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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 3, 2016)
6 Wednesday, February 3, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Sisters author honored for Russell work By Craig Rullman Correspondent A native of Plentywood, Montana, Sisters resident Larry Len Peterson fell in love with the works of Charles M. Russell as a young man in his father’s hardware store. “On the plains,” Peterson says, “God is Charlie Russell.” Dr. Peterson’s early inter- est in Russell has led him to become an acknowledged expert on the art and art his- tory of the American West, an achievement for which Peterson has recently been awarded the prestigious Charles M. Russell Heritage Award, given annually by the Russell Museum for “sig- nificant contributions in inter- preting and documenting the legacy, culture, life, and coun- try of Charles M. Russell’s West.” Peterson has written sev- eral books on Charlie Russell, helping to cement the legacy of the master artist and intro- duce new fans to his work. “Charles M. Russell, Printed Rarities from Private Collections,” frames the art- ist’s life in a blend of biogra- phy and full-color reproduc- tions of rarely seen works. “Charles M. Russell, Photographing the Legend,” uses hundreds of photo- graphic images of Russell, telling the fascinating story of Charlie, his wife Nancy, and their family, as the artist made his transition from cow- boy to celebrity artist in the early 20th century. The book, at once elegant and gritty, focuses on the critical role of photography as it was used to shape Russell’s public image. Peterson’s other works include “Charles M. Russell: Legacy”; “Philip R. Goodwin: America’s Sporting and Wildlife Artist”; “L.A. Huffman: Photographer of the American West,” and most recently “John Fery: Artist of Glacier National Park and the American West.” Among his own pub- lications, Peterson’s per- sonal favorite is “Philip R. Goodwin, America’s Sporting and Wildlife Artist.” A stun- ning biography, filled with hundreds of color photo- graphs and illustrations, the book charts the course of Goodwin’s life and art, from his early success as the illustrator of Jack London’s Call of the Wild, to his work for Field & Stream, and his numerous illustrations for the Winchester and Remington firearms companies. Goodwin’s work is syn- onymous with the American outdoor experience, and even readers who may not be familiar with his name will instantly recognize his works, which are experiencing a renaissance in interest from collector’s and scholars. Peterson dedicated the book to his father, who intro- duced him to hunting and fishing as a young man on the plains of northeast Montana. Putting together books of this magnitude is a com- plex undertaking, requiring the help of museums, col- lectors, and scholars. Larry cites friendships and contacts he has made over the years as critical for the meticu- lous process of research and compilation. “I have a concept of how I want the book to look before Warm your winter bones & save 20% 75-minute Hot Stone Massage January-March! ~ $80! — Selah Broderick, LMT Lic.#15583 — Movement classes ~ First class FREE! Foam Rolling & Yoga: Mondays 5:30-6:30 Gentle Stretch & Tone: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 Hair & Nails significant contribution he has made to world scholar- ship and the appreciation of Western art through his impressive books, Peterson says: “It’s all about friends. I like to learn, myself, and share the information with other people who can enjoy it. Friends are drawn to the same truth, they share it, and that’s true for these books.” Dr. Peterson’s books are available locally at Len Gratteri’s Old West Collectibles and Paulina Springs Books. SISTERS GARAGE DOORS Sales • Service • Installation Life is like a garage door; it has its ups and downs. Dale Lester CCB#151832 541-815-1523 INSURANCE OF SISTERS Serving Sisters for over 20 years CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY AUTO • HOME • HEALTH • LIFE • BUSINESS 541-549-6566 484 W. Washington Ave., Ste. B BEYOND ORDINARY Hand-forged architectural iron work Come visit our showroom today. www.PonderosaForge.com | CCB# 87640 photo provided Larry Peterson is being honored for his work with the legacy of Charles M. Russell, the Cowboy artist. Saving money is easier than you think! Natural & Artifi cial 541-241-0043 541-549-9280 • Sisters Industrial Park k I do it, an idea of where I’m going, but it takes a lot of help,” he said. In addition to his most recent award, Dr. Peterson is the winner of two Western Heritage Awards for best art book, the High Plains Book Award for best art and pho- tography book, and the Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award for best photographic essay. As perhaps the world’s leading authority on Russell’s work, Peterson’s personal favorite by the artist is a bronze sculpture entitled “Spirit of Winter,” originally created in 1926. Featuring a man coming back from the dead, bent on revenge and surrounded by wolves, the piece depicts a Blackfoot leg- end, and is a reflection, Larry says, “of our finite time on earth.” Dr. Peterson’s interests aren’t defined by his career as a dermatologist, where he saw almost 225,000 patients, or his awards for scholarship and publications in Western art. He was also the coach of two AAU State Championship basketball teams for junior high school girls, when he and his family lived in Lake Oswego. Dr. Peterson donates all of the proceeds from his books, and he has given to the Montana Historical Society, The Russell Museum, Glacier National Park, and the Nature Conservancy, among others. Reflecting on the 541-549-3172 • 1-800-752-8540 • 704 W. Hood Ave. A member of Fullhart Insurance Agency, Inc.