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Dear friends and supporters of the C.M. Russell Art Auction and the Great Falls Ad Club,
Without a doubt, 2009 was a year of change for the Ad Club, and 2010 is proving to be as well. Earlier this summer, the Ad Club Board of Directors voted to no longer conduct a live auction as part of the C.M. Russell Art Auction. With a lagging economy and increased local competition, the live auction festivities we enjoyed for so many years are sadly no longer fiscally responsible or possible for our Club to continue.
Over the past few months, Ad Club leadership has been reviewing the other components of our Auction, evaluating whether or not we will be able to successfully conduct these events in 2011. After much discussion, financial analysis, and extensive input from artists, exhibitors, members, and patrons, Ad Club has decided not to participate in Western Art Week 2011. While it is hard to imagine March in Great Falls without the presence of the Ad Club’s famed C.M. Russell Art Auction and Exhibitor’s Show, we are looking forward to focusing our energy and passion on new events that will benefit both our Club and our community.
Understandably, this news is disappointing to many. Since its inception in 1969, the C.M. Russell Art Auction has been vital to the Great Falls community as well as to the artists who helped make it a world-renowned event. For many artists and exhibitors, it was an important source of income; for our guests, it was an opportunity to connect with friends old and new and enjoy four days of Western hospitality. For us at Ad Club, the C.M. Russell Art Auction has been a tremendous source of pride – one that lasted for 42 remarkable years.
We are grateful to the friends who have stood beside us through the years and supported us through thick and thin – our patrons, sponsors, artists, exhibitors, and of course, our amazing members. The C.M. Russell Art Auction and Western Art Week itself would not have existed if it weren’t for you! We will cherish the memories and the friendships we have gained over these past four decades and look forward to a new era in our Club’s history.
Sincerely,
Sara Becker
Executive Director
Any unauthorized use of the AAF - Great Falls (Ad Club) or the C.M. Russell Art Auction logo’s are strictly prohibited. To request usage of these logo’s contact gfaf@gfaf.com
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