Proceeds directly support the Briscoe’s exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach efforts throughout the year.
SAN ANTONIO — Records were broken, and art lovers left the Briscoe Western Art Museum all smiles after a big night in San Antonio.
The museum held its annual Night of Artists (NOA) Exhibition and Sale, which generated a record-breaking $2.345 million in art sales – marking it as one of the most successful events in Briscoe’s history. The event typically brings together artists, collectors and patrons interested in contemporary Western art.
Organizers said by then end of the 25th anniversary opening weekend, 72% of the artwork was already sold, and that number is expected to climb as the exhibition and sale continue through May 10. Proceeds from NOA directly support the Briscoe’s exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach efforts for the year.
“This 25th anniversary is both a celebration and a statement about the strength of Western art today,” Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum said in a press release. “For a quarter century, Night of Artists has brought together leading contemporary artists whose work continues to expand and redefine the genre. The record-breaking response we’ve seen this year is a powerful testament that Western art is not only enduring – it is evolving, relevant and deeply resonant with audiences and collectors today.”
Two featured artworks that captured the attention of many collectors were “Guardians of Tradition” by Gladys Roldán-de-Moras and Todd Connor’s “She Stands Alone.” The works went for $57,500 and $41,000 respectively.
Several artworks and artists were also recognized as “outstanding” across multiple categories. The Sam Houston, James Bowie and Alamo Awards are considered the “Best in Show,” picked by an anonymous group of Western art collectors and enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the David Crockett Award is chosen by fellow artists, and the William B. Travis Award is selected by show patrons.
This year’s recipients are as follows:
- Sam Houston Award for Painting
Don Oelze, Camp at the Trading Post, Oil on linen, 48 x 48 in. - James Bowie Award for Sculpture
Curt Mattson, Checkin’ His Back Trail, Bronze, 20 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 11 in. - “Cowboy Bob” Museum Purchase Award
Morgan Weistling, Buffalo Bill Cody, Oil on linen, 34 x 24 in. - David Crockett Award for Artists’ Choice
Chad Poppleton, Foothill of the Wind Rivers, Oil, 18 x 36 in. - William B. Travis Award for Patron’s Choice
Pat Pauley, Spirit Warrior, Oil on board, 72 x 30 in. - Alamo Award for Best Body of Work
Martin Grelle
The “Cowboy Bob” Museum Purchase Award goes to an art piece that earns a spot in the Briscoe’s permanent collection, helping grow its Western art legacy for years to come. This year, Morgan Weistling’s “Buffalo Bill Cody” will be added to that collection at the close of the Night of Artists exhibition.
NOA is one of the largest Western art exhibitions and sales of its kind and welcomed more than 1,700 guests during opening festivities. All remaining artworks are featured in the fixed price sale and are available for purchase in-person or online.