The Booth Western Art Museum explores a new theme this year with For the Love of Art Gala & Art Auction. The theme is “Exploring the New West” in honor of Arizona painter Howard Post, the 2024 Artist of Excellence Award recipient the Georgia museum.
Howard Post, Gate by the Barn, 2021, oil, 24 x 36”
“In building the museum’s collection, we have attempted to collect the best of both traditional realism and more contemporary styles of Western art,” says Seth Hopkins, Booth executive director. “With Howard Post as our honoree this year, the first time we have honored a contemporary-style artist, we felt it important to have a theme that reflected his work. [Post] has been one of the leaders in forging what many call ‘New Western Art.’ He has been producing high-quality work for roughly 50 years and has attracted significant collector attention across a broad spectrum.”
Michele Usibelli, Autumn Brilliance, 2023, oil, 30 x 18”
When asked about how he feels about receiving the award, Post shared, “Of course, I’m honored to be selected for the award from the Booth Museum. It’s pretty cool when a renowned institution like the Booth gives recognition to your work. I’m grateful.”
Post also has paintings to be included in the auction, showcasing his classic contemporary perspective of ranch and rodeo life. His piece Gate by the Barn, has become a favorite for the artist. “Trying to find the right balance with the mountain ranges contrasted with the geometric shadow of the barn and the fence was a fun challenge,” he shares.
Attendees can expect to see around 100 lots available at the event, including 20 miniatures, 70 items in the silent auction and a dozen works in the live auction. “There will be a wide range of artwork available including Western art by some of today’s top artists, as well as beautiful still lifes, landscapes from around the world, along with jewelry, Western wear and art books,” Hopkins explains.
John Fawcett, Late Day Gather, 2018, oil, 16 x 20”
Top artists like John Fawcett, known for his historical themes and depictions of horses, will feature his auction piece Late Day Gather. He explains of the piece, “This oil is from the historic Haythorn Ranch, which has been in the same family since its inception in the mid-1800s. They produce some of the best quarter horses in the country with an excellent breeding program. Here, the current patriarch of the family, Craig Haythorn, is bringing in a remuda to the corrals.”
In addition to the excitement of what is considered the “largest gathering of Western Art fans…providing the opportunity for collectors to meet or reunite with friends who have similar interests,” says Hopkins, the event is also an important fundraising opportunity for the museum. “All funds raised are used to support the operation of the Booth Western Art Museum,” Hopkins continues, “and the vast majority of the art is donated 100 percent to the museum. There is also a special paddle raise for the HAAS fund, which provides funding for public school buses to bring students to the museum who might not otherwise be able to visit.”
A look at last year’s auction of a Doug Smith painting.
The event kicks off on Saturday, March 9, at 5:30 p.m., starting with the celebratory gala, where guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a look at the silent auction items. Following that is a gourmet meal and the live auction in the Booth Ballroom, where Hopkins will also present the Artist of Excellence Award to Post.
For more information on bonus experiences and to purchase tickets, please visit the museum website. —
For the Love of Art Gala & Art Auction
March 9, 2024
Booth Western Art Museum, 501 N. Museum Drive, Carterville, GA 30120
(770) 387-1300, www.boothmuseum.org
Powered by Froala Editor
