C.M. Russell Museum postpones annual Russell Exhibition & Sale

The C.M. Russell Museum has announced the postponement of its annual Western art event and auction, The Russell: An Exhibition & Sale to benefit the C.M. Russell Museum. Drawing art enthusiasts from around the United States and Canada to Great Falls and originally scheduled for March 19 to 21, the Russell Museum leadership and board of directors made the decision to postpone The Russell due to potential infectious risk regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to attendees and the local community.

“We take this decision very seriously,” said Tom Figarelle, executive director of the C.M. Russell Museum. “The Russell Exhibition & Sale has a beloved 52-year tradition in Great Falls and is a primary source of revenue for the museum, but given the potential and likely spread of the Coronavirus at The Russell events, we feel postponement is in the best interest of the Great Falls community and our patrons, staff, volunteers and partners.”

Each year the multi-day event is attended by hundreds of art fans and Russell Museum supporters from across Montana and numerous states and provinces.

The postponed events include the Russell Western Heritage Awards on March 18, the preview party for the Russell auction on March 19 and auctions on Friday and Saturday.

The Russell Museum plans to announce the rescheduled date by the end of March and currently anticipates holding The Russell within the next six months At this time, no other Western Art Week shows coinciding with The Russell have announced a decision.

Questions can be directed to the following Russell Museum staff members regarding event changes:

• Ticketing: Jessica Nebel, 406-727-1939; jnebel@cmrussell.org

• Artists: Kelcy Wedekind, 406-604-4761; kwedekind@cmrussell.org

• General Inquiries: Barbie Brunelle, 406-604-4742