Studio of Charles M. Russell at the C.M. Russell Museum.
Sarah Adcock
Associate Curator
C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT
(406) 604-4741, www.cmrussell.org
What event (gallery show, museum exhibit, etc.) in the next few months are you looking forward to, and why?
Our newest exhibition, Is This a Real Russell?, will be installed by the end of June. This exhibition explains the why and the complexities of authenticating historical Western paintings and bronzes. We use Russell reproductions and prints from our collection and compare them to real Russell works so visitors can see side-by-side comparisons. This educational exhibit will provide visitors with a look behind the scenes to better understand how the different processes work, like underdrawings and [infrared] scanning, and how to start seeing the differences between reproductions and real works of art.
Can you tell us about any recent acquisitions at the museum?
We have been very fortunate to have several recent acquisitions from patrons, including a collection of Karl Bodmer prints and his observations of the Upper Missouri, currently on display (Expedition West; A Journey on the Upper Missouri 1832-1834 Prints by Karl Bodmer). The most recent acquisition features two exciting Russell works: a watercolor of Keeoma and a bronze of Offering to the Sun Gods.
What most excites you about the future of Western art?
What excites me about Western art, currently and for the future, is its rich history and diversity. It is truly remarkable how many different techniques and artistic styles can be used in Western art. This allows for endless exploration and inspiration, which I never tire of.
What are you researching at the moment?
We are currently researching local Blackfoot artist John L. Clarke for an exhibition this upcoming summer of 2025. The museum’s permanent collection includes his beautiful wood carvings, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to share his story, who he was, the obstacles he had to overcome and embrace, and, of course, his friendship with artists like Charles Russell.
What is your dream exhibit to curate? Or see someone else curate?
There are two dream exhibitions I would love to curate. One would be to talk about the artists in Montana who used Plains Indian Sign Language, like Charles Russell, Joe De Yong and John L. Clarke. It is fascinating to think how these artists were able to bridge the gap between spoken language and visual art, creating unique and engaging experiences for their audience. Visitors would have the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse influences that shaped them as artists and I hope to bring this exhibition to life soon. The second exhibition would be to reinterpret our Russell Legacy galleries. We are constantly learning new things about Russell and working to present interactive spaces within our galleries that will engage new generations.—
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