ANNUAL EXHIBITION AND ART SALE BRINGS WESTERN ARTISTS AND ART ENTHUsIASTS TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY AND SPIRIT OF THE WEST
Collectors Summit and Opening Weekend Events: March 27 - 28
Public Exhibition and Sale: March 29 – May 4
San Antonio, TX – (January 24, 2020) The country’s premier Western artists and collectors will gather in San Antonio to celebrate Western art during the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s 2020 Night of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale, March 27-28. With the chance to view and purchase nearly 300 new works of painting, sculpture and mixed media by 80 of the country’s leading contemporary Western artists, Night of Artists annually draws artists, collectors and art enthusiasts from around the country to the banks of the San Antonio River Walk to enjoy a weekend of festivities showcasing Western art at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Night of Artists is the largest Western art auction in Texas and one of the largest in the United States.
“Night of Artists is a premier showcase of emerging and well-renowned contemporary Western artists,” said Michael Duchemin, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “The opportunity to celebrate the beauty and impact of the rich stories shared through Western art has made attending Night of Artists a must for true collectors. We’re honored to work with such a fantastic roster of artists and look forward to another remarkable year.”
Array of Artists Featured
The wide range of artworks and artist genres reflects the vastness of the great American West. From scenic landscapes, inspired Native Americans and classic cowboys to stunning wildlife and detailed portraiture, Night of Artists offers something for every art enthusiast to enjoy. Some of the featured artists include Teresa Elliott, Martin Grelle, George Hallmark, Z.S. Liang, Mark Maggiori, Jan Mapes, Stefan Savides, Billy Schenck, Michael Ome Untiedt and Kim Wiggins.
Notable new artists participating this year include William Alther, Bruce Cheever, Todd Connor, William Haskell, Joe Orland Sr., Walter Matia, Mark McKenna, Paul Moore, Chad Poppleton, Jason Rich, Mian Situ and Ezra Tucker.
What began 19 years ago as a single evening has grown to become a full weekend of activities spotlighting Western art and showcasing works by leading contemporary Western artists, all benefiting the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Night of Artists is also a public exhibition and sale that spans six weeks at the Briscoe, March 29 – May 4. Night of Artists serves as a fundraiser for the museum, benefiting the Briscoe’s full array of exhibitions, engagement and educational programs throughout the year.
Annual Collectors Summit Explores Western Art
Night of Artists’ opening weekend kicks off with the 3rd Annual Briscoe Bison Society Collectors Summit, where artists, collectors and gallery owners gather to share their insights during panel discussions and conversations exploring the Western art market and trends. This two-part summit takes place on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at The Westin Riverwalk. Intended for everyone from novice to seasoned art collectors, the panels feature nationally recognized Western artists, experts and gallery owners.
Moderated by Joshua Rose, Editor of American Art Collector, and Western Art Collector, the first session, “Headin’ In”, will explore the changing nature of the Western art market as it relates to long-time collectors who are perhaps reaching their zenith. As collectors begin “headin’ in” from their journey, what should they expect as they begin to transfer or sell their collections? Panelists include artist George Hallmark, Tammy Fontaine, Director of The Eddie Basha Collection and Maryvonne Leshe, Managing Partner, Trailside Gallery.
The second session, “Headin’ Out”, will explore the journey as novice buyers of Western art begin making the transition from buyers to collectors. An art collection is an intentional accumulation of works centered around a theme. At first, collectors simply buy whatever they like, exploring their tastes and interests. Then a pattern begins to emerge, centering their collection around a theme. Panelists include artist Mark Maggiori, Katherine Hlavin, Director of Business Development, Hindman and Beau Alexander, Gallery Director, Maxwell-Alexander Gallery.
Raising Glasses and Paddles to the Beauty of Western Art
The Exhibition Preview, Dinner and Live Auction unfolds Friday, March 27 with an evening of cocktails in the Night of Artists exhibition, an elegant seated dinner and a vivacious live auction. Conducted by Troy Black, the live auction will occur both inside and out, featuring 30 separate works. The evening takes place in the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk.
Night of Artists’ signature event, the Grand Exhibition Opening, Art Sale and Reception, takes place Saturday, March 28. This memorable evening includes the “Luck of the Draw” Art Sale, where works of art are available for purchase at a fixed price established by the artist. Attendees are provided with a ballet book and may place an intent to purchase slip in the box by a work of art they would like to purchase. When time expires, two slips are randomly drawn allowing the first drawee the opportunity to purchase the piece or pass it along to the second drawee. All the excitement happens to the tune of live music under the stars in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, while everyone enjoys delicious food stations and libations for a true celebration of Western art.
Tickets for all Night of Artists events are available online at BriscoeMuseum.org or by calling 210.299.4499. The Night of Artists public exhibition will be on display during regular museum hours March 29 – May 4 and is included in museum admission. Works that are not sold during the Night of Artists opening weekend will be available for purchase through the exhibition.
About The Briscoe Western Art Museum: Preserving and presenting 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, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden. Follow the Briscoe on social media, @BriscoeMuseum.