Russell Rides at the Phippen

The collector, Frederic G. Renner, spent his lifetime researching and collecting Charles M. Russell's artwork and his wife, Ginger K. Renner, has generously shared the collection with us. Fred Renner grew up knowing Charlie Russell, the famed artist who lived in Great Falls, Montana with his wife Nancy. Fred's parents actually knew the Russells before Fred was born. As a young child, Fred earned money to purchase picture postcards with Russell images on them. His mother raised chickens for their eggs, and Fred established an egg route amongst the bars in Great Falls. Eggnog was the drink of choice, especially in the winter. The Silver Dollar Bar was one of his customers, and they had the largest collection of Russell's watercolors. Each week when Fred delivered his eggs, he plopped them down on the end of the bar and went off to view all the paintings. He slowly made his way around the saloon walls intently taking in the images. As soon as he finished, the bartenders chased him off the premise. Russell also displayed his oils in Great Falls storefront windows for the oils to dry. Once again, Fred went up and down the street looking at the paintings and memorizing every detail. These experiences began Fred's infatuation with Charlie Russell, the man and his paintings.

After college at the University of Washington where he majored in Forestry, Fred worked for the United States Forest Service, and he decorated his office with Russell prints. He continued this practice when he went to the Range Management Division of the Soil Conservation Service. Frequently his colleagues gave him tips as to who owned original Russell works. Over the years, Fred amassed the largest private collection of Charlie Russell's artwork and memorabilia.

The Russell exhibition at the Phippen Museum from May 1 thru August 29, 2004 is part of this outstanding collection. Meat for the Wagon , pictured on the postcard invitation, was the first painting of Charlie Russell's that Fred Renner purchased. That painting, along with other paintings, historical sketches, letters and bronzes, is exhibited at the Museum.