Bud Helbig

Bud Helbig, born Erwin E. Helbig, (March 7, 1919 - February 7, 2002) was an American painter, illustrator and sculptor. His artwork depicted the American West, especially cowboys.

Helbig was born on March 7, 1919 in Butte, Montana. He grew up in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana's Bitterroot Valley.

Helbig was educated at the Mills Academy in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Helbig began his career as a magazine illustrator in Chicago. He remained in Chicago for two decades until 1969, when he moved to Kalispell, Montana to become an independent artist. In his paintings, Helbig depicted the American West, especially cowboys. He also designed bronze sculptures.

Helbig joined the Cowboy Artists of America in 1972. His work was added to the permanent collection of the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell.

Helbig had two sons, Ric and Vern. He resided in Kalispell, Montana.

Helbig died on February 7, 2002 in Kalispell, at age 82.