For immediate release

Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale
Cody, Wyoming
Contact Deb Stafford, Director
1-888-598-8119, or (307) 587-5002
info@buffalobillartshow.com

Reception Unveils 2005 Buffalo Bill Art Show

Cody, Wyo.—The public is invited to a reception to open the month-long exhibition of the 2005 Buffalo Bill Art Show, featuring juried works of contemporary art by more than 100 of the nation’s leading western painters and sculptors.

The free reception, with refreshments and entertainment, starts at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody. People wanting to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 307-587-5002.

The reception is the first chance for art lovers to view the oils, watercolors, pastels, sculptures, and ceramic and mixed media pieces comprising the 24th annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale. The show remains open for public viewing through Sept. 23 in the Historical Center’s Photography Gallery.

The Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale is the cornerstone of Cody’s annual celebration of the arts, the Rendezvous Royale, Sept. 21-24, including the Historical Center’s Patrons Ball and the Western Design Conference—an exhibit and sale of cutting-edge creations by 100 leading western furnishing and fashion designers.

The four-day arts festival includes special exhibits, studio tours, artist demonstrations, and seminars, concluding with the main auction of the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale on Sept. 23 and a quick draw and auction on Sept. 24.

Among other new features, this year’s event ushers in the Cowboy Chic Christmas Showcase—a beautifully decorated South Fork home and discussions by decorating experts on how to decorate your home for the holidays. Guests can tour the house on their own or join a guided tour which departs from the Historical Center on a trolley.

People attending an open house of the home at 79 Bear Creek Road will receive a gift bag of ornaments, a decorating magazine, and other goodies courtesy of sponsors Midwest and Reindeer Ranch. Wine and refreshments will be served.

The open house will be 1-3 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Sept. 21-24. Admission for this fundraiser for the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale is $10. Guests can pre-register or pay at the door.

The guided tour, including a fine brunch, will be 10 a.m. - noon Thursday, Sept. 22. The tour trolley departs from the Party Tent on the grounds of the Historical Center. The cost is $15, and reservations are required by calling the art show office, 307-587-5002.

Again this year, the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale will present many opportunities for the public to appreciate the fine arts and watch Cody Country’s leading artists at work during studio tours, artist demonstrations, special exhibits, and ‘Round Town events at locations throughout Cody.

The studio tour features the studios of Mel Fillerup, M.C. Poulsen, Linda S. Raynolds, Jeffrey B. Rudolph, and Caleco Foundry. The tour will be 9 a.m.-12 noon on Friday, Sept. 23. The tour trolley departs from the Party Tent on the grounds of the Historical Center. Reservations are required by calling 307-587-5002.

This year’s lineup of ‘Round Town events, all free to the public at no cost, includes thirty arts-related events featuring jewelry, photography, local artwork, handcrafted furniture, leather sculpture, book signings, and artist receptions. A ‘Round Town schedule is available online at www.rendezvousroyale.org/rtschedule.htm.

Artists participating in the Buffalo Bill Art Show will demonstrate their skills at the Historical Center, Big Horn Galleries, Cody Country Art League, Feeley Studios, and Simpson Gallagher Gallery during artist demonstrations Sept. 23-24.

Other highlights include a free public lecture by 2005 Honored Artist Melvin M. Fillerup of Cody. The lecture will be 2-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the Historical Center. From 3-4 p.m., Fillerup will sign copies of the commemorative Rendezvous Royale poster featuring one of his latest works, Yellowstone Lilies. He will also sign copies of The Artistry of Melvin M. Fillerup, a book about his life and works by Carl Bechtold.

The 2005 Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale will launch a new tradition by paying tribute to its first Honored Co-Chairs, Bill and Robin Weiss, former Cody residents with a long family history of support for the show, the Historical Center, and its fine arts collection.

For more information, call the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, 307-587-5002, email info@buffalobillartshow.com, or visit www.buffalobillartshow.com. The website includes complete schedule information, a list of participating artists and an online catalog of their entries in this year’s show.