Cawdrey Gallery is honored to exclusively represent and feature legendary western artist W. Steve Seltzer for Whitefish Gallery Nights on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 from 5-8 p.m.

Originally from Great Falls, Seltzer grew up steeped in the landscape and artistic traditions of Montana’s east side, studied with famed Russian Impressionist Sergei Bongart in California and has become a top contemporary artist.

His work is included annually in the Coeur d’Alene Auction in Reno, Nevada, one of the most prestigious events in the Western art world. His work often is shown alongside works by his grandfather O.C. Seltzer and O.C.'s friend and peer, Charlie Russell.

“Come out and meet a true Montana legend in his own time,” gallery owner and manager, Steve Cawdrey said.

Steve Seltzer is also the only artist who has had work in all 55 of the iconic C.M. Russell Museum auctions since their inception in 1969.

“I’m not trying to tell a story, other than the larger universal story. Instead of one occurrence, I point to a bigger story, maybe a struggle for survival,“ Seltzer said. “Man against the environment, but not a specific historical incident.”

The figures he often paints are historically accurate and lovingly rendered, but they seem to inhabit the landscape instead of dominating it like in his grandfather’s work.

“I love to paint Montana’s landscape, but I’ll often add in a Native American camp or figures from the 1800s because that’s what resonates with patrons,” Seltzer said.

“Steve’s new work has wonderful brushstrokes – maybe a bit more impressionistic in style than his previous work," said gallery owner and artist peer Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey. “His pieces are reminiscent of a bygone age.”

For more information call Cawdrey Gallery (406) 730-8680