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 Show Announces Awards

Cody, Wyo. - Artists from across Wyoming swept the awards at the 22nd annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale. Results were announced Friday night to a record crowd of 800 at the art show's dinner and auction.

Linda Lillegraven of Laramie won the top honor, the William E. Weiss Purchase Award, for her 24 x 48 inch oil painting, "The Old River Road."

The painting of the Laramie River on a winter evening becomes part of the permanent collection of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, which hosts the art show and sale. The piece netted $6,000.

Cody artist Geoff Parker received the Painting Award for a 33 x 26 inch oil, "Front Row Seat," a landscape featuring two stark trees against a background of mountain peaks. The painting sold for $11,000.

The 2003 Sculpture Award went to Linda S. Raynolds of Cody for a 17 x 12 x 13 inch bronze, "Buddies," the second in her series portraying friendship between two horses. "Buddies" sold for $3,250.

Participating artists honored Jim Wilcox of Jackson with the Artists' Choice Award for a 30 x 24 inch oil, "Hanging Canyon Above String Lake." His painting sold for $9,500.

The People's Choice Award, as selected by guests of the art show, went to Carrie L. Ballantyne of Sheridan for "Season's Change," a 19 x 13 inch color pencil of a girl standing on a country road. The piece sold for $17,000.

One hundred artists from 14 states participated in the 2003 Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale. Proceeds 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.