30 Apr AUCTION BLOCK: COLLECTORS GO WEST (AGAIN)

This spring, auction houses and museums presented an engaging slate of Western art events that drew enthusiastic interest from collectors. Buyers — both online and in person — turned out in strong numbers, demonstrating continued appetite for both historic and contemporary works featuring the West.

The 2025 Scottsdale Art Auction, held in Scottsdale, Arizona, in March, was a standout, totaling more than $15 million in sales and setting 20 records for artists. The event delivered strong results for historic names like Maynard Dixon and Thomas Moran, as well as contemporary favorites such as Mark Maggiori.

Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Texas, the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s 2025 Night of Artists brought more than $2 million in sales during its opening weekend. The show featured more than 270 works by 85 of today’s leading Western artists, showcasing a vibrant range of styles and subject matter.

Montana was also abuzz with activity. The 38th annual March in Montana auction, hosted by Coeur d’Alene Galleries and the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, generated $2.9 million in sales. The auction was led by coveted paintings by Charles M. Russell, followed by strong showings from Olaf Seltzer and Gerard Curtis Delano. And the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, hosted its annual event, which brought in $9.16 million — the largest sale of Russell and historic Western art in the auction’s 57-year history. The top-selling lot, Russell’s watercolor Women of America, achieved an impressive $1.6 million.

Scottsdale Art Auction

April 11 – 12
Total: $15 million

The Scottsdale Art Auction’s annual live auction in April brought $15 million in sales and a sell-through rate of 97 percent. The events also set 20 world auction records for artists.

According to organizers, the A.P. Hays Collection of original works by Maynard Dixon led the sale. Before his death in January 2025, Hays consigned his cherished collection of Dixon drawings, studies, and oil paintings. All 62 lots sold for a total of $1.5 million, with more than half of the items selling for above their high estimates.

Highlights from the Hays Collection included Dixon’s Desert Rocks No. 2/Camelback Mountain, which brought $152,100 (estimate: $60,000–$90,000); Mesa Towards Sunset, which sold for $99,450 ($40,000–$60,000); and Barns and Poplars, which achieved $87,750 ($60,000–$90,000). Also of note, Campo Santo, a 5-by-6-inch gouache, sold for $76,050 ($10,000–$15,000); and Navajo Song, a 4.25-by-8.25-inch work depicting a lone Navajo rider set against a single cloud and distant mesa, sold for $55,575 ($8,000–$12,000).

Collectors bid on works in all categories, from historic to contemporary. Many of the high-dollar lots were historic works. Thomas Moran’s On the Hance Trail — Grand Canyon of the Colorado River, Arizona sold for $725,400; Taos founder Eanger Irving Couse’s Offering to the Great Spirit sold for $409,500; Charlie Russell’s exquisite watercolor Navajo Wild Horse Hunters sold for $315,900; Gerard Curtis Delano’s The Fur Traders brought $257,400; Joseph Henry Sharp’s Wind River Country brought $362,700; Oscar Berninghaus’ The Edge of the Foothills brought $257,400; and Russell’s Center Fire Man on a Bronc brought $175,500.

Contemporary sales were led by local favorite Ed Mell. The auction house set a record for the artist when Western Bronc brought $122,850, above the pre-auction estimate of $28,000 to $38,000. Multiple bidders in the room and on the phone carried it to that result, which brought cheers and a round of applause. Also of note, Mell’s Western Gap sold for $64,350; Clouds and Cacti sold for $87,750; Expanse of the Desert sold for $87,750; and Eye of the Storm sold for $117,000.

The American Dream, a classic G. Harvey painting of the White House, sold for $374,400, above its high estimate of $350,000. The painting once hung in the American Embassy in Moscow, Russia, as part of the Art in Embassies program with the U.S. Department of State.

Other contemporary Western lots of note included Mark Maggiori’s Mariposa Afterglow, $128,700 ($50,000–$75,000); Martin Grelle’s Wolves in Yellowstone Country, $222,300 ($125,000–$175,000); John Coleman’s The Greeter, $128,700 ($50,000–$75,000); Logan Maxwell Hagege’s After the Storm Clears, $105,300 ($60,000–$90,000);  Kyle Polzin’s Path of Honor, $93,600 ($50,000–$75,000); and Glenn Dean’s Riders of the Vermillion Cliffs, $40,950 ($25,000–$35,000).

Contemporary Indigenous art was also in high demand. Earl Biss’ High Mountain Camp sold for $99,450 to set an auction record for the Crow painter; Fritz Scholder’s Indians and Persian Rug brought $222,300 and Buffalo Back brought $105,300; and Allan Houser’s bronze Smoke Signal sold for $70,200.

Work by past and contemporary members of the Cowboy Artists of America also surpassed high estimates, including Ray Swanson’s Hopi Kachina Maker, $29,250 ($8,000–$12,000):  Bill Owen’s Gold Dust, $64,350 ($30,000–$40,000); Charlie Dye’s El Cabestro, $46,800 ($15,000–$20,000); Frank McCarthy’s Bringing Out the Furs, $81,900 ($40,000–$60,000); Phil Epp’s Looking Back, $38,025 ($12,000–$18,000); Joe Beeler’s The Trail Boss, $40,950 ($15,000–$25,000); and Coleman’s Crazy Horse, $99,450 ($60,000–$90,000).

A grouping of paintings by Howard Terpning also brought strong results: Making a Stand sold for $269,100, amid estimates; Leading the War sold for $210,600 ($125,000–$175,000); Daughters of the Chief sold for $210,600, amid estimates; and Apache sold for $52,650 ($30,000–$50,000).

Session I saw significant sales by Maggiori’s Entering Utah, $117,000; ($50,000–$75,000); Grelle’s The Peaceful Morn, $152,100 ($60,000–$90,000); Hagege’s Rose Colored Land, $81,900 ($50,000–$80,000); Harvey’s Country Showers, $58,500 ($25,000–$35,000); and Robert Daughters’ Las Trampas, $38,025 ($10,000–$15,000).

March in Montana

March 20 – 22
Total: $2.9 million+

Coeur d’Alene Galleries and The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction presented the 38th annual March in Montana Fine Art & Collectibles Auction during Western Art Week, which celebrates the legacy of C.M. Russell and Western art in Great Falls, Montana. Enthusiastic collectors, dealers, and galleries turned out, and the event totaled more than $2.9 million for historical and contemporary works.

Paintings by Charles M. Russell drew strong interest, with a pair of Native American portraits — one of a Native American woman and the other of Chief Joseph — estimated at $50,000 to $70,000 each, selling for $108,000. Another work by the artist, Scene on the Judith Roundup, Bucking Broncho sold for $48,000, just shy of its high estimate.

Also of note was a major Olaf Seltzer work, Blackfoot Braves, depicting two Native American riders on a scenic bluff, which brought $78,000, above its high estimate of $70,000. And an Earle Heikka pack-string bronze sculpture, Successful, sold for nearly $20,000, above the high estimate of $15,000, proving the lasting appeal of his craftsmanship.

Historic Western art remained in high demand during the auction, as two pieces by Gerard Curtis Delano soared past their estimates, earning applause from the audience. Canyon Couple, an 18-by-24-inch watercolor, brought $66,000 (estimate: $25,000 – $35,000), while Back to Back, a bright and bold 12-by-16-inch painting, sold for $27,000 ($6,000 – $9,000).

Oleg Stavrowsky, Staying Close | Oil on Canvas | 36 x 48 inches | Sold: $27,000

Meanwhile, Oleg Stavrowsky maintained his hot streak with strong sales totaling over $85,000. And three works by James Ralston and an oil painting by Larry Zabel, a Montana favorite, achieved impressive sums, while wildlife art collectors showed enthusiasm for works by David Wade and Bonnie Marris.

The contemporary Western art market also saw robust interest, according to auction officials. Don Oelze, Joe Kronenberg, Colt Idol, and Rachel Brownlee all had exceptional showings, with their works exceeding high estimates and proving the growing demand for modern interpretations of the Western experience.

Charles M. Russell, Scene on the Judith Roundup, Bucking Broncho | Ink Wash | 17.75 x 24 inches | Sold: $48,000

In addition to fine art, rare collectibles made a significant impact. A saddle from the Visalia Stock Saddle Company sold for $36,000, above its $25,000 high estimate. Native American art also shone brightly, with a Northern Plains beaded pipe bag drawing considerable interest from collectors before selling for $5,800 after a feverish bidding war.

Alaskan art was another highlight of the sale, with strong bidding on works by Sydney Laurence, Eustace Ziegler, and Theodore Richardson. Laurence’s Mt. McKinley, a breathtaking depiction of the famed North American peak and the cover piece for this year’s sale, sold for $58,000, above its high estimate of $35,000. The enthusiasm from Alaskan collectors contributed to the dynamic energy of the auction.

The 39th annual March in Montana sale is scheduled for March 19 through March 21, 2026, in Great Falls.

C.M. Russell Museum, The Russell

March 20 – 22
Total: $9.16 million

In a record-breaking celebration of Western art, the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana, achieved $9.16 million in sales at its premier fundraising event, The Russell. This year’s event marked the largest sale of Russell and historic Western art in the auction’s 57-year history.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Rosenthal family and all the consignors and artists who contributed works to this year’s record-breaking auction,” said Chris Warden, executive director of the C.M. Russell Museum. “Their dedication to this event, alongside the deep passion of collectors and art enthusiasts from around the country, makes The Russell and Western Art Week a draw year after year.”

Among the more than 350 artworks for sale, the Western art auction featured more than 20 iconic works by Charles M. Russell, as one of the most significant auctions of the artist’s work worldwide in the past two decades.

Charles M. Russell, Women of America | Watercolor | 20 x 30 inches | Sold: $1.6 million

A Russell watercolor, Women of America, was the top-selling lot, bringing $1.6 million. The painting was notable for its scale, as one of the largest watercolors in his repertoire, and for its subject matter; the painting depicts a group of Plains women moving the camp, with a young Indigenous woman leading the way and an elder off to the right. Russell painted the image in 1924, four years after women earned the right to vote, and the same year that Native Americans gained suffrage.

Jeremy Winborg, Dahteste – As Skillful as the Men | Oil | 38 x 50 inches | Sold: $80,000

Other significant historical sales included Russell’s Mandan Buffalo Hunt, which brought $750,000, and Joseph Henry Sharp’s Moonlight Songs, which sold for $625,000. Highlights of contemporary works included Jeremy Winborg’s Dahteste: As Skillful as the Men with a hammer price of $80,000, and Jason Rich’s Drama on the Madison, which brought $55,000.

After covering artists’ commissions, consignor fees, and event expenses, over $1 million from The Russell proceeds will support the museum’s operation, accounting for more than one-third of its annual operating budget.

In addition to the auction, The Russell offers a variety of events, including a preview party, quick-finish auction, educational symposium, and — new this year — virtual silent auction. Next year’s event will take place March 19 to 21, 2026.

Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Cowgirl Up!

March 28 – May 25
Total: N/A

In the male-dominated world of Western Art, Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West turns the spotlight squarely on women’s voices and perspectives at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Sarah Bloodwolf, Horse Nation | Oil on Canvas | 24 x 24 inches

The 20th annual event showcased the talent of more than 60 juried artists offering paintings, drawings, and sculptures in various techniques, styles, and mediums. Cowgirl Up! is divided into two galleries: one of miniatures and another of full-sized art. Artwork in the main gallery remained on display and available for purchase through May 25.

Stephanie Revennaugh, Bison | Glass and Steel | 17 x 36 x 8 inches | Award: Mary Ann Igna Best in Show

During the art sale’s opening weekend, awards were presented for exceptional artistic merit. Stephanie Revennaugh was awarded Mary Ann Igna Best in Show for her glass and steel sculpture, Bison. The artist draws inspiration from the Montana landscape, and her jade-green sculpture honors the animal’s long history of survival.

Yun Wei, Back in the Day | Oil on Panel | 12 x 16 inches | Award: Best in Show Miniature

Additional awards included: Best in Show Miniature, Yun Wei’s Back in the Day; First Place Two-Dimensional Work on Paper, Kathy Harder’s Sent Air Mail; First Place, Two-Dimensional on Canvas, Heather Burton’s Tradition; and First Place, Three-Dimensional, Rebecca Tobey’s Companion. Margaret Drake received the Director’s Choice Award, and her piece The Descent was acquired for the museum’s permanent collection. Another Museum purchase honor went to Julie Nighswonger for Spring Training. Mary Leslie earned Artist’s Choice for Somewhere in an Alternate Universe. And Linda Glover Gooch was the recipient of the Patron’s Choice Award.

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale

March 30 – May 11
Total: $2 million+

The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas, generated $2 million in art sales during the 2025 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale, with total event proceeds reaching more than $2.92 million through sponsorships, ticket sales, and art purchases.

Collectors and art enthusiasts gathered for the opening weekend, where spirited bidding led to some remarkable sales. The event included more than 270 works from 85 artists.

The top-selling live auction item was Bonnie Morris’ The Best Stick Ever, which ignited an intense bidding war before selling above its high estimate of $27,000 for $90,000, excluding buyer’s premium. The oil on canvas depicts a portrait of a pair of wolves gnawing on the same stick.

Other notable auction sales included John Coleman’s Of Heaven and Earth, which sold for $35,000; Don Oelze’s On the Edge of the World, which brought $29,000; and Jim Vogel’s A Bird in the Hand, which achieved $23,000.

“This year’s Night of Artists showcased the incredible talent and vision of today’s top Western artists, and we are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from collectors and guests,” said Liz Jackson, president and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “The energy, excitement, and record-breaking sales reinforce the importance of preserving and celebrating Western art. We are grateful to our artists, patrons, and supporters for making this event such a success.”

John Coleman, Of Heaven and Earth | Oil on Board | 20 x 16 inches | Sold: $35,000

The museum’s signature fundraiser and exhibition draws artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to the Briscoe each year. Opening festivities welcomed more than 1,700 guests. New to this year’s event was the Small Works Sale, which saw 85 percent of works sold. During the Luck of the Draw Sale on opening weekend, 66 percent of available artworks sold.

Each year, Night of Artists recognizes outstanding works across various categories, celebrating the depth and diversity of Western art. The “Cowboy Bob” Museum Purchase Award went to Dustin Payne for What Man Can Conceive. The bronze wall relief, which depicts sculptors at work on Abraham Lincoln’s visage on Mount Rushmore, was chosen for the Briscoe’s permanent collection.

Additional awards include: Sam Houston Award for Painting, Martin Grelle, Trackers at Blacktail Ponds; James Bowie Award for Sculpture, Ed Natiya, Silent Hunter; David Crockett Award for Artists’ Choice, William Haskell, Heavens in Motion; and William B. Travis Award for Patrons’ Choice, Thomas Blackshear II, The Blue Bird. The Alamo Award for Best Body of Work went to T. Allen Lawson for his three landscape paintings, Basalt Sentinel, Fields of Gold, and Repairs.

Thomas Blackshear II, The Blue Bird | Oil on Linen | 35 x 22 inches | Award: William B. Travis Award for Patrons’ Choice

New artists at this year’s event included Thomas Blackshear II, Sean Michael Chavez, Scott Christensen, Quang Ho, Josh Elliott, Dean Mitchell, T. Allen Lawson, Sally Maxwell, Kyle Ma, Matt Smith, Daniel Sprick, Dustin Payne, and Vic Payne. Returning artists included Martin Grelle, John Coleman, Greg Beecham, Eric Bowman, G. Russell Case, Bonnie Morris, Teresa Elliott, William Haskell, Jeremy Lipking, Ed Natiya, Don Oelze, Howard Post, Grant Redden, Gladys Roldan-de-Moras, Billy Schenck, Jim Vogel, Morgan Weistling, and Jeremy Winborg.

“I’ve been to many of the very top shows and galleries in my career, and this year’s Night of Artists is what every artist wishes a show or a gallery would be like,” says artist Bonnie Morris. “Our paintings are like our children. We put our hearts, soul, and passion into them. We want each one to be studied, understood, and most of all enjoyed. Night of the Artists is aptly named, for it honored all of our wishes.”