Inside a Major Western Art Collection in Denver

If your memory is better than mine, you may recall that I was in Denver at the end of September for the "Wildlife Experience in Art" show at The Wildlife Experience museum. A major collector of western art, Ken Holm, generously hosted the attending artists for a Sunday brunch at his house. The experience was, to say, the least, overwhelming!

Ken's collection could make many museums envious; I'd forgotten that he has four of my works (and two more with his grandsons), and I was delighted to see them 'in situ' - we artists rarely get to see our work out in 'the real world' and hanging in clients' homes. Below, I'm sharing some photos from that visit as well as Ken's responses to questions I asked about his collection. (Apologies for the quality of the photos - I only had my smartphone with me).

Ken's living room - amazing, no??

JTC: How long have you been collecting? How many pieces do you own?
KEN: The collection includes landscapes, wildlife, horses, cowboys, and Indians. Media include paintings, etchings, drawings, and sculptures and carvings, as well as historical and contemporary lithographs.

Most of the artists have a connection to Montana as I grew up in Great Falls, Charlie Russell's home. The collection has about 500 pieces, half paintings and half sculptures / carvings.

I think I have been collecting most of my life, more seriously the last 20-25 years. About 20 years ago, I recognized that this passion I had for western art was really an addiction, so I bought a house to display art.

Although I like all of the art, the best thing about the collection is what I call "The Chase". I have been able to meet most of the artists and get to know them as well as their art. They, in a sense, have become an extended family as I see many of them at least once a year. Consequently, every piece in the collection has a story.

JTC: What motivates you to purchase a piece?
KEN: I generally have a process that I go through in buying new art.

First, I have to get into my "collector's" mode. I like to go to art shows, auctions and galleries where you can spend about 3 or 4 days, and where I can just immerse myself in the art. Then, certain pieces start to stand out and I begin narrowing my choices.

Second, I have to like it: it has to be easy to look at and showcase the artist's talent. It also has to complement the rest of the collection. If I know the artist, that helps, and if I don't know the artist I try to meet him or her.

Third, it has to be something I can afford.

JTC: Many of your works feature bison - why bison?
KEN: The bison/buffalo was a favorite of Charlie Russell's and I have always gravitated to them. I have wondered what drove us to annihilate nearly 80 million of the animals. To me, the bison symbolizes the American West, the steward of ecology of our prairies, and it was especially important in the lives of our Native Americans. They are simply a gorgeous animal to look at and study. Thankfully they are making a strong comeback.

Originally, I had a room to display buffalo only; however, I must have left the door open as they now represent about 20% of the collection and have roamed throughout the house.

JTC: I know you rearrange your collection regularly - what do you do about nail-holes?
KEN: The best solution I have for nail-holes is to hang another picture over them. I use a service in Denver that comes to the house to re-hang and rearrange the collection. They have rearranged it at least 10 times and I am amazed how few nail-holes are visible. Each time they rearrange it, it brings new life to the collection.

"Fresh Catch", one of my drippy-bear paintings, hanging in a lovely spot in Ken's home and set off with more fabulous work.

Ken, THANK YOU for sharing your time and your thoughts with us, and for sharing your home and collection with visitors!