Venturing out into wide open spaces, soaking in the beauty and untamed spirit of West, sounds like the perfect escape. And thanks to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, you can enjoy that escape without ever leaving home.

The Briscoe’s Night of Artists 2021 Exhibition and Sale, is a premier showcase of emerging and well-renowned contemporary Western artists and one of the largest Western art auctions in the world. This year, it is marking its 20^th anniversary with a hybrid celebration that includes both in-person and online events. With a grand live auction, online auction and public exhibition and sale, “Night of Artists” spans six weeks. During that time, there’s the chance to view and purchase more than 250 new works by 75 of the world’s leading contemporary Western artists.

Virtual and In Person Combo

And you don’t have to be in San Antonio to get in on the fun. Night of Artists 2021 features an online art auction open now through March 27. That’s when the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Night of Artists Exhibition and Grand Live Auction takes place. The evening will be livestreamed, with the live auction featuring 32 works up for grabs. The online auction will conclude that night as well, ensuring a night of competitive bidding as collectors and enthusiasts revel in the beauty of the works included in this year’s event.

“Night of Artists” then continues as a public exhibition and sale March 28 – May 9 at the Briscoe. The exhibition and sale also spans in-person and online, as you can view the works, enjoy an online gallery tour and buy online or enjoy the works and purchase in person by visiting the Briscoe.

Range of Work

The exhibition features the beauty and spirit of the West as captured by the leading contemporary artists in the wide-ranging and often misunderstood genre. If the label “Western Art” calls to mind cowboys, you’re not wrong. But alongside saddles, spurs and classic cowboys and equally spirited cowgirls, the genre also features scenic landscapes, inspired Native Americans, stunning wildlife and detailed portraiture. And “Night of Artists” deftly showcases it all thanks to a stellar line-up of today’s top Western artists.

The range of work featured is breathtaking thanks to the talented roster the Briscoe spotlights each year. The invitation-only show features artists including Martin Grelle, a Texas artist routinely listed as one of the best contemporary artists in the genre. Rubbing shoulders with Grelle are Western artists such as Billy Schenck, Mark Maggiori, Kim Wiggins, Michael Ome Untiedt, Paul Rhymer, Stefan Savides, Logan Maxwell Hagege and C. Michael Dudash.

Lone Star Talent

Grelle is far from the only Texan in the line-up. The roster is deep with Lone Star talent, and features a fantastic range of female Western artists, proving the genre is more than just cowboy art. Top artists George Hallmark,  Teresa Elliott and Mary Ross Buchholz—a cowgirl in her own right—all call Texas home. One look at Gladys Roldán-de-Moras’ work and you’re whisked away to South Texas, in the mix at a charreada, while Cliff Cavin’s Hill Country scenes are so realistic you’ll want to plop down in the bluebonnets.

Celebrating the art, heritage, and diverse history of the American West through its collections, exhibitions and programs, the Briscoe showcases the rugged beauty of the West alongside the people and wildlife who call it home. “Night of Artists” is an essential component of the Briscoe’s annual programming and its largest annual fundraising event, helping fund the Briscoe’s full array of exhibitions, public engagement and educational programs throughout the year.

How It All Works

To participate in the “Night of Artists” auctions, register to bid online or use the mobile app (Android users, too). The online auction is live now and you can also absentee bid on the grand live auction works. Once you register, you can follow your favorite artists and watch pieces you’d like to purchase. And on March 27, join in the fun and attend the evening thanks to a livestream through the auction site.

Night of Artists 2021 Exhibition and Sale, March 27-May 9

Cover photo Kim Wiggins, “Along the Chisholm Trail,” Oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″. Courtesy image

An award-winning writer and communications expert who runs Tale to Tell Communications, Dawn Robinette loves to tell stories about her adopted hometown of San Antonio. Read more of her work at Alamo City Moms, San Antonio Woman, The Texas Wildflower and Rio Magazine.