Rob Akey Artist

I was fortunate to be able to spend time visiting Big Sky in the 80's and 90's when my folks were living there. This was then, and still is now, one of my favorite places there. Soldiers Chapel was built in 1955- long before Lone Mountain caught Chet Huntley's eye and imagination. Nelson Story III, of the legendary Bozeman pioneering family, had it built in memory of his son, Nelson Story IV who was killed in action in the South Pacific in WWII. The Chapel also commemorates the 163rd Infantry Regiment with which Story served. The door is never locked and it's a pretty special place to go and in quiet moments reflect upon service, sacrifice and this still beautiful place we call home. Dawn's Early Light, 24x24, Oil on Canvas

This big fella goes on the block in a couple of weeks at the Russell Auction on Saturday night March 21st. "Late Summer, Long Ago", a 36"x48" painting of a herd monarch along the Rocky Mountain Front above what is now Dupuyer, Montana. Big bulls are often aloof, preferring to graze in their own space- just like some people I know.... The french word "dupuyer" refers to bison back fat- a highly valued commodity to the indigenous peoples who called this home. This is your opportunity to load up on some back fat without risking life and limb riding it down a-horseback. Just sit back sipping your favorite cocktail and hoist you paddle at lot #107. The full auction catalog is online with auction schedules and particulars by following this link,
https://cmrussell.org/2026-Russell-Catalogue/

Western Art Week is approaching and the brushes are singing. "Chop Suey" is just off the easel and destined for the show next month in Great Falls. The Pekin Noodle Parlor in Butte is the oldest, continually operating, Chinese restaurant in America. As one who occasionally paints urban iconography, I have wanted to commit that beautiful sign to color on canvas for a long time. Finally getting around to it. I know one of the reasons we all love Butte so much is its ethnically rich and diverse culture. Largely immigrant, hard working, sticking. Makes you think, doesn't it.

Brawl of the Wild part 2!!!

Looking forward to supporting a great cause this weekend at the Warriors and Quiet Waters Food Fest in Bozeman Friday night. My contribution to the quick finish and live auction shown here is "Fall Encounter". A 30x24 oil depicting a Bobcat, a Grizzly crossing paths at the location of a certain rock.....
Check out the event and the very worthwhile organization by following the link.
https://onecau.se/warriortastefest