Formed in 2013, the Russell Skull Society of Artists has recognized and honored a number of painters and sculptors for their dedication to the traditions of Charles M. Russell. Joining 19 current members are three 2016 inductees. They are?
The C.M. Russell Museum of Great Falls, Montana, is widely known as one of the preeminent American Western art institutions in the United States. Since 2013, in connection with the museum, the Russell Skull Society of Artists has been annually welcoming new members who display a notable degree of commitment to C.M. Russell’s tradition.
This year, three deserving artists have been inducted into the group: Jim Carson, Josh Elliott, and C. Michael Dudash. Senior Art Coordinator Duane Braaten says, “Russell Skull Society artists are important ambassadors for both Western art and the C.M. Russell Museum. We are so excited to have incredible artists like Jim, Josh, and Michael join an already impressive group.”
Josh Elliott, “Lake Creek Lost and Found,” oil, 42 x 32 in. (c) Josh Elliott 2016
The museum states, “All three artists have participated in the C.M. Russell Museum’s premiere fund-raising event, ‘The Russell: An Exhibition and Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum,’ selling pieces in both the First Strike Auction and Live Auction. In 2016, all three will participate in the crowd-favorite ‘Art in Action’ event. Each artist will also have pieces on display at the Russell Skull Society of Artists Suites, a free event during Western Art Week that is open to the public. BNSF Railway is the 2016 Presenting Sponsor of ‘The Russell Exhibition and Sale.’
C. Michael Dudash, “The Tales He Could Tell,” oil on linen, 24 x 18 in. (c) C. Michael Dudash 2016
“Returning members of the Russell Skull Society include Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey, Michael Coleman, Todd Connor, Brent Cotton, Charles Fritz, John C. Gawne, R. Tom Gilleon, Carol Hagan, Greg Kelsey, Lee Kromschroeder, Jerry McKellar, Chris Owen, Chad Poppleton, Gary Lynn Roberts, W. Steve Seltzer, Brett James Smith, Oleg Stavrowsky, Andy Thomas, and Randy Van Beek.”
For more information about the Russell Skull Society of Artists and the Russell, please visit www.cmrussell.org./
This article was featured in Fine Art Today, a weekly e-newsletter from Fine Art Connoisseur magazine. To start receiving Fine Art Today for free, click here.
