The fifth-annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, attracted more than 300 guests and generated more than $1 million in sales, making it the highest-attended Quest sale in the event’s history. Results represent a 20 percent increase in sales over last year.
“The fifth iteration of Quest proved to be one of the most exciting and successful yet,” said John Vanausdall, Eiteljorg Museum president and CEO. “We had an incredible crowd and the energy was exhilarating. To have such a wonderful turnout and such great results in this economic climate speaks volumes about the reputation the Eiteljorg Museum and Quest for the West have developed on a national scale.”
Quest for the West is significant for the Eiteljorg Museum. It is the only major museum Western art show and sale east of the Mississippi. Guests from across the country came to Indianapolis to seek out and buy some of the best traditional Western art. A portion of proceeds will help the Eiteljorg build its collection of world-class art.
Quest for the West opening weekend activities included the art sale, featuring works by noted Western artists, including Robert Griffing, Andy Thomas, Curt Walters, Daniel Smith and Krystii Melaine; a gala reception; demonstrations; lectures and opportunities to meet participating artists.
Renowned Eastern woodlands painter, Robert Griffing, is concurrently featured in a special exhibition of his work at the Eiteljorg for winning the Artist of Distinction Award at Quest in 2009. This show, Only a Matter of Time: The Paintings of Robert Griffing, will be on view until Nov. 28.
Artists awarded for excellence
At the Quest for the West banquet and awards ceremony, artists were recognized for their work. Award categories and recipients are:
Patrons’ Choice Award
Chosen by attending patrons.
Tryin’ to Collect a Buck
Greg Kelsey
Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award
Presented by the Western Art Society
Mount Wilson Winter
Arturo Chávez
Cyrus Dallin Award for Best Sculpture
Presented by Mike and Carla Leppert
Tryin’ to Collect a Buck
Greg Kelsey
Henry Farny Award for Best Painting
Presented by Southwest Art
The Arborists’ Reward
Curt Walters
Victor Higgins Award of Distinction for best body of work in the show
Presented by Catherine and Robert Turner
Howard Post
Artist of Distinction Award
Presented by the David H. and Barbara M. Jacobs Foundation
George Hallmark
The artist will be honored with a one-man show at Quest 2011
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art seeks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America. The museum, which opened in 1989, is located in Indianapolis’ White River State Park. For general information about the museum and to learn more about exhibits and events, call (317) 636-WEST (9378) or visit www.eiteljorg.org
