Western artworks will be featured at the Autry National Center’s “Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale.” (photo courtesy of the Autry National Center)

The Autry National Center presents the annual “Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale” running Saturday, Jan. 31 through March 8.

The Autry is celebrating the event’s 18th anniversary with opening-day activities on Jan. 31, including a presentation by award-winning sculptor Walter T. Matia, a panel discussion with art collectors, and a chuck wagon luncheon and awards presentation.

The event continues in the evening with a cocktail reception and fine art sale, where patrons and artists join in festivities and approximately 275 fixed-price works are sold by drawing.

The exhibition showcases new work by nationally recognized artists such as Bill Anton, George Carlson, Tammy Garcia, Robert Griffing, Z. S. Liang, Kyle Polzin, Mian Situ, Tucker Smith, Howard Terpning and Morgan Weistling.

The juried exhibition features works by 79 artists, including established master artists as well as emerging talent. Proceeds from events support the Autry’s educational programs and ongoing collections conservation.

“This show is about the artists. Each year our masters artists challenge themselves to produce their very best work in both painting and sculpture, and in fact, they hold back pieces created during the year so they can provide an outstanding presentation,” Autry trustee and special advisor to masters John Geraghty said. “I’m extremely proud of each and every artist.”

New artists joining event this year include Jenness Cortez, Loren Entz, Jay Moore, Scott Rogers, Roseta Santiago, Billy Schenck and Benjamin Wu.

Five guest artists will also participate: John Budicin, Donald Demers, Lori Forest, Conchita O’Kane and Adam Smith. The emerging western artists will contribute works to the “Miniatures” wall.

“You don’t often have the opportunity to buy one of these little jewels by these highly respected artists,” Geraghty added. “These pieces are really treasured.”

The opening-day programs begin at 10 a.m., and entrance to the masters exhibition is included with museum admission. Tickets are required for the special opening-day events and cocktail reception, and are $195 for Autry members; $270 for non-members.

The museum will close at 4 p.m. to prepare for the ticketed evening cocktail reception and sale, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

All of the artwork in the show will remain on exhibit through Sunday, March 8.

The Autry National Center is located at 4700 Western Heritage Way, in Griffith Park.

For information, call (323)495-4375, or visit www.TheAutry.org/Masters.