2015 SPECIAL EDITION
Michael Dudash A Gathering Storm, 2015, oil on linen, 40 x 56 in.
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF QUEST FOR THE WEST 速
SCHEDULE Quest for the West ® Opening Weekend Schedule SEP 11–13, 2015
Dedicated Western Art Society members and co-chairs, Gita Osborne and Steve Zimmerman, are leading efforts to make the 10th annual Quest for the West unforgettable.
FRIDAY, SEP 11 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration; Quest exhibit open to registered participants 1–3:30 p.m. Open houses at two Western art collectors’ homes—shuttle service and refreshments provided 6:30–9:30 p.m. Quest for the West®10th anniversary celebration at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio Street, featuring music by the Wright Brothers, a presentation by Wyatt Earp and cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres SATURDAY, SEP 12 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Registration 10–11 a.m. View art in Quest gallery 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Luncheon honoring 2014 Quest Collector of Distinction Wayne B. Rumley of Tulsa, OK and announcement of the Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award winner 1:30–3 p.m. Presentation by film preservationist Eric Grayson of Indianapolis, a.k.a. Dr. Film 3–5 p.m. Quest gallery closed 5–6:30 p.m. Reception and intent to purchase; Quest gallery open 6:30–7:20 p.m. Draw and Art Sale 8 p.m. Banquet and awards ceremony; a painting by Martin Grelle will be auctioned SUNDAY, SEP 13 9–10 a.m. Continental breakfast 9 a.m.–noon Quest gallery open for art purchases Noon Quest for the West Art Show opens to the public. Art not sold on Sept. 12 may be purchased from the Eiteljorg Museum through Sunday, Oct. 11.
Volume 10, Number 3 Special 10th anniversary Quest for the West issue ®
President and CEO
Editor-in-Chief
John Vanausdall
DeShong Perry-Smitherman
Vice President of Development
Contributing Writers
Susie Maxwell, CFRE
Johanna M. Blume James H. Nottage
Membership Manager
Sheila Jackson Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Tamara Winfrey Harris Design
Honeymoon Image & Design
Longtime Eiteljorg volunteer Rosie Bonjouklian with Evelyn Seeley, also a volunteer and member of the Western Art Society.
Volunteer at Quest Volunteers are needed to help facilitate the sale of art on Saturday, Sept. 12, during the Quest sales reception and to assist artists and patrons in the gallery that evening. Mandatory training dates are offered the week before the sale. All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and pass a criminal background check. Please contact Deborah Kish, dkish@eiteljorg.com or 317-275-1325 to become a volunteer!
Contact Us
Eiteljorg Museum 500 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 storyteller@eiteljorg.com www.eiteljorg.org (317) 636-9378
PRESIDENT’S LETTER Join me in celebrating 10 years of success What a thrill it is to welcome you back to Indianapolis for the 10th anniversary celebration of the Eiteljorg Museum’s Quest for the West Art Show and Sale. It seems like yesterday that we hosted the first Quest, which was a huge hit right out of the box. While Quest has certainly grown and matured over the past decade, I was profoundly proud of the project even in its first year— the extraordinary artists who committed to our show, and to the quality and professionalism of the event overall. And what success we have enjoyed over the years! I am proud of the Eiteljorg’s increased stature in the field, and pleased to hear from so many who say we have one of the top Western art shows and sales in the country. Rarely does someone fail to comment about Quest’s unrivaled hospitality—but that’s just the way we do it in Indiana. The numbers speak to the success of the event, with art sales reaching a total of $1,171,300 in 2014 and a grand total of $9,218,810 since the inception of Quest. How pleased we are that the artists have fared so well, and grateful that a percentage of those sales goes to support museum operations and the purchase prize. This year we are pleased to welcome three new artists— Glenn Dean, Gladys Roldan-deMoras and Sandy Scott—each of whom brings a wealth of talent and vision to Quest. I especially want to offer a very special greeting and note of thanks to those artists who have been with us since the beginning.
New this year is our first Collector of Distinction presentation sharing with you selections from an extraordinary collection assembled by Wayne B. Rumley of Tulsa, OK. We appreciate Wayne’s generosity in loaning treasures from his collection to make this exhibition possible. Also new this year is a fun and participatory, 10th anniversary component: an art swap among the artists themselves. Another addition this year is the live auction of a major painting by a renowned artist who participated in our first Quest for the West, Martin Grelle. This year’s Eiteljorg keepsake was created by sculptor, Scott Rogers. Thank you, Scott. Quest for the West benefits from the involvement and support of the museum’s Western Art Society whose members helped create Quest, and who help us present it each year through their time, talent and financial resources. The Western Art Society is chaired by Caryn Anderson who is a talented and enthusiastic leader. I want to offer a special thank you to Gita Osborne and Steve Zimmerman for serving as Quest chairpersons this year. How amazing that Steve is chairing our 10th anniversary celebration with Gita, because he was the chairman of the first Quest and personally responsible for so much of the inaugural show’s success. Thank you to both Steve and Gita, who have given much time and support to our staff to make this year’s event another must-see experience. Thanks are also owed to a great museum staff, including James Nottage, Vice President,
Quest for the West® Commemorative Edition
Chief Curatorial Officer and Gund Curator of Western Art, and his colleague, Johanna M. Blume, Assistant Curator of Western Art. There are so many other staff to thank, but I especially want to acknowledge Susie Maxwell, our Vice President for Development and her staff for planning the meals and social events that make Quest so much fun for us all. Finally, thank you to our artists for sharing their talent and vision with us, and to you, their patrons, for collecting their art and supporting their careers. I hope you enjoy this celebration of a decade of amazing Western art at the Eiteljorg’s Quest for the West.
John Vanausdall visits with guests at the 2014 Quest for the West Art Show and Sale. ®
Sincerely,
John Vanausdall President and CEO Eiteljorg Museum
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10 years of Quest for the West ÂŽ
by James H. Nottage At the beginning of 2001, the Eiteljorg Museum acquired two important paintings by living masters of realist Western art. These oils by Howard Terpning and Ken Riley would not have been obtainable without the formation of an important support group of notable collectors in this field. The Western Art Society was formed to generate excitement and support for contemporary traditional art of the West. A number of members including founding chair, Betsey Harvey, Ed and Phyllis Cockerill, Steve Zimmerman, and Stan Hurt were among those who early advocated that the museum conduct an annual show and sale of the best of contemporary traditional Western art. The idea came to fruition in 2006 when the Eiteljorg and the Western Art Society, motivated by the dedicated efforts of Stephen Zimmerman, began an annual sales show to feature 50 of the best living Western painters and sculptors. Funds generated from the show support museum operations. Notably, an important work from each show is purchased to add to the museum’s permanent collection. Quest for the West has brought collectors from around the country to Indianapolis each fall to meet the artists, purchase their work, and to help make the Eiteljorg a prominent part of the national contemporary Continued on page 4
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Curt and Wendy Mattson enjoying time with Beth Meloy and Bob Oppelt.
A bidder places a ballot.
Stan Hurt, Justine Griffing (seated) and Rayna Santiago.
Terry Isaac Storyteller, 2015, acrylic, 48 x 18 in.
Joan Perelman, Gayle Cox and Sharon Zimmerman at the 2014 Quest reception.
Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
Robert Griffing The Finger Weaver, 2015, oil on linen, 40 x 50 in.
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Continued from page 2
Western art scene. A colorful catalog is generated each year to support the show. Top artists are selected for special awards during the show, and since 2008 an Artist of Distinction has been selected to receive a one-person exhibit at the next year’s presentation. To date, Daniel Smith, Curt Walters, Robert Griffing, George Hallmark, Doug Hyde, Donald Crowley and John Coleman have been selected for this honor. Each of these exhibitions has brought important works to the Eiteljorg on loan from other museums and collectors across the country, creating new relationships that support the Museum. Quest for the West is highly rated among leading Western art shows for the quality of the art and artists, and the exceptional hospitality evident during the opening weekend. An important result is that the Eiteljorg collection of contemporary traditional art of the West continues to grow and attract additional support for the museum. The Western Art Society continues to thrive as a critically important support group for the Eiteljorg Museum. In addition to Quest, the group travels together to visit museums, private collections, and artist studios. Individual members are regular donors to the museum collection and provide financial support. Some are members of the board of directors. All are a major component of celebrating the vitality of Western art of today.
Heide Presse Eight Days to Denver, 2015, oil on linen, 19 x 36 in.
Linda Martinez speaking with Quest artist Peter Nisbet and Roger Eiteljorg.
Western Art Society members and guest artists and collectors in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 2013. Mel Perelman with Patty and Tom Gibbs. Artists and patrons celebrate during Quest 2014.
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Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
Andy Thomas Last of the Posse, 2015 Oil on linen, 26 x 38 in.
Tim Cherry Slumber Duck, 2014 Bronze, 8 x 13 x 6 in.
Francois Koch Rust in Peace, 2015, oil on linen, 16 x 24 in.
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2015 ARTISTS Gerald Balciar Dan Bodelson Blair Buswell John Buxton Bruce Cheever Tim Cherry Glenn Dean Mike Desatnick Steve Devenyns Mikel Donahue C. Michael Dudash Josh Elliott Tony Eubanks John Fawcett Veryl Goodnight Robert Griffing Logan Maxwell Hagege George Hallmark Karin Hollebeke Doug Hyde Terry Isaac Greg Kelsey Francois Koch Curt Mattson Joseph McGurl Krystii Melaine Eric Michaels Denis Milhomme Jay Moore John Moyers Brenda Murphy Bill Nebeker Rock Newcomb P.A. Nisbet Robert Peters Howard Post M.C. Poulsen Scott Tallman Powers Heide Presse Scott Rogers Gladys Roldan-de-Moras Roseta Santiago Adam Smith Daniel Smith Sandy Scott Nathan Solano Craig Tennant Andy Thomas Curt Walters H. David Wright
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Denis Milhomme Autumn Peace, 2015, oil, 16 x 20 in.
10-year club Over the past ten years, Quest for the West has featured the work of ninety-four incredible artists, and we appreciate the talent and dedication of each one who has participated in Quest over the years. However, there are a few whose commitment to Quest has gone above and beyond. We would like to take this opportunity to offer a special thank you to the 14 artists who have participated in Quest in every one of our 10 years. Those artists are: Gerald Balciar John Buxton Tony Eubanks Robert Griffing George Hallmark
Karin Hollebeke Doug Hyde Francois Koch Eric Michaels Denis Milhomme
Rock Newcomb M. C. Poulsen Roseta Santiago Dan Smith
Mikel Donahue An Ounce of Prevention, 2015 Mixed media, 12 x 12 in.
Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine
LIVE AUCTION First time Quest live auction featuring Martin Grelle
Glenn Dean, The Trackers, 2015, oil on canvas, 30 x 20 in.
Gladys Roldan-de-Moras, Devotion, San Jose Mission, San Antonio, Texas, 2015, oil on linen, 48 x 48 in.
Quest for the West® Commemorative Edition
Yes it is true! While celebrating the Quest anniversary, we will be offering a single live auction of a major painting at the Saturday night banquet. As news leaks out, excitement is building with great interest in the 36” x 48” oil by Martin Grelle. Specially commissioned for the event, the work will be a classic expression of the well-known artist’s depictions of Plains Indian people. Martin Grelle participated in the first Quest for the West in 2006. Collectors avidly pursue his major works and competition to purchase them is strong. Grelle has served on the board and as president of the Cowboy Artists of America. He was invited to join that prestigious group in 1995 and the same year entered the first Prix de West Invitational at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Grelle has consistently won major awards at all the shows
Martin Grelle on a recent trail ride. Photograph by Curtis Calloway.
and been featured in over 30 one-man exhibitions. Keep an eye on Quest pages of our website at eiteljorg.org for additional details. It will be a fast-paced auction so you will want to be there. Absentee bidding can be arranged by calling Kay Hinds at 317-275-1341.
For the third year, select Quest for the West attendees will win a casting of the Eiteljorg Keepsake. This year’s Keepsake is a limited edition bronze of a strongbox created by Quest artist Scott Rogers. 7
COLLECTOR OF DISTINCTION Dedicated to Western Art The Wayne B. Rumley Collection All artists depend upon the support of collectors who purchase their work. Ultimately, museums rely upon these patrons for support as well. As Quest for the West celebrates its tenth anniversary, we are especially conscious of how important patronage is for the survival and growth of art. While it has been a tradition of the Eiteljorg to present an Artist of Distinction Award to one deserving artist each year and to celebrate them through a one-person show, we knew that for 2015 we wanted to acknowledge a collector for longterm support of Western art. We are pleased that the first Collector of Distinction Award is being presented to honor and acknowledge Mr. Wayne B. Rumley, a significant entrepreneur and chemical engineer from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Artists and other collectors from around the country know Rumley and acknowledge his long support of art and museums of the West. For years, Rumley has been a leading figure as board and committee member for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, and for the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, OK. He contributed significantly to developing the prestigious Prix de West show at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. At the Gilcrease he worked with the museum’s late director, Fred Myers, to form and nurture the Western Rendezvous which annually features two leading artists of the West.
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Throughout his collecting career, Rumley has supported and become a fast friend to many artists. His association with Donald Teague, Tom Lovell, and Frank McCarthy has been especially important. He has counseled younger artists and advised collectors and museums. Dedicated to Western Art will be on view at the Eiteljorg Museum from Sept. 12 through Nov. 15 of this year. The selection of 24 featured works includes important canvases by Howard Terpning, John Clymer, Frank McCarthy, Donald Teague, Tom Lovell, and many more. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to see splendid works, gathered through the unerring eye of a collector who continues to influence the field. Those who attend the opening weekend of Quest will be able to join us all in thanking Wayne B. Rumley for his contributions to the field.
John Clymer (1907-1989), The Boys at Bents Fort, 1979 Loan: Courtesy of Wayne B. Rumley and Family. Photography by Ed Muno.
Frank McCarthy (1924-2002) Retreat to Higher Ground, 1978 Loan: Courtesy of Wayne B. Rumley and Family. Photography by Ed Muno.
Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine
Howard Terpning (born 1927) Chief Joseph Rides to Surrender, 1979 Loan: Courtesy of Wayne B. Rumley and Family. ©Terpning Family Limited Partnership, LLLP.
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White River State Park • 500 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.eiteljorg.org
10th Anniversary Quest for the West ® sponsors The Eiteljorg Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of these generous 2015 10th anniversary Quest for the West Art Show and Sale sponsors: ®
PRESENTED BY:
BUCKAROOS:
PRIZE SPONSORS:
The Western Art Society
Howard and Frankie Alper Angie and Dick Darlington Faegre Baker Daniels LLP Robert and Ellie Haan Stan and Sandy Hurt Mickey and Janie Maurer Rosie Steinmetz
Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award Presented by The Western Art Society Henry Farny Award for Best Painting Presented by Jane and Steve Marmon Victor Higgins Work of Distinction Presented by Catherine and Robert Turner Cyrus Dallin Award for Best Sculpture Presented by Mike and Carla Leppert Patrons’ Choice Award Presented by Booth Western Art Museum Artists’ Choice Award Presented by Phyllis and Ed Cockerill
DROVERS:
Alan Gerry Tom and Patty Gibbs Jane and Steve Marmon Joe and Gita Osborne Mel and Joan Perelman Bill and Roberta Witchger MAVERICKS:
EITELJORG KEEPSAKE SPONSORS:
Catherine and Robert Turner Fuhrmann Capital, LLC: Ryan Fuhrmann and Stephen Zimmerman IN-KIND SUPPORT:
Sun King Brewing Company ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:
Caryn and David Anderson L.G. and Alyce Edwards Roger and Mindy Eiteljorg High Noon Western Americana Willis and Shirley Holland Kay Koch David and Virginia Mullins Robert Oppelt and Beth Meloy Tom and Evelyn Seeley Stephen and Sharon Zimmerman
If you have questions or comments about Storyteller magazine contact us at (317) 636-WEST or storyteller@eiteljorg.com.