The Western art community will once again converge on Indianapolis and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art for one of the top Western art sales in the country and one of the largest art sales in Indianapolis, the 11th annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale. Opening weekend activities for pre-paid, pre-registered guests are Sept. 9-10 with all of the art remaining on display to the public Sept. 11-Oct. 9.
A favorite among many artists and collectors for its unique format and intimate setting, Quest for the West has generated more than $10 million in total sales since its inaugural year in 2006.
“Quest has long had the position as a premier Western art event. Each year artists and patrons look forward to this as one of the nation’s best Western shows,” said James Nottage, Eiteljorg vice president and chief curatorial officer. “But its place within the Indianapolis arts community can’t be understated, as it is one of the finest art sales any avid local art collector can experience.”
Opening weekend registrants will be the first to see and bid on millions of dollars of artwork by the country’s biggest names in Western art. They will also meet the artists and purchase their art in a “luck-of-the-draw” sale.
“What makes the Quest show unique is that potential buyers have the chance to not only be among the first to see the art in person, but to connect with the artists face-to-face,” said Eiteljorg president and CEO John Vanausdall. “And one of the most thrilling aspects of this show and sale is the fact that artists learn if their work is purchased on the spot.”
It all happens during an exciting Saturday evening draw and sale lasting less than an hour. A bugle sounds and the buying begins.
All artwork – sold and unsold – remains on display at the Eiteljorg until Oct. 9. Pieces not sold during the opening weekend remain available for purchase until then.
Visitors this year will also enjoy a special exhibition featuring the collection of 2015 Quest Collector of Distinction Betsey Harvey. Harvey is a founding member of the Eiteljorg Museum’s Western Art Society and helped plan the inaugural Quest for the West in 2006. She has also played a vital role in the success of Quest and the museum, overall.
Opening Weekend Activities Include:
- An afternoon at the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Opening reception honoring Collector of Distinction Betsey Harvey
- Many lucky attendees will win a casting of the 2016 Eiteljorg Keepsake created by Quest artist Tim Cherry
- Banquet and awards ceremony
To register for opening weekend contact: Kay Hinds at 317.275.1341 orkhinds@eiteljorg.com. People may also register as an absentee buyer. More about Quest by clicking here.
