San Antonio, Texas, April 03, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Briscoe Western Art Museum raised more than $1.85 million in total art sales during the opening weekend of the 2019 Night of Artists Art Sale & Exhibition. This year’s show is the largest to date with 277 works of painting, sculpture and mixed media by some of the country’s leading Western artists. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational programs, exhibitions, and collections of the Briscoe Western Art Museum.
“It was such a special weekend for all attendees ,” stated Nicole McClane, 2019 Night of Artists Committee Chair. “Something we focused on this year was catering to every audience during the Night of Artists opening weekend. Whether an attendee was a seasoned collector, an artist or patron, we wanted to supply them with a memorable experience.”
The 2019 Artists Award Dinner and Live Auction held Friday, March 29 drew art sales of more than $600,000 from attendees. The following evening, Saturday, March 30, The Luck of the Draw Sale and Reception took place and commanded nearly $1.3 million in art sales. Notable sales included artist Martin Grelle’s Shoshone Searchers, Oil, which sold for $118,750 and artist Z.S. Liang’s Horse Medicine Man, Oil on linen, which sold for $62,500.
“The event brought strong, competitive bidding for some of the top contemporary western artists in the industry,” said Troy Black, auctioneer with Black and Associates Auctioneers Inc. “This event continues to grow in quality, excitement, and support.”
The 2019 Night of the Artists opening weekend was attended by more than 900 artists, sponsors and guests. Internationally recognized artists participating in the show include Billy Schenck, Mark Maggiori, Martin Grelle, Z.S. Liang, Bonnie Marris, John Coleman, Mary Ross Buchholz, George Hallmark, Kent Ullberg, and Kim Wiggins.
Night of Artists 2019 award winners include the following:
Briscoe Museum Purchase Award: Ralph Oberg, Prairie Sundown, Oil on linen, 40”x 55”
David Crockett Award for Artists’ Choice: Mick Doellinger, Incoming, Bronze, 30″ x 18″ x 14″
Sam Houston Award for Painting: Jeremy Conrad Winborg, Beauty of the Desert, Oil, 40″x 25″
James Bowie Award for Sculpture: John Coleman, He Who Jumps Over Everything, Bronze, 64”x 24”x 17”
William B. Travis Award for Patrons’ Choice: Greg Beecham, August Rumblings, Oil, 36″ x 24″
The public exhibition and sale continue through May 5, 2019 at the Briscoe Museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion, located at 210 W. Market Street on the San Antonio River Walk, with all unsold artwork available for purchase. The exhibition is free to the public with Museum admission. Now in its 18th year, the Briscoe’s annual fundraising event includes the representation of 80 artists, the Bison Society Collectors Summit and a live art auction.
“This year’s artists stepped up their game and sent us their best works,” said Dr. Michael Duchemin, Briscoe Western Art Museum President & CEO. “The show is strong and the buyers responded with their purchases. We are closing in on selling 70% of the show and have no doubt we will reach our goal.”
Museum-goers can preview the exhibition catalog and extensive collection of art on the Briscoe Museum’s website gallery here. For more information on art available for sale and museum hours, please call 210.299.4499.
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About The Briscoe Western Art Museum:
The Briscoe Western Art Museum, named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey, preserves and presents the art, history, and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage. Located at 210 W. Market Street along the San Antonio River Walk, the Museum’s campus includes the restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building, which now serves as the Museum space with nine galleries on three levels; the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs; and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden. For more information about the Briscoe Western Art Museum, visit BriscoeMuseum.org, or follow us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @BriscoeMuseum.
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