell Exhibition & Art Show 2024
Mar
14
to Mar 16

The Russell Exhibition & Art Show 2024

See Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey and other prestigious Western Artists in Great Falls for a weekend of auctions, fine art shows, and more!

Inspired by the one-and-only artist and storyteller Charlie Russell, these events will include happenings for all ages and any who love art and the western lifestyle. Join us in Great Falls, Montana, for the premiere fundraising events of the C.M. Russell Museum. Glimpse into the past, experience today’s artistic expressions of the West, and join in the future of Charlie’s western art legacy.

The Russell Live Auction event is Saturday, March 16th starting at 4 p.m. at the Heritage Inn. Don’t miss the crowning event of Western art in Montana! Featuring significant historical works, as well as distinguished contemporary art, the evening includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and complimentary full beverage service in a lively competitive bidding atmosphere. A must-attend for the experienced Western art collector.

Art Preview Party - Thursday, March 14, 5-7 p.m. at the C.M. Russell Museum

Gather with friends old and new at the Art Preview Party, where you can view the artwork to be sold at First Strike and The Russell one final time. Mingle with many of the artists and join in the building excitement of the coming events as you take in the finest artworks. Enjoy light snacks and complimentary beer and wine.

Art in Action - Friday, March 15, 10 a.m. at the Meadow Lark Country Club

Glimpse into the mind and talent of revered artists in Art in Action™, the Museum’s signature variation of a traditional “quick draw.” Embodying Russell’s true spirit of friendship, artists interact with guests and divulge some behind the scenes insight into their works of art. This events culminates in a live auction with 100% of the proceeds donated to the museum by the participating artists. Buffet style variety of lunch and brunch foods as well as complementary beer and wine included.

First Strike Friday Night - Friday, March 15, 5 p.m. at the Heritage Inn

First Strike Friday Night Auction focuses solely on the works of contemporary artists. Experienced collectors and burgeoning bidders alike will have the opportunity to compete in a casual, entertaining atmosphere full of art, food, and fun. Heavy appetizers and complimentary beer and wine served.

The Russell Live Auction - Saturday, March 16, 4 p.m. at the Heritage Inn

Don’t miss the crowning event of Western art in Montana! Featuring significant historical works, as well as distinguished contemporary art, the evening includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and complimentary full beverage service in a lively competitive bidding atmosphere. A must-attend for the experienced Western art collector.

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2024 Auction for the Arts
Feb
22

2024 Auction for the Arts

An original painting by Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey has been selected to be in the 2024 Auction for the Arts fundraising gala!

The Arts Council of Big Sky is pleased to host the 12th Annual Auction for the Arts event, to be held at the Grand Ballroom in the Montage in Big Sky on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Online/absentee bidding is available. Show preview is February 16-19 and the Auction itself is from 5-9 on February 22nd.

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Dye and Silk Painting Workshop
Jan
16

Dye and Silk Painting Workshop

Paint along with Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey!

Learn the various techniques of painting with dye on silk from the master! This class is for all skill levels! Minimum age 16 (with approval). Maximum class size of 15 for hands-on assistance and instruction.

  • Tuesday, January 16th, 2024

  • 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

  • at Cawdrey Gallery, 206 Lupfer Ave, Unit 102, Whitefish, MT

  • All materials included

This will be a fun exploratory class using various ancient and modern applications in silk painting, including gold and clear gutta resist, “no flow” technique, wet-on-wet, dry brush, washes, detailing, and so forth.  Follow along with Nancy as she shows various techniques and sequences of silk painting, step by step. We will learn the rules and then encourage participants to “break” the rules to achieve their own unique style.

CANCELLATION:  If we do not reach a minimum of 10 students for the class, we will cancel the class and refund full payments.

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Taste Buds & Treescapes Private Dinner, Art Show, & Sale with Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey & Morgan Cawdrey
Aug
4

Taste Buds & Treescapes Private Dinner, Art Show, & Sale with Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey & Morgan Cawdrey

4-course meal, craft cocktails, and art show featuring treescape oil paintings by Nancy and Morgan.

$200 per plate

Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey and her son Morgan Cawdrey will showcase a special collection of oil paintings exploring forested landscapes of the West. The event is hosted at Dancing Spirit Ranch's historic barn venue in Columbia Falls, minutes from Glacier National Park. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 5 pm featuring craft cocktails from local distilleries. A 4-course meal by Cartwright Catering will be served at 6 pm. See the full menu below. Join us for this fantastic evening where you can meet the artists, learn about their process, explore their newest work, and enjoy delicious local food and refreshments.

Limited seats are available so please purchase your ticket soon before they sell out.

MENU

Course One:
Chioggia Beets, Pea Shoots, Flathead Cherries, Toasted Walnuts, Chevre, Yuzu Vinaigrette

Course Two:
Wild Mushrooms, Wine-braised Savoy Cabbage, Cauliflower Velvet, Crisp Rainbow Carrots

Course Three:
Long Island Duck Breast, Tart Cherry Butter, Parsnip, Heirloom Carrot, Turnip, Sorrel, Gravenstein Apple Emulsion

Course Four:
Apple, Huckleberry & Pickled Rhubarb Crumble, Toasted Pecans, Chantilly Cream

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Dye and Silk Workshop with Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey
Jul
5
to Jul 6

Dye and Silk Workshop with Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey

WHEN: July 5 - 6, 2023. Class all day Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: O'Shaughnessy Center Conference Room, 1 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT

WHY: To learn the basics of silk painting, and share various techniques with participants

COST: $386 (inc. 3% Whitefish Resort Tax), $200 of which is a non-refundable but transferable deposit. If a client needs to cancel, they can do so up until June 14th to receive a $186 refund. We will credit the client's account with a $200 deposit toward a future workshop.

CANCELLATION: If we do not reach a minimum of 10 students for the class, we will cancel the class and refund full payments.

WHO: All levels--this class is for all experience levels, with personalized instruction. Minimum age 16 (with approval). Maximum class size of 15 for hands-on assistance and instruction.

INSTRUCTORS: Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey and Morgan Cawdrey. (See details below)

Course description: This will be a fun exploratory class using various ancient and modern applications in silk painting, including gold and clear gutta resist, “no flow” technique, wet-on-wet, dry brush, washes, detailing, and so forth. Nancy and Morgan will do short demonstrations to show the various techniques and sequences of silk painting, step by step. As in all water media, light to dark application of dye is important. We will learn the rules and then encourage participants to “break” the rules to achieve their own unique style. There will be opportunities to learn from each other. Materials will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring their own supplies, including silk, dyes, gutta, stretcher bars, and other mixed media they would like to try (India/Chinese inks, acrylic inks, etc). Participants are encouraged to bring some simple drawings/ideas to paint (butterflies, animals, sky photos, flowers). The format size will be 8" x 10" and 6" x 6"—please size your drawings before arrival. Nancy has various resource materials available on-site, and some small frames to check out the presentation of small silk paintings. Please complete payment information including phone number, mailing address, and when we receive payment we will confirm your spot by email. Act soon, as the class is filling up quickly. Thanks for your interest!

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Artist Workshop Weekend - Triple Creek Ranch
May
11
to May 15

Artist Workshop Weekend - Triple Creek Ranch

Featuring Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey, Jason Rich, and Brenna Kimbro.

It’s no wonder that artists flock to Montana to seek inspiration from the breathtaking scenery, majestic wildlife and vibrant western culture that flourishes in our rustic setting. Under the gentle tutelage of prominent Western artists, seek your own muse and learn how to summon it onto your canvas. Artist Workshop Weekends at Triple Creek Ranch offer a unique opportunity to work alongside masters of oil, watercolor, pastels and sculpture and to engage with these artists on a personal level over the course of a relaxing long weekend.

View Event →
Peaks, Plains & Beyond - Hockaday Museum of Art
Mar
3
to Jun 17

Peaks, Plains & Beyond - Hockaday Museum of Art

Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey: Peaks, Plains and Beyond

Exhibition Run:  March 3- June 17, 2023

Preview Reception:  Thursday, March 2,  5-7 pm; Free for Members, Non-members $10

This exhibition features a survey of recent  original paintings of  beloved Flathead Valley artist Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey. Cawdrey draws inspiration for her work from the the land and animals in some of her favorite palceas in Montana and beyond. She paints using a variety of media, and is best known for her colorful works on silk.

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