Born in Albion, Nebraska, Sarah Burt was a long-time resident of Kansas City, Missouri. She was a dedicated scholar with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design and art history, a Master of Arts degree in Asian Art history and a Master of Science degree in journalism, capped off with doctoral coursework in American art history.
Burt's passion was evident in her writing, research, and curatorial skills. Her quiet demeanor was transformed when she began a lecture on a tour. Her in-depth knowledge of Western art, artifacts, and the social and political forces impacting an era were remarkable. Whether a tour or lecture, time with Sarah left lasting impressions on her audiences.
Her influence was broad in scope. She served for ten years as project manager for the Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Creating the O'Keeffe oral history archive that lead to the National Historic Landmark nomination for the O'Keeffe Home and Studio in Abiquiu, New Mexico.
At the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, Burt oversaw several major collections of Western and American Indian art. This included the internationally significant watercolors of the Upper Missouri River by Karl Bodmer.
In 2010, Burt became the Chan and Clara Ferguson Chief Curator for the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana. She oversaw the museum's collection of Charles M. Russell art, personal effects, home, library, and studio as well as American Indian art and artifacts. Her scholarship, passion, and dedication to excellence are remembered in her many contributions to the preservation of our Western heritage. Sarah's career came to an unfortunate end as she passed away from a noble fight with cancer in 2015.
The art and jewelry in this auction are from Sarah's personal collection which she amassed over the years. They truly reflect her passion for beauty and art.