Area residents will have the unique opportunity to see and purchase art from a five-state region when the first Williston “Wild Bunch” Art Show is held at the Airport International Inn in Williston, N.D., this weekend.

On Friday, the event opens from 6-8 p.m. (Central time) with complimentary wine and cheese being served. The show, which has free admission, is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Sidney’s artist Rhonda Whited-Rupp is one of the roughly 40 artists who will participate. The pencil artist is very enthused about the show. “It’s going to be awesome,” Whited-Rupp said.

She explains the Roughrider show during Mother Day’s weekend in Williston was always a highlight of the year, so she’s glad another show has been created to fill that void.

“It’s not going to be in individual rooms, but it’s in a courtyard,” Whited-Rupp said. “So it won’t be as tiring for people as far as walking. It’s much easier to all be seen at once.”

The art show will feature artists from North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Artists are expected to include Don Greytak and Trish Stevenson.

Whited-Rupp credits artist Nadine Pickthorn as the driving force to make the show in Williston possible.

“If it wasn’t for Nadine, it wouldn’t be happening,” Whited-Rupp said.

Among the items the art show will feature are sculptures and original oils.

“It’s going to be a great show,” Whited-Rupp said.

editor@sidneyherald.com