Adam Smith, “The Gathering Place,” 2016, acrylic, 20 x 32 in. (c) Eiteljorg Museum 2016
Andrew Webster Reporting
The Eiteljorg Museum recently hosted its 11th annual Quest for the West show and sale, realizing nearly $1 million in sales and handing out a number of fantastic awards to deserving recipients.
The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana, experienced yet another exciting evening of sales, awards, music, and food during the 11th annual Quest for the West show on September 10. More than 250 collectors and art enthusiasts attended this year’s event, with sales totaling $894,720.
Josh Elliott, “Calving Season,” 2016, oil, 24 x 58 in. (c) Eiteljorg Museum 2016
The exhibition is currently on public view at the museum through October 9. Museum President and CEO John Vanausdall suggests, “The creativity of the Western artists who present their works at the Eiteljorg Museum and the passion and enthusiasm of the collectors who seek out their art are key to the success of ‘Quest for the West,’ the only Western art show and sale hosted by a major museum east of the Mississippi. Not only is it one of our institution’s signature fund-raising events each year, ‘Quest for the West’ provides us an opportunity to support these inspired artists and thank loyal collectors who make it possible for the artists to pursue new creative heights.”
Greg Kelsey, “Momma’s Not Bluffin’,” 2016, bronze, 19 x 35 x 11 in. (c) Eiteljorg Museum 2016
Another highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, which saw Josh Elliott take home the museum’s Purchase Award for his painting “Calving Season.” The Henry Farny Award for Best Painting was awarded to Adam Smith for “The Gathering Place,” and Greg Kelsey earned the Best Sculpture award for his “Momma’s Not Bluffin’.”
Peter Nisbet of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was also honored during the event, presented with the Artist of Distinction Award. This honor “was presented for the artist’s prominence in the field, the quality of his body of work and the regard in which he is held by patrons and artists” the museum concluded.
All told, the evening represented another outstanding event for the Eiteljorg. We congratulate the museum and the award winners!
To learn more, visit the Eiteljorg Museum.
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