December 3, 2009

Second annual Cowboy Christmas

Western Art Auction Saturday

A semi-formal gala showcasing premier artwork, tasty cuisine and live entertainment is planned during the second annual Cowboy Christmas Art Auction this Saturday, Dec. 5, at the American Legion Hall on Broadway Avenue in Ritzville.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their best western attire.

The event will showcase more than 60 pieces of original art and limited edition prints that will make a great addition to any home or office. Artwork has been donated by a number of noted western artists from throughout the Pacific Northwest including Jack Fordyce, Gabe Gabel, Cameron Blagg, Hulan Fleming, Tim Sullivan, Dan Jordan, Jerre NightHawk Raven and many more.

Social hour, silent auction and art preview begin at 5 p.m. with the live auction at 6:30 p.m.

A silent auction has been added this year and will feature about 20 limited edition prints. Many of the prints have been customed framed by Larry Lisk, owner Ruff Edge Frame Works. The framing was donated by Lisk.

The catered event features a tasty menu of western fare including barbecued ribs, assorted puff pastry appetizers, spicy chili shrimp, spiced nuts, Sante Fe wraps, seven-layer Fiesta Dip, smoked salmon spread with crackers, mini corn muffins, marinated mushrooms, pickled baby carrots, assorted sweets and more. Whisperin’ Palms is providing a no-host bar.

Live entertainment provided by Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue, a country and western singing duo, will offer plenty of western atmosphere with a hint of holiday spirit.

Guest appearances are expected from several ‘wild west outlaws,’ courtesy of Ritzville Community Theatre members portraying western characters.

Tickets for the event are $14 per person and may be purchased in advance at several locations in Ritzville, including: The Hair Center, Ritzville Drug Company, Cow Creek Mercantile, Sunny Spot Floral & Gifts and The Ritzville Adams County Journal.

Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the event.

For more information and a visual preview of the art to be sold during the live auction, please visit http://www.ritzvilledowntown.com and click on the event poster.

Saturday’s proceeds provide critical support for the Historic Ritzville Days Western Art Show as well as Ritzville’s Historic Downtown Business District.

The Historic Ritzville Days Western Art Show is growing into one of the community’s premier events. Held on Memorial Day weekend, the event provides an entertaining venue for local residents and tourists as they find their way from Interstate 90 into Ritzville’s Historic Business District.

 A total of 52 artists, artisans and authors participated in the 2009 show as well as a full lineup of free, live entertainment all weekend.

Each year the Ritzville Downtown Development Association (RDDA) hosts the event in an effort to increase visitor traffic in the city and to provide support of the businesses located in the city, especially along Main Avenue.

In addition, the RDDA introduced an educational component to the annual show by sponsoring an enrichment program for students in the Ritzville School District as well as a Youth Art Experience downtown during the show.

The non-profit organization arranged a music history program for students in grades five through eight and an artist-in-residence for two days, working with grades 1-4 and high school students.