Awards

Best of Show 2001 Western Heritage Artists Show, Great Falls Montana

(taken from Great Falls Tribune written by Jo Dee Black)

"For the second year a bronze by Kalispell Artist John Pettis was named Best of Show at the Western Heritage Artists show and sale. His winning piece is called "Hot Pursuit" depicting a sheriff holding back the reins of a galloping horse with his left hand, and a Winchester 1873 rifle in his right. Colored patina adds a richness to the piece, with the sheriff's blue denim shirt and buckskin-colored horse. The bronze has a $10,500 price tag. "I felt it might have a shot (at the award)," said the quiet 30-year-old. Pettis' received the award during Wednesday evening's opening ceremonies. He is one of 69 artists at the 20th annual show and sale. The piece took about 10 months to finish, Pettis said. "I had to wait until 7:15 a.m. this morning to get this wooden pedestal it's sitting on from the woodworker,though, " he said Wednesday. "For once, I was waiting on someone else." Last year, he worked until 4 a.m. the day of the show on a piece. Pettis believes being named Best of Show last year has helped his art career, which now contributes more to his income than his manager's salary at Kalispell Art Casting.

Best of Show 2000 Western Heritage Artists Show, Great Falls Montana

(taken from Great Falls Tribune written by Jacquie Burchard)

Kalispell artist John Pettis was astride a horse a little more than three years ago, heading with a friend through parts of the Great Bear Wilderness. The pack trip with Bigfork outfitter Bob Fritz left an indelible mark in Pettis' memory, becoming fodder for his artwork. And now the trip has made history as well. A Pettis bronze depicting Fritz on his horse was named Best of Show winner at the Western Heritage Artists show and sale, which began Wednesday. Pettis, who's offered his work at the annual show for six years, hasn't won awards at the event before. "This was pretty cool," he said. His winning bronze, called "Hot Spot" also happens to be on sale during the biggest art event in Great Falls this week, the C.M. Russell Auction of Original Western Art. It's being sold Saturday night, as Lot 257. Pettis' bronze shows his chaps-wearing outfitter pal pausing, binoculars in hand, while in the saddle. A mule he's leading drinks water next to him. Pettis admits he might have a slight advantage over some of his competition in the sculpting arena. That's because he's manager of Kalispell Art Casting, where he's worked for about 10 years. There he's able to see his work through to completion - a luxury not all artists' have. "I can do my own patina and get the pieces out a little faster," he said. "I can kind of make sure the quality is up to my standards that way."

3rd Place Scultpture Category 31st Annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Sale

Mesa artist John Pettis won 3rd Place in the sculpture category competition at the 31st Annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Sale on May 30, 2005 in Prescott Arizona for his bronze "Risky Business".