Eiteljorg Museum ready for its ‘Quest for the West’ art show INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Eiteljorg Museum will open a free exhibition Saturday featuring sculptor Tim Cherry, kicking off a series of events culminating in the museum’s 21st annual Quest for the West fundraiser and art show in September. Cherry’s exhibition highlights the Canadian-born artist’s whimsical animal sculptures. Now living in Branson, Missouri, Cherry draws inspiration from his work as a wildlife outfitter and studies with taxidermists to create pieces that combine abstract shapes with animal imagery. “He does these really whimsical animal sculptures,” said Laura Fry of the Eiteljorg Museum. “They have a lot of personality.” The Tim Cherry exhibition, which recognizes him as this year’s artist of distinction for Quest for the West, is free to the public and will remain on view through the fall. The museum will also host its final free First Friday of the summer Sept. 4 from 3 to 7 p.m., featuring art activities and music open to the public. The main event, Quest for the West, will hold its gala opening weekend Sept. 11 and 12. The annual fundraiser features 50 artists from across the country whose work is inspired by the American West. The show will remain on view through mid-October. “There’s no other show like this east of the Mississippi,” Fry said. “This is really the one place you can come to see an event like this in this part of the country.” The invitation-only event includes 10 new artists this year, while some participants have contributed work to all 21 shows. The art ranges from realistic wildlife and landscape paintings to pieces inspired by pop culture, including acrylic saddles with neon colors. “We’re now starting to really expand into artists who are really taking that idea in new, innovative ways,” Fry said. Artwork is available for purchase during the opening weekend gala, with unsold pieces remaining available through mid-October. A portion of proceeds benefits the museum. The Eiteljorg Museum specializes in Native American art and art of the American West. Guests can register for the Quest for the West opening weekend events. The Tim Cherry exhibition and First Friday event are free and open to the public. ...read more read less