GREAT FALLS, MONT. – The C.M. Russell Museum has announced the postponement of its annual Western art event and auction, The Russell: An Exhibition & Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum. Drawing art enthusiasts from around the United States and Canada to Great Falls and originally scheduled for March 19-21, the Russell Museum leadership and board of directors made the decision to postpone The Russell due to potential infectious risk regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to attendees and the local community.  

“We take this decision very seriously,” said Tom Figarelle, executive director of the C.M. Russell Museum. “The Russell Exhibition & Sale has a beloved 52-year tradition in Great Falls and is a primary source of revenue for the museum, but given the potential and likely spread of the coronavirus at the Russell events, we feel postponement is in the best interest of the Great Falls community and our patrons, staff, volunteers and partners.”  

The museum plans to announce the rescheduled date by the end of March and currently anticipates conducting the Russell within the next six months. Initial communications to attendees, volunteers, event vendors and others have been made and will be ongoing as the event is rescheduled. At this time, no other Western Art Week shows coinciding with the Russell have announced a decision.

Questions can be directed to the museum at  406-604-4742. Other Western Art Week event questions can be directed to Rebecca Engum, Visit Great Falls, 406-750-1198; rebecca@visitgreatfalls.org.