People's Choice Award for an amazing 4th consecutive

[Bigfork Gallery]

Eric Thorsen Fine Art Gallery
547 Electric Ave.
Bigfork, MT 59911
(406) 837-4366
thorsen@montanasky.net
Press Release information
For immediate release

Eric Thorsen awarded People's Choice Award for an amazing 4th consecutive year at the C.M. Russell Art Show & Auction, 2003 Great Falls, MT

Eric Thorsen has brought his own “March Madness” to Bigfork, Montana by scoring a “four-peat” at the 35th Annual C.M. Russell Art Show & Auction. For the fourth year in a row, Eric has won the “Peoples Choice Award for Best Sculpture.”

On March 21st, Thorsen’s limited edition bronze, “Sleepy Bear”, was chosen by an overwhelming vote of those attending the C.M. Russell Show in Great Falls, MT Thorsen traveled Great Falls to receive this prestigious award. The renowned western art show and sale, held at the Heritage Inn, serves as the annual fundraiser for the C.M. Russell Museum and is sponsored by the Great Falls Ad Club.

Eric Thorsen graciously and enthusiastically accepted the award, which was presented at the Chuckwagon Brunch held Friday morning at the Heritage Inn.

In 1996 Eric received the Ralph “Tuffy” Berg Award, which is presented each year to a newly accepted artist in the Russell Auction in memory of the local Sun River Valley bronze artist Tuffy Berg's achievements. Thorsen has participated in the 1996 & 1998 Quick Draw events in which all proceeds go to the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls MT. Eric has also been part of the C.M. Russell Art Auction since 1992.

Eric earned his first People's Choice Award for Best Sculpture at the 32nd Annual C.M. Russell Show & Auction in 2000 with a bronze sculpture titled "Bear Fishing from a Rock" fountain. In 2001 Eric again earned the prestigious award at the 33rd Annual C.M. Russell Show & Auction with his life size bronze "Sitting Bear". Last March, 2002 at the 34th Annual C.M. Russell Show & Auction the life size bronze "Arab Colt" captured the attention of everyone as it overwhelmingly was selected as People's Choice Award for Best Sculpture. That was the third time Eric Thorsen earned the title! "To be the recipient of this highly prized award for a fourth time in a row is a true honor!", stated Eric Thorsen after accepting the award.

The award winning sculpture, “Sleepy Bear” was sold at the Saturday night auction held at the Heritage Inn. As a limited edition bronze, this sculpture is currently available to view or to purchase at Eric Thorsen Gallery. Please contact us at the gallery at 547 Electric Ave, Bigfork, MT (406) 837-4366 for more information.

A photo of the award winning sculpture, “Sleepy Bear” is available upon request!


Cyndy Thorsen
Eric Thorsen Fine Art Gallery
3/25/03