The C.M. Russell Museum today announced the official net proceeds of The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum, which took place March 14–16, 2013.  The sale is the signature fundraising event for the non-profit museum.

Dr. Michael Duchemin, C.M. Russell Museum Executive Director, stated, “The Russell 2013 raised a total of $1,035,268 in earned income from the three-day sale and auction for the benefit of the museum. A special appeal for education raised $130,000 as guests invested not only in artwork, but also in student programs and scholarships.  This was the most successful year in the four-year history of the event, a popular destination for Western art enthusiasts, due to very strong attendance at the three major museum events as well as the presence of major art buyers and the consignment of a number of original Russell paintings.” 

Several notable art works in The Russell live auction helped raise the sales total to new heights.  Three Charles M. Russell original watercolors were auctioned, including High, Wide, and Handsome for a Russell live auction record-breaking $550,000, My Dear Mr. Cobb for $300,000, and Indian Signaling for $200,000.  Both Andy Thomas and R. Tom Gilleon set new career records for prices realized in any auction.  Thomas’ Russell Paints a Masterpiece sold for $200,000, while Gilleon’s Hair Apparent set a new Russell record sale by a living artist at $225,000.  The C.M. Russell Museum will host an exclusive Gilleon exhibition titled Let Icons Be Icons: The Art of R. Tom Gilleon, opening August 16, 2013, and running through December 28, 2013.

With these results, The Russell secures its position among the nation’s top Western art auctions.  By showcasing a select group of contemporary works alongside significant historic offerings, this sale to benefit the C.M. Russell Museum consistently attracts buyers and collectors from all over the country and beyond.  Attendees at The Russell flocked to Great Falls for the multiple-day event from 38 Montana cities, 31 states, and Canada.  The sale included 171 artists, living and deceased, from 26 states.

“We want to express our appreciation for the support of the community,” said Duchemin.  “Our goal is to continue growing The Russell, adding new features to attract the finest art from important artists and to create an environment that makes our buyers and consignors feel welcome and appreciated in Great Falls and Montana.”

The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum is a fine art exhibition and the premiere fundraising event for the museum. Through seminars, demonstrations, and materials, The Russell provides an educational component for the public.  The Russell proceeds provide vital operating funds required to support the mission of the museum. Western Art Week has been taking place in Great Falls, Montana, since 1969.

Hundreds of photos from the three-day event are available online at the C.M. Russell Museum’s flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/94219376@N02/sets  Images of the five notable pieces from the live auction can be found here: http://cmrussell.org/the-russell/press-information

The Russell 2014 will be held March 20–22, 2014.