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Western Art Show beats the heat and high gas
- By Richard Burger
- Published 08/20/2008
- Front Page
- Unrated
TOPPENISIH — Despite sweltering temperatures and gas prices near record highs, art lovers were out in force for the 11th annual Toppenish Western Art Show Aug. 15-17.
Show association treasurer Carol Brown estimated attendance figures at 1200-1500.
“We were thrilled with the crowd,” she said.
Brown was among association members and volunteers who worked at the show all three days of the event, and she said she spent some of her time counting and talking with those who visited the event.
She said she spoke with people from Ohio, Nebraska, Oregon, and even England, as well as places much closer to home such as the Tri-Cities and Ellensburg area.
Apparently, those who came did more than just look, too, purchasing works that was offered by the 25 artists in attendance.
“Most artists were very happy with the results,” said Brown.
She said artists tell her they also like the show because it is small and intimate, and they have the chance to visit with each other.
“They have a good time,” Brown said.
She was also pleased with the proceeds generated by the silent and live auctions at the event, which exceeded last year’s numbers, she said.
“The art auctions went very well,” Brown said. “They were beyond our expectations.”
Auction totals were also helped by pieces provided by western art luminary Fred Oldfield and this year’s featured artist, David Craig.
“Having Fred at the show is always a plus,” Brown said, and she also expressed her appreciation for the generosity of Craig, who donated two pieces to the live auction, including the original art used for the show poster for 2008, entitled “Looks Back.”.
Patron donations for the show came from The Amish Connection, Beth Laursen, Burger Insurance, Central Valley Bank, Monte Heggie of Colonial Funeral Home, Dan Eshelman of Dad’s Family Restaurant, Kraff’s Clothing, Karl Corpron of Design Central Northwest, Miller and Associate Wealth Management, and Miller’s Dairy Queen.
Blue Sky Market and Toppenish Safeway donated iced water to help keep the artists cool.
Brown said this is the last year she will serve on the show’s board, after having held the post since the event’s inception.
She encouraged anyone interested in getting involved in the show committee to contact president Linda Steinmetz or vice president Ruth Scarlett.
“We don’t meet a lot, but there are lots of little jobs that need to get done along the way,” Brown said.
Show association treasurer Carol Brown estimated attendance figures at 1200-1500.
“We were thrilled with the crowd,” she said.
Brown was among association members and volunteers who worked at the show all three days of the event, and she said she spent some of her time counting and talking with those who visited the event.
She said she spoke with people from Ohio, Nebraska, Oregon, and even England, as well as places much closer to home such as the Tri-Cities and Ellensburg area.
Apparently, those who came did more than just look, too, purchasing works that was offered by the 25 artists in attendance.
“Most artists were very happy with the results,” said Brown.
She said artists tell her they also like the show because it is small and intimate, and they have the chance to visit with each other.
“They have a good time,” Brown said.
She was also pleased with the proceeds generated by the silent and live auctions at the event, which exceeded last year’s numbers, she said.
“The art auctions went very well,” Brown said. “They were beyond our expectations.”
Auction totals were also helped by pieces provided by western art luminary Fred Oldfield and this year’s featured artist, David Craig.
“Having Fred at the show is always a plus,” Brown said, and she also expressed her appreciation for the generosity of Craig, who donated two pieces to the live auction, including the original art used for the show poster for 2008, entitled “Looks Back.”.
Patron donations for the show came from The Amish Connection, Beth Laursen, Burger Insurance, Central Valley Bank, Monte Heggie of Colonial Funeral Home, Dan Eshelman of Dad’s Family Restaurant, Kraff’s Clothing, Karl Corpron of Design Central Northwest, Miller and Associate Wealth Management, and Miller’s Dairy Queen.
Blue Sky Market and Toppenish Safeway donated iced water to help keep the artists cool.
Brown said this is the last year she will serve on the show’s board, after having held the post since the event’s inception.
She encouraged anyone interested in getting involved in the show committee to contact president Linda Steinmetz or vice president Ruth Scarlett.
“We don’t meet a lot, but there are lots of little jobs that need to get done along the way,” Brown said.