When you think of long-time Helena artist Becky Eiker you think of ceramics and clay, bronzes of children at play and rustic rural watercolor scenes.
Becky has said, “I was fortunate to have been raised in small-town America in the ’40s and ’50s. Many of the subjects in my sculpture relate to childhood experiences.”
Her living estate sale includes many of her signature items. The late Bill Eiker, a long-time Helena teacher, was a sports, outdoors and music fan. Items in the sale reflect those interests.
The sale also features beautiful antique furniture, bookcases, dressers, hutches, an oak secretary and dining set, a large Hoosier and a large oak roll top desk. There’s also an impressive collection from her favorite artists, like David Shaner, R.F. Morgan, Mitch Billis, sculptor Tim Sullivan and many others.
Her artwork for sale, which was produced over more than a half century in Helena, includes a life-size newspaper boy. That dynamic bronze is a twin to the one on Helena’s Downtown Walking Mall. There also are many of her favorite bronzes, clay figures, practical pottery, dishes and displays.
The collections also include some whimsical, but important items, like Becky’s nine C. M. Russell quick draw aprons from the 1990s, which are signed by all the quick draw artists. Also, many sketches and sketch books, which include portraits of many Helena personalities.
For the aspiring artist or sculptor, you’ll find many art supplies and tools of the trade, like sculpting tools, paint brushes and boxes of wax and clay.
Full sets of vintage Homer Laughlin and contemporary Dansk china, hand blown glassware and Oneida flatware are offered, along with Cornflower Blue Corning. There is a hard-to-find cathedral glass pickle bottle, an old coffee grinder, blue canning jars, Western wear and vintage clothing, including western belts and buckles.
There’s a Viking electronic sewing machine and a Bernette embroidery machine with many big spools.
Scott Walter created whimsical toys for grown-ups and there is a nice collection of those.
And cats? There are cats, and more cats, in all shapes and styles.
Items in the garage include hand tools, considerable hunting and fishing supplies, books, records and the necessities of the 1960s, when Bill and Becky moved to Montana.
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