Reorganized Charles M. Russell museum brings new views to over 500 of his best works

Expect a new look at the C.M. Russell Museum by the weekend.

"One of the things that this museum can do that no other museum in the world can do is to show the evolution of Charlie Russell as a painter," said Anne Morand, the museum’s chief executive officer.

"Most of the museums have major Russells," Morand said, "but no one has them like we have them."

The new look comes as the director seeks to reverse six years of declining tourist traffic.

"When you have a downturn, not only at our museum but at other places, you want to see how you can bring more people in or bring them back," said Will Weaver, a member of the board of directors.

"Anne’s idea is something the public should get excited about," he added.

Now the Russell is beginning to organize its collection of more than 500 Russell paintings and sculptures to allow viewers to track the artist’s progress through five different gallery rooms from his first paintings in 1877 to his death in 1926.

By ERIC NEWHOUSE
Tribune Projects Editor

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050221/NEWS01/502210301/1002