Midwest auction houses can be a little like America itself when it comes to their fine art offerings. A melting pot of sorts, they often combine material from consignors on both coasts, and blend it all with works by Midwest regionalists. Thats certainly the case with Soulis Auctions and their 26th Annual Spring Art Auction roster. The two-day event to be held on Thursday and Friday, June 6 and 7, blossoms first in black-and-white with an outstanding collection of American art photography, fresh from a Fort Collins, Co., collection. The highlights include shots from out west by the master Ansel Adams (190284). Two images, Mount Williamson, Sierra Nevada and Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite, printed ca. 1950 and 1960, respectively, though the images were shot much earlier, carry estimates of $20,000-$30,000 and $40,000-$60,000. This collection has outstanding provenance, including two images owned by iconic American fashion and portrait photographer Richard Avedon. The auction lineup goes from grayscale to the striking black and white lithographs of Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975). There will be 15 prints headlined by the scarce triumvirate of large format, low edition lithographs from the 1930s titled Jesse James, estimated at $10,000-$15,000, Huck Finn (est. $8000-$12,000) and Frankie and Johnnie (est. $8,000-$12,000). Each image was inspired by Missouri lore, whether literature or oral tradition, sometimes shared in the form of folk songs, a concept Benton appreciated and drew upon frequently. The selection extends to Europe and a rare bronze by French sculptor Aristide Maillol (18611944), fresh from a trip to Paris for authentication, where she spent two nerve-wracking weeks stuck in customs due to a paperwork issue. The prodigal bronze, signed and numbered one of six, returned with a certificate of authentication from the President of the Dina Vierny Foundation. It will be estimated at $15,000-$20,000. And like the Wizard ofOz, everything turns to technicolor with a selection of paintings that includes a 1912 oil by Kansas artist Birger Sandzen (Swedish/American, 1871-1964). This landscape with a twilight moon over water was found in a Kansas City basement and is expected to realize between $60,000 and $80,000. Texas crude has been called black gold. In Texas paintings, Blue Bonnets are, you guessed it, blue gold. Anything with the state flower brings a premium, and a Randy Payton (B. 1958) oil-on-canvas paved in bluebonnets is sure to please at $3,000-$6,000. Other views out West include an unusual Taos, N.M., area view with an adobe structure in fall landscape by Alfred Wands (190498), estimated at $3,000 to $5,000. In the Upper Midwest, and far beyond, Aaron Bohrod (190792) is well known for his unique trompe-loeil style and magic realism. He blends both of these in the masterwork Still Life 52 Anatomy of a Horse. The oil painting is a feast for the eyes, offering countless delightful experiences of visual trickery, and carries a $12,000 to $18,000 estimate. Also hailing from the state of Illinois, and a number of other Midwest locales, was the farmer folk artist Alfred Montgomery (1857-1922), famous for painting bountiful still life compositions of corn. In his paintings with corn, Montgomery detailed each kernel in high impasto. But here, the subject is a rare still life with apples. This deviation is sure to catch the eye of collectors at $2,000-$4,000. Another highlight is the dairy country genre scene by legendary New York illustration artist Peter Helck (1893-1998). This slice of Americana features the ubiquitous and iconic Chevrolet advanced design model trucks, prevalent after WWII. The trio of Chevy truck models is seen hard at work on an idyllic, sunny family farm, ca. 1950. Obviously intended for advertising, no connection to a published ad has been found. Peter Helcks legend includes an honor in his name awarded for accomplishments in automotive illustration. This work is estimated at $5,000 to $7,000. Second in command in the sculpture category, or it could make the top spot, is a model by Chicago artist Wheeler Williams, best known for his public installations. This unique original, hand-sculpted work, or maquette, in terra cotta, is accompanied by a book by the artist inscribed, To Tom McLaughlin from a fellow baloonitic of World War I. The two had served together in the U.S. Balloon Corps in WWI. The sculpture and books were a gift, descended through the McLaughlin family and offered here with an estimate of $2,000-$3,000. No record of an original terra cotta work by Williams could be found. This Soulis Spring auction will begin with an internet-only evening session of paintings, prints and posters beginning at 6 p.m. central time. The following day, a live session begins at noon with photography, paintings, prints, sculpture, and moderndesign. For further information, contact Dirk Soulis at 913-707-1921 or Dirk@SoulisAuctions.com.