Liang's Oil Named Juror's Best      Back to Articles
November 18, 2005
By Tribune Staff

An oil painting by a California artist is the Juror's Best of Show for the upcoming 2006 C.M. Russell Auction. Calvin Liang from Corona, Calif., received the award for an oil on canvas entitled "Newport Sailboats."

Formally trained at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Liang applied his artistic skills to the theatrical industry in China, where he designed and created sets for the Canton Opera Institute. He moved to the United States in 1987 and now focuses on painting landscapes and seascapes.
Jerry McKellar from Colville, Wa., received the C.M. Russell Museum CEO award for his bronze "Coup Ponies."

The CEO Award was started at the 2005 auction and recognizes excellence in technical merit and creativity. The museum CEO chooses the award each year. The Ralph "Tuffy" Berg Award was given to Great Falls artist Charles Fulcher. It is the first time a Great Falls artist has received the honor. Named for the Great Falls sculptor who died in 1991, the "Tuffy" Berg award is the juror's choice for best aspiring artist. It only is given to first-time auction participants.

Fulcher has two pieces in the auction: "Under a Yellow Canopy" and "Cool Summer Trees," both oil on canvas. During the auction, scheduled for March 16-19, recipients will be presented with plaques and prizes.