Bruce Cheever          "Breaking Clouds, Fusio"     oil    24" x 36"

   Trailside Galleries is proud to present three simultaneous showcases of new oil paintings by nationally prominent artists Bruce Cheever, Michael Malm and Matt Smith. The gallery will feature three styles of work: tonalist landscape artist Bruce Cheever, romantic impressionist figurative painter Michael Malm and regional plein air landscape painter Matt Smith. Their variety of styles will be an interesting complement, from Cheever’s dramatic blend of luminism and realism to Malm’s loosely brushed rural scenes, amidst Smith’s soft portrayal of the Southwest light on the Sonoran Desert. The artists will be in attendance for the reception on Thursday February 11th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

For more information about these outstanding showcases, visit Trailside Galleries' web site at: www.trailsidegalleries.com

Matt Smith "Salt River Reflections"	Mike Malm "First Snow"

Matt Smith "Box Canyon Vista"	Mike Malm "Canyon Evening"

Emperor of Mexico Maxmilian I saddle (1832 - 1867)

   On Saturday, January 30th, one of only two known, documented saddles belonging to Emperor Maxmilian I (1832-1867) of Mexico will be sold at the 20th Annual High Noon Auction in Mesa, AZ. The saddle, known as the "People’s Saddle" was presented to Emperor Maximilian by the People of Mexico during his Imperial reign from 1864 to 1867.

   Emperor Maximilian, born Maximilian of Austria, was the grandson of Francis II, Emperor of Austria. In the aftermath of several wars and conflicts, he was invited to Mexico, the country believing that the establishment of a monarchy with a European bloodline, could bring some much-needed stability to this strife-torn nation. Maximilian arrived in Mexico in 1864 and was embraced by the Mexican people. His rule was short however, as liberal forces under the command of Benito Juarez captured and executed him in 1867.

   It was at this point that the saddle was acquired by Rev. Augustin Fischer, an influential Jesuit priest in the Emperor’s court (Jan-Feb, 1867). Fischer then gifted the saddle to Julius A. Skilton in November of 1867 and it has remained in the Skilton family for over 140 years.

   The last public showing of the saddle was in April 1887 at the Wheeler Rifles’ Art Loan Exhibition at the State Armory in Auburn, New York.

   The splendid 1860's saddle is both impressive and elegant with a golden patinated partially exposed rawhide tree trimmed topped with a regal 8" saucer shaped horn adorned with a raised 6-pointed star and a filigreed sterling silver royal crown and Maximilian monogram. There are eight more Imperial monograms – six in silver and two embroidered in silver thread on the two leather skirts. Silver and gold thread in both floral and three-dimensional designs tastefully adorn the entire saddle.  The fabulous 4’ saddle bags are truly fit for a king and create the desired regal effect worthy of an Emperor.   

   The "People’s Saddle" will be offered as part of the 300+ lot auction of important historic and contemporary Western Americana art, artifacts and memorabilia. Maximilian’s saddle has been assigned a pre-sale estimate of $100,000 – 150,000.

For more information about this auction, visit the High Noon Auction's web site at: www.highnoon.com

Tammy Bality      "Spirit Of Women"     bronze    8' high

   Women Artists of the West presents "It’s an Artist’s Life: WAOW Showcases Still Life and Sculpture" online from January 30th ~ March 30th.  Sculptures, both free-standing and relief, will be exhibited along with still life paintings in a variety of mediums. Women Artists of the West plans to offer the exquisite gallery showings online quarterly on their web site. Tammy Bality, Sharon Fullingim and Janice Yow Hindes are three of the many artist's featured in this exhibition.

To see the entire show, please visit the Women Artists Of The West web site at: www.waow.org

Sharon Fullingim "Chasing The Wind"	Janice Wright "Oranges On My Table"