The recent Art Auction was a great success, but there are still some incredible pieces of artwork that didn’t find their forever homes. These beautiful pieces are now available for purchase! If you’ve had your eye on something or are looking for that perfect addition to your collection, now’s your chance to own one of these amazing works of art.
For any inquiries or to make a purchase, please reach out to Jesine at jesine@bigskyarts.org. She can also answer any questions regarding the artwork.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring home a unique piece from local and regional artists!
Artist: Lorri Lagerbloom
Medium: Encaustic Mixed Media
Dimensions: 20" x 10"
Year: 2022
Price: $700
Art Description:
This piece by Lorri Lagerbloom depicts the northern hawk owl, a bird the artist has yet to spot in the wild but has been recorded throughout Montana year-round. As part of a multi-generational birding family, Lorri has a deep connection to birds and their habitats. For her, painting birds is a creative manifestation of that connection, allowing her to immerse herself in the unique characteristics of each species. Through her process, she bridges the gap between observation, study, and the joy of discovery. This artwork reflects the beauty of simplicity, rawness, and Lorri's deep love for the natural world.
Artist Bio:
Lorri Lagerbloom (b. 1981) has been living and working as an artist in Big Sky, Montana for the past ten years. A sculptor who builds paintings, her work is created layer by layer, using encaustic media, collage, paint, and fabric. After studying printmaking and sculpture in New York’s Hudson Valley, Lorri continued experimenting with encaustic techniques, finding her unique path in art through this medium. Her style embraces minimalism and raw beauty, with inspiration drawn from the landscapes, habitats, and creatures of the wild in Montana.
Website: www.tallgrassart.com
Instagram: @lorribloomart
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50%
Interested in Purchasing?
For further interest and sales, please contact Jesine at jesine@bigskyarts.org.
Artist: Tina Milisavljevich
Medium: Driftwood/Vintage Auto Metal
Dimensions: 20" x 25" x 9"
Year: 2024
Price: $1200
Art Description:
"Rain Maker" is a striking sculpture inspired by wild horses running free on the Blackfeet Indian reservation. The horse is crafted from driftwood gathered along the shores of Flathead Lake, and its details are enhanced with vintage automobile metal from the 1950s. Vintage drawer pulls from an old farm in Bigfork were added for the jowls, while wire and wood were incorporated to convey movement, reminiscent of the wind blowing through the manes of wild horses in Browning, Montana. This piece evokes the raw beauty and power of the landscape and creatures that inspire it.
Artist Bio:
Tina Milisavljevich has long been fascinated with sculpture, and her creative journey began with an unexpected moment of inspiration while walking the shores of Flathead Lake. Nearly stumbling over a half-buried root that resembled a horse head, she brought the driftwood pieces back to her studio and "Rain Maker" slowly came to life. Tina enhances her sculptures with automobile parts from the 1950s and 60s, adding strength and interest to each creation. Her love of driftwood, and its connection to both nature and the era of vintage automobiles, imbues her work with a sense of wonder and remembrance.
Website: tinaswildlifeart.net
Facebook: tinaswildlifeart
Instagram: @tinaswildlifeart
Gallery Representation:
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50%
Interested in Purchasing?
For further interest and sales, please contact Jesine at jesine@bigskyarts.org.
Artist: Jen Smith
Medium: Charcoal and Pastel Pencil on Custom Cradled Birch Panel
Dimensions: 24" x 36" x 1.75"
Year: 2024
Price: $2,160 (negotiable)
Art Description:
"Ponderosa Princess" is inspired by the artist's deep admiration for birds of prey, particularly great horned owls. Jen Smith explores the way these silent hunters blend seamlessly into their surroundings, and the intricate feather patterns that mirror the textures of tree bark, such as that of the majestic Ponderosa. The owl is carefully placed within a tree that enhances her regal posture, gazing out at the expansive landscapes of Wyoming and Montana, the artist’s home. This piece captures the serenity and beauty of nature while highlighting the connection between wildlife and their habitats.
Artist Bio:
Jen Smith grew up in northern Wyoming, where the expansive badlands and the Rocky Mountains ignited her passion for wildlife and the natural world. After receiving her BFA from MSU Bozeman, she honed her craft in charcoal and pastel, developing a unique style that blends naturalism with modern composition. Jen's works are celebrated for their earthy palette, dynamic presentation, and ability to convey the spirit of her subjects. She exhibits nationally in prestigious shows such as "Western Visions" at the National Museum of Wildlife Art and "Art in the West" at the High Desert Museum. Jen’s studio, situated on the edge of Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Stabler, WA, reflects her connection to nature and the wildlife she portrays.
Website: www.jensmithart.com
Facebook: facebook.com/JenSmithArt
Instagram: @jensmithart
Gallery Representation:
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50%
Interested in Purchasing?
For further interest and sales, please contact Jesine at jesine@bigskyarts.org.
Artist: Peggy Judy
Medium: Oil on Canvas Panel
Dimensions: 20" x 16"
Year: 2024
Price: $1,250 (negotiable)
Art Description:
Living in a ranching community in Southern Colorado, Peggy Judy captures the authentic daily life of cattlemen and cowboys tending to their cattle. Through this painting, she brings their story to life for the world to witness, using oil on canvas to capture the rugged beauty of ranching and western life. Her work emphasizes the strength and dedication of the individuals who continue to uphold this time-honored tradition, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the western landscape.
Artist Bio:
Born and raised in Colorado, Peggy Judy’s deep connection to the western lifestyle is evident in her work. With a BFA in Illustration from Colorado State University, she spent years raising children, horses, and managing a family veterinary practice, which limited her ability to pursue art professionally. In the last five years, Peggy has focused on creating contemporary western art, blending traditional western subject matter with her unique, graphic approach to composition and design. She is represented by prestigious galleries across the country and has gained recognition for her expressive interpretations of the west. Peggy’s work highlights the beauty and intensity of the west as it was and continues to be experienced by a select few.
Website: PeggyJudyFineArt.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/PeggyJudyArt
Instagram: @peggyjudyfineart
Gallery Representation:
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50%
Interested in Purchasing?
For further interest and sales, please contact Jesine at jesine@bigskyarts.org.
Artist: Mike Piggott
Medium: Acrylic on Panel
Dimensions: 12" x 16"
Year: 2022
Price: $1600
This piece is up for sale courtesy of Visions West Gallery in Bozeman.
Artist Bio:
Mike Piggott is known for his distinctive artistic style, often utilizing bold colors and dynamic compositions to express the natural world. His work captures the raw beauty and energy of landscapes and wildlife, pushing the boundaries of his medium and the viewer's perception.
Website: www.visionswestgallery.com
Facebook: Visions West Gallery
Instagram: @visionswestgallery
Gallery Representation:
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50%
For further interest and sales, please contact jesine@bigskyarts.org.
Artist: Kate Oltmann
Medium: Graphite and Watercolor
Dimensions: 20" x 13"
Year: 2024
Price: $1800 (Negotiable)
"Fixing the Divide" captures a timeless moment on the frontier, where man and horse work together to preserve the boundaries of the open range. With weathered hands and a steadfast gaze, the cowboy carefully repairs a broken fence, symbolizing the grit and resilience required to maintain a life bound to the land. The horse stands by, a loyal partner in the day's labor, embodying both strength and gentleness. This piece speaks to the enduring spirit of the West and the unwavering bond between cowboy and country.
Artist Bio:
Kate Oltmann resides amidst the majestic landscapes of Glacier National Park in Northwest Montana. Developed from her family's history as homesteaders and builders within the park, she has a profound connection and fascination with the history and culture of the area, which informs her artistic expression. Oltmann's art is more than just a visual representation of the American West; it is a tribute to the resilient people and landscapes that have shaped this iconic region. Through the pairing of her pencil drawings of everyday, rugged ranching life with the bright, graphic prints borrowed from the quilts and textiles emblematic of this lifestyle, she invites the viewers to connect with the way of life, its history, and the indomitable human spirit that continues to thrive in the contemporary Western world.
Website: www.kateoltmann.com
Facebook: Kate Oltmann
Instagram: @kateoltmann
Gallery Representation:
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50%
For further interest and sales, please contact jesine@bigskyarts.org.
Artist: Arena Shawn
Medium: Oil on Linen Panel
Dimensions: 15" x 18"
Year: 2024
Price: $825
“If you are virtuous, you will not be lonely. You will always have friends.” – The Analects of Confucius 4:25
Arena Shawn's work is an exploration of quiet lights, subtle colors, and the playful shapes exhibited by everyday subjects. Through the oil on linen piece, "Virtuous Friendship," Arena reflects the emotional essence of life, evoking the wonder and awe that is often taken for granted. This work continues her pursuit of traditional still life painting, influenced by the Dutch Masters and French Academics, combining old master sensibilities with rich color and expressive brushstrokes.
Artist Bio:
In her pursuit of art, Arena uses charcoal, pencil, brush, and paints to reflect the subtle beauty of the world around us. Striving for the emotional quality of every piece, she hopes her work will resonate with viewers and offer a connection to the simple joys of daily life. Each still life arrangement is painted directly from life in her north light studio, capturing moments of intimacy and abundance.
Website: www.ArenaShawn.com
Facebook: Arena Shawn
Instagram: @ArenaShawn
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50%
For further interest and sales, please contact jesine@bigskyarts.org.
Artist: Betina Johnson
Medium: Mixed-media/Acrylics/Collage
Dimensions: 13" x 12" x 0.5"
Year: 2024
Price: $500 (Negotiable)
"Autumn Reflections" evokes the change of seasons, preparing for winter as nature reveals its colors. The artwork features a bear preparing to hibernate, a reminder from Mother Nature of the inevitable changes we face. It serves as a poignant reflection on the importance of listening to the signs and learning from them.
Artist Bio:
Betina Johnson, a lifelong resident of Montana, creates art that is deeply connected to her heritage and present world. Her subjects are painted up close to foster an immediate connection with the viewer, inviting them to explore the layers she uses in her creative process. Betina's work empowers others to celebrate joyful storytelling through art.
Instagram: @betinajohnsonart
Gallery Representation: Carbon County Depot Gallery
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50% + an additional contribution of 75% of the sale price above the reserve
For further interest and sales, please contact jesine@bigskyarts.org.
Artist: David Mensing
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 18" x 24"
Year: 2020
"Fall Colors" captures the striking vibrancy of autumn as golden hues contrast with the crisp blue sky and its reflection in the creek. The presence of hay bales serves as a reminder to appreciate both the beauty of the landscape and the bounty of the harvest season.
Artist Bio:
David Mensing grew up in Iowa and moved to the West as a young man. Now based in Sisters, Oregon, he draws upon his background in architecture to create compelling compositions. His professional experiences as a camp director, white-water rafting guide, and even a pole vaulter have shaped his adventurous spirit and artistic vision.
Mensing’s paintings are collected and exhibited worldwide. His work has received national acclaim, including the Award of Excellence from Southwest Art Icons of the West and Best of Show at Art and Soul. His art has been featured in numerous publications, recognized for its masterful design and execution.
Website: davidmensingfineart.com
Facebook: David Mensing Fine Art
Instagram: @davidmensingfineart
Gallery Representation:
Contribution to the Arts Council of Big Sky: 50%
For pricing details and availability, please visit our website under the Art Auction tab. For further interest and sales, please contact jesine@bigskyarts.org.
The Arts Council of Big Sky is pleased to host the 13th Annual Auction for the Arts event, scheduled to be held at the Grand Ballroom in the Montage in Big Sky on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Tickets are now on sale!
Proceeds from the Auction for the Arts allow the Arts Council of Big Sky to make arts programming affordable and accessible so everyone can participate in art classes, events, and community art installations.
Along with benefitting our community, the Auction for the Arts is a full-circle fundraiser that simultaneously creates an opportunity for amazing artists like yourself to earn income and connect with Big Sky buyers while also providing a critical revenue source for our organization.
Along with a silent auction, this year's Arts Auction includes 10 quick-finish artists who will be completing their piece on site during the event to be auctioned off in our live auction. Throughout the night, incredible food and drinks, live entertainment, and a paddle raise to support the mission of the Arts Council will help create an amazing night.
Please join us for Big Sky's most colorful and exciting gala of the year!
Hand-picked artwork selected by our artwork selection committee from our Call for Art and by invitation is included in our silent auction at the Auction for the Arts. The silent auction catalog is offered online, so you can begin dreaming about your newest artwork addition(s)! Bidding for the silent auction begins on February 14th and closes just after the live program on February 22.
If you cannot attend in person, the silent auction is a fun way to still participate and bid on artwork--which you can do from anywhere! Simply register online to be part of the bidding action!
Watch your next painting come to life as invited quick finish artists create paintings throughout the evening, which will be auctioned off in the live auction on the night of the Auction for the Arts. Other premium experience packages will be auctioned live as well. This is a very exciting part the event! This year's artists are:
Carlin Bear Don't Walk - Painting
Amber Blazina - Painting
Kira Fercho - Painting
Katy Ann Fox - Painting
Elaine Hansard - Sculpture
Kirsten Kainz - Painting
Stephanie Revennaugh - Sculpture
Averi Smith - Painting
Judd Thompson - Painting/Mixed Media
Kathryn Turner - Painting
Each year the Auction raises funds for a variety of programming, including education, public art and events. We believe that direct arts engagement improves lives and communities, and we need your support to make our arts programming ACCESSIBLE and AFFORDABLE for ALL. Support from people like you last year made it possible to create more than 50,000 interactions through the arts. Let's make 2025 even better. Join us and give the gift of CONNECTION today!
