Western Art, from its 19th-century beginnings to the present day, explores the rich history of the American West, from depictions of Native Americans and cowboy culture to celebrations of horses, wildlife, and the continuing allure of the astounding landscapes of the plains and the Rocky Mountains.
In the background is Montana Brown Trout 60” by Lance Boen. TCR.
It is also one of the most extraordinary features of Montana’s Triple Creek Ranch, whose Western Art collection is easily one of the finest in the country. The museum-worthy collection, carefully curated, sourced, and collected by the ranch’s owners, Craig and Barbara Barrett, is a deep dive into the historical and contemporary roots of the American West.
The collection includes masterworks by such artists as Frederick Remington, Charles M. Russell, Maynard Dixon, and John Edward Borein. Alongside these pieces are contemporary works by the new artists of the American West, including Carol Hagan, Loren Kovich, Robert Deurloo, and Dawn Emerson.
The art is displayed throughout this luxurious Relais & Châteaux guest ranch nestled in the heart of the Bitterroot Mountain Range. The extensive collection encompasses leather, metal, bronze, clay, oils, and watercolor artworks. It’s an incredible assemblage of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and artifacts on view in the lodge, the guestrooms, and throughout the grounds of Triple Creek Ranch. It’s also displayed in the Barrett’s home on the grounds of the Ranch and when available, guests are invited to a cocktail party for a personal tour of the art by the Barretts, who love sharing their enthusiasm on these memorable evenings.
Artist Workshop Weekends
Triple Creek hosts hands-on Artist Workshop Weekends throughout the year, which draw enthusiastic guests who work side-by-side with talented visiting artists. They are some of the nation’s most prominent contemporary Western artists, experts in watercolors, oils, pastels, and sculpture. In 2024, they include Carol Hagan, Greg Kelsey, Shalese Sands, Nancy Cawdrey, Jason Rich, and Brenna Kimbro.
During the morning and afternoon Workshop Sessions, the artists work closely with each guest, guiding them through their painting or sculpting experience. Throughout the weekend, guest artists demonstrate their techniques and bring a selection of their finished pieces. Every guest, whether they’re participating in a Workshop or not, can avail themselves of Triple Creek Ranch’s extraordinary roster of activities, whether it’s taking a guided horseback ride or fly fishing on the Bitterroot River, heading off on an ATV adventure or testing their skills at Trap Shooting. During the winter session, skiing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding enliven the days, while yoga sessions and a treatment at the spa are terrific ways to start and end each day. The Ranch’s extraordinary food and wine are another highlight, and the visiting artists dine and socialize with the guests in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
Triple Creek Ranch not only provides the art supplies but also ships each guest’s work to their home at the conclusion of the Artist Workshop Weekend. Each five-day Artist Workshop Weekend includes workshops and art supplies, four nights’ accommodation, meals, an Artists’ Reception and demonstration, morning and afternoon workshop sessions, and on-ranch activities. Visit Triple Creek Ranch for more details.
Triple Creek Ranch also welcomes a handful of artists for its Artist in Residence Program, which offers long weekends during which guests can watch a talented artist at work and interact with them. For summer 2024, they include Greg Schiebel, Brent Cotton, Randy Van Beek, and Lance Boen.
