Summer ArtFest showcases fine art in revamped gallery and virtual event

This year’s Summer ArtFest has created an avenue for fine art enthusiasts to enjoy the work of some talented artists, both in person and online.

The Summer ArtFest at Whitefish held its inaugural event last summer with plans to expand in coming years, but with the COVID-19 pandemic impacts this year, organizers of the event have decided to hold a revamped version with the promise of bringing back a larger festival in the future.

Steve and Nancy Cawdrey launched the showcase with what they call some of the best artists from the Western art world. Last year’s events, as part of the festival, took place around town, but this year will only be held at the Nancy Cawdrey Gallery on Wisconsin Avenue on Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16.

Steve Cawdrey said the goal is to keep the event low key to allow for social distancing requirements, but still appreciate the work of a select group of artists.

“We’re limiting the number of people in the gallery and we’re going to be spaced out on the patio,” Cawdrey said. “It’s going to be interesting, but this might just be the new way of the art world.”

Live speaker events with artists and professionals are being held in-person and remotely through Zoom.

Featured artists include R.S. Riddick, Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey, Michael Ome Untiedt, Brenna Tyler, Daniel Gonzalez, LaQuincey Reed, David Mayer, Doug Hall, Laurie Lee, Brandon Bailey, Ken Harrison and Tom Saubert.

The weekend begins with a kick-off reception and welcome for artist R.S. Riddick at 5 p.m. at the Nancy Cawdrey Gallery. A small number of people will be allowed in the gallery at one time and masks will be required.

An emeritus member of the Cowboy Artists of America, Riddick has become one of the Southwest’s best-known artists. He has a portfolio comprised of a variety of subjects, from cowboy and Indian scenes to European landscapes and still life.

Cawdrey says it’s particularly exciting to have Riddick as part of the event. He was speaking to Riddick’s wife, Natalie, knowing the he generally only participates in top tier arts shows, but asked him to participate since the couple was relocating to the Flathead Valley and the artist agreed.

“His work is in elite galleries and we’re able to show 10 of his paintings in the gallery over the weekend,” Cawdrey said. “I believe it’s the first time he has shown his work in the Flathead Valley.”

Throughout the weekend, Seth Hopkins, executive director of the Booth Western Art Museum, will serve as guest speaker and panel moderator for several presentations throughout the weekend, both in person at the gallery and live via Zoom.

On Friday, at 6:30 p.m., an interview with Riddick will be featured.

On Saturday, at 11 a.m. an artist’s round table will focus on events of the last few months and how turmoil can bring inspiration. At 2 p.m., Hopkins will moderate a discussion between gallery owners on the state of the art market. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Josh Rose, former editor of Western Art Collector magazine; Chad Scott, Forbes.com arts writer; and Tim Newton, publisher of Western Art & Architecture will give their views on the current state of affairs and give their prediction on the “new normal” for the art world.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., Seth Hopkins will host “The Art of Collecting Art 101” for those wanting to learn the ins and outs of collecting great art at reasonable prices.

A virtual art sale will also take place through the Summer ArtFest website.

For more information or to register for the events online, visit https://summerartfest.com/.