It's art, let's talk about it

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in collecting, preserving, and promoting Western Heritage, and in educating and culturally enriching our diverse audiences. The Museum bridges the past and the present, ensuring the legacy of the American West endures for future generations. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this award-winning podcast series, Museum Executive Director and host Darrell Beauchamp interviews artist Adrienne Stein after the opening weekend of her Museum of Western Art exhibition, “The Enchanted West of Adrienne Stein,” noting record crowds and strong sales; images and catalogs are available at museumofwesternart.com, and the show runs through November 7.

Stein recounts her path from York, Pennsylvania, to the American West through her relationship with her husband, artist Quang Ho, and explains how Darrell discovered her work in Ho’s studio, prompting comparisons to Georgia O’Keeffe and Agnes Pelton. She details rigorous early training with mentor Richard House, art education at Laguna College of Art and Design, The Art Students League of New York, and an MFA at Boston University that pushed her toward experimentation and imagination. The conversation covers balancing parenthood with producing 50 paintings, her materials and palette, framing by Brian Smith, upcoming work for the Briscoe Western Art Museum: Night of Artists, and her advice to young artists: paint from observation, keep a journal, and paint what you know.

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Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Contact Adrienne at:

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this award-winning podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp is interviewed by Tom Fox to discuss the Museum’s current exhibit featuring well-known landscape artist Cliff Caven.

Beauchamp discusses the Museum’s current exhibit, “Cliff Cavin: Journeys of a Lifetime,” featuring 54 new landscape paintings by Seguin-based artist Cliff Cavin, displayed across two galleries, and launched with a reception attended by nearly 100 people. Beecham also reflects on the Museum’s April Roundup, highlighting 19-year-old award winners Eliza Hoffman (Patron’s Choice) and Nathaniel Garza (Director’s Choice), including Garza’s donated painting “The Witness,” inspired by the July 4 flooding, now in the permanent collection. They discuss how digital platforms expand market access for younger artists, why sales announcements are emotional for artists, and Kevin MacPherson’s influence as a teacher. Beauchamp previews upcoming exhibits by Adrienne Stein, Bill Kalwick, and Eric Slocombe, and notes the community impact of the museum’s remembrance garden. Visitor details and website are provided.

Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

In this episode of 'It's Art. Let's Talk About It,' Darrell Beauchamp engages with Allyson Sheumaker, the Executive Director of the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad, Colorado.

They dive deep into the history, legacy, and incredible body of work of Arthur Roy Mitchell, fondly known as Mitch. Known for his striking and vibrant illustrations for pulp Western magazines in the early 20th century, Mitchell's art is celebrated for its vivid color and unique style. Allyson offers a fascinating look at Mitchell's life, his reluctance to sell his art, and his significant contributions to the art world. The discussion explores the journey of putting together an extensive exhibition showcasing Mitchell’s works, which include illustrations, landscapes, nocturnes, and personal memorabilia. This in-depth conversation provides listeners with insights into the importance of preserving and promoting the work of lesser-known yet significant artists like A.R. Mitchell.

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Follow A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring the legacy of the American West is preserved for future generations.  Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this award-winning podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp welcomes artist Walt Gonske to discuss his extensive journey in the art world.

Their conversation covers his early days of drawing comic book characters, his six-year art school experience, and his career in men’s fashion illustration in New York City. Walt shares the pivotal moment when he decided to move from New York to Taos, New Mexico, where he embraced the local art scene. He explains the origins of his fascination with the northern New Mexico churches and camposantos, which became a significant theme in his work. Walt describes his innovative ‘Paint Mobile,’ a mobile studio allowing him to paint on location comfortably. Throughout the discussion, Walt also offers advice to young artists, emphasizing the importance of painting from life and of continuous practice. The episode also highlights the exhibition of Walt’s ‘Church Series’ at the Museum of Western Art and discusses the significance and development of these works.

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring the legacy of the American West is preserved for future generations. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this award-winning podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp welcomes artist Kathleen Frank to discuss her unique artistic journey and her upcoming exhibition at the Museum of Western Art.

The conversation covers Kathleen’s painting style, her transition from printmaking to painting, and her passion for landscapes. Kathleen shares insights into her creative process, which involves using reference photos and a structured approach to painting. The discussion also touches on her background, including her early exposure to art through travels and her family’s influence. Throughout the episode, Kathleen offers valuable advice to young artists and discusses her inspirations and career. The episode concludes by highlighting her new book, ‘I See a Painting,’ and where her artwork can be viewed and purchased.

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Kathleen Frank Fine Art website

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage, as well as the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this award-winning podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp welcomes renowned landscape artist Shanna Kunz from Ogden, Utah, to discuss her artistic journey.

Shanna shares how she transitioned from a career as a court stenographer to becoming a full-time artist after a life-changing watercolor class at age 29. She details her formal education at Utah State and the significant influences of mentors and fellow artists. Shanna also talks about balancing art with life, the importance of values and design in painting, and her pleasure in teaching workshops. Additionally, she highlights her involvement with a group of eight female artists called the Wild Women, who travel and paint together. The episode delves into her preferred techniques, favorite subjects, and upcoming projects, offering listeners valuable insights into her creative process and the business of art.

Highlights include:

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Shanna Kunz Fine Art website

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West is preserved for future generations. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this award-winning podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp welcomes Kevin Macpherson.  

They discuss Kevin’s long-standing friendship with Walt Gonski and his journey in the art world. Kevin shares his early beginnings, transitioning from an illustrator to a fine artist, and how his passion for landscape painting developed. They delve into the details of Kevin’s well-known ‘Pond Series,’ his teaching experiences, and the impact of global travels on his work. This episode provides an insightful look into Kevin’s career and his contributions to the art community. 

Highlights include:

Resources:

⁠Museum of Western Art⁠

Darrell Beauchamp on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Kevin Macpherson Fine Art ⁠Website

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West is preserved for future generations. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this award-winning podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp welcomes Walt Gonske to discuss his career, focusing on his latest exhibition, ‘Walt Gonske, the Church Series.’

Their conversation covers Gonske’s early passion for drawing, his transition from a freelance men’s fashion illustrator in New York to a renowned painter in Taos, New Mexico. Gonske shares his experiences, including his unique ‘Paint Mobile,’ painting techniques, and the importance of painting from life. The discussion also touches on his journey of establishing himself in the art world, his collaboration with the Taos Six, and insights for emerging artists.

Highlights include:

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Walt Gonske – The Church Series

Walt Gonske Fine Art Website

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West is preserved for future generations. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this award-winning podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp is welcomed by renowned photographer Rachel Spencer, whose recent exhibit, ‘Icons of the American West,’ has opened at the Museum of Western Art.

Rachel discusses her artistic journey from studying fine art and graphic design to becoming a celebrated wildlife photographer. She highlights her development as an artist, the meticulous planning and extensive travel involved in capturing the perfect shots, and the transition from a focus on horses and birds to iconic Western wildlife. Rachel also shares insights into her creative process, her favorite photographic equipment, and the importance of capturing the broader landscape in her work. The conversation delves into the challenges and joys of assembling a photography show and offers advice for budding photographers. Rachel’s current and future projects, including a new series focused on horses, are also discussed.

Highlights include:

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Rachel Spencer Photography

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in collecting, preserving, and promoting Western Heritage and our diverse audiences’ education and cultural enrichment. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever.

Producer Tom Fox interviews Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp while behind the guest microphone in this award-winning podcast series. They delve into the Museum’s recent, current, and upcoming shows, providing a unique educational experience for art enthusiasts.

They highlight the impact of recent shows featuring renowned artists Scott Christensen and Quang Ho. Their conversation also delves into Al Glann’s unique sculptural approach, which utilizes negative space in his metalwork. Additionally, the episode covers future exhibitions, including a pop-up show featuring Kevin MacPherson, and emphasizes the Museum’s role in community engagement and promotion of the arts.

Highlights Include:

Memorable Quotes

“His work is sculpture, but it’s negative space sculpture in that you look at it and, well, that horse’s ribcage isn’t complete. You know, it’s just, it’s. But your negative space allows it, you know, to fill in.” Darrell Beauchamp

“Well, you talk about the passion. I was unfamiliar with both of those artists. But I saw that passion in their work.” – Tom Fox

“It’s a beautiful way of looking at, how do you get action and how do you get emotion from a piece of sculpture when it’s not all there? The negative space, especially since he works in a lot of primary colors that works in brighten reds and yellows and blues, and, and it’s, it’s just a step away from all that tradition enough.” – Darrell Beauchamp

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn