Biography

Gratitude and Joy are words to live and paint by, for contemporary western artist, Afton, of Sidney, Montana. Along with bold originality, she aims to incorporate her appreciation for what she is blessed to see and experience as she enjoys God’s creation and the lifestyle of the American West.
Afton has formal training and experience in several mediums, but works mainly in oil, acrylic, and charcoal. Painterly strokes, energetic splashes, mysterious drips, and fine details are all part of her expressive and intuitive style. Afton’s eye for interior design often ushers in rustic texture and elegant metallic glazing that naturally compliment her earthy and authentic palette.
Afton has shown her work at her own gallery and frame studio, Bold West Art, since 2006. She is also a prestigious Out West Art Show artist at The Russell venue in Great Falls, Montana, and notably, in 2013, she had the winning artwork for a promotional design for George Strait.

Featured Exhibits & Invites
Out West Art Show in Great Falls, MT -2026 – 2024
Gratitude and Joy Solo Show at the MonDak Museum Gallery in Sidney, MT -2025
Art in the Beartooths Invitational Quickdraw and Live Auction in Red Lodge, MT -2025
PRCA Extreme Western Art & Makers Show in Watford City, ND -2025
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Art Show in Watford City, ND -2025
Sweet Pea Festival Winter Art Show in Bozeman, MT -2025
Year of the Snake Show at the Livingston Center for Arts and Culture in Livingston, MT -2025
Duo Show with Trish Stevenson at the Long X Art Gallery in Watford City, ND- 2024
Jamestown Arts Association 60th Anniversary Celebration 6×6 Auction in Jamestown, ND -2024
Ho Ho Holter Museum of Art, Auction & Sale in Helena, MT -2024, 2023
Carbon County Arts Guild 8 x 8 Exhibition at the Depot Gallery in Red Lodge, MT -2024, 2023
Small Gems Show at the Livingston Center for Arts and Culture in Livingston, MT -2024, 2023
Long X Western Art Show in Watford City, ND -2024, 2023
Paseo Arts District Small Art Show 2023 at the Paseo Arts and Creativity Center in OKC, OK -2023

Awards
Honorable Mention Acrylic- Art & Soul of the Magic Valley, Twin Falls, ID -2024
2nd Place Local Artist- Best of Richland County -2024, 2023
1st Place Local Artist- Best of Richland County -2022
1st Place Watercolor – James Memorial Art Center Williston, ND -2018
“Best of Show” – Small Works, James Memorial Art Center Williston, ND -2018