For immediate release

Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale
Cody, Wyoming
Contact Diane Ballard, director
1-888-598-8119, or (307) 587-5002
art@codychamber.org

Editor's note: Downloadable photos available HERE.

Cody Art Sale Shatters Record

Cody, Wyo. - The 22nd annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale achieved record sales of more than $724,000, shattering the previous record of $558,000 in 2001, according to art show director Diane Ballard.

One hundred artists from 14 states sold about 200 pieces of art during Friday night's live auction, Saturday's Quick Draw live auction, and two silent auctions at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Friday's auction generated $523,550, the Quick Draw, $113,700, and the silent auctions, $87,120.

A record crowd of 800 filled the art show's "Party Tent" to capacity for Friday's auction. A sculpture by Ruidoso, N.M. artist Dave McGary called "Blessing of the Bear" attracted the highest sales price for any single piece, $21,500. An oil painting by Honored Artist James Bama of Cody, Wyo., "Sheepherder - Sleeper Ranch," sold for $21,000.

Other top sellers were People's Choice award winner "Season's Change," a color pencil by Carrie L. Ballantyne of Sheridan, Wyo., $17,000; "Evening Camp," an oil painting by Brett James Smith of Covington, La., $13,500; and "Cowboy Tough," a bronze by Christopher J. Navarro of Casper, Wyo., $12,500.

The highest selling piece at Saturday's Quick Draw Auction, a painting produced in one hour by Donna Howell-Sickles of St. Jo, Texas, brought $15,000.

Proceeds from the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale benefit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and Cody Country Chamber of Commerce. For more information call (307) 587-5002, email art@codychamber.org, or visit www.buffalobillartshow.com.