There is a unique energy that hangs in the air at a Western art auction. If you’ve been to one recently you might recognize it immediately. It’s there—amid the rapid-fire din of the auctioneer and the hum of the bidders and the crowd—where you feel it electrifying the air. It’s a thrill, an excitement, even sort of a rush. There’s also a stripped-down quality to an auction that requires little window dressing: “Here’s the art. Here are the prices. Here’s a hammer that will decide it all.” And that hammer does sing as works are acquired at a bargain price or soar to record highs, and everything in between. As Western Art Collector brings you the 2022 Western Auction Directory, I hope you will consider tuning into an upcoming sale, either in person or online. So mark your calendars and get your bidding hand ready. And as an added bonus to this year’s directory, we’ve reached out to the two top Western auctioneers to get their input on the Western art market. Enjoy!
—Michael Clawson
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Autry Museum of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way • Los Angeles, CA 90027 • (323) 667-2000
masters@theautry.org • www.theautry.org/masters
Masters Art Exhibition and Sale main gallery. Photo by Danielle Klebanow.
The Autry is a museum dedicated to exploring and sharing the stories, experiences and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West, connecting the past to the present to inspire our shared future. Located in beautiful Griffith Park, and online, the Autry features world-class galleries filled with art and artifacts from across the American West, including a wide range of exhibitions and public programs. The Autry’s collection of more than 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts includes the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, one of the largest and most significant in the United States. The Autry’s exhibitions, such as the annual Masters of the American West, showcase and promote artists who capture the spirit of the American West.
Michael Coleman, On the Edge, oil on linen, 30 x 24”
Teresa Elliott, Golden Calf, oil on linen, 30 x 48”
Since its beginning in 1998, this signature Autry event has grown in excellence and prestige, highlighting works by the country’s best contemporary Western artists. On display from February 12 through March 27, the exhibition will present new works by 64 artists, who will feature paintings and sculptures in a variety of themes and styles. The art sale (details TBA) will occur on Saturday, February 26. Participating artists include Tony Abeyta, Autumn Borts-Medlock, George Carlson and Mick Doellinger, to name just a few, along with new artists such as Teresa Elliott
and R. Tom Gilleon.
Visit the museum website for updated information.
Upcoming Auctions:
Masters of the American West Art Exhibition and Sale
February 12-March 27, 2022
Los Angeles, CA
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Brian Lebel’s Old West Events
1041 Westend Drive, Ste 107 • Greensboro, GA 30642 • (480) 779-9378
contactus@oldwestevents.com • www.oldwestevents.com
An Old West Event sale in action.
Old West Events hosts amazing sales and events such as Brian Lebel’s Old West Shows and Old West Auctions, held every January in Mesa, Arizona, and every June in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Olaf C. Seltzer (1877-1957), Crow 1909, oil on board, 9½ x 11½" Estimate: $7/9,000
Hundreds of dealers come together for a vendor sale for each event, and many also look forward to the live Saturday night auction. Both the shows and auctions feature the best authentic Western art, antiques and artifacts available. The company prides itself on its reputation for honesty, quality and authenticity.
The Old West Auctions features the finest Western artists and craftsmen, and holds a number of auction records for artist Edward Borein. Frequent artists represented include Will James, Maynard Dixon, Charles M. Russell, Olaf Wieghorst, Nick Eggenhofer, Michael Coleman and Edward S. Curtis, among many others.
Daro Flood (1954-2017), Untitled, oil on board, 16 x 20" Estimate: $3/5,000
In addition to fine art, the auction specializes in fine makers such as Edward H.Bohlin and Chuck Stormes, who contribute items like rare and collectible bits and spurs, antique and historic firearms and Native American artifacts.
The Old West Auction is probably best known for the 2011 sale of the only authenticated photograph of Billy the Kid for $2.3 million.
Upcoming Auctions:
The Dick Sr. and Daro Flood Family Collection of Fine Art & Ephemera
January 21, 2022
Mesa, AZ
32nd Annual Old West Auction
January 22, 2022
Mesa, AZ
32nd Annual Cody Old West Auction
June 25, 2022
Santa Fe, NM
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Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market Street • San Antonio, TX 78205 • (210) 299-4499
info@briscoemuseum.org • www.briscoemuseum.org/noa
Auctioneer Troy Black.
One of the premier Western art events in the world, Night of Artists at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, includes the viewing and sale of nearly 300 new works. This includes painting, sculpture and mixed media by more than 75 of today’s leading contemporary Western artists.
Ezra Tucker, Bass Reeves-U.S. Marshal, acrylic on board, 40 x 30"
Returning is a two-day, in-person celebration, with an opening weekend on March 25 and 26 that includes two different sales, an educational symposium, the exhibition opening and much more, all nestled in the Briscoe’s dazzling historic home on the San Antonio River Walk. Artists such as Martin Grelle, Jan Mapes, C. Michael Dudash, Curt Mattson, Kim Wiggins, Billy Schenck, Ezra Tucker and Jeremy Winborg will be returning this year, while they welcome Donna Howell-Sickles, Dave LaMure and Jim Vogel.
Dave LaMure, Full Boar, bronze, 16 x 21 x 13"
If you can’t join the celebration in person, all artwork will be posted to the museum’s website for viewing and both sales will be open for proxy bidding beginning in January. After the opening weekend concludes, any unsold art will be available for purchase through May 8 in person at the museum store or online.
Upcoming Auctions:
Night of Artists Exhibition & Sale
March 25-May 8, 2022
San Antonio, TX
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C.M. Russell Museum
400 13th Street North • Great Falls, MT 59401 • (406) 727-8787
therussell@cmrussell.org • cmrussell.org
Bidding at the 2021 sale.
Proudly sponsored by Triple Creek Ranch, The Russell auction is recognized as one of the most prestigious Western art events in the country. The annual sale provides critical funding through commissions and premiums that directly support the C.M. Russell Museum’s educational programs and cultural outreach to ensure the legacy of Charles M. Russell lives on for future generations.
Artwork on display at the 2021 event.
The 2022 event will include the perennial crowd favorite Art in Action, featuring nationally known artists working in a variety of media while interacting with attendees and ending with a live auction of the completed works. The First Strike auction focuses solely on new work by contemporary artists. The schedule of events culminates in a live auction which raises the stakes by featuring contemporary works by members of the prestigious Russell Skull Society of Artists, as well as historically significant pieces by Russell and other masters.
Artist John C. Gawne paints at the Art in Action event during The Russell 2021.
Both experienced and new collectors have the opportunity to bid during this lively lineup of Western art events. New in 2022, The Russell will offer the lowest buyer’s premium in the industry on contemporary works of art. For those unable to attend in person, each auction will offer a variety of remote bidding options. Art to be sold during The Russell will be on display at the museum as part of an exhibition throughout the summer.
The museum will also present a Sealed Bid Sale of important historical works of art in March 2022. This unique opportunity will feature a limited and carefully selected lineup of works. Visit the museum website for more details.
Upcoming Auctions:
Sealed Bid Sale
March 2022
Great Falls, MT
The Russell
August 18-20, 2022
Great Falls, MT
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Coeur d’Alene Art Auction
11944 North Tracey Road • Hayden, ID 83835 • (208) 772-9009 • www.cdaartauction.com
Bidders at the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction.
For more than 35 years, the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has specialized in the finest classical Western and American art representing past masters and outstanding contemporary artists. This annual sale holds more than 150 actual world record prices, the highest of any auction in the field, and achieves consistent sales for consignors. The 2021 sale realized more than $17.6 million in sales.
Charles M. Russell (1864-1926), Roping a Wolf, 1904, oil on canvas, 15 x 20” SOLD: $1,770,000
The auction has been hailed as “the biggest and most successful auction of Western art” by the Wall Street Journal, and recognized as “the most important annual event for collectors of Western art” by the New York Times.
Oscar E. Berninghaus (1874-1952), The Domain of Their Ancestors, 1925, oil on canvas, 25 x 30” SOLD: $847,000
Specializing in artwork by Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington and Thomas Moran, to name a few, many are looking forward to the 2022 auction held on July 23 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
Upcoming Auctions
Coeur d’Alene Art Auction
July 23, 2022
Reno, NV
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Lone Star Art Auction
8333 Douglas Avenue, Suite 360 • Dallas, TX 75225 • (214) 730-0939
info@lonestarartauction.com • www.lonestarartauction.com
G. Harvey (1933-2017), Stampede, 2001, bronze, 14½ x 27½ x 12"
The Lone Star Art Auction is a Texas-sized auction specializing in the best American, Western, wildlife, sporting and Texas fine art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Presented by Great American West and Phil Berkebile Jr., the Lone Star Art Auction brings buyers, collectors and sellers of historic and contemporary fine art together in Dallas for an enjoyable and highly entertaining event.
Birger Sandzén (1871-1954), Poplars, Logan Utah, 1929, oil on board, 28 x 20"
Art patrons and enthusiasts can socialize together while some of the most sought-after artwork available in the market will be auctioned and sold to the highest bidders. The inaugural 2022 Lone Star Art Auction will kick-off with an auction preview to be held throughout the day on Friday, October 14, followed with a cocktail reception and dinner that evening. The live auction will be held on Saturday, October 15, preceded with a pre-auction breakfast followed by the main event.
Kyle Polzin, Treasures of a Nation, 2021, oil on canvas, 30 x 50"
The Lone Star Art Auction is now accepting consignments for the sale, so head to the auction website for more information.
Upcoming Auctions
Lone Star Art Auction
October 14-15, 2022
Dallas, TX
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Hindman Auctions
2737 Larimer Street, Suite C • Denver, CO 80205 • (303) 825-1855
bartmonson@hindmanauctions.com • www.hindmanauctions.com
Hindman Auctions
Hindman is recognized globally as a leading auction house with an unyielding focus on client service. Their Chicago-based firm operates more salerooms in the United States than any of their competitors and conducts more than 100 auctions annually in all major collection categories. For more than four decades, Hindman has provided private collectors, estate professionals and institutions comprehensive art services including valuation, auction, private sales, collection management as well as disposition and acquisition advice.
Harvey Dunn (1844-1952), Brave Sending Smoke Signals, 1923, oil on paper laid to board, 32 x 24” Estimate: $10/15,000
The Western and wildlife art department specializes in handling historic and contemporary Western art including works by Western pioneering artists, Taos Society Founders, living and deceased Cowboy Artist of America, New Mexico modernists and established Southwestern artists.
Other regional landscape and figurative works by artists from the Western states and Colorado are among their featured consignments. The department also focuses on African and North American wildlife paintings and bronzes. Their sales will often showcase other authentic vintage cowboy accoutrement, saddles and furniture by important Western designers and other themed material.
Roy Andersen (1930-2019), Kiowa Medicine, oil on canvas, 30 x 20” Estimate: $8/12,000
With the help of all the Hindman regional offices, quality consignments and enthusiastic buyers find their way to the Denver saleroom from across the country and abroad.
Upcoming Auctions
Contemporary Native American Art
May 19, 2022
Denver, CO
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Jackson Hole Art Auction
130 E. Broadway Avenue • P.O. Box 1568 • Jackson, WY 83001 • (866) 549-9278
coordinator@jacksonholeartauction.com • www.jacksonholeartauction.com
A look at an interior display of paintings from last year’s Jackson Hole Art Auction.
Specializing in the sale of private and corporate collections since 2007, the Jackson Hole Art Auction has been recognized as one of the premier art events in the country. The annual event is defined by the high standard of works offered in a variety of genres including wildlife, sporting, figurative, landscape and Western art by both renowned, past masters and contemporary artists.
John Clymer (1907-1989), We Take All, 1973, oil on canvas, 24 x 48” SOLD: $480,000
The Jackson Hole Art Auction is a signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival and attracts collectors from across the country as well as abroad. Works from highly collected artists such as John Clymer, Howard Terpning, Bob Kuhn, Carl Rungius, Joseph Henry Sharp, E. Martin Hennings, Richard Schmid and Robert Abbett, among many others, can be found at any one of JHAA’s sales. The 2021 auction realized $9 million and achieved 24 new world auction records, including record sales for artists John Cowan and Roy Anderson.
Bob Kuhn (1920-2007), Stuff of Legends, 1999, acrylic on masonite, 22 x 30" SOLD: $480,000
After more than 15 years, the Jackson Hole Art Auction, held at the Center for the Arts, continues to grow. In 2021, JHAA introduced the Wyoming Art Auction, an online event in February which upholds the high standards of its sister auction but incorporates art for all styles and budgets. The JHAA family is also thrilled to welcome its new managing director, Kevin Doyle, a 20-year Sotheby’s veteran. Under his leadership, the auction house hopes to expand with more sale specializing in new genres throughout the year. Backed by Trailside Galleries and Gerald Peters Gallery, who together bring more than 100 years of art experience and expertise to the events, the Jackson Hole Art Auction has a bright future.
Upcoming Auctions:
Wyoming Art Auction
February 18-19, 2022
Online
Jackson Hole Art Auction
September 16-17, 2022
Jackson, WY
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Scottsdale Art Auction
7176 E. Main Street • Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • (480) 945-0225
info@scottsdaleartauction.com • www.scottsdaleartauction.com
William R. Leigh (1866-1955), The Narrowing Circle, oil, 26 x 36" Estimate: $750/1,000,000
A consortium of leading American art dealers has organized a Western art auction to be held in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the spring of each year. Under the banner, Scottsdale Art Auction, dealers Mike Frost (Bartfield Galleries of New York City), Jack A. Morris Jr. (Morris Fine Arts, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) and Brad Richardson (Legacy Galleries of Scottsdale, Arizona and Santa Fe, New Mexico) joined together and presented their first sale on April 2, 2005, at Richardson’s Legacy Gallery on Main Street in Scottsdale.
Frank Tenney Johnson (1874-1939), Packing In, oil, 24 x 18" Estimate: $250/350,000
“Our 18th auction will take place April 8 and 9, 2022,” says auction reps. “At our yearly auction, you can expect to find Western-themed paintings, bronzes and more. We also specialize in American, wildlife and sporting art. With a vast inventory, we are confident there is a piece for everyone. Some of our artists include Frank Tenney Johnson, Gerard Curtis Delano, G. Harvey and W.R. Leigh, to name a few.”
Last year’s auction realized more than $13.5 million with 99 percent of all lots sold. Scottsdale Art Auction has one of the lowest buyer’s premium in the industry at 17 percent, and they offer a fair, simple and straightforward commission with no hidden fees. They also have an extensive mailing list of collectors from noted art markets in New York, Jackson Hole, Bozeman, Hilton Head, Scottsdale and Santa Fe. Art is displayed in a beautiful gallery setting for consistent year-round viewing for your consignment.
Gerard Curtis Delano (1890-1972), Navajo Night, 16 x 20" Estimate: $60/80,000
“We are a partnership with over 100 years of experience in the field of fine art and we are prepared to help you buy or sell your next incredible piece of art!”
Upcoming Auctions:
Scottsdale Art Auction
April 8-9, 2022
Scottsdale, AZ
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March in Montana Auction and Dealer Show
213 E. Sherman Avenue • Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83814 • (208) 664-2091
info@marchinmontana.com • www.marchinmontana.com
Eustace Paul Zieglar (1881-1969), Panning Gold, 1921, oil on board, 8 x 10" Estimate: $7/10,000
The 35th annual March in Montana Auction and Dealer Show is shaping up to be a monumental show, in terms of both quality and variety. The Saturday sale falls on Charlie Russell’s birthday and they have a surprise or two in store.
Olaf Wieghorst (1899-1988), Custer at Crows Nest, oil on canvas, 18 x 24" Estimate: $20/30,000
Featured items are fine Western and historic art, sculpture, contemporary art and cowboy and Native American collectibles. March in Montana takes place at Charlie’s very own Elks Lodge in downtown Great Falls and draws dealers and buyers from around the world. The dealer show, held in conjunction with the auction, showcases some of the most noted dealers in the country for fine art, contemporary and historic antiques, books and Western collectibles.
“For the 2022 sale, we are offering a great selection of weavings,” says auction representatives. “We have even topped ourselves with the quality of works coming to market. This year, we have landed some great art collections from Oregon, North Dakota and Alaska. The Alaskan work is going to create quite a buzz, as there are works from some sought-after artists that are hard to find. The highlight of the auction will be an 1873 Winchester ‘one of a thousand’ rifle. The most famous of all Winchesters, this well documented gun is going to be attracting collectors from around the world.”
John Hampton (1918-1999), Navajo, bronze, 20 x 25 x 12" Estimate: $4/6,000
Large pieces by artists like George Phippen, Gary Carter, Fred Harman and many others will be a treat for collectors to see. Live, online, app, telephone and absentee biddings are available to bidders.
Upcoming Auctions:
35th Annual March in Montana Auction and Dealer Show
March 17-20, 2022
Great Falls, MT
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Santa Fe Art Auction
932 Railfan Road • Santa Fe, NM 87505 • (505) 954-5858 • www.santafeartauction.com
Entering its 30th year, the Santa Fe Art Auction is one of the most important regional auction powerhouses in the country. They have monthly sales across all categories, including classic and contemporary Western art, Native American art, Tribal art, 20th-century art and design, photography, prints and multiples, timepieces, jewelry and Spanish Colonial material.
Carl Rungius (1869 - 1959), Browsing, 1938, etching and drypoint, 7 7/8 x 10 7/8” Estimate: $4/6,000
This year they have added a summer version of their Signature Live Auction to the calendar, which will take place on June 25, 2022, in addition to their traditional fall date in early November.
John Nieto (1936 - 2018), Warrior at Trujillo, acrylic on canvas, 30¹/8 x 24” Estimate: $10/15,000
“Our Signature Sales are carefully curated selections of artworks by the Taos Society of Artists, Santa Fe Art Colony, Los Cinco Pintores as well as historic and contemporary Western art and the cream of other collecting categories now showcased in our year-round calendar,” explains Gillian Blitch, auction president and CEO. “The Santa Fe Art Auction is in a 16,000-square-foot contemporary building in the heart of Santa Fe’s burgeoning Baca Railyard District. Every auction is hung exhibition style before each sale and the public is invited to preview in person, as well as on multiple online platforms that reach thousands of bidders worldwide. Sales are often complemented by an array of educational programming, including lectures, panel discussions, artist talks and films.”
Visit the auction website for consignment and sale information.
Upcoming Auctions
Native American + Indigenous Art
February 5, 2022
Santa Fe, NM
Art of the West
May 28, 2022
Santa Fe, NM
Summer Signature Sale
June 25, 2022
Santa Fe, NM
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Western Trading Post
403 N. Florence Street • Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • (520) 426-7702 • www.westerntradingpost.com 
Jim and Bobbi Jeen Olson of Western Trading Post with some auction items.
The Western Trading Post, a family-owned auction and gallery, started as an authentic old-time trading post, which can trace its roots back to 1877 in Arizona. With a prime location in the Historic District of Casa Grande, Arizona, Western Trading Post specializes in Western Americana, vintage turquoise jewelry, firearms, Southwestern antiques and art, along with other collectible items.
Oleg Stavrowsky (1927-2020), Wet Feet, oil on canvas SOLD: $20,720
Several auctions are held throughout the year, including monthly auctions and periodic specialty auctions. Collectors can bid in a number of ways including in person, absentee or simulcast online, or by phone.
Collectible bridles at a Western Trading Post auction.
Lovers of Western art and memorabilia can also find out more about what goes on at a trading post/auction by watching their award-winning television show, Western Trading Post TV, which has aired for two years nationally on the Cowboy Channel and will be airing during 2022 on the Great American Westerns channel. The TV show can also be seen anytime on Western Trading Post’s YouTube channel.
Upcoming Auctions:
Special Advanced Collector’s Auction
January 8, 2022
Casa Grande, AZ
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