[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S66-S67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        BRUCE AND KATHY CONTWAY

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to commend two Montana 
artists for their dedication and talent.
  In the West, we are accustomed to western art whether in the form of 
a Charlie Russell painting or a Frederick Remington bronze. But today I 
would like to recognize the future of Western bronze sculpture art 
defining our nation's roots and the hardy souls who lived off the land 
and gave us the rich history that will always be a part of our nation's 
beginning.
  Bruce and Kathy Contway of Whitehall, Montana, have helped to 
preserve that history as well as to find their own place in history as 
American artists. These two artists are becoming well-known 
internationally for their abilities and their works celebrating a 
colorful Native American and Old West past. Their art has helped to 
make accessible to all of us the distinctive culture and customs of 
this nation's first inhabitants.
  The Contways, have certainly earned the honors they have received. 
Their dedication and hard work were recently rewarded when they each 
received the admiration of their peers and fans alike.

[[Page S67]]

  1997 was a year of recognition for the Contways. Bruce was named the 
Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA) Artist of the Year and was 
also awarded the steer wrestling and bareback riding bronze commissions 
during the 1997 Calgary Stampede Trophy Bronze Competition. Kathy was 
awarded the envy of all artists participating in the Stampede 
competition--the Chuckwagon Race Outriders bronze. Mr. President, 
bronze artists everywhere understand the significance of these honors.
  The work of Bruce and Kathy indicates a strong pride in their Native 
American heritage. Their remarkable talent combined with modest self-
recognition is an inspiration to young artists across our country. And 
their desire to pass on their legacy and pride is a tribute to all 
Montanans.
  Among their peers, Bruce and Kathy are considered world-class 
artists. Among their neighbors, Bruce and Kathy are considered friends. 
The Contways are very involved in the local community. Accomplished 
high school and college rodeo stars, they enjoy working with local 
students in the high school's rodeo club.
  Last December, the front page headline of the Whitehall Ledger read, 
`Contway art ``Stampedes'' to great year'. The article was a fitting 
tribute to two of Montana's best. Artists with this kind of talent are 
difficult to find, and you can bet that a Contway bronze will be a 
treasured work of art on any lucky owner's mantel.

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