Museum presents Trigg Award to Kalispell doctor, wife

The C.M. Russell Museum awarded Helen and the late Dr. Van Kirke Nelson with the prestigious Josephine Trigg Award at a private dinner ceremony Thursday, May 14. The Josephine Trigg Award is the museum's highest award.

Dr. Van Kirke Nelson passed away at the age of 83 on April 18.

"The Nelsons' tremendous support for the C.M. Russell Museum has remained constant over the past 46 years," executive director Michael Duchemin said. "Their generous relationship with the museum is highlighted by dozens of donations of artworks and artifacts, including works by C.M. Russell, Edward Borein, Earle Erik Heikka and Joe DeYong."

The Nelsons showed a special interest in the conservation of the Russell Home and Studio, and they supported the "Trails to the Future" campaign with a major gift to expand the museum in 1997.

Dr. Van Kirke Nelson started collecting Western art and Americana around the time that he and Helen married in the mid-1950s.

Nelson practiced in the field of obstetrician-gynecology in Kalispell, delivering more than 7,000 babies over 52 years. In 1969, he opened a second business, Glacier Gallery.

Glacier Gallery specialized in fine works by noteworthy Western artists of the 19th and 20th centuries; Native American artifacts, pottery and weavings; rare books and photographs; and contemporary Montana artists with an emphasis on Glacier National Park. From the beginning of his life as a collector, Nelson threw his support behind the C.M. Russell Art Auction, serving as a consignor and exhibitor for the very first auction event in 1969.

Van Kirke joined the National Advisory Board of the C.M. Russell Museum in 2005, and the Trigg-C.M. Russell Museum Foundation Board in 2010.

"The museum has benefited immeasurably from his good governance, relentless optimism and generous spirit. His legacy will be carried on," Duchemin said.

Josephine Trigg was a good friend and neighbor of Charlie and Nancy Russell. At the time of Trigg's death in 1951, she willed her extensive personal collection of Russell art, letters and sculptures to the establishment of a Russell museum. The C.M. Russell Gallery opened to the public in 1953.

The Josephine Trigg Award is presented in honor of dedicated and outstanding contributions in preserving the memory and works of Charles M. Russell and for significant support toward the growth and success of the C.M. Russell Museum. Helen Nelson accepted the award at the C.M. Russell Museum with many family members present.