The Russell celebrating the living legacy of Western Art
Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 7 months, 1 week AGO
Artworks by C.M. Russell will be sold at The Russell, an annual art auction and cultural weekend in Great Falls March 19-21. (Photo provided)
In the wake of a record-setting year and nearly six decades of cultural leadership, the C.M. Russell Museum announces The Russell 2026, a Western art auction and cultural weekend in Great Falls, will be March 19-21. Tickets go on sale for the annual event Jan. 12.
The event continues the museum’s tradition of honoring the legacy of Charles M. Russell, while offering new opportunities for collectors, visitors and the public to engage with the art, history and stories of the American West.
Following one of the most successful auctions in the museum’s history, The Russell reflects both momentum and meaning, showcased by a carefully curated selection of historic and contemporary Western works while deepening public access to the cultural significance behind them.
“This event is not only about remarkable art and artists,” said Duane Braaten, executive director of the C.M. Russell Museum. “It’s a celebration of the people, the stories and the values that continue to shape the West and resonate far beyond it. The Russell allows us to bring those stories forward in a way that is authentic, welcoming, and deeply rooted in Montana.”
The Russell will feature works by Charles M. Russell alongside pieces by artists who captured the landscapes, communities and spirit of the West, including contemporary artists whose work reflects the evolving voice of Western art today, like Troy Collins, Luke Frazier, Jennifer Johnson, Carol Hagen and Greg Kelsey.
The weekend will also include educational programming and public experiences designed to connect visitors more closely with the art and its historical context. Proceeds from The Russell directly supports the C.M. Russell Museum and its mission to share, educate and celebrate the art of Charles M. Russell, his contemporaries and the broader cultural heritage of the American West.
The Russell continues to draw collectors, scholars and art enthusiasts from across the country, while remaining firmly grounded in its Montana home, an authentic reflection of the museum’s role as both a regional steward and a national cultural leader.
For more information, visit TheRussellSale.org.