Celebrated Montana painter continues family legacy with Western art

Cawdrey Gallery in Whitefish will feature the Western artwork of Steve Seltzer during the First Thursday Whitefish Gallery Nights on Sept. 4. 

Seltzer stands as one of Montana’s most accomplished contemporary Western artists, carrying forward an artistic legacy spanning generations. 

Seltzer brings a perspective to Western art grounded in both personal heritage and decades of artistic excellence. As the grandson of renowned Western artist O.C. Seltzer, a contemporary and close friend of the legendary Charlie Russell, Seltzer represents a direct link to the golden age of Western art. His grandfather, who became a full-time artist in 1926 and created more than 3,000 original paintings, established a foundation that Steve has built upon with distinction. 

Seltzer’s deep connection to Montana’s landscape and Western heritage infuses his work with historical accuracy and spiritual authenticity, capturing the visual beauty, cultural essence and enduring spirit of the West. 

“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,” he said.  

His artwork has been displayed in the C.M. Russell Museum’s O.C. Seltzer Room, which features 145 original O.C. Seltzer paintings, according to a press release. Seltzer has also participated in the Russell Art Auction since its inception — an unprecedented 57-year record. 

Cawdrey Gallery is located at 206 Lupfer Ave., unit 102, Whitefish. 

    "Teepee Camp" by Steve Seltzer, oil on canvas, will be on display at Cawdrey Gallery in Whitefish. (Courtesy photo)