Let the Auction Season Begin! Page 12 MAC Hosts National Arts Education Managers Page 14

Winter 2020 n Montana - The Land of Creativity

MAC announces 2019 Artist’s Innovation Award recipients The Montana Arts Council approved six Montana art- ists to receive its Artist’s Innovation Award. The $5,000 award is given every two years to artists who have attained a level of success in their pursuit of discovery. A panel of experts convened in November to deter- mine the recommendations that were presented for the council’s approval at the December meeting in Billings. “Montana has an incredibly rich creative environ- ment,” says Tatiana Gant, executive director of the Montana Arts Council. “The Council understands the ne- cessity for artists to take chances. This award encourages artists to invest in research and continued exploration. The caliber of the artists selected highlights Montana’s bright future.” Jane Waggoner Deschner Robert Harrison Naomi Siegel (Photo by Rio Chantel) Over the next year, each awardee will make a public presentation on their creative process, and the role innovation has played in their development. MAC will share details over social media as information becomes available. This year’s winners are: Jane Waggoner Deschner, Billings Robert Harrison, Helena, with support from the Jessie Wilber and Frances Senska Individual Artist Award in Ceramics Nan Parsons, Basin Jennifer Reifsneider, Missoula Naomi Siegel, Missoula Melissa Stephenson, Missoula

See pages 6-7 for AIA Profiles Jennifer Reifsneider Melissa Stephenson, with daughter Nan Parsons

Submission deadline Feb. 3 Mural aims to raise awareness of opioid crisis By Anna Paige reflect the history, op- 2020 Governor’s Arts Reprinted with pression, and triumph permission from the of indigenous peoples Billings Gazette, Oct. 25 of the Great Plains. Awards nominations open Carlin Bear Don’t “In order to fulfill Walk describes his life your dreams, you’ve The Governor’s Arts Awards honor outstanding as a process of chasing got to remember where citizens and organizations in Montana whose achieve- dreams, something his you started at and ments in the arts, or on behalf of the arts, benefit all high school art teacher remember those who Montanans. Since its inception 35 years ago, in 1981, instilled in him. He hopes came before you and 113 artists, art leaders and educators, and arts organi- to do the same for young what they’ve been zations across the state have been recognized for their people, inspiring them to through,” said Bear talent and accomplishments. use art as an outlet, espe- Don’t Walk. The mural Awards will be distributed in December 2020 to cially if they come from a was painted in collab- honorees who demonstrate artistic excellence and world of addiction. oration with children achievement, dedication to Montana, ongoing contri- The 37-year-old in the community and butions to the cultural community and worthiness of abstract artist, who Carlin Bear Don’t Walk at work on a mural at ZooMontana indigenous activist statewide recognition. lives in Billings and is in Billings. (Photo by Casey Page/Billings Gazette) Goldstein Little Eagle. The nomination deadline is Feb. 3, 2020. To see a member of both the The mural is painted a list of past honorees and for more information or a Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribes, was commissioned atop a concrete retaining wall at the entrance to ZooMon- hard copy of the nomination form, visit art.mt.gov/gaa by ZooMontana and the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders tana, measuring five feet tall and 78 feet long. Bear Don’t or contact Czelsi Gómez at [email protected]. Council to paint an expansive outdoor mural, which he Walk estimates he’ll spend a total of 50 hours on the proj- titled “Dream Chasers of Montana.” Not just another ect, which was funded by a Tribal Opioid Response Grant pretty piece of art, the mural is funded by a collaborative through SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health effort to prevent and address opioid abuse in Yellowstone Services Administration), part of nationwide funding In Memoriam County. from the Department of Health to curb opioid abuses. Montana’s Bear Don’t Walk grew up on the Northern Cheyenne Roy Pack, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council arts commu- Reservation and has been painting since he was a kid. He program director, applied for a grant for Yellowstone nity is reeling was taught the culture and ways of life of the Northern County. The council received $200,000 to be used for this fall with Cheyenne people, and he said living on the reservation opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery for Native the loss of inspired him to pursue his dreams of being a professional Americans across two years … some of its artist, despite the hardships, addiction, and loss that also Though the artwork represents the smallest allotment iconic musi- surrounded him. of the grant, it’s the most dramatic, Pack said. “It’s about cians, thes- “I’ve seen all kinds of great artists who never made not just collaboration, but building community.” pians, artists, it, who succumbed to the stereotypes, who succumbed to Bear Don’t Walk, whose work in recent years has teachers and the way of reservation life. That is my biggest inspiration gained national attention, was asked to participate in the right there,” said Bear Don’t Walk. “I grew up around all project, in part because his artwork is so visually impact- arts advocates. Arlene Parisot Among them that stuff, and that is what pushes me to be great, pushes ful (it’s difficult not to notice his nearly neon color palette is one of our own, artist, teacher, arts ambassador and me to live the dream for those who never made it.” and striking imagery), but also because of his connections MAC member Arlene Parisot. Read about her many Bear Don’t Walk’s painting stretches across time, from between the urban Indian community of Billings and the contributions to the council on page 2, and see our the migration of indigenous people and the bison herds state’s reservations. of the West to a hopeful, urban future. The vivid and many other condolences on pages 5 and 8. See Bear Don’t Walk Mural, page 8 action-fueled scenes across the nearly 80-foot long mural State of the Arts • Winter 2020

or medium she chose. She knew the value of exploration and experimenting with materials. From the Director Arlene was very supportive of MAC’s work around developing artists’ careers, especially Tatiana Gant, Executive Director the Montana Artreprenuer Program. I was [email protected] touched when her son shared that she kept a photograph of the Montana Arts Council in her studio. “Arlene was one of our champion arts coun- cil members,” remembers retired MAC director MAC member Arlene Parisot Arni Fishbaugh. “I got to know her initially Photo by Czelsi Gomez because of the fabulous work she did at the College of Great Falls as it related to using the Missing her warmth, brilliance and humor arts as a workforce development tool. When appointed to our council, she was especially In the past, I have shared valuable in strides we made in arts and eco- how important the governor nomic development, not to mention the whole appointed-council is in guid- area of arts education, which had also been so ing the work of the Montana much of her life. I called upon her many times 2 Arts Council. Each member to testify before the Legislature and represent brings unique perspectives us around the country at conferences and on and experiences that are grant panels. Her service was immense and invaluable. appreciated so much by us all.” MAC has lost a vibrant At the recent meeting of the full council, we member with the death of took the time to reflect and share our memories Arlene Parisot. Arlene was of Arlene. Her quiet, thoughtful leadership appointed to her first term on style was remembered. She listened carefully, the Montana Arts Council by spoke honestly, and the council respected her Governor Brian Schweitzer, insight. Members expressed admiration for then reappointed twice by her active lifestyle; how she spent her retire- Governor Steve Bullock. ment doing the things she wanted to do, most Arlene’s service on the notably spending time with her family. We will Sign up council was the perfect mar- miss her warmth, brilliance and humor. riage of her career in public for MAC’s service, her commitment to eNews community, and her enjoy- Between the quar- ment in creating art. At her One of our champion terly issues of the core, Arlene was an educator. Arlene Parisot at work in the printmaking studio during a arts council members State of the Arts, our She worked in classrooms Montana Arts Council gathering in 2011. staff publishes four internationally, from grade … Her service was im- separate e-newsletters school through higher education. Arlene directed workforce planning initia- with opportunities and Early on, Arlene saw the potential of using tives. mense and appreciated information: technology as a learning tool and the role it Arlene found joy and inspiration in nature. • Artists’ eNews would play in the economy. In the position The influence of light and space is evident so much by us all. • Arts Educators’ that she held until her retirement, with the in her paintings. Her patient personality was – Retired MAC director Arni Fishbaugh eNews Montana Commissioner of Higher Education, perfectly suited to the challenging watercol- • Arts Organizations’ eNews • Public Artists’ Shawna Korth joins MAC staff as Business Specialist eNews If you’d like to sign Shawna Korth, a native Montanan who In 2017, with their two In addition to two adult up for one or more of grew up in Cut Bank, joined the Montana Arts children grown, Korth and children, she and her hus- these, please offer us Council in November as Business Specialist. her husband, Jay, purchased band have three more of your contact informa- She replaces Lauren Pan, who accepted a job a business, Autotrix Signs the four-legged variety. She tion and what you’d in Washington, DC. and Graphics, and moved enjoys trail running, paddle like to receive at: art. Korth attended Montana State University back to his hometown of boarding, mountain biking, mt.gov/enews or send Billings where she majored in Business/ Helena. snow shoeing, golf, hiking, us an email at: mac@ Accounting. In 1999, she and her husband Korth says she enjoys camping and traveling as mt.gov. relocated to Denver where she spent over a giving back to the commu- much as life permits. decade working in corporate legal depart- nity and has volunteered for “I’m excited to be a ments for large financial services organiza- organizations such as Spe- part of the Montana Arts tions, conducting corporate board meetings cial Olympics, Habitat for Council and look forward to and completing federal SEC filings. After a Humanity, Back Country meeting and working with corporate reorganization she decided to take a Patrol, Therapeutic Needs all of you,” she says. foray into real estate and sold homes in Den- Program, and Jr. Achieve- As a Business Specialist ver and the surrounding area for six years. ment. Shawna Korth for the MAC team, Korth will be responsible for managing council data and supporting general grants, accounting, and office administrative MPAC Showcase and Conference meets in Fort Benton functions for the agency. She can be reached Seventeen professional Showcase selections were at 406-444-6510 or [email protected]. performing artists will show- made based on quality of pre- case samples of their work on sentation, probability of book- Saturday, Jan. 25, at Fort Ben- ing, grant award possibilities ton Elementary Theater. Part and overall showcase diversity. of the 37th annual Montana Additional artists will have State of the Arts Performing Arts Consortium booths in a Resource Room State of the Arts is published four (MPAC) booking conference, located in the Ag Center (open times a year by the Montana Arts the showcases are free and open to registered conference partici- Council and produced by Lively to the public. pants only). Times. These 12-minute perfor- MPAC is a statewide State of the Arts welcomes submis- mances offer an opportunity to non-profit arts organization sions of photographs, press releases sample a wide variety of enter- that brings professional artists and newsworthy information from in- tainment by some of the finest Good Co brings sultry swing to the MPAC Show- to Montana communities and dividual artists and arts organizations. performing artists from across case on Jan. 25. promotes education through the Please check with the Montana the U.S., Montana and Canada. arts. The annual Artist Showcase Arts Council for reprint permission. Selected 2020 Showcase artists include: Tim Ryan, and Conference is made possible in part through a legisla- Next Deadline: The deadline Trevor Panczak, Chinook Winds, The Kalvan Family, Mary tive grant from Montana’s Cultural Trust, the Montana Arts for submissions is March 5 for the Kaye, West My Friend, America’s Sweethearts, Marina and Council, National Endowment for the Arts and Western Spring issue (April-June). Send items The Dreamboats, Good Co, Gideon Freudmann CelloBop, States Arts Federation. to: Montana Arts Council, PO Box Derik Nelson and Family, Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin, Phina Although the showcases at the Fort Benton Elementary 202201, Helena, MT 59620-2201; Pipia, Molly’s Comedy Cabaret, How Sweet It Is! Steve Theater are free and open to the public, the conference phone 406-444-6430, fax 406-444- Leslie sings James Taylor, and Max Hatt and Edda Glass. requires advance registration and will take place in the 6548 or email [email protected]. Alternates are Chilaili Wachiwi, Love is A Rose: Cele- Agricultural Center, attached to the Montana Agricultural Subscriptions: State of the Arts is brating the Music of Linda Ronstadt, Side by Side: A Vocal Museum in Fort Benton. available free of charge upon request Variety Duo, and Bridge and Wolak. More information is available at www.mtperformingarts. as a public service of the Montana Doors open 15 minutes before the start of each show- rocks and through MPAC, P.O. Box 6484, Great Falls MT Arts Council. To subscribe, call 406- case. In addition to the showcases the artists will assemble 59406, 916-798-4479 or [email protected]. 444-6430, or update or sign-up for a jam session after 9 p.m. Saturday at the Clubhouse. online at art.mt.gov. The jam session is also free and open to the public. Winter 2020 • State of the Arts

and, often, unusual context to create a big impact. While in Ireland, Newhouse also hopes to keep abreast of global design and advertising Congrats to ... trends to bring back to her students. She has taught guerrilla advertising and design at MSU for about a decade, and is also an award- winning designer, whose work appears in more than 40 professional MAPS Media Institute, whose student-produced film, “Browning publications, including books, annuals and exhibition catalogs. Rising Voices,” won a 2019 National Student Production Award in – MSU News Service the Short Form Non-Fiction category. These awards are distributed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), Bozeman artist Willem better known as the organization behind the Emmy Awards. “Browning Volkersz, whose work is included Rising Voices” tells the story of a poetry club in Browning, on the in “The Western Sublime: Majestic Blackfeet Indian Reservation, led by school librarian Amy Conrey Landscapes of the American West” Andreas. Students write and perform original works of poetry, and at the Tucson Museum of Art. His through that process explore the power of creative expression. The piece, “My Trip to Yellowstone” 2019 competition saw more than 2,000 entries across 24 categories. (2017), is a commentary on “Browning Rising Voices” beat out four other films in its category the tourist culture surrounding – including another MAPS effort, “Art For Survival,” about an Yellowstone National Park. The innovative arts program in Helena – to claim the top prize in the exhibition, curated by Christine country. “Congratulations,” said Montana Film Commissioner Allison Brindza, Glasser Curator of Art of Whitmer. “The future filmmakers in Montana are honing their skills the American West, runs from Oct. by telling stories that speak to diverse voices and interpretations, and 19 to Feb. 9, and includes traditional 3 programs such as MAPS are invaluable to supporting and developing 19th century artists like Thomas these students.” The Hamilton-based educational non-profit, which Moran and Albert Bierstadt as well offers free media-arts classes to students in grades 8-12 across as 20th century photographer Ansel Montana, is no stranger to the national stage. In 2017, MAPS was Adams and a group of contemporary “My Trip to Yellowstone” by honored with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. artists. A hardbound catalog is Willem Volkersz available. Volkersz has lived and worked in Bozeman since 1986 and is Butte High student Derek Bane- Professor Emeritus of Art at Montana State University. Parsons, who joined around 200 Send us your other students from across the U.S. Helena photographer Richard S. good news as part of Macy’s Great American Buswell, whose work was included Artists, writers, mu- Marching Band during the giant in 2018 in a large group exhibition of sicians, arts educators Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade contemporary photographers of the and arts adminis- through New York City on Nov. American West at Yale University’s trators: Please let us 28. Bane-Parsons, a 15-year-old Beinecke Library. The exhibition know about major sophomore, plays 14 instruments, was titled “Eye on the West: awards and accom- including his two main instruments, Photography and the Contemporary the French horn and the mellophone, West,” which is also the title of a plishments, especially along with the trumpet, several types hardback book published in support beyond the borders of saxophones, the guitar and the of this show. Buswell has been of Montana. euphonium. In addition to playing photographing Montana ghost Send your good in band, he also plays for Butte towns and homesteads for nearly news to Congrats, High’s jazz band and in the Butte 50 years. The Collection of Western c/o Kristi Niemeyer, Derek Bane-Parsons (Photo by Community Band, among other Meagan Thompson/Montana Standard) Americana at Yale University has 207 6th Ave. E, musical pursuits. Recently, he had an purchased a complete collection of Polson, MT 59860; opportunity to play in the University of Montana’s High School All- Buswell’s photography, consisting or better yet, email Star Band and Orchestra, which consists of select students from across “Silo” by Richard Buswell of 458 photographs. In addition, 232 kristi@livelytimes. the northwest U.S. and Canada. On Thanksgiving Day, Bane-Parsons other museums, nationally and internationally, have collected Buswell’s com. played the mellophone before an estimated 20 million television work, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum of viewers and the throngs of spectators who show up to watch the parade Fine Arts, Boston, Denver Art Museum, Seattle Art Museum and the If you include a in person. His band teacher, Jean Perusich, who nominated him to be Library of Congress. In 2018, Washington Public Broadcasting System digital photo, please part of Macy’s Great American Marching Band, described her student filmed a documentary about Buswell’s photography titled “What make sure it’s at least to the Montana Standard as a hard worker, a diligent student, and “fine They Left Behind,” which was broadcast in five western states and in 200 lines per inch (lpi musician,” who is “serious about his music.” western Canada. or dpi) and a file size – From the Montana Standard, Nov. 13 of over 500kb. Ignacio Barròn Viela, executive Artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, who is the 2019 recipient of director of the Billings Symphony, who the Murray Reich Distinguished Artist Award from the New York is one of 12 orchestra professionals Foundation for the Arts. The $12,000 award, which was established participating in the League of American in 2015, recognizes artistic excellence and provides resources to Orchestras’ Emerging Leaders Program. mature visual artists with a long history of creative practice. Smith, The competitive eight-month program an enrolled Salish member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai began with a three-day meeting in New Nation of Montana, has been creating complex abstract paintings York City and also includes one-to-one and prints since the 1970s. She is internationally known as an artist, coaching, in-depth seminars led by curator, lecturer, printmaker and independent professor. Smith was leadership experts, visits with leaders in also among the 2018 Governor’s Arts Award recipients for Montana. cultural and performing arts institutions, A self-described “cultural arts worker,” Smith uses humor and satire to virtual convenings, and a capstone examine stereotypes of American Indian life in contrast to American project culminating at the League’s 2020 consumerism. Ignacio Barròn Viela National Conference in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (June 10-12). “These 12 professionals are stewards of our Bitterroot Valley artist Bobbie McKibbin, who received the Best field’s future,” said League of American Orchestras’ President and CEO Body of Work award from juror Ian McKibbin White (no family Jesse Rosen. Barròn Viela joined the Billings Symphony Orchestra & relationship), artist and director emeritus of Fine Arts Museums of Chorale as executive director in December 2018. Since arriving, he San Francisco, during has crafted a new strategic plan and is passionate about expanding the Yellowstone Forever’s orchestra’s musical offerings and community engagement programs; second annual Plein Air he’s also sought to build relationships with other businesses and non- Invitational. “This event profits across Montana and Wyoming, and coordinate joint activities is really wonderful – a with the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras great celebration of art (MASO). He came to Billings from Germany where he and Yellowstone,” says managed orchestra tours in Europe for the Heinrich Heine McKibbin. “I am so very Orchestra. Originally from Zaragoza, Spain, Barròn Viela honored to be included earned an MBA from USC Marshall School of Business, and this park is one of with an emphasis in arts leadership; in 2018, he completed my favorite places in the League of American Orchestras’ Essentials of Orchestra which to work.” Held Management seminar. Sept. 24-29, the five-day Bobbie McKibbin with Yellowstone Forever invitational celebrates Livingston author Elise Atchison for winning an Best Body of Work Award the current and historical international Eludia Award for her forthcoming book, Crazy presence of art in Mountain. The novel tells the story of a rapidly changing Yellowstone. Sixteen artists from across the nation painted outside on- place and community through the diverse and conflicting site for five days in various locations in the park, participating in daily stories of the people who live, work and play there. Set in a painting demonstrations, a paint-out on Sept. 28, and in a VIP banquet fictional mountain valley over nearly half a century (1970- and art auction at Old Faithful Lodge Recreation Hall. 2015), the story offers 15 clashing perspectives on the shifting realities of contemporary Montana. The Eludia Award is given Elise Atchison Montana State University professor and graphic designer Meta for a first book of fiction by a woman over 40. It includes a $1,000 Newhouse, who has received a Fulbright fellowship to Ireland where prize and publication by Sowilo Press, an imprint of Hidden River Congrats, she’ll teach guerrilla advertising and marketing workshops to students Arts. Crazy Mountain was also awarded a Barbara Deming Memorial Transitions and at University College Cork in Ireland beginning in January. Her Fund Award for work in progress. Excerpts from the book have been Fulbright is paired with a yearlong sabbatical, during which she is published in various literary journals and have been finalists for a Condolences writing a book about guerrilla design and advertising – a mindset that number of awards. compiled stretches the boundaries of traditional advertising by using innovation More Congrats on next page by Kristi Niemeyer for State of the Arts State of the Arts • Winter 2020

More Congrats to ... Transitions

Columbia Falls author Becky Lomax, So long and best wishes to Ken Egan, head of Humanities Montana, who won gold in the best guidebook who retired in September. “After 11 years as the face of Humanities category for her new book, Moon USA Montana he will be missed,” said Humanities Montana board chair National Parks: The Complete Guide to Tobin Miller Shearer. “So much good programming served so many All 59 Parks, at the prestigious Lowell people statewide during his tenure. We wish him every success.” Thomas Travel Journalism Competition, Humanities Montana has called upon board member and former which drew 1,335 entries. Sponsored Montana ACLU Montana director Scott Crichton to serve as interim by the Society of American Travel director while the organization conducts a nationwide search for Egan’s Writers Foundation, the winners were successor. Egan told the board he plans to continue writing and pursuing announced in El Paso, TX, on Oct. 21. scholarly work. “I had no idea I would win,” Lomax told the Flathead Beacon. “That’s the Welcome to Alyssa Academy Award of travel writing.” The Cordova, the new author and her husband moved to the executive director Flathead Valley in 1993 to work at the of the Hockaday Moon USA National Parks local ski area in the winters and guide Museum of Art in 4 by Becky Lomax hiking trips in Glacier National Park in Kalispell. Cordova, the summers. She published her first Glacier National Park guidebook a Great Falls native, in 2006 after signing a contract with Moon Travel Guides and has has been working in since written several additional guidebooks and updated editions. galleries and museums Lomax is currently working on the second edition of the complete in southern California guidebook and a new guidebook called Moon U.S. and Canadian for 19 years, most Rocky Mountains Road Trip. Set for release in 2021, the book will recently for six years Alyssa Cordova (Photo by Flathead Beacon) Humanities guide readers on a road trip starting in Jasper National Park in Canada at the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach where she was Montana seeks and ending in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. assistant curator. She studied sculpture at Biola University in California, new board – From the Flathead Beacon, Nov. 15 and earned a master’s degree in exhibition design and museum studies from California State University, Fullerton. She looks forward to members Flathead resident Beth Hodder who continuing the Hockaday’s legacy and exploring ways to broaden its Humanities Mon- received a 2019 Moonbeam Children’s impact and offerings to reach as many people as possible. “I always had tana welcomes ap- Book Award for her newest release, Out this dream in the back of my mind to find a way to bring back what I plications and nomi- of the Ashes. The book, published by learned in my education and experience working in other art galleries nations for its board Farcountry Press, recently won the bronze and museums to help Montana artists, especially emerging artists and of directors. The medal for Best Pre-teen Fiction: Mystery. younger artists,” Cordova says. Hockaday board president Robin Bailey statewide nonprofit Launched in 2007, the Moonbeam Awards said Cordova “brings excellent museum experience” to the Hockaday as board represents the are intended to bring increased recognition it begins “its next 50 years.” to exemplary children’s books and their geographic regions creators, and to celebrate children’s books Welcome to Laura Hodge, new and demographic and life-long reading. “It’s an honor to executive director of the Bigfork makeup of today’s win,” says Hodder, “especially after I Art and Cultural Center. Her Montana and strives saw that there were nearly 1,200 entries diverse background includes place- to sustain a balance from the U.S. as well as from around the based tourism work, community among scholars in the world.” Hodder’s story is a timely one. Out of the Ashes by Beth development and passing legislation humanities, civic and Out of the Ashes, the third book in her Hodder to protect the natural landscape. business leaders, and award-winning Jessie and Oriole Mystery Art is her passion, however. “I’ve the general public. Series, finds Jessie Scott and her canine companion, Oriole, back in always been an artist at heart, The organization Montana’s Great Bear Wilderness on the cusp of her 13th birthday. and am always creating, still.” In is especially encour- This time they face one of the modern West’s most formidable foes: her mountain home in Tennessee, wildfire. A former U.S. Forest Service employee, Hodder comes by Hodge served as a director of aging applications her interest in the care and preservation of the West’s forests honestly. tourism and focused on community from individuals who She has spent most of her adult life in and around the Bob Marshall leadership on various boards Laura Hodge with husband Bill are passionate about and Great Bear Wildernesses, and her books celebrate the places and and as chairman of the Coker Creek Heritage Group before turning the humanities and lifestyle she loves best. The author and the other winners of the 2019 her attention to growing a successful art and fine craft gallery (Coker broadly representa- Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards were honored at a ceremony held Creek Gallery) as an accomplished nature and adventure photographer. tive of various civic, Nov. 9 in Traverse City, MI. Hodge and her husband, Bill, recently relocated to the Flathead Valley ethnic, and from Asheville, NC, for his work with the Bob Marshall Wilderness minority group Poet and writer Virginia Mortensen Foundation and are thrilled to call the Swan Front and Bigfork home. interests. Those Howell, 97, who will be inducted into the She thanks retiring executive director Cheryl Hanes “for all of her with strong phil- Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Feb. 7-8 hard work and dedication to the organization, the arts, and to the anthropic inter- during the ceremony and Western Heritage community.” Gathering at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls. ests, humanities Howell was born in Declo, ID, on Sept. 12, Welcome to scholarship, and 1922, and landed in Montana in 1923 when the new members connections to Mortensen family moved to the Moiese Valley. of the Montana rural communi- She graduated from Charlo High School in Ballet Company ties are especially 1940, married Dean Howell, and so began team: Kristina urged to apply. years of working, motherhood, “and not finding Klaas, Nominations life to be as I had envisioned when I was development should be no younger.” While living in Roundup, Howell director, and more than 600 would awaken at night to “this line drifting Leigh Ripley, words and should into my mind … and it was so pretty.” With business address why the pen and paper at her bedside, she began to coordinator. In her capture the words that poured forth, words that new role, Klaas individual is a Kristina Klaas Leigh Ripley (Amelia Ann Virginia Mortensen helped her survive and “erase the shadows” in will synthesize good match and how Photography) Howell (Photo by her life. Through poetry, Virginia wrote about her expertise in development with her life- they can contribute to David Grubbs/Billings her life in Montana, and eventually authored a long passion for classical ballet and the arts. Originally from Florida, Gazette) the board of directors. self-published book in 2006, Life and Times in she trained and performed with Central Florida Ballet, and led education Applicants must sub- Montana: A Diary in Prose and Rhymes. In its pages she recounts the fundraising efforts for Palm Beach Opera in South Florida that mit a letter of interest life she led and the people she met along the way: “He’s the last of his supported the development of opera performances tailored to elementary that includes prior kind, this old cowhand, like an old cedar post he’s part of the land.” and middle school students. As the development coordinator for Scotty’s board member expe- Now living in Billings, Howell says her purpose for writing the book House, a child advocacy center in Texas, Klaas implemented wide- rience with emphasis was to record and preserve her experiences of Montana life and leave a ranging strategic fundraising plans, resulting in increased funding, and on core competen- legacy so others would know she had lived. Learn more about the poet community and corporate partnerships. Most recently, she served as cies, resume, and two and the induction ceremony at montanacowboyfame.org. donor relations manager at Central Asia Institute. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University letters of recommen- Six Montanans, who are among the 13 award winners chosen from and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University. Ripley dation. a record 228 nominations in the 2019 High Plains Book Awards. The believes “that the talent and work required to combine athleticism and Applications should winners were announced at the 13th annual awards banquet on Oct. artistry into visual poetry is to be watched with awe, and respect.” She be sent to Humanities 12 in Billings. The six Montana authors are David Quammen for brings to MBC an extensive background in business operations and Montana, 311 Brantly, Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life; Thomas McGuane for event and sports marketing. She has held positions with the National Missoula, MT 59812- Cloudbursts: Collected and New Stories; Danell Jones for An African Football League, International Sports Broadcasting/XIX Winter 7848, or emailed to in Imperial London: The Indomitable Life of A.B.C. Merriman-Labor; Olympic Games, and the Valley Ice Garden/Bozeman Ice Dogs. In info@humanities Maxim Loskutoff for Come West and See: Stories; Chris La Tray addition to her position with Montana Ballet Company, Ripley is co- montana.org. for One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World owner of Montana Parent, a parenting magazine for families living Call 406-243-6022 at Large; and Rodney Gottula for his children’s book Double! Not in southwest Montana. She spent her youth and college years as a or visit humanities Half. The criteria for the awards require that the literary works reflect competitive figure skater, developing an admiration for classical ballet life on the High Plains or that the author resides in the region. Winners in her training. She is a graduate of Ohio State University with a montana.org. received $500 and a plaque. bachelor in public relations. Winter 2020 • State of the Arts

Condolences to Family & Friends of …

Theatre educator Firman Hewitt his art began to sell, Contway “Bo” Brown, 93, who died Nov. 1 at retired from teaching. He his home in Missoula. He was born bought a piece of property Sept. 27, 1926, in Bradenton, FL, west of Great Falls where and spent much of his youth in the he eventually built his own American Southwest before earning foundry, enabling him to undergraduate and master’s degrees control the entire process of from the University of Montana in his work from clay to casting. Missoula. During a career spanning For 31 consecutive years, the Jay Contway nearly half a century he chaired Calgary Stampede in Alberta theater departments at UM, Ithaca gave a Jay Contway bronze as part of its trophy program, commission- College, NY, Rollins College, FL, and ing more than 160 pieces of art for the stampede. He displayed his art at Ohio State University. He launched Bo Brown the Calgary Stampede Western Art Show and contributed to the Quick his educational theater career in 1950 Draw Program for 27 years and exhibited his art at the National Finals as part-time director-designer-costumer and all-around technician at Rodeo Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas for more 30 years. He was what was then Northern Montana College in Havre, moonlighting as inducted into the Calgary Stampede Western Art Show Hall of Fame in 5 a sports reporter for the Havre Daily News. The next year he joined 2009, the C.M. Russell Museum Skull Society of Artists in 2014 and the college faculty, teaching and working in the areas of theater and 2015, the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center public relations (1951-1954) and also served as editor of the Mon- in 2015, and the Montana Pro-Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame in 2016. tana Institute of the Arts Quarterly. He enrolled in doctoral studies at His final salute came in September 2019 when he received the Saddle the University of Wisconsin-Madison and began his dissertation, “A of Honor Award from the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and the History of Theater in Montana.” Dr. Brown was chairperson of the C.M. Russell Museum. drama department at UM from 1956 to 1969, where he established the Masquer Summer Theater and in 1967, the Montana Repertory Montana artist Merrily Van Austin Dunham, 77, who died Oct. Theatre. With his late wife, UM Professor of Law Margery Hunter 30. She was born Dec. 23, 1941, in Salt Lake City, and graduated Brown, he launched the Bigfork Summer Playhouse in 1960 and from Brigham Young University with a degree in Commercial Art oversaw it for eight years. He also established M.A. and M.F.A. Technology and Fine/Studio Arts. Following her graduation, she degree programs in theater at UM, was a weekly arts columnist for went to work near Yellowstone Park where she met her husband of the Missoulian and a founding member of the Montana Arts Coun- 55 years, Larry Dunham. She was a member of several community cil. Among his many contributions to theater education, Dr. Brown organizations, including the Alpine Artisans, Montana Watercolor served as president of the University/Resident Theater Association, Society and recently, the Missoula Garden Club. An accomplished and as president of the National Association of Schools of Theater, artist, she painted the outdoor scenes that inspired her in Montana the national accrediting body for theater programs in higher educa- and Washington. A video of her and her work may be found at tion. During his long career, he directed more than 150 productions, vimeo.com. Merrily Van Austin earned an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Dunham Montana and was an honoree of the UM College of Arts and Media’s Jazz drummer and music aficionadoBradley Leon Edwards, 60, Odyssey of the Stars.“The lasting effects Bo’s work had on the who died Nov. 2 in Billings. He was born Aug. 23, 1959, and grew up theatrical landscape of Montana are still evident today,” wrote the in a household where jazz records were always playing. For more than Montana Rep in an online tribute. “It is because of his dedication to 30 years, Yellowstone Public Radio listeners could count on his smooth, theater and to Montana that the remainder of this season will be in gentle voice sharing some of the jazz world’s deepest cuts as he presid- memory of Bo Brown.” ed over the Afternoon Jazz Show. Edwards attended Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University Billings), pursuing a bachelor’s Iconic painter and printmaker, degree in music performance in the late ’70s. He was also Governor’s Arts Awards honoree active in amateur theater, performing in the music pit for and former Livingston resident dozens of performances, and was a principle percussionist Russell Chatham, 80, who died with the Billings Symphony in the early ’80s. In 1983, Nov. 10 in northern California. after spending time as an adjunct professor and teaching Chatham was born in 1939 in private lessons, as well as playing in jazz and percussion San Francisco and spent his first ensembles at Eastern, Edwards hit the road full time. He decade in the city. He earned his joined a touring Glenn Miller Revival big band and went living as a sign painter and cab- from coast to coast and into Canada and Mexico. During inetmaker in northern California those touring days, he met pianist Bob Nell and bassist before moving to Livingston in Kelly Roberty in Bozeman. They formed the Nell, Rober- 1972. As a painter and author, ty, Edwards, or “NRE,” Trio, and for the next 12 years Russell Chatham Chatham was self-taught. He the group toured and recorded with the biggest legends Brad Edwards (Photo by began exhibiting formally in of jazz. Edwards backed trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, Casey Page/Billings Gazette) 1958, and had 400 one-man shows across the West, and in major Freddie Hubbard and Nat Adderly; shared the stage with bassist Ray cities throughout the U.S. His work has also been exhibited in Eu- Brown; drummed with Bobby Hutcherson; rocked with guitarist Herb rope and Asia. Chatham began printmaking in 1981 and is regarded Ellis; backed singers Kevin Mahogany and Eden Atwood; kept time as one of the world’s foremost lithographers. He collaborated with for saxophone players Amett Cobb, David Murray, Eddie Harris and the Museum of the Rockies during the design of its new building Sonny Fortune; and was a drummer for pianists Tommy Flanagan, Mose and donated a set of 12 large paintings for the permanent collection. Allison and Phil Aaberg. The list goes on and on. “It was always about Eventually he partnered with master printer Geoff Harvey to open a music all day long, and we just loved it,” Nell told the Gazette. “His print shop and create original lithographs closer to home. “He lived enthusiasm was contagious.” Edwards was also supportive of fellow on the edge – they don’t make them like him anymore,” Harvey told musicians and helped cultivate a local jazz scene, initiating jam sessions the Livingston Enterprise. Chatham’s work was featured in a cata- at several venues. “It was never about fame or notoriety, which is what I logue called One Hundred Paintings, and another about his original think made him so genuinely good,” said his daughter, Piper Harris. “It lithographs titled The Missouri Headwaters. He was also profiled in was always, exclusively, about the love that he had for music.” throngs of newspaper articles and magazines; and was interviewed – Excerpted from the Billings Gazette, Nov. 7 on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, and Fresh Air, PBS, and CBS Sunday Morning. He received a Governor’s Arts Award Author and historian Carol W. Guthrie, born Aug, 12, 1936, in 1997. Chatham was also an accomplished writer, who crafted who died Aug. 11 at her home of 25 years in the Nine Mile Valley, hundreds of articles, short stories, essays and reviews about fly-fish- near Huson. Guthrie was instrumental in getting the Nine Mile ing, bird hunting and conservation, as well as a number of pieces on Stark Schoolhouse (later the Nine Mile Community Center) listed food and wine. His books include The Angler’s Coast, Silent Sea- in the National Register of Historic Places. She also spearhead- sons and Dark Waters. He was founder and publisher of Clark City ed the effort to relocate the historic Nine Mile Church next to Press, which published 32 books of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art, the community center, now a hub for events. At the time of her photography and children’s classics. In 1996, he opened Chatham’s passing, she was working on a book to chronicle the history of the Livingston Bar & Grille, considered one of the Rocky Mountain re- Nine Mile community. After retiring from her civilian position at gion’s premier dining establishments for the next 10 years. The artist Edwards Air Force Base in California, with her test pilot husband, left Montana in 2011 and restarted his career in California, setting up Joe, history became her passion and a second career. A chance a small studio in West Marin. He painted until he was no longer able encounter with a Nine Mile neighbor led Guthrie to write her first to do so. “Russ was kind of a legend around here,” McGuane told book, First Ranger (1995) about the adventurous lives of Frank the Billings Gazette. “He was a free spirit his whole life. But he got a Liebig and Fred Herrig in what would become Glacier National lot done, and lots of friends will miss him. ... He creates an absence.” Park. From there, her passion for history and writing led her to Carol W. Guthrie become one of the more prolific authors of books about Montana, with a Renowned western sculptor Jay Joseph Contway, who died focus on Glacier. Her titles include Glacier National Park: Legends and Nov. 21 in Great Falls. He painted in watercolor and oil, but his Lore Along the Going-to-the-Sun Road (2002), All Aboard for Glacier greatest gift was his ability to sculpt in clay and cast in bronze. His (2004), and Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park’s Highway attention to detail and action contributed to his fame in the western to the Sky (2006), which won an Association of Partners for Public art world. Contway was born Feb. 13, 1935, in Malta, and grew up Lands Award. Her celebration of Glacier’s centennial, Glacier National there, later obtaining a teaching certificate from Northern Montana Park: The First 100 Years (2009), was a ForeWord Magazine Book of College in Havre. He taught in Loring, Lodge Pole, Dupuyer, New the Year finalist and received the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards Gold Miami Hutterite Colony, Cut Bank and Great Falls. During summers, Medal and Association of Partners for Public Lands Award. he competed in rodeos and won the North Central Montana Rodeo Association calf-roping championships from 1964 to 1966. When Condolences continue on page 8 State of the Arts • Winter 2020

Editor’s Note: Each profile concludes with selected rtist s nnovation comments from the panelists who reviewed the Artist’s A ’ I Innovation Awards candidates before making final recommendations to the Montana Arts Council. Awards Profiles We’ve prefaced these insights with: From the AIA Panel. Jane Waggoner Deschner, From the AIA Panel: “Every one of Robert Harrison, Sculptor Harrison’s works is a new exploration in Visual Artist Sculptor Robert Harrison came to his materials, relationship to place and pur- Jane Waggoner large-scale architectural pose, and many of them in approach as Deschner came works through the malleable well. … I don’t know where his work will to art in her 30s medium of clay, the use of be moving next, but brave exploration when she enrolled fire and its alchemy. seems a part of his aesthetic.” at Montana State He earned his under- graduate degree from the University Bill- Nan Parsons, Visual Artist ings to pursue a University of Manitoba, and Nan Parsons has expressed herself second bachelor’s his MFA from the University through art – drawing, painting and shaping degree, this time of Denver, both in ceram- three-dimensional objects – even before in fine arts. Her ics. Over four decades, he’s grade school. She copied reproductions of preferred medium built an extensive and global Rembrandt paintings and classical sculpture was photomon- record of exhibitions and in high school, and began to refine her skills 6 tage, incorporat- installations. and aesthetic under the expert guidance of ing images from Harrison is a found- Bob DeWeese at Montana State University. slick fashion and ing member of the World She spent summers painting scenes for architecture mag- Association of Brick Artists summer stock theatre in Virginia City, and azines. (WABA) and was named rode a Greyhound to New York City in 1964 In her early a Fellow of the National to glimpse the actual paintings of masters. 50s she en- Council on Education for the “Their presence, their aliveness, was life rolled in an Ceramics Arts (NCECA) in changing,” she writes. MFA program at “Remember Me: handwork” by Jane 2011. His book, Sustainable During a stint at the San Francisco Art Vermont College Waggoner Deschner Ceramics: A Practical Guide, Institute she explored the city endlessly, of Fine Arts, debuted in 2013. sketchbook in hand, before returning to and was completing her final semester when He was elected to the International Acad- Montana and settling in the small mountain 9/11 struck. Her thesis exhibition, “Anchor emy of Ceramics (IAC) based in Geneva, in town of Basin. There, she designed and built MCF offers Project,” incorporated snapshots of people in 2001, and to the Royal Canadian Academy of a cabin and artist’s studio, where she has her personal and professional life who sent Arts (RCA) in 2007. Closer to home, he was a new grants lived and worked as an artist for 45 years. her images “that ‘anchored’ them during this founding member of the Montana Clay Tour, Often inspired by nature, Parsons created for artists horrible time.” and received the Meloy Stevenson Award of a series of paintings fueled by an intense The Montana “The project was a joy to create,” she Excellence from the Archie Bray Foundation study of water, its currents and reflections. Community Founda- recalls. “I fell in love with the expressiveness in Helena (where he was a resident artist, The work culminated in a one-woman show tion (MCF) offers a of the personal photograph.” instructor and board member). at the Holter Museum of Art in 2006, and Waggoner Deschner has since made the new grant program a smaller exhibit at the Drawing Studio in everyday family photograph her medium, for Montana Indige- Tucson. buying large lots of seemingly mundane nous, folk, traditional During visits to the Oregon Coast, she snapshots on eBay. Initially, she scanned these and media arts, via painted the ocean in watercolors and oils. images and processed them in Photoshop. But the William B. Pratt Back in Montana, her coastal adventures in- in 2008, her early predilection for sewing sur- spired large paintings and drawings based on Endowment Fund. faced, and she began to embroider quotes by beachcombing, including images of wood, This fund is a legacy famous people onto existing photos. “I loved stone and flesh. gift to the people stitching – and the chance to moralize,” she She explored aquifers – the streams and of Montana to help says. “I still use this technique.” pools that exist beneath the surface of the them tell and share When her studio was destroyed by a rock Earth – in a series of oil and watercolor stories – especially the slide in 2011, her theme became resilience. paintings featured at the Turman Larison And as the nation and world became increas- untold ones – about Gallery in Helena in 2013. ingly polarized, she sought a new narrative, Montana’s arts, cul- The natural world has long been her one that might elicit hope while exploring our ture and history and muse. But in recent years, inspiration has common stories. to learn about the come from another source, sound, and par- So far, she’s created more than 750 pieces traditional art forms ticularly the tonal vibration of music. in the ongoing project she calls “Remember Parsons found herself especially moved and cultures of this me: a collective narrative in found words and by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, an unique state. photographs.” artist “who is able to express and touch the Montana 501(c)(3) In this series, she hand-embroiders anec- “White Gold; Montana Dreams” by Robert deepest, darkest parts of us and to bring us organizations, and dotes from obituaries onto found snapshots Harrison out of the depths to a brilliant joy.” local, state and tribal and studio portraits in an effort to forge Her journey began while filming the governments are eli- empathetic connections and demonstrate our Harrison notes that his residency at the Helena choral group Musikanten Montana, common humanity. Archie Bray Foundation was pivotal for his gible to apply. Media under the direction of Kerry Krebill, as they She works from an archive of more than career, giving him the materials and space to artists who are not were preparing to perform Bach’s Mass in 70,000 photos and four foot-long boxes create large-scale sculptural work. staff of a nonprofit or- B Minor. Parsons videotaped rehearsals of index cards filled with anecdotes from Initially, Harrison was drawn to ceramic ganization may apply and the final performances staged in four obituaries. She explores themes such as avid vessels, focusing on form and Oriental clay under the fiscal spon- Montana venues, and then condensed her pursuits, life mottos, nicknames, creative traditions. Eventually “the work took a decid- footage into a 40-minute film, “Bach Under sorship of a 501(c)(3) endeavors, collections and so on. edly sculptural bent.” the Big Sky.” organization. Grants “Viewers identify emotionally, reacting Architecture, land art and other sculptural As she listened intently to the composer’s will range in size from with laughter, empathy, recognition, tears,” materials began to influence his work, and he music and studied the Baroque period, she $500 to $1,500 and she says. gained an international reputation for large- began to “respond to, and paint what I feel must be matched Waggoner Deschner has a prolific exhibi- scale pieces. He has worked with national and as I am touched by the music.” dollar-for-dollar. tion record, including upcoming solo shows in international brick, tile, clay-pipe and porce- lain factories, utilizing the resources and tools The grant process is 2020 at the Yellowstone Art Museum in Bill- they offer to further his creative pursuits. competitive, and in- ings and Buckham Gallery in Flint, MI. She regularly participates in national invitational Each site is unique, and poses a new set of complete applications challenges – ways to integrate human scale will not be consid- and juried group exhibits, as well as artist and studio residencies, including five fellowships and interaction, and juxtapose surfaces and ered. Grant applica- at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts in materials. tions will be accepted Amherst, VA. At the same time, he has continued to cre- from January to In 2019, she was selected to create Mon- ate smaller pieces in his Helena studio, often March 16, 2020. tana’s piece for “Her Flag,” a nationwide incorporating steel or stone. The studio works, To learn more collaborative project celebrating the centenni- he writes, “are more intimate, have included about eligibility and al of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, a variety of materials and allow for intensi- to apply, access the giving women the right to vote. fied exploration. I have intentionally brought my studio work ‘full circle’ and back to my online application at “The humble family photograph became ‘ceramic roots’.” mtcf.org/grants. For my conduit to interpreting our common humanness and an easily approachable way to The two endeavors, large-scale and inti- more information, mate, often play off one another. contact MCF Director touch many with a message of inclusion,” she writes. “The world changes according to how Whether large or small, site-specific or a of Operations and people see it and I’m tweaking that percep- studio creation, Harrison’s focus is the same: Grants Jessica tion.” “My continued effort is to innovate, respond Stewart-Kuntz at From the AIA Panel: “The artist shows to the environment, utilize the given space 406-441-4950 or a clear devotion to exploring her unique and create work that leaves a ‘ceramic echo’.” [email protected]. art form, and willingness to explore and He also continues to look for the next op- expand artistically. I see in her the fire to portunity, “the next pile of material waiting to step out, take risks, and also remain rooted be utilized or the next creative space waiting “Bach (fugue)” by Nan Parsons in her original intent and aesthetic.” to be filled.” (Kurt Keller Photography) Winter 2020 • State of the Arts

Moved by Bach’s mastery, his fusion of From the AIA Panel: “Highest level of improvisation and precision, she seeks “to ex- professionalism and artistic excellence … Naomi Siegel, Musician/Composer Trombonist, composer, bandleader, educa- press in the whole body of my work the broad Bold and challenging work, conscientious tor and community organizer Naomi Siegel musical sweep – the depth, mystery, and maj- and sophisticated. Pieces are complex, and performs music “to ride the edge of the mo- esty – the glory of the music that is Bach.” then simplified to make an elegant state- From the AIA Panel: Panelists noted evi- ment.” ment, creating in real time with others while dence of deep exploration, creative discov- listening to my internal state.” Siegel graduated from the Oberlin Conser- ery, skill, and passion. “Parsons is constantly Melissa Stephenson, Writer innovating and pushing herself forward vatory of Music and began her professional Missoula author Melissa Stephenson from her rural studio. This humble, quiet career in Oakland. “For a while, I let my voice genius deserves an Innovation Award!” started writing poems at age 7, and honed her be suppressed,” she writes. “As a survival skills early on with a scholarship to Interlo- mechanism, I developed a cloak where I could chen Arts Academy in Michigan. She earned show up and play without being seen.” Jennifer Reifsneider, Visual Artist a bachelor’s in English from the University of But a chance encounter with an older jazz “Diagrammatic Montana and an MFA in musician helped her remember why she loves sculptures” – that’s fiction from Texas State music: “the vulnerability, risk-taking, and how Jennifer University, while working authentic human connection.” Reifsneider de- as an editor and freelance Siegel moved to Seattle in 2008 and scribes her recent writer. launched a career in experimental jazz, world 7 body of work. “I Stephenson returned music and composition. She collaborated with often begin by to Missoula in 2011 on like-minded ensembles, produced thinking of my the edge of divorce and albums and expanded her sound as flesh-and-bone with two kids to raise by a trombonist and composer. body like a planet herself. She moved to Missoula in 2016, in space,” she “The past eight years “to be near family and nature – my writes. “I map my have been the most chal- main muse and setting for com- latitudes, perime- lenging and productive posing.” Composing outdoors, she ters, rotations and of my life,” she writes. “I notes, “provides a breadth of pos- orbits. I translate knew that I would have to sibility and deepens my listening these measure- fight for writing time, and practice of environmental sounds ments through I’ve never since squan- and internal music ideas.” quiet but labor-in- dered that time, or taken Siegel founded Lakebottom tensive processes, it for granted.” Sound in 2017, a non-profit under seeking an elusive In the intervening the umbrella of Arts Missoula moment when years she wrote her first “Drift” by Jennifer Reifsneider that’s dedicated to nourishing what is exact in the full-length collection creative music in Missoula through mind becomes fluid in the hand.” of poems, which was a finalist in 2017 for a concert series, monthly jam Her childhood in rural Pennsylvania, the Barry Spacks Prize and the Brittingham/ sessions and improvisation work- “where cycles of nature taught me about Pollak Prize. Her memoir, DRIVEN, was shops. repetition, growth and decay,” influence her published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in Lakebottom Sound allows the work, as do mathematical processes encoded 2018 and long-listed for the Chautauqua Book artist to feature “the voices of in human biology, and fiber techniques that Prize. women and non-binary musicians, evoke domesticity and the persistence of time. The same prolific period saw her essays knock down genre barriers, foster Trombonist and com- Crochet, especially, “with all of its modest published in LitHub, Ms. Magazine, The cultures of listening and collaboration, and poser Naomi Siegel functions and Victorian flourishes, has a Washington Post, The Rumpus and Fourth support musicians to improvise.” (Photo by Rio Chantel) unique capacity to model fractal growth and Genre, among others. This body of writing is She founded and conducts the Missoula non-Euclidian hyperbolic space, which is at at the core of her current project – a collection Conduction Orchestra, a multi-generational the heart of today’s quantum physics.” tentatively titled Attachment Therapy, after collaboration of musicians with backgrounds This thoughtful melding of art and science one of the essays. ranging from jazz to country to classical that Magpie Springs has landed the artist’s work in more than 70 She also wrote a first novel, which she de- employs a form of collective improvisation residency solo and group exhibitions across the United scribes as “a slim, dark story, set in Spokane, called “Conduction.” States, including the 2018 Montana Triennial on Christmas,” and recently turned it over to In 2016, she released her debut album as a looks for artists at the Yellowstone Art Museum. Her sculp- her agent. leader, Shoebox View, Enjoy the simple tures are in numerous private and public col- Fellowships to writing working with 13 other life while exploring lections, from New York City to Los Angeles, residencies have helped her musicians. Her next artistic expressions and from Minneapolis to Missoula. find more spacious time to album, Live at Earshot in the rural setting of After earning a BFA from the Rochester write, but she also carved (2019), “is a step in Magpie Springs, an Institute of Technology, Reifsneider landed in moments “during gymnastics my evolution towards artist-run permacul- Missoula in 1997 and based her studio in the practice, during nap times, loosening a tight grasp ture and art residency Brunswick Building – a vibrant community of after bed times, and on slow on my compositions. located in the sage- artists. In 2008, she relocated to Los Angeles weekend mornings.” This concert record- brush hills outside of and earned her MFA from California State “While my early life gave ing captures the live Dillon. Residents are University, Long Beach in 2011. me the literary roots and synergy between musi- provided a private liv- After graduating, she participated in High training I needed to become cians in all of its grit Desert Test Sites with the artist collective, a writer, my life as a parent and grace.” ing/working space in Constellation Lab; received an Investing in in Montana has given me the In the coming year, a 24-foot yurt atop an Artists grant from the Center for Cultural In- drive and discipline to get the she plans to record Earth-ship basement novation; expanded her practice at Keystone work done at whatever pace I her original three-part with a greenhouse, Art Space in northeast L.A.; and exhibited can, whenever I can.” suite, “Shattered,” collectively called new work at several regional venues, includ- Recently, Stephenson with her band. “I aim the “yurtship.” ing the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery and Craft has sought to craft a hybrid to create a musical Studio and kitchen and Folk Art Museum. She even participated of her poetic and narrative container that fa- living room space is in a collaborative knitting performance about skills. A sample of that new cilitates collective located in the upstairs string theory that included a live orchestra, direction is “Debut,” a work- expression, including DRIVEN by Melissa Stephenson yurt, while bedroom dancers and CalTech physicists. in-progress that explores a challenging myself to and bathroom facili- Reifsneider describes her move to Los An- month she spent in New York improvise in new settings.” geles as “challenging but rewarding.” For the City following the publication of her memoir. She’s also working on an album of solo, ties are in the base- first time, she used the space and shape of her “Told in short, numbered sections that bob layered trombone pieces with cameo appear- ment. An additional own body to discover form; new ideas about and weave – picking up one topic, letting it ances by Missoula musicians. That work is 24-foot yurt studio measurement and certainty inspired her use go, and circling back later – it attempts to an evolution of her ongoing collaboration may also be available of ephemeral materials. She dug more deeply braid together disparate elements,” and at the with Seattle saxophonist Kate Olson in their to artists. into ideas about structure, perception and fiber same time, “to dig deeply and see differently.” duo, Syrinx Effect, which she says has been This program has processes. While “Debut” forms the backbone of her “of huge importance in experimenting with been providing resi- She returned to Montana in 2016, after new collection of essays, all reflect some level real-time looping and performing as a duo dencies since 2010 to “the grind of the city dulled my creative of experimentation with traditional narrative. with no rhythm section.” Together, they’ve scientists, permacul- spirit,” and continued to delve into processes One is a hybrid piece about parenthood and released three recordings, including A Sky You ture practitioners and while studying art, psychology, math and the fires of 2017; another is a lyric, posthu- Could Strike A Match On in 2018. university students. It science. During a fellowship at the Ucross mous letter to author Jim Harrison; yet anoth- “As I work on my next albums, my aim as Foundation in Wyoming, she completed a er reads more like a short story. a musician, composer, and bandleader is still has recently become crocheted installation with a metallic finish. “All of them together capture an authentic to be vulnerable, take risks, and value listen- available to artists She continues to explore ways to in- reflection of what it’s like to be a female solo ing,” she writes. “As an educator and commu- with preference given terweave materials and processes, such as parent/artist in the modern West,” she writes, nity organizer, I advocate and create space for to those working on the unlikely pairing of knitted cotton and and offer “an evolution in the more tradition- others to do the same.” environmental and iron, and plans to develop more innovative al and well-worn narrative of the masculine From the AIA Panel: “Definite creative conservation-minded fiber-metal forms during a fabrication work- West.” and artistic skill in her field, introducing in- projects. shop next summer at L.A.’s LilliMax Studio. From the AIA Panel: “Excellent writing – novative sounds and rhythms. Mesmerizing Visit artresidency. moving, humorous and timely. A balanced From crochet to quantum physics: “These … that first piece is moving, mysterious and nolansalixart.com for convergences inspire my ongoing work.” look at pain and sorrow, love and wonder.” enchanting.” more information and to apply. State of the Arts • Winter 2020

Bear Don’t Walk mural (from front page) Bear Don’t Walk doesn’t consider himself “When you are doing art, you’ve got to be Bear Don’t Walk, at work on his mural, living between two worlds, but rather that “ur- fearless.” said the inspiration of artists who came before ban” and tribal connections are the same. Art presents a universal language, Pack him “pushes me to be great, pushes me to live “If you remember your past and you are in said, and his hope is that the mural will not the dream for those who never made it.” tune with your culture, you are good wherever only provide a striking visual upon entering He credits his high school art teacher Ann you go. That is what I taught my children,” he ZooMontana, but also create a discussion. The King, who still teaches in Busby, for encour- said. zoo’s staff plans to install a plaque on the wall aging him and his peers to pursue art. “She Though the grant was targeted toward Na- to help explain the project and give context to is the one that inspired us to be big dreamers. tive Americans in urban settings, participation Bear Don’t Walk’s work. She taught us when we were young, if you in the mural was open to the public. “Beauty, emotion – the things the artist pursue art, be good at it and keep dreaming.” “We invited everybody,” Bear Don’t Walk tries to bring through, I think everybody feels Bear Don’t Walk’s passion for art helped said. “I thought it would be better to unify that message on some level in a positive way,” him through hardships and gave him purpose everybody and bring us all together and have Pack said. “For as long as this is here, even if and focus, he said. “I believe not just in art, us all work together and get along.” they don’t know the story behind it, they are but in having a career, something to motivate Pack said participation represented the still going to look at it and get that feeling.” you every day. It’s helped out a lot of people community well. “It was like a petri dish of In the past five years, Bear Don’t Walk has I know, coming from where I come from. Billings.” Throughout the mural, children focused on developing his art professionally. Keeps them away from doing drugs and keeps 8 painted various dragonflies, which Bear Don’t He is represented by Takes Horse Gallery in them out of trouble.” Walk calls the keepers of dreams. Polson, has sold his work across the United With his work, Bear Don’t Walk hopes to “In Native American culture, they rep- States, and also participated in creating a spur additional public art around the Billings resent shedding negativity in your life and public mural at Montana State University with community focused on indigenous cultures. focusing on your dreams and goals,” he other indigenous artists including Ben Pease, “Everybody sees it, and they start recog- said. Children also added animals, clouds Alisha Fisher, Casey Figueroa and John nizing diversity in the city among different and mountains, and many incorporated their Pepion. tribes, different cultures. That’s the most names into the painting. He encouraged free- “Art has been the best outlet that I’ve ever important thing, and it brings everybody dom of expression among the young painters. come across,” Bear Don’t Walk said. “It saved together. It unifies.” “We let them do what they wanted to do. me. It kept me focused, kept me believing in It builds up character,” Bear Don’t Walk said. the dream every day.”

music with his kids, sitting around the living room before dinner. In Tax resources a tribute concert in April 2017, Nelson took the stage at the Myrna (from page 5) The Montana Arts More Condolences Loy in Helena with accomplished pianist Bob Packwood. “It’s more Council cannot legally of a conversation than a concert,” said Packwood, who spent a year assist individuals or Not slowing down, Guthrie then penned The Pony Express: An Il- prior to the performance playing with Nelson in the family living organizations with lustrated History (2010). In her last years, she teamed up with Dan and room. “He introduces a song, then I learn it inside and out, and their income taxes Ann Fagre to co-author Death & Survival in Glacier National Park: from then on it’s just a journey. He listens like no one I’ve seen.” or provide advice True Tales of Tragedy, Courage, & Misadventure (2017). Only a short Saxophonist Wilbur Rehmann, a longtime friend who played with on what income is time before her death, her first book was re-released asFirst Rangers Nelson for years, recalls Blackie as “an amazing mentor and one of taxable and what with additional information, photographs and a new format. Brimming the warmest individuals in Montana music history. So many of us expenses are deduct- with photographs and original art, her books combine meticulous re- fellow musicians loved him and his guitar magic.” ible. However, the search with lively storytelling. Guthrie believed in the power of history Musician and music educator Mora C. Payne, 87, who passed Montana Depart- and stories, that they should not be lost. She was always a woman on a mission, equally inspired and inspiring. away Nov. 11 in Missoula. Born Dec. 23, 1931, in Butte, she was ment of Revenue has fiercely proud of her Scottish heritage and of Butte’s multicultural resources Enter the Blackfeet Reservation from any diversity. The love of music threaded its way through her life. At age that might direction – north, south, east and west – and 18, she entered the University of Montana on a $75 violin perfor- help answer you’ll be greeted by a pair of life-size horse- mance scholarship. “That $75 dollars changed my life,” she recalled. tax-related men, crafted by St. Ignatius artist Jay Laber, She played in the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and graduated with questions. who died Oct. 24 at his home north of St. a bachelor’s degree from the music school. Her first job sent her to Depart- Ignatius of cancer. He was 58. A member of rural Chester, where she taught high school home economics and ment of the Blackfeet Tribe, Laber was born on Sept. 7, music (1954-1956) and met her first husband, Carman Skari, a hand- Revenue, 1961, in Browning and raised on the Blackfeet some rancher with a passion for history. Together they helped found mtrevenue. Nation and in New Hampshire. After working the Liberty County Arts Council, bringing repertory theatre and Shakespeare to Chester audiences. After her husband’s death, she re- gov: Sub- construction in Alaska, Florida and Maine, he Jay Laber (Photo by returned to Montana more than 20 years ago, turned to Missoula in 1973 where she taught violin and rejoined the mit questions via the Tom Bauer/Missoulian) enrolled at Salish Kootenai College to study Missoula symphony, playing under numerous conductors until 2003. “contact” link; give forestry, and began taking art courses on the side, developing his skills Her lifelong commitment to music and education led her to establish them a call at 406- under the guidance of his mentor and friend, SKC art professor Corwin student scholarships in history and music, and to serve on many 444-6900; or find the “Corky” Clairmont. The pairs of chiefs, planted at Cut Bank, Babb, educational and music boards. Over four decades she was actively office that’s nearest East Glacier and Badger Creek, were formed from rusted car bodies, involved in a dozen organizations, including Young Audiences of to your location. hubcaps and barbed wire. Blackfeet artist and Governor’s Arts Awards Western Montana, the String Orchestra of the Rockies, the Montana The Helena office is honoree Jackie Parsons said at the time she considered Laber “a master Arts Council advisory committee, the Montana Chamber Orchestra located at 125 N. artist who was able to capture the grace of the horse, the very stoic look and the Missoula Symphony Association. She traveled widely with Roberts in the Mitch- of the warriors … They look like guardians of the plains.” The life-size her second husband, Dr. Thomas Payne, and continued those adven- ell Building. sculptures, commissioned by the Blackfeet Tribe, are part of an impres- tures after his death, venturing to Eastern Europe, France, Greece, Mexico and more. She pursued community work, volunteering Additional resources sive body of work created by Laber. His sculpture of a horseback rider, titled “Charging Forward,” sits outside Washington-Grizzly Stadium at and fundraising for arts programs and hospitals, while encouraging Internal Revenue the University of Montana in Missoula. His sculptures at SKC include more women to run for public office and championing social justice. Service: www.irs.gov the dramatic “Buffalo Hunter,” evoking a rider astride a horse, driving Friends remember her willingness to reach out to others, her youth- Montana Non- a spear into a bison. Early in his career, he sculpted a massive, 11-foot- ful spirit and lively intellect, quick humor and political passion. profit Association: long bison that was shown at the American Indian Higher Education www.mtnonprofit. Consortium Conference in Billings. A museum in Münster, Germany, Irene Elaine Pirnie, who died Sept. 25 in Missoula, with her org/business_to_ purchased it, and he was featured in the Tribal College Journal of loving husband of 39 years, famed artist Larry Pirnie, by her side. business/#/ American Indian Higher Education. “For a lack of a better word, he She was 89. Born in Bismark, she was raised in Lark, ND. She was a genius,” Clairmont told the Missoulian. “A lot of our communi- earned her teaching degree and taught elementary school before ties have been through a lot of hardship, and I think marrying Larry Larson and moving to Missoula. Her first husband that determination and beauty of our people comes died in a plane crash on June 3, 1976; they had five children togeth- out in his work.” er. She was a stay-at-home mom until she met Pirnie in Beloved Helena jazz musician Walter (Blackie) 1978. They married in 1980 Nelson, who passed peacefully Aug. 8 in Billings. and together started Pirnie He was born in 1926, in the house where he was Art. Larry painted and Irene raised in Helena. He enlisted in the Navy in 1944 traveled countless miles and served in the Philippines and New Guinea. He delivering art to galleries. She returned to Helena, met Isabel while frequenting started marketing art with the ice-cream parlor where she worked, and charm- no experience, and went on ing her by playing her favorite songs on the juke- to become a successful and box. They married in 1950 and remained the best of well-known saleswoman. She Irene Pirnie with husband Larry friends. Nelson attended Carroll College, worked was as vibrant and colorful as for the VA and later for the highway department as the art her husband created. Larry told the Missoula Current: “We an engineer designing roads, retiring in 1983. Mu- built a life together that is not like any artist I ever talked to, any sic was a huge part of Nelson’s soul, and jazz was other story I had ever heard or read about – probably Charlie Russell the beat of his heart. He started playing at age 15, and Nancy came the closest to it – but we had this wonderful togeth- and in high school led a western band that did live erness where I could paint whatever I wanted to paint and I had this Blackie Nelson shows on KPFA radio. He played with innumerable person who loved me and she would tell you that’s the only reason on the set of musicians but his favorite gigs by far were playing she became a sales person.” 11th & Grant Winter 2020 • State of the Arts

station; Lowell recorded it during the songwriter’s last days. “The Last to Know” is a loping bluegrasser with rollicking Cahill banjo, About Music – By Mariss McTucker chunky Reischman mandolin, and torrents of guitar hammer-ons and pull- offs. “Bodie,” a forlorn waltz, tells the tale of a man lured by the promise of gold to a California wasteland. Sons of the Pioneers-style harmony and Dammit Lauren and the Well: Warning Signs bowed cello by Adams enhance the lonely feel. Big Sky’s “alt-psych” rockers Dammit Lauren and the Well recently If you’re looking for superb musicianship all around, get this CD. It’s a brought out their first album, and it’s chock-full of original material with masterpiece! inventive storytelling. All members contribute their ideas to the songs and get credit for them. Montana Manouche: Live By combining varied backgrounds, they create a heady brew born of Perennial Bozeman pickers Montana Ma- country, jazz, bluegrass and rock. And don’t forget pop hooks. Compel- nouche, a Gypsy jazz quartet, have their second ling singer and bassist Lauren Jackson fronted album out. Formed in 2012, the group contin- a country-rock group and performs solo from ues to perform delicious dance music in the time to time, singing her own country songs. style of famed guitarist Django Reinhardt and Guitarist Brian Stumpf has a jazz and contempo- his 1930s quintet, Hot Club of France. rary music degree, and also co-founded the band Long-time bandmates include Nancy Padil- with Jackson. la, violin; her husband Ray Padilla on rhythm Mandolinist Ben Macht has played with guitar; Dave Sullivan, lead guitar; and jazz bassist Mike Carey. With a 9 assorted bands, and he and Stumpf have been a completely instrumental sound that reflects their live performances, the musical duo for almost a decade. Macht fleshes quartet is a favorite among the local swing-dance crowd. out the band’s sound with oodles of effects from his huge pedal board Recording a live album is hard to do well, and they pull it off. The (for example, a Wurlitzer on “Jack Slade” and an organ on “Bad Dream”). tracks were recorded at two concerts – four at the Big Sky Gypsy Jazz Rounding out the group is drummer Casey Folley, who, besides providing Festival in Billings in late 2018, the others at the Bozeman Public Library kick-ass percussion, multi-tasks as the Beehive Basin Brewery owner. during the Django Reinhardt Birthday Celebration Concert last January. “Jack Slade” recounts the last days of the Montana rebel who was hanged Most standards are by Reinhardt and a couple were co-written with in 1864 by vigilantes. The well-told story starts with a slow-rockin’ beat and his Hot Club cohort, violinist Stéphane Grappelli; the rest are by other State of chunky guitar chords. Jackson spits out the lyrics in her street-wise voice – composers in the genre. the Arts “scarin’ kids, crashin’ bars, he’s startin’ bloody fights, his days are numbered The lone exception is Nancy Padilla’s “Swing Cat Strut,” named for the here …” I like it! MSU swing-dance community. It’s got a trace of David Grisman’s “Minor welcomes CDs “The Storm” is equally atmospheric. Quiet finger-pickin’ and spooky Swing,” cool harmony lead between violin and guitar, and sweet bent State of the Arts cymbal taps introduce Jackson’s sultry sound and a feeling of dread. She notes. Padilla bows a silky melody, saws a bit, then slides up high. welcomes CD sub- wrote the lyrics while watching coverage of flooding in Houston years ago. “Douce Ambiance” starts with unison guitar and violin, then segues missions by Montana “The Well” features mandolin tremolos, and “Hoping for the Best” into a jumpin’ rhythm featuring syncopated stops and long instrumental musicians for inclu- has long bass lines and quiet cymbal touches. Jackson overdubs herself breaks, first violin, and then fluid guitar. Crisp notes abound! sion in the About harmonizing on “Truck Stop Waltz” and “Heaven,” which has an infectious The mid-tempo “Swing 39” has the two instruments harmonizing in Music section. The refrain. You’ll find much more to like on this effort! half tones; and “Indifference,” a Spanish-inflected waltz, is almost classical in its nuances. Love it! recordings must be Full Grown Band Even the bass gets a couple solos, in “I’ll See You in My Dreams” and professional, com- mercially available, This self-titled debut album by one of Mis- “Duke and Dukie.” soula’s longest-running groups is a knockout. Cookin’ rhythm and terrific musicianship pervade this effort. full-length CDs recorded within the The seven-piece, which grew out of an earlier in- Daniel Kosel: Better Days carnation as Full Grown Men, has all you’d want past 12 months, with Daniel Kosel of Roberts, he of the burnished in an R&B band – great vocals, horns, kickin’ cover art and liner baritone and wicked guitar chops, has a fourth bass and percussion, and inventive songwriting. album out. This time the solo artist is accom- notes. Reviews also Not to mention fine guitar chops. panied by top-notch players Marley Ball, cello, appear at livelytimes. Lost Highway Band alums Paul Kelley, bass, Mike Tranel, drums, and Maclin Wiley, bass. The com, Montana’s who replaced the late Rick Waldorf a few years back, and Phil Hamilton, “crues” artist (he mixes country, rock, and blues) statewide source for saxophone, join Moonlighters’ guitarist Peter Walther, well-known singer writes all the songs and does all the acoustic and arts and entertain- Deb Demmons, in-demand drummer Roger Moquin, keys player Bob electric guitar work. Athearn, and trumpeter Jordan Demander to create terrific dance music. ment. On the bluesy “Serendipity,” Kosel encourages us to rid ourselves of fear Everyone sings except Hamilton and Demander. Brief biographical and worry by seeking solace in Nature rather than technology or modern Two songs are covers: King Floyd’s “Groove Me,” wherein Demmons medicine. He plays some crisp notes and wiggly lines, and a Chuck Berry information on band growls her way through the lyrics; and Hambridge and Moore’s soulful riff or two. “Consider my sage advice, non-GMO and free … embrace members would be “Move,” with its sax/trumpet interplay and hip-shakin’ beat. Mother Earth and serendipity.” Ha! helpful to the writer. Kelley duets with Demmons on his “Voodoo Mud.” “Just one taste of his “Dirt Country Town” has a hometown flavor. Kosel lauds the virtues of poison knocked the Holy Roller out of me,” Demmons sings; Walther adds Please send submis- a small burg where everyone has friends who get together for a good time. some bluesy licks. Demmons’ mature voice oozes soul. sions to CD reviewer It’s a minor-key rocker with deep cello lines and some nifty muddy guitar The wacky state of things on Hamilton’s rock-steady “Twilight Zone” Mariss McTucker, P.O. licks. “You’re only a stranger for a minute, we’ve got your six,” he croons. finds the piano playing the identifiable melody. Rightly, Walther uses all On “Better Days,” the title tune, the cello’s sustained notes build in in- Box 81, Dixon, MT, his guitar effects – distortion pedal, digital delay, tremolo pedal and reverb tensity, along with Kosel’s percussive guitar strokes. A troubled man knows 59831. device – to create atmosphere. The sax wails while bass and drums rock the he will be forgiven for his misdeeds, and realizes that the pain has made bottom, the trumpet files in, and the tempo decelerates with sax squeaks at him a better person. It’s got a cool arrangement, too. the end. Fine! The mid-tempo country-rock beat of “Only One” finds a love-struck Walther wrote the rest of the songs, and not one of them sounds the fellow hoping the woman of his dreams will dance with him; and “Pendle- same, quite a feat. He sings with the gang on the jazzy finger-snapper ton Whiskey” reflects Kosel’s choice of drink, as he entertains revelers with “Mama Sed,” with its bluesy Atlanta Rhythm Section nuances, and “Some- his music. It’s a shuffly, bluesy toe-tapper with terrific percussion that will body’s Cryin’,” a gospel song. It’s got a bit of a N’Awlins’ feel with the horns surely get you up and dancin’! and harmony. The album is dedicated to the memory of Rick Waldorf. And it’s an apt tribute: you’ll get up and dance when you hear these folks! Songs for the Blackfoot Pathways: Original Composition by Adele O’Dwyer John Lowell: This Long Stretch of Gravel Irish cellist Adele O’Dwyer, soon-to-be composer-in-residence at Lincoln’s Sculpture in the Wild, was commissioned to write original music celebrating the community and its surroundings. Her work Livingston’s bluegrass icon, John Lowell, has released another gem of premiered in 2018 during the five-year anniversary of the park and the 100-year commemoration of the well-crafted songs underpinned by brilliant instrumental work. Most have Lincoln Community Hall. never been recorded. O’Dwyer visited the park in 2017, drawing inspiration from the rich history Lowell has a fine burry baritone and un- of Lincoln and the Blackfoot Valley. She also researched the tribal peoples who matched songwriting ability. There are sagas, traveled through this wondrous landscape. love songs and mournful stories cloaked in The composition, conceived as “an episodic one-movement work,” finds four beautiful balladry. song-poems flowing seamlessly one into the other. Silence, tempo changes, and He originally conceived of a duet project, but instrumental snippets signal the end of one and beginning of another. wanted more sound so he enlisted 18 friends he’s Musicians performing with O’Dwyer are violinist Marvin Suson, pianist played with over the years. Start with Lowell on Cullen Bryant, O’Dwyer’s daughter and violist, Aoise, and sister, soprano Pan guitar and lead vocals, then throw in award-win- Morigan. Together they weave a mesmerizing tapestry of sounds from the perspective of native stories. ning bassist Missy Raines, who accompanies him on every cut. Victor Charlo and Heather Cahoon of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes gave O’Dwyer per- Here’s the rest of the all-star cast: fiddlers Becky Buller, Jeremy Garrett mission to base her work on their poems. (Infamous Stringdusters), Darol Anger (David Grisman Quintet) and Jason Cahoon’s “Wasp” starts the journey. As if from a bee’s-eye view, we see the arrival of newcomers. Thomas; Dobro player Andy Hall (Infamous Stringdusters); mandolinists Morigan’s piercing spoken-word delivery is sharp and breathy, her voice rising. John Reischman (John Reischman and the Jaybirds) and Joe K. Walsh; ban- “A conversation exists beyond reach. You hear it beneath the sound of paper-crisp wings … see col- jo players Ron Block (Alison Krauss and Union Station), Greg Cahill (Spe- onies busy building their homes on your land …” The violin hovers, wing-like, ominous. The cello adds cial Consensus), Chris Coole and Joe Newberry; pianist Bill Payne (Little brusque, sinister notes here and there. Percussive knocks, quiet piano arpeggios, then in comes Morigan, Feat and Doobie Brothers); cellist Joy Adams; and Ben Somers, tenor sax. “This entire story played out in the sky …” Monster harmony vocalists include Claire Lynch, Chris Jones and Ste- In Charlo’s “Buffalo,” Morigan vocalizes, “We sing ancient songs … we dream of a new life full of phen Mougin. Several instrumentalists contribute harmony as well. wonder …” The instruments build, race up the scale, then tumble down in a cascade of notes, ending Twangs and minor fingerpickin’ from Newberry’s banjo introduce “Fer- with a flourish. gus County Jail.” Lowell’s guitar enters, emphasizing the atmospheric “drop Charlo’s “Eagles” finds the raptors high on their perch above the Flathead River, waiting to swoop D” low note, and he plays silky runs at the end of vocal phrases. A man onto prey. The piano plays intervals of fourths, the two tones creating anxiety, imitating the wait and bemoans his fate in the slammer after he gets into a fracas and kills another. watch. Sprightly violin and viola join Morigan in unison as she repeats “Eagles waiting for the hunt.” Payne’s piano on “The Daydreamer’s Waltz” gives it a music-box feel; Cahoon’s “Elk Thirst” comes last. The ballad-like pace and long sustained notes befit a gorgeous and “Western Velvet Sky/Black-Eyed Susie” was written for beloved friend melody. “One elk steps into blurred water and drinks … his thoughts improbable, he looks and drinks Ben Bullington, a terrific songwriter who passed away. It’s followed by “Ben the sky.” The audience is so enraptured that one barely notices it’s a live recording until the end, when Bullington Radio I.D,” with Bullington voicing the call letters for a radio raucous clapping recognizes a terrific accomplishment. State of the Arts • Winter 2020

Non-fiction/Memoir

About Books Putting on the Dog: The Animal Origins of What We Wear By Melissa Kwasny Fiction What’s in a wool sweater, a silk scarf, a pair of lambskin slippers? We slip into warmth unwittingly, Sweep Out the Ashes especially during a cold Montana winter. By Mary Clearman Blew In her new book, Melissa Kwasny takes a more Young feminist and historian Diana Karnov arrives thoughtful and somewhat scientific look at human in Versailles, Montana, to teach college history and garb, revealing the history behind the hide, fur and unravel a few family secrets. The community is remote, feathers that keep us clothed. She leads readers on a “cut off by distance and weather from anywhere ideas journey that begins with a trip to a Native village in were being discussed and issues argued.” The all-male Alaska, where she finds seal-gut parkas, thigh-high faculty appears to be more appreciative of her looks fish-skin boots, and a coat of Arctic squirrel. than her intellect, and her clothes and car prove inade- Closer to her home in East Helena, she visits quate to the brutal winter weather. High Plains Sheepskins to learn how wool slippers But she’s escaped the overbearing great aunts who are made, watches a butcher flay a steer and sheep raised her in Seattle, and diligently begins combing lose their fleeces, which are in turn spun to fiber. In through newspapers at the local library, hoping to Japan, she unravels the mesmerizing history of silk – that delicate metamorphose 10 discover the identity of the father she never knew. from silkworm egg to cocoons that each yield up to a half-mile of impossibly thin A few locals befriend her, including a student, Cheryl Le Tellier, and her filament. brother, Jake, both descended from Métis. From them, she begins to see how At Crow Fair in Montana, eagle feathers “bob, cross and criss-cross wildly as narrow her sense of history is, especially when it comes to the American West. As the dancers step.” Kwasny explores oyster beds on the Sea of Cortez and a mink her relationship with Jake deepens, she also circles ever closer to her father’s true farm off the coast of Denmark. Each encounter fuels her curiosity about our rela- identity – all the while coming to respect, and even appreciate the frigid, austere tionships with the animals that sustain us. landscape that surrounds her. Along the way, the young historian begins to realize Reciprocity, she concludes, is the appropriate attitude toward the natural world How to that our common history is a tapestry of multiple narratives. that gives us so much. “Buy clothes. Not very many. Made mostly from animals Mary Clearman Blew – a native of northern Montana – crafts an engrossing and plants. Then cherish and care for them.” submit a book romantic mystery set in a community that’s isolated from the turbulent 1970s. Kwasny, who is one of Montana’s two current Poets Laureate, pursues her Author Joy Passanante calls it “smart, witty, hard-hitting, tender, and compelling quarry across the pages with an anthropologist’s eye, and a wordsmith’s heart. for State of … a damn good read.” – Kristi Niemeyer Blew, the author or editor of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, is profes- the Arts sor emerita of English at the University of Idaho. To submit a book – Kristi Niemeyer A Million Acres: Montana Writers Reflect on Land and Open published in the Space past 12 months by Leaves On Frozen Ground Edited by Keir Graff with photography by Alexis Bonogofsky a Montana author Montanan writers pay homage to landscapes By Dave Carty for inclusion in the they love in A Million Acres: Montana Writers In Port Landing, Wisconsin, on the south shore of Reflect on Land and Open Space. This stunning About Books section Lake Superior, the Vaillancourts, Gaston and Celine, new book, published by the Montana Land of State of the Arts, own a successful construction company and a small Reliance, features 20 powerful pieces of writing email the following farm, where Gaston lovingly tends to an orchard of about Montana’s land and open spaces by the prized apples. Edmund, 11, is his father’s son, stubborn state’s finest contemporary writers. Contributors information to kristi and willful. His dog and the wild country beyond their @livelytimes.com or include Rick Bass, Maile Meloy, Christine Carbo, orchard claim his heart. Carrie Le Seur, Gwen Florio, Jamie Harrison, [email protected]: But when the economy goes south, the Vaillancourts Allen Morris Jones and Russell Rowland. A • Title, author, are thrust into a painful rearranging of love and loyalty Million Acres also includes 28 spectacular color publisher and that changes their family in profound and unforeseen landscape photographs by Alexis Bonogofsky. ways. In essays, memoirs and short stories, the book’s writers explore the plains, month/year pub- “Insightful throughout, at times profound, Leaves lished; rivers and mountains of Big Sky Country. They show how natural beauty and on Frozen Ground is the work of a fine writer and keen hardship are two sides of the same coin, and how sometimes the only way to cure • A brief descrip- observer of the human condition,” writes Mike England in Outside Bozeman. heartache is to visit the great outdoors. tion of the book Midwest Book Review praises Carty’s debut novel as “a complex, heart From a hardscrabble upbringing to the pain of losing the family land, from (no more than 200 wrenching, deftly scripted page turner of a read …” death on a river to the awe of landing a big fish, from backcountry encounters Carty is a 34-year resident of the Gallatin Valley and has spent nearly half words), and a short with grizzly bears to an out-of-stater’s happiness at making Montana her home, A his life as a professional writer, with over 1,000 published magazine articles in a Million Acres offers a wonderfully diverse range of experiences and perspectives. bio of the author; variety of national publications to his credit. • A cover image: The Eight Master Lessons of Nature: What Nature Teaches minimum 200 dpi in We Leave the Flowers Where They Are Us About Living Well in the World pdf or jpg format; Edited by Richard Fifield • If other publica- “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” The By Gary Ferguson tions or authors have wisdom of author Joan Didion blossomed across Montana author and ecologist Gary Ferguson offers reviewed the book, Montana this fall, with 41 contemporary Montana new insights into the inner workings of nature in this exploration into how many of the most remarkable send a brief sampling women telling their stories in a new collection pub- lished Sept. 1. aspects of nature are hardwired into people’s very of those remarks. Longtime memoir instructor and novelist Richard DNA. What emerges is a dazzling web of connections Books submit- Fifield of Missoula curated the anthology, We Leave that holds powerful clues about how to better navigate ted to State of the The Flowers Where They Are, named after a line in daily life. Arts appear in this the single poem included in the book. Looking around at the world today – a world of social media, skyscrapers, super highways, melting ice publication at the “Storytelling has been part of the human race for centuries,” says Fifield. “Writing a memoir, telling caps and rampant deforestation – it is easy to feel that Montana Arts Coun- your own story, changes everything.” humanity has actively severed its ties with nature. cil’s discretion and as The anthology is a diverse collection, with wom- Through cutting-edge data and research, drawing space permits, and en across Montana, from Powder River to Eureka, on science, psychology, history and philosophy, The will not necessarily sharing stories of joy, pain, humor and hope. Eight Master Lessons of Nature offers a path forward. Ferguson balances science and spirit as he explores be reprinted at Lively “Working with other writers has made my life richer and wider,” says Missoula author Gladys Considine, 78, who has been in Fifield’s memoir critique group mystery, loss, the fine art of rising again, how animals make us smarter, and how Times.com. for five years. “Regardless of our ages, whether we grew up in Butte or Broadus, the planet’s elders can help us lead more nourishing and sustainable lives. Billings or Troy, or whatever we do at work every day, we all have stories worth “Ferguson’s eight assertions each speak to the powerful connections he sees telling and sharing. Though we women live in similar times, each story I read between the natural and human worlds, each beginning with his lushly delivered broadens my outlook on life and gives me more understanding and a further accep- observations of nature.” (Publishers Weekly) tance of differences.” Ferguson has written for a variety of national publications, and is the author of A portion of the book’s proceeds benefits Zootown Arts Community Center 25 books on nature and science. (ZACC) and Humanities Montana. Learn more at www.mtstories.com. A Brief History of Cooke City Cold Country By Kelly Hartman, with contributions by Cooke By Russell Rowland City Montana Museum The small town of Paradise Valley is ripped apart With claims staked, 1870s prospectors at Cooke when popular rancher and notorious bachelor Tom City patiently waited for adequate transportation to get Butcher is found murdered one morning, beaten to their ore to market. Eager enough, they named the town death by a baseball bat. Suspicion among the tight-knit in honor of Northern Pacific tycoon Jay Cooke and community immediately falls on the outsider, Carl his son, Jay Cooke Jr. Ironically, Cooke’s influence in Logan, who recently moved in with his family and his creating Yellowstone National Park stunted the growth troubled son Roger. of the town, as the park blocked any efforts to support a What Carl doesn’t realize is that there are plenty of railroad through its borders. people in Paradise Valley who have reason to kill Tom Historian Kelly Hartman recounts the saga that left Butcher. hundreds battling for a railroad that never came. For Complications arise when the investigating officers more than 60 years, Cooke City residents waited for discover that Tom Butcher had a secret – one that he rail until a new economy took hold – tourism. kept even from Junior Kirby, a lifelong rancher and The dreams of the miners still live on in tumble-down shacks and rusty old Butcher’s best friend. As accusations fly and secrets are revealed, the people of mining equipment. And the successful vision of entrepreneurs offering rustic relax- Paradise Valley learn how deeply Tom Butcher was embedded in their lives, and ation at the doorstep of Yellowstone continues to lure visitors. discover that they may not have known him at all. Hartman was raised in Silver Gate, attending kindergarten through eighth grade Kirkus Review calls Russell Rowland’s latest novel “a quick-moving, plainspo- at the one-room schoolhouse in Cooke City. She earned her BFA in painting from ken, mostly charming exploration of the hardscrabble life of the livestock rancher Western Oregon University and was director of the Cooke City Montana Museum of old.” from 2013-’16 – a time that included its grand opening. In the summer of 2016, The Billings author has written five novels, including In Open Spaces and she began work as the curator of the Gallatin History Museum in Bozeman, but Arbuckle, as well as the nonfiction collection, Fifty-Six Counties, about his travels still visits her home valley often. to every county in Montana (he hosts a public radio show by the same name). Winter 2020 • State of the Arts

Young Adult & Children

About Books Moonbound: Apollo 11 and the Dream of Spaceflight By Jonathan Fetter-Vorm Montana: Mountains & More On a summer night in 1969, two men climbed down By Rosella Mosteller a ladder onto a sea of dust at the edge of an ancient Photographer Rosella Mosteller dream. When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first shares 75 black and white images in her set foot on lunar soil, the moon ceased to be a place of new book, inspired by Montana. “There mystery and myth. It became a destination. is so much of Montana that doesn’t Now, on the 50th anniversary of that journey, meet the eye until you take the time to Moonbound tells the monumental story of the moon and put wear on the tread of your soles,” the men who went there first. With vibrant images and she writes. “The medium of black and meticulous attention to detail, Montana graphic novelist white photography transforms the color Jonathan Fetter-Vorm conjures the long history of the of the landscape. What remains are visionaries, stargazers, builders, and adventurers who images that give a person the emotive Change of Nature from Mon- sent Apollo 11 on its legendary voyage. quality of Montana at its core.” tana: Mountains & More With camera in hand, she explores From the wisdom of the Babylonians to the intrigues of the Cold War, from cold mountain lakes, meandering rivers, hot springs, and shifting light as it touch- the otherworldly discoveries of Galileo to the dark legacy of Nazi atrocities, from the exhilarating trajectories of astronauts – recounted in their own words – to the 11 es the trees and flowers, stone and grit of Montana’s natural world. Stories, facts, lists and haiku poems by the author augment her striking, desaturated images. unsung brilliance of engineers working behind the scenes, Moonbound captures Mosteller attended the School of the Art Institute Chicago and earned a bach- the grand arc of the Space Age in a graphic history of unprecedented scope and elor of fine arts degree from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Her profound lyricism. work has appeared in numerous juried exhibitions across the state. Publisher’s Weekly described it as “gloriously epic” in a starred review. “Rosella Mosteller’s black and white images of the natural world are stunning in their composition and elegance,” writes Rita Fitzsimmons of Designworks. “With her technical ability and sharp attention to detail, she captures singular Forever Neverland moments in time – images that have the power to enrich anyone who views her By Susan Adrian Gather Round work.” Fergus, 11, who is autistic, and Clover, 12, discover sparks national Her book is available at mostellerphotos.com. they are the descendants of Wendy Darling, of Peter Pan fame, in Susan Adrian’s latest adventure, released attention Gather Round – a Montana Entertainers: Famous and Almost Forgotten last summer by Random House. On a visit to their new Do It Yourself By Brian D’Ambrosio estranged grandparents in London, Peter Pan whisks the two away to Neverland, where they have a grand humanities toolkit – is For more than a century, Montana has supplied a adventure with mermaids, Lost Boys and Girls, pixies, a hit. According to rich vein of entertainment and personality to the nation a Greek goddess and a sea monster. – from daredevils to dancers, from actors to mimes. a recent newsletter, This contemporary sequel to J. M. Barrie’s time- Treasure State stars Gary Cooper and Myrna Loy Humanities Montana found unparalleled success during the Golden Age of less classic Peter Pan is sure to appeal to kids who sent out all 50 of the loved “The Land of Stories” and dream of going to Hollywood. Born in Miles City in 1895, comedian Gil- first batch, including Neverland. “A magical ode to childhood that updates the classic while keeping its bert “Pee Wee” Holmes played sidekick to such stars a few that left Mon- as Tom Mix. One-time Butte resident Julian Eltinge flavor,” writes Kirkus Reviews. went on to become America’s first famous female Adrian is a fourth-generation Californian who has lived in Montana for 16 tana for California, impersonator. years. By day she is a scientific editor, and by night she dreams up wild adven- Idaho and Kansas, There was Taylor Gordon, whose golden voice pro- tures that sometimes turn into books. She is the author of the acclaimed holiday and shared the model pelled the son of a slave from White Sulphur Springs fantasy Nutcracked (recently released in paperback) and two books for teens, with other organiza- to Harlem Renaissance fame. From the little-known Tunnel Vision and The Dark at the End. When she’s not with her family, Adrian tions at the National Robyn Adair to the ever-popular Michelle Williams, keeps busy researching unusual facts, traveling and writing more books. author Brian D’Ambrosio marks Big Sky Country’s long-standing connections Humanities Confer- with America’s performing arts world. The 210-page book includes 77 black and ence, Nov. 7-10 in white images. Listen to Your Spirit Hawaii. D’Ambrosio is the author of more than 10 books, including Shot in Mon- By Kayo Fraser Gather Round tana: A History of Big Sky Cinema, and his articles have been published in local, When a small airplane crashes in an African jungle, is inspired by an regional and national publications. there are only two survivors, Kelly, 12, and her brother, anthology of essays 10-year-old Jake. Grieving, injured, frightened and lost, titled Hearth, A Global The Best Gift: Montana’s Carnegie Libraries the children know they have to find their way out of the Conversation on By Kate Hampton, with photographs by Tom Ferris jungle and home to their only living relatives, an aunt and uncle in Florida. Community, Identity Between 1910 and 1922, 17 Montana and Place, edited by communities built libraries with money given to Compelled to move, they choose a direction that them by the era’s richest man, Andrew Carnegie. takes them further into the wilds. A black leopard visits Annick Smith and Fifteen of those libraries still stand today, and the injured girl in a dream, and admonishes her to listen Susan O’Connor. The their stories are compellingly told in this new to her spirit. Two men find the children and carry Kelly, limited-edition DIY book by Kate Hampton, the Montana Historical with Jake following, back to the crash site and out of the jungle. One of the men, toolkit is designed to Society’s community preservation coordinator. Simba, prepares healing tea for Kelly. As the children wait for the promised ship inspire discussions “Andrew Carnegie was no saint,” notes to start them on their journey to America, the black leopard visits Kelly again with Hampton. “His philanthropic legacy, however, about home, mi- a warning to listen to her spirit in the coming days – advice she follows through gration, technology continues to be beneficial to educational and the trials, lessons and adventures that await them. cultural institutions around the world – and in Fraser, a native of Florida, lives with her husband in Deer Lodge at the Fraser and nature. The kit Montana.” School of Driving Horses. Her debut novel was released by Raven Publishing. comes with a copy Just as he did in Hand Raised: The Barns of Montana, photographer Tom of Hearth, a deck of Ferris provides stunning detail of both the classic and unusual architectural Cards for Human- elements of these iconic buildings. Hand-drawn architectural renderings and other The Fire in the Dark: The Truth Will Always Come Out historical images combine to create a detailed portrait of Carnegie’s rich legacy in ities, and a bag of By Tessa L. Gatz Montana. Montana Gold tea. While some of the remaining 15 library buildings have been repurposed as Eighteen-year-old Tessa Gatz of Lewistown penned 267 pages for her debut novel, The Fire in the Dark – a Groups are encour- office space, community centers and a museum, all of them still stand as cultural aged to “gather and architectural anchors of their communities. fiery teen romance built on action and suspense. The Proceeds from the book, sponsored by the Montana History Foundation, book is narrated by Jacy, a 16-year-old high-school around a campfire, benefit Montana historic preservation. An exhibit is currently traveling the state, student who suddenly finds herself in a tangled mess of dinner table, or visiting many of the original 17 communities where Carnegie libraries were built. deception and unsure who to trust. When her brother drinks to spark a con- John returns home after traveling overseas for several versation.” Hidden History of Helena, Montana months, nothing is as it seems. For more infor- And what about Uncle Larry? For months, he was By Ellen Baumler and Jon Axline mation, visit www. squatting with Jacy and her family, spending most of his humanitiesmontana. Two of Helena’s premier historians, Ellen Baumler time on the couch. Suddenly — and with no explanation and Jon Axline, have penned a new look at the Queen — he gets up, dresses in a three-piece suit and takes off, org. City’s past. Distinguished by statesmen and magnates, Hel- his slicked-back hair making him look like a gangster. ena’s history is colored with many other compelling Jacy’s world is flipped upside down, and it gets even more complicated once characters and episodes nearly lost to time. Before love interests get thrown into the mix. achieving eminence in Deadwood, Sheriff Seth The young author is already nine chapters into the sequel, and has another Bullock oversaw Montana Territory’s first two legal idea for a novel in the works. Her advice to would-be writers? “If you want to do hangings. The Seven Mile House was an oasis of vice something, do it,” she said. “Don’t make excuses.” for the parched, weary travelers entering the valley on – From the Fergus Electric Cooperative newsletter the Benton Road, despite a tumultuous succession of ownership. The heritage of the Sieben Ranch and the saga of “King Kong” Clayton, “the Joe Louis of the Morning Worms Mat,” faded from public memory. By Marilyn Ann Mortenson-Cron with From unraveling the myths of Chinatown to illustrations by LaVern E.H. Mortenson detailing the lives of red-light businesswomen and the Canyon Ferry flying Margie needs a friend and the entire family is too saucer hoax, Baumler and Axline team up to preserve a compendium of Helena’s busy to play with her. Margie uncovers some new yesteryear. friends that help her feel better, until the family moves. Baumler, who was interpretive historian at the Montana Historical Society Fortunately, a surprise makes everything work out. from 1992 to 2019, is a longtime member of the Humanities Montana Speakers Author Marilyn Cron is a writer and a retired Bureau, a 2011 recipient of the Governor’s Award for the Humanities and an teacher who lives in Montana. She loves writing and award-winning author. illustrating, and recently completed her second children’s book. She has won the Axline, the historian at the Montana Department of Transportation for three national Evelyn Cole Peters Award, Silver Quill Award, and has a story published decades, has written five books on Montana history. in Charity by Red Rock Press. State of the Arts • Winter 2020

Auction Action Museums host flurry of winter art auctions and events all within the museum’s spacious galleries. The auction begins at 5 p.m. March 7 (4:30 for members) and features an array of hors d’oeuvres catered by Thomas Nelson Cater- ing, with live auction bidding at 7 p.m. Highlights for this year’s live auction include a color lithograph by Pierre Auguste Renoir, titled “Children Playing Ball (Enfants jouant a la balle)”; “Antelope Canyon 1,” a photograph by Clyde Butcher; a diptych from Jane Waggoner Deschner’s silhouette series; “Parallel Lives I” by Neltje; and “Get Lucky,” by Robert Mars. 12 Learn more at artmuseum.org or call 406- Landscape by Jim Dick is part of the Emer- 256-6804. son Center’s annual auction. “Call of the War Chief” by Joseph Henry Sharp is among the auction offerings at The Scotland is theme for Emerson MAM Art Auction set for Feb. 1 Russell in Great Falls. Celebration of the Arts The 2020 Benefit Art Auction for the Mis- soula Art Museum will be held 5-9:30 p.m. The Emerson’s annual Celebration of the Feb. 1 at the University Center Ballroom at Arts, 6 p.m. Jan. 24, is the Bozeman art cen- The Russell: Famous painting the University of Montana. ter’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting art MAM invites the public to celebrate 45 consigned to auction education programs, community events and years of exhibitions, programming and arts The acclaimed painting by Joseph Henry building projects throughout the year. education at this marquee event, which fea- Sharp, “Call of the War Chief,” has been This year’s celebration will explore the tures two silent auction rounds and a dynamic consigned to the live auction on March 21, rich culture and rugged landscape of Scot- Regents approve live auction. for The Russell: An Exhibition and Sale to land. The event features a four-course seated The auction showcases more than 80 Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum. dinner, live music, fine art, live and silent Montana works of art including sculpture, prints, Other important watercolors, drawings, auctions and entertainment. Local quick-draw paintings, glasswork and more. Artists from paintings and sculptures by the museum Heritage artists create unique works to auction off at across the United States have donated at least namesake, C.M. Russell, and others are the end of the night. 50% of the sale price of these pieces, which part of an impressive list of works by both Pavilion The Celebration of the Arts Exhibit and will support the next year of contemporary art The Montana Muse- Silent Auction is on display through Jan. 24 historic and contemporary western artists to programming at MAM. um of Art and Culture in the Jessie Wilber Gallery. The juried show be featured in the auction. These works are All artworks will be on view at MAM at the University of features mixed-media works by local artists on display Feb. 20-March 22 at the Russell in January, with an exhibition reception 5-8 Montana is moving who generously donated to the fundraiser, Museum in Great Falls, culminating in The p.m. Jan. 3. Other highlights include a special and offers the community an opportunity to Russell: An Exhibition and Sale to Benefit forward with plans game night, Hack the MAM!, 5:30-7 p.m. preview the work available for live and silent the C.M. Russell Museum, March 19-21. to build a Montana Jan. 23. auctions. Silent bidding opened in December The signature fundraising event for the Heritage Pavilion on This year, MAM partners with Givergy, and continues through the Celebration of the nonprofit museum includes the Art Preview campus, with help an online registration, ticketing and bidding Arts event. Party on Thursday at the museum; Art in from a $5 million gift platform, which will allow for remote silent For details, call 406-587-9797 or visit Action 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at Meadowlark auction bidding both before and during the from the Terry and www.theemerson.org/celebration-of-the-arts/. Country Club, followed by the First Strike event on Feb. 1. Bidding on an exclusive Patt Payne Family. Auction, 6 p.m. at the Mansfield Convention The Montana Board lot of artwork begins Jan. 3 and closes Jan. Center. of Regents approved YAM Art Auction: Three 23. Register to participate in this first round Saturday brings a free Russell Educa- construction of the of bidding (no ticket sale required) at www. tional Symposium at the Mansfield Center, events from Jan. 24-March 7 givergy.us/mamauction. new privately funded The Yellowstone The Russell Runway Show at Meadowlark Smartphones or Country Club, and The Russell Live Auction $6 million building in Art Museum in WiFi-enabled tablets December. Billings again hosts Saturday evening at the Mansfield Center. are requested for guests For details, call 406-727-8787 or visit The Payne gift will the longest-running attending on Feb. 1. www.cmrussell.org. allow the museum and most diverse art Tickets and tables are to transfer thousands auction in the region available now. Visit www. of compelling works with Art Auction 52. missoulaartmuseum.org, Western Art Week of art from campus According to muse- call 406-728-0447, or stop The Russell is the centerpiece for West- um director Bryan storage to display, by the museum for more ern Art Week, a cornucopia of art shows, Knicely, the annual and launches ef- information. auctions and special events that coincides event “opens the – Carey Powers, forts to inspire other doors between artists with the birthday of famed western artist philanthropic gifts to MAM Membership & Charlie Russell. From March 18-22, Great and collectors and Marketing Coordinator support construction helps make Billings Falls is home to more than 15 shows and of the building. an art-rich environ- 800 artists, who showcase art ranging from “This addition ment.” traditional paintings and sculpture to more to our campus will For the second Chefs, Champagne contemporary works. Events include live become an exciting year in a row, the and Art mingle music, quick draws, auctions, social get-to- destination in our YAM offers three gethers, and educational symposiums. “Children Playing Ball (Enfants jouant at Paris Gibson Check visitgreatfallsmontana.org/event/ community, state and distinct events, be- ginning Friday, Jan. a la balle)” by Pierre Auguste Renoir western-art-week for an updated schedule. region,” UM President Square’s event 24, with Cocktails is among the offerings at this year’s Seth Bodnar said. and Quick Finish Yellowstone Art Museum auction. The Paris Gibson “It will be a place and a special one- Square Museum of Art Arts Council of Big Sky of gathering, but night-only silent auction. The evening will in Great Falls hosts its fifth annual Chefs, hosts eighth auction more importantly, a Champagne and Art fundraiser at 6 p.m. feature quick-draw artists, a silent auction of The Arts Council of Big Sky hosts its manifestation of our approximately 50 pieces of art, entertainment Saturday, Feb. 1. Six local chefs are compet- ing in a gastronomic competition for the title eighth annual fundraising art auction event enduring commit- and hors d’oeuvres. from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Wil- This gathering offers a rare opportunity of “Champion Chef,” based on presentation, ment to the arts and taste and best use of champagne. son Hotel in the Big Sky Town Center. history.” to take home works by both well-known and The evening includes a quick finish, live up-and-coming regional artists. The opening The Square recognizes that the culinary Among the works arts not only nurture the belly, but also nurture and silent auctions, music, food and drinks. that will benefit from night also provides collectors with a chance This event is the only dedicated fundraiser to “buy it now” in the silent auction and to the soul. Chefs, Champagne and Art is a way a new facility are the for the Arts Council of Big Sky. preview the work in this year’s live auction. to showcase the artful food and talented chefs nine masterpieces in Great Falls and its surrounding area. The live auction will feature artwork Tickets may be purchased individually or by Kevin Red Star, Carol Hagan, Julie that MMAC received bundled with the events on March 6-7. Celebrity judges include D.J. and Bee Jay, in 2018 from the radio hosts from Cherry Creek Media, along Chapman, Terry Cooke Hall, Rachel Rusti Once again, the YAM will host a Meet-the- Warner, Cyrus Walker, Ben Pease, Amber estate of Sen. William with Rhonda Adkins and Veronica Ronnau Artists Reception on Friday, March 6, giving Blazina, Barb Swartz-Karst, Miles Glynn, A. Clark. ticket-holding patrons the opportunity to visit from Pizazz. Tickets are $75 for members and $85 Carol Spielman, Harry Koyama, Tabby Ivy, Learn more about with participating artists and providing one for non-members and must be purchased in Tom Gilleon, Carrie Wild and many more. the building project at last chance to buy silent-auction work before Artists interested in submitting artwork Saturday’s big night. advance. The event includes appetizers, food, www.campaign dessert, wine, beer and live music. Attendees to be considered for the live or silent auction montana.org. The exhibition culminates in the annual can find the application online; deadline for Yellowstone Art Auction, which consists of a vote for the people’s choice award for best chef. submissions is Jan. 3. silent auction, a live auction, a quick finish, Call 406-995-2742 for more information cocktails, and gourmet heavy hors d’oeuvres, For more details call 406-727-8255 or visit www.the-square.org. or visit bigskyarts.org/events/. Winter 2020 • State of the Arts

The Parks Family: “It Runs in the Family” Through Jan. 31 at the Artists’ Shop in Missoula About Visual Artists Artist’s website: www.amityparks.com The Parks family of Missoula has heard idioms like “it runs in the Dana Berardinis: Forgotten Lands family” for years. Amity and Glenn and their adult children, Briar and Through Jan. 16 at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, Great Falls Wren, prove that the adage is true in an exhibit on display through Artist’s website: www.danaberardinis.com January. While growing up The existence of artistry within in a rural mid-west- a family may point toward a natural ern town, Dana disposition to create, but it can also Berardinis spent be cultivated by exposure and encour- hours roaming the agement. Both Glenn and Amity come fields and woods. from parents who had creative streaks Captured by the tones – their fathers were wood carvers and and textures that their mothers were, and are, seam- surrounded her, “I stresses and crafters. would draw the trees “It makes sense then that we were and cornfields of my influenced by them and that our kids home. I would bring felt that inspiration from us starting at back collections of a young age,” says Amity. Briar and 13 bark, corn husk and Wren grew up on the craft-fair circuit bones to reference and at Green Portfolio Clay Studio, a and apply to my public art studio and school that Amity creations.” and Glenn operated in Missoula where After graduating they were immersed in making. from the Cleveland “You can see in their art that there “Vibrant Slough” by Dana Berardinis Institute of Art in is an easy appreciation for reaching 2004, she headed West, looking for a place “where I could paint freely inside themselves and drawing out a Send your without interruptions.” She landed in Montana, where paths again lead vision to share with the world,” says Calligraphy by Amity Parks submissions to “the ever-present tones and textures of the natural palette. I memo- Amity. rize what I see and make drawings and paintings as I explore the vast Amity is an accomplished artist and calligrapher whose work has for About wilderness.” been featured in national and regional exhibits and publications. She Visual Arts Her exhibit at Paris Gibson Square, “Forgotten Lands,” explores participates and shares her expertise with local and state calligraphy With About Visual sloughs and swamps and the abundant life they sustain. Her paintings guilds, teaches workshops within the U.S. and abroad, and has served Arts, State of the Arts focus on the different types of wetlands in Northwest Montana and on the faculty for multiple International Lettering Arts Conferences. continues to profile their significance to the landscape. Glenn is a long-term member of the Artists’ Shop and actively living Montana artists She points out that wetlands are among the largest and most diverse participates in classes and firings of the anagama kiln with the Clay (no students, please), ecosystems in the world and act as the Earth’s filter. “They can often Studio of Missoula. Both hold degrees from the University of Tulsa whose work is the be overlooked and disregarded, perceived as ugly or as wasted acre- and the University of Montana. focus of a current age.” In addition, many are threatened by invasive species and human Their son, Briar, is an artist and animator living in Portland, OR, exhibit in Montana development. and a recent graduate of Pacific Northwest College of Art. He has been (on display during Berardinis celebrates the quiet beauty of these hidden gems. Of her creating and showing his intricate drawings and paintings since he was some portion of the approach to art-making, she writes, “I experience painting the way I do 4 years old. His sister, Wren, lives in Bellingham, WA, where she’s a three months covered the landscape. It holds the same quietness, the same search. Through student at Western Washington University. She was named Hellgate by the current issue of the layering of paint and materials, I begin to find continuity with what High School’s Outstanding Art Student as a senior, and works primari- State of the Arts). I’ve discovered in nature.” ly in watercolor with a focus on portraiture. Submissions must This marks her second solo exhibit at Paris Gibson Square. Her first, include: “True Remains,” was displayed in 2010. Her exhibit, “Passage of Re- • A digital image newal,” toured the Holter Museum in Helena, Rare Bird Studio Gallery of the artist’s work, in Whitefish and the Dana Gallery in Missoula. Her work has also been with title of the piece displayed at the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell and the Yellow- (at least 200 dpi and stone Art Museum in Billings. 500kb); • A brief bio and Craig W. Hergert: From the Front to the Plains description of the Through Jan. 31 at the Emerson Center for Arts & Culture, Bozeman artist’s work; Artist’s website: www.montanapanoramic.com • Date range and Craig Hergert is a freelance artist whose work is currently on dis- title of exhibit; and play in several galleries and businesses throughout Montana, including • The gallery or his studio and gallery showroom in Bozeman, and in private collections museum name, town all over the world. Montana Panoramic is an ongoing collection of his and phone number. images that explores the vast landscapes, mountain ranges, wilderness, MAC will select sub- rivers, parks, towns, and wildlife of his missions that reflect a home stage. cross-section of gen- Hergert was raised in New Mexico, “Straight There and Back, Diptych” by Jodi Lightner der, geography, styles but grew up mesmerized by family and ethnicity, and are stories of the Montana landscape – from a mix of public the badlands near Glendive, Flathead Straight There and Back: Drawings by Jodi Lightner and private galleries Lake, Glacier Park and the Rocky January-May at the Holter Museum of Art, Helena and museums. Mountain Front. He studied fine art Artist’s website: www.jodilightner.com Submissions for the and graphic design at Eastern New Jodi Lightner, an associate professor of art at Montana State Uni- Spring issue (April- Mexico University, then transferred to versity Billings, examines how architecture coexists with what we are June, 2020) are due Montana State University. While wan- thinking and imagining. Within any space, she notes, whether a palace, March 5; send in- dering through the campus library, “I barn, high-rise or shopping mall, it is possible for minds to wander and gredients to Kristi@ happened upon a book of old, scratchy, imagination to deliver the viewer to a completely different location or livelytimes.com with sepia-toned black and white panoramic experience. About Visual Arts in images of mines, cities, groups and “More than just a daydream, the mind has the power to transport us the subject line. landscapes from the turn of the centu- to another time or place, making it possible to be in two places at the ry, and was just simply captivated.” same time,” she says. An earlier interest in photogra- Her interest in navigating space and triumphing over maps has phy was reignited, and he began to significantly influenced the ideas in this collection of work, created experiment with “my own versions of over the past 10 years. The exhibit focuses on the themes of moving those wide open views.” But instead of through space and translating directions. Her drawings explore the taping single prints together, or using elements of built structures as metaphors for humans’ relationship with conventional panoramic cameras and architecture and interactions with interiors. film, he began to shoot and scan series At MSU Billings, Lightner teaches courses that involve “pencils, of slides and prints and slowly piece paint and presses” and oversees the foundation courses. She received them together by hand using Photo- her MFA in painting from Wichita State University, Kansas, and shop. continues her studio practice in Billings while exploring the northern Eventually, in 2003, Hergert quit Rocky Mountains. his day job and built a studio in the The artist has attended artist residencies focused on studio practice, garage. Since then, his work has been including the International School of Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture published in The Wall Street Journal, in Montecastello diVibio, Italy; Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, New York Times, Forbes, Cowboys VT; and the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming. She was also an emerg- and Indians, and a slew of Montana ing artist-in-residence at Penn State Altoona. Lightner has shown her Limber Pine Study by publications. He has won numerous work nationally and internationally, with solo or two-person exhibits Craig W. Hergert international panoramic photography in Germany, China, Kansas, California, Pennsylvania and several awards, was named “Montana’s Treasured Artist” by the Secretary of Montana venues. State, and has published two acclaimed hardcover books: MONTANA: “I see my work as journal entries depicting the metaphors of About Visual Skiing the Last Best Place, with a foreword by Warren Miller, and relationship through the use of structures, architecture and space,” she Artists is compiled Montana Panoramic Volume I: 1997-2007, now in its third printing. writes. by Kristi Niemeyer State of the Arts • Winter 2020

Arts Education

National Arts Education Managers gather in Montana By Monica Grable the Performing Arts, as well Arts Education Director as the Missoula Art Museum, Each year, with support and included a discussion with from the National Endow- panelists from across Mon- ment for the Arts, the Na- tana who were asked to offer tional Assembly of State Arts their perspectives on our arts Agencies (NASAA) gathers education ecosystem, followed its arts education managers for by relevant break-out sessions. a Professional Development Day one culminated in a dinner Institute (PDI). This year, arts event at the Payne Family education leaders from 34 Native American Center on states plus D.C. traveled to UM’s campus that featured 14 Missoula to participate in the an arts-inspired message by convening Oct. 1-4. Missoula Mayor John Engen, The Montana Arts Council poetry readings by UM faculty submitted a proposal to host member Heather Cahoon, and the PDI, highlighting the an address to the group by abundant arts and education NEA Arts Education Director offerings present in Missoula, Ayanna Hudson. a relatively rural city, and the Day two of the PDI offered potential for learning about participants an immersive ex- our nearby tribal communi- perience in Pablo that included ties. Missoula was chosen, Mike Jetty, Indian Education Specialist with the Montana Office of Public a presentation by Cameron and we were delighted for the Instruction, participates in a tableau activity with 2019 PDI attendees. Decker, head of SKC’s Art opportunity to highlight arts (Photo by Monica Grable) Department, an introduction by education in Montana. artist Corky Clairmont to the Attendees were welcomed to Montana on The primary days of the convening, Eagle Circle Veterans Wall of Remembrance, the evening of Oct. 1 with a MAC-hosted Oct. 2-3, were split between Missoula and a panel discussion with several Montana reception at the Missoula Art Museum, where Pablo. The guiding question was “How Teacher Leaders in the Arts, and a collabora- our guests were wowed by Hellgate High can arts education managers adapt their tive artmaking experience. School’s jazz ensembles, under the direction agencies’ policies and practices to respond The uniqueness and authentic nature of of Leon Slater, and the works on view, in- more effectively to diverse communities?” hosting the PDI in Missoula made this year’s cluding a preview of the retrospective exhibit Attendees participated in sessions focused convening one to remember for many attend- of works by contemporary Native artist Rick on asset-based approaches toward engage- ees. The focus on rural, remote and tribal Bartow. ment with – and serving the needs of – rural, topics was relevant to our arts education work Bookending the PDI on Friday, Oct. 4, remote and tribal communities. at MAC and offered an opportunity to see and groups of participants visited Blackfoot Path- First-day sessions in Missoula were held discuss what our work holds in common with Montana Poetry ways: Sculpture in the Wild in Lincoln. in various spaces within the MCT Center for other states. Out Loud Finals set for March 7 Students from Artists in Schools and Communities grants across Montana will converge in Helena FY2021 deadlines coming on Saturday, March 7, in March and May to compete in the Artists in Schools and Communities 2020 Montana Poetry (AISC) grants, one of the Montana Arts Out Loud State Finals. Council’s longest-running funding programs, The competition will seeks to support hands-on arts experiences be held at Grand- in which learners of all ages and abilities are street Theatre, 325 N. offered the opportunity to engage with, and Park Avenue. learn from, professional teaching artists. The event begins Through one-time master classes and at 10 a.m. and will workshops, or through ongoing long-term continue through residencies, a primary tenet of the AISC three rounds into the grant program is that students gain new skills in an art form or further extend their afternoon. Free and knowledge and experience. A 1:1 match open to the public, is required, with a 2:1 match offered for the community is first-time applicants or Class C or smaller invited to attend. schools. For more informa- Community-based nonprofits, art cen- tion contact Monica ters, museum education departments, arts Grable, 406-444-6522 presenting organizations, civic organizations, or Monica.Grable@ cities or municipalities, schools and other mt.gov. nonprofit entities are all eligible to apply. A VOICE students at Two Eagle River School in Pablo created the photo above during their College and university programs may apply “camera-mirror” assignment. if extending educational outreach opportu- nities into the surrounding community and – although individual artists are not eligible AISC grants under $1,500 awarded to 13 organizations to receive funding directly – teaching artists may partner with a school or nonprofit entity May 2019 Deadline Dancing Our Way Home – Arts After to deliver arts learning experiences. School, $780 Cottonwood ALC, Helena: Focus on Local Artists, $1,470 FY2021 dates November 2019 Deadline March 11, 2020: AISC Grants $1,500- Electric Peak Arts Council, Gardiner: Alpine Theatre Project, Whitefish: ATP $5K and ALP applications DUE Ingrid Nixon’s Performance, Workshop Academy 2020 Winter Session Master May 4, 2020: AISC Grants Under $1,500 & Storytelling, $1,499 Classes, $1,500 (Round 1) DUE Good Grief Group, Kalispell: Good Grief Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot July 1, 2020: Earliest project date for Camp, $1,000 Gallery, Red Lodge: Mountain View FY2021 Greater Gallatin United Way, Bozeman: Elementary Artist in Residence, $1,500 Nov. 4, 2020: AISC Grants Under $1,500 The Song Catchers Workshop, $1,500 Flathead Community Foundation, Kalis- (Round 2) DUE North-Missoula CDC, Missoula: Movie pell: Dot Studio at KALICO Contempo- June 30, 2021: Project end date for Making Magic and ZACC Art Experi- rary Art Center, $1,205 FY2021 ence, $850 Rau School, Sidney: Win Win with Art, To discuss a potential project, or to Sunburst Foundation, Eureka: World $1,000 learn more about the Artists in Schools and Fiddle Music, $1,000 School District 8, White Sulphur Springs: Communities grant program, contact Arts Special Friends Advocacy, Kalispell: Native American Figure Making for Education Director Monica Grable at People First and the Joy of Painting, 5th-6th Grade Classes at White Sulphur [email protected] or 406-444-6522. $1,200 Turning the Wheel Missoula, Missoula: Springs Elementary School, $1,400 Winter 2020 • State of the Arts

Arts Education Hellgate High students create ornaments for Montana tree Launched each year with the light- ing of the National Christmas Tree, the America Celebrates Display – an event presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Founda- tion – features 56 additional trees, each representing one of 50 states and six U.S. territories. Adorning the trees are works of art created by students of that state or territory. This year’s Montana tree displays works created by student artists at Hellgate High School in Missoula. In collaboration with teacher Kasey 15 Arceniega, the newest faculty member Hellgate High School art students show river-themed ornaments that adorn Montana’s national in the school’s art department, students tree in Washington, DC. (Photos by Kasey Arceniega) worked to arrive at a theme that would streams, would wind their way around the be representative of our state. Following inside of the plastic spheres. A combination conversations about summer memories and of pen, ink and watercolor (further represent- the uniqueness of living in a place with a ing the essence of rivers and streams) were river running through it, they became focused the students’ choice of media, and the trout on that very thematic element: rivers and was chosen as subject matter for its inspiring streams. color palette. In all, students in Arceniega’s The ornaments themselves are a design Intro to Art class created 30 ornaments for the problem to solve. Identical clear plastic Montana tree. spheres, which come apart in halves to house Located on the Ellipse in President’s Park Submissions and protect the artwork inside, are shipped to in Washington D.C, the National Christmas each participating group. Tree and the America Celebrates Display sees open for Through phases of experimentation and more than 250,000 visitors yearly through the idea development, a decision was made to month of December. This marks the 97th year Signatures work with strips of paper that, like rivers and of this national holiday tradition. from Big Sky Montana’s Associ- ation for Gifted and The Buffalo Unity Project Talented Education (MT AGATE) is seek- Engaging Poplar students with their culture through filmmaking ing submissions for the 2020 edition of Near the beginning of the new documenta- “The Buffalo Unity Project turned out to audio and film-set etiquette. They also learned ry short film, “In This Together, We Are One: be much more successful than we had initial- the art of the interview with teachers, tribal Signatures from Big Sky The Buffalo Unity Project,” seventh-grade ly dreamed it could be,” says Norgaard. “All elders, and other students as subjects. – the only publica- teacher Jacob Turcotte asks his students a the teachers were on board with the idea of “I can honestly say that it was life-chang- tion that features the critical question: “How did the buffalo create creating a thematic unit that stretched across ing for those individuals,” says principal writing and artwork unity amongst our Norgaard. “One student of Montana’s K-12 people?” has completely changed students. The 2020 Turcotte teaches at his college outlook and edition will mark the Poplar Middle School, intends on majoring in magazine’s 30th anni- located in the heart of Media Arts because this versary. the Fort Peck Indian project was so influential Every year, the Reservation, in the to him.” publication receives remote, northeastern The significance of corner of Montana. the buffalo harvest was hundreds of submis- The 3,200-square mile clearly felt among the sions and enjoys a reservation is home to entire class of Poplar robust selection from two separate American seventh graders, who talented young peo- Indian nations, the were asked to compose ple across the state. Assiniboine and the thoughts about the proj- “The perspectives are Sioux. Both were tribes ect. A selection of those as unique as the art of the American plains, thoughts, read by the and writing itself and and both built their students themselves, is we are proud to share cultures around bison. used throughout the film them,” says coordina- The challenges fac- to great effect. tor Mandy Maass. ing modern American Over stunning aerial Indians are well doc- MAPS Instructor Dan Molloy assists Poplar seventh-grade students Patricia Char- footage of the buffalo Signatures relies on umented, but perhaps boneau and Xander Steele with camera operation as part of The Buffalo Unity herd, students express funding from MT AG- none are more devas- Project. (Photo and story courtesy of MAPS Media Institute) moving descriptions ATE as well as grants tating to the identity of bison: “The buffalo to continue publish- of Plains Indians than the lost connection to all subject areas, including English Language remind me of friends. If one is down, they ing and has recently buffalo, their cultural keystone. Arts, social studies, science, math, gym, protect each other, feeling free as can be. received financial sup- “We would ask students, ‘What kind of wood shop, art, and music/band. Throughout They stay together when one is hurt.” “As I port from the Mon- Indian are you? Who is your relation?’ And the week we didn’t hear of a single moan or am writing this, I can feel the cries and lost tana Cultural Trust, the students couldn’t answer those questions,” gripe coming from any of the 72 students or souls of the ancestors before me.” the Dennis and Phyllis says Turcotte. “We’re right here in the middle adults.” And this quote, the inspiration for the Washington Founda- of Fort Peck Reservation and we have chil- And when Tahj Kjelland, a music in- film’s title: “They try to make us feel tion, NorthWestern dren who don’t even know where they come structor for MAPS Media Institute who has ashamed about who we are. Seeing my people from. And we thought, ‘What can we do to worked with the Poplar community for sev- prove them wrong, we are still here. In this Energy, Humanities change that?’ We had to do something differ- eral years, showed Turcotte a student-made together, we are one.” Montana, Town Pump ent to reach them, to engage our students. And MAPS film from the Blackfeet Reservation, That’s a message echoed by Turcotte, Foundation and the the Buffalo Unity Project came about.” the idea for a student-involved documentary who regards buffalo as the great unifier of Sweet Pea Festival of In 2017, Turcotte led a group of Fort Peck film about the program took hold. his people. An interview sequence near the the Arts. elementary students on a buffalo harvest MAPS Media Institute, a free-of-charge end of the film drives that point home: “You The deadline for at the tribal buffalo ranch, where a herd of media arts program based out of Hamilton, know, our people have been through a lot. the 2020 issue is several hundred bison was reintroduced in has been serving Montana students in grades Our children have been through a lot. And March 27. Find 1999. Student engagement was so high during 8-12 since 2004 with instruction in filmmak- those buffalo have been through a lot. People submission guide- the harvest and processing of the animal that ing, graphic design and music production. tried to wipe us off the face of this Earth. lines, as well as art Turcotte saw the opportunity to expand the In April, Poplar Middle School wel- And we’re still here. And a lot of it has to do and writing from experience into a more formal curriculum comed the MAPS Media Lab, directed by with that buffalo. Bringing it all together in with older students. award-winning filmmaker Dru Carr, to assist unity will create that healing. It’s powerful,” the 2019 edition, at Poplar Middle School principal Morgan with documenting the Buffalo Unity Project. Turcotte says, rocking forward with clasped signaturesfrombigsky. Norgaard immediately embraced the idea, and The school held an essay contest to deter- hands. “Powerful.” weebly.com. For more the Buffalo Unity Project was born. A buffalo mine the seventh graders who would work “In This Together, We Are One: The information, contact harvest was planned for the spring of 2019, with the MAPS crew on the film. Over five Buffalo Unity Project” may be viewed on Mandy Maass at with the participation of the entire seventh- intensive days, students learned the techni- YouTube.com. signaturesfrom grade class. cal skills of operating a camera, capturing [email protected]. State of the Arts • Winter 2020

Film Clips News about film in Montana Planes, Trains and Automobiles, on location in Montana! By Allison Whitmer rail lines were hopping, and Montana Film Commissioner this film about competitive It’s not just the skiers who rejoice when railroad men competing for snow starts to fall across Montana’s moun- the love of the character tains; film crews are gearing up for winter car played by Jean Arthur has commercials that air during the holidays. incredible footage for the You’ve probably seen them: Impossibly railroad buff! A real tug- clean cars swooshing along deserted moun- of-war between two steam tain roads, gleaming chrome in the sharp locomotives is one of the sunlight, tire treads gripping the snow in slow tension-filled sequences. motion. The trees are perfectly blanketed in Originally filmed in 63mm snow, the towns are immaculate, and the cars Naturalvision, the highlight sweep through the snow with ease. is a 100-mph race to get one 16 Ford, Toyota, Kia, Jaguar, Hyundai, GM, of the characters to a brain BMW, Audi and Subaru are just a few of the surgeon in Chicago. Actual cars and trucks seen pulling trailers, pushing scenes of railroading in the snowplows and breaking trail in fresh snow yards is a highlight of this Film-worthy: The historic Belton Bridge was the western over the years. The commercials shown over pre-code film which can be entrance to Glacier National Park from 1920 to 1938. (Photo courtesy of Glacier National Park) “Year End Events” or “Holiday Sales” are viewed on YouTube. called running footage, a specialty sub-set of Lewistown became the finale for a nuclear recruited top pilots Steve Hinton and Dennis car commercials. missile stand-off in the film “Broken Arrow.” Lynch to fly the Douglas A-26 Invader fire Other commercials focus on special fea- Code for a missing nuclear weapon, this tense bombers (#57 and #59) in the supernatural tures that perform in extreme temperatures, drama between former friends and mili- fantasy film. from tires to transmissions. This fall, pre- tary comrades played by John Travolta and Fighting fires in the forests is a tough, snow old-west Montana scenes were featured Christian Slater culminates in a massive train dangerous job, both on the ground and in the in Kia spots. sequence with helicopters, explosions and air. Richard Dreyfus and John Goodman take These producers look for the snowiest dramatic twists, all on a moving train. perilous risks with their airplanes with tragic snow, the sweeping turns, and made-for- Finding operational train tracks can be dif- results for one of them. Holly Hunter shines snow-globe towns. We have so many places ficult, and the Central Montana Rail proved to as the grieving girlfriend, and Audrey Hep- in Montana that fit this bill that we have be the ideal railroad. Their tracks in the prairie burn appears in her last screen role. an entire section of our database dedicated were smooth and had matching landscapes on Footage from the remarkable 1988 fires in to “Performance Roads.” Viewers might each side, so the train could run to one end Yellowstone National Park was used to great recognize Big Sky, Whitefish Mountain, filming scenes, run back and keep filming. effect, and the crew filmed in the Kootenai West Yellowstone and other forest roads in This rail line features the popular tourist National Forest, at Bull Lake, and were based the Bozeman area, and every so often, we’ll attraction “Charlie Russell Chew Choo,” com- out of Libby. More than 500 residents worked sneak in rugged badlands and epic landmarks plete with train robbers. as extras portraying the wildland firefighters. around Glacier National Park. This love story was a remake of the 1943 film “A Guy Named Joe,” a classic war film. Or how about airplanes? However you travel across Montana this Riding the rails Getting across the state by either train or winter, stay safe and check the road reports! Now that we’ve got you going to grand- automobile along the Hi-Line can take over Learn more about films made in Montana, ma’s house in style, it’s time to ride the rails! 12 hours, and an airplane might be just the incentives, crew and locations at “Danger Lights” was filmed in Miles City trick…or maybe not. montanafilm.com and follow us on Facebook, and Lombard during the 1930s steam era. The “Always” director Steven Speilberg Twitter and Instagram. Big Sky Documentary Film Festival: Feb. 14-23 The 17th rum that includes panels, workshops, and the co-founder of New Day Films and a three- annual Big Sky popular Big Sky Pitch for works in progress. time Academy Award nominee for “The Last Documentary The 2020 DocShop conference will focus Truck,” “Seeing Red” and “Union Maids.” Film Festival on “Sustainability and Integrity,” exploring Bognar’s solo films have premiered at (BSDFF), the paths for building a sustainable career as a Sundance, SXSW and the Telluride Film largest documen- documentary filmmaker while maintaining Festival. Most recently, Reichert and Bognar tary film festival integrity as an independent storyteller. received the 2019 Best Director honors from in the American The Tribeca Film Institute will return to the International Documentary Association West, is slated DocShop for a fourth year with the IF/Then for their newest feature, “American Factory.” for Feb. 14-23 in Shorts Pitch for the American West, awarding Missoula. Guest one project $25,000 in production funding as programming well as distribution support through TFI and Native Filmmaker Initiative director Joanne new 2020 partner ESPN. Big Sky’s Native Filmmaker Initiative Feinberg, a continues in 2020, featuring a strand of Na- 20-year veteran tive-directed documentary films and welcom- and award-win- Ross Brothers Retrospective ing eight emerging Indigenous artists as fel- Governor Steve Bullock ning filmmaker, has selected more than 150 The festival will also welcome award-win- lows in the 4th World Indigenous Media Lab. welcomed fans and films for the 2020 program from nearly 2,000 ning filmmaking duo Bill Ross and Turner The year-long fellowship supports emerging filmmakers to the 15th entries. Ross as retrospective artists, featuring their and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers with annual Big Sky Docu- full body of feature documentary work opportunities to develop filmmaking skills mentary Film Festival. The festival will screen films in The Wil- ma, The Roxy, the Hellgate Elks Lodge and Feb. 15-17. Their newest film, “Bloody Nose, and networks, hands-on training, master the all new Zootown Arts Community Center Empty Pockets,” will screen at Big Sky classes, work-in-progress development, (ZACC) in downtown Missoula. following its world premiere at the Sundance pitching, and meetings with funders and other Film Festival. The brothers also present a industry decision-makers. master class at DocShop on Feb. 17. For tickets, official selections, and the Big Sky DocShop In addition, BSDFF presents a retrospec- festival screening schedule head to In addition to screenings, BSDFF hosts the tive of veteran Oscar-nominated filmmakers www.bigskyfilmfest.org. Big Sky DocShop, a five-day filmmakers’ fo- Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar. Reichert is a Flathead Lake International Cinemafest: Jan. 24-26 The Flathead Lake International Cinema- “FLIC has become a destination film festi- tale of undying love and tormented passion, fest (FLIC) hosts its eighth annual winter film val for all the right reasons, chief among them produced and directed by Montana native festival Jan. 24-26 at the Showboat Cinema being that the area’s attendees are so sup- Bryan Ferriter (1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26); and on Main Street in Polson. portive of independent cinema,” says FLIC from Germany, “Effigy – Poison and the FLIC screens full-length features, shorts, producer David King. He notes that spirited City,” directed, written and produced by Udo animation, student films and documentaries, discussions between audience and filmmakers Flohr. including a broad selection of international cap most screening blocks. Films show on two screens beginning at films from over a dozen countries. In addi- Among this year’s gems: “The Last Be- 6 p.m. Friday at the Showboat Cinema, and tion, there are 13 films produced in Montana. yond,” a 1930s period piece shot in Montana continue through the awards ceremony at About 30 filmmakers plan to travel to and featuring Stephen Small Salmon, a Pend 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Informal gatherings, and a Montana-made film Montana from across the nation and globe, d’Oreille tribal member from the Flathead free children’s film are part of festivities. “The Last Beyond.” including casts and crews from Germany and Reservation (screens at 6 p.m. Jan. 24); Encore screenings are available Jan. South Korea. “Wuthering Heights,” Emily Bronte’s classic 26-30; visit FLICPolson.com for details. Winter 2020 • State of the Arts Kostas inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame By Shaylee Ragar me, there were 20 years of just living that Reprinted with permission reality of being a musician,” Lazarides said. from the Bozeman Chronicle, Oct. 11 He remembers playing shows at the Kostas Lazarides has at least 50 Mangy Moose in Jackson Hole, Top Hat in guitars scattered around the histor- Missoula and the Big Horn Saloon in Hardin ic three-story building he owns in during those early years. downtown Belgrade. In 1989, Patty Loveless recorded and It’s not surprising the prolific released the song, “Timber, I’m Falling in songwriter has an abundance of in- Love,” written by Lazarides. It hit number struments, but it’s a bit abnormal that one on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart he lives a quiet life in a sleepy town. and was both of the artists’ first chart-topping Lazarides, known professionally song. as Kostas, has written chart-topping “There’s something magical about seeing songs for several artists, including something you create come to life,” Lazarides Patty Loveless, Travis Tritt and said. George Strait. Songwriter Kostas Lazarides at his home in Lazarides wrote a number of other hits for On Oct. 14, the 70-year-old joined Belgrade: “I don’t need the limelight.” Loveless and then Dwight Yoakam, Marty the likes of Johnny Cash, Dolly (Photo by Shaylee Ragar/Bozeman Chronicle) Stuart, Martina McBride, and the list goes on. 17 Parton and Chuck Berry when he was He’s still making music and writing lyrics inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall A stuffed lion head rested on the coffee ta- today. He used to write all of his notes down of Fame. He stood alongside other inductees ble. Native American paintings and beadwork on paper and has boxes full of his ideas. In Dwight Yoakam, Larry Gatlin, Rivers Ruth- covered the walls. His eclectic living quarters recent years, he’s started recording voice erford, Marcus Hummon and Sharon Vaughn mirror the eclectic life he’s led. memos and using the notes app on his phone for a formal ceremony in Nashville’s Music Born in Thessaloniki, Greece, Lazarides when inspiration hits. City Hall. moved with his family to Savage in eastern Lazarides said he thinks of songwriting as But in an interview before the ceremony, Montana when he was 7. Post-World War II a science. Lazarides said what he was looking forward Greece had little economic opportunity and “It’s a form of alchemy. So the ingredients to most was getting the fuss over with and his parents were looking for more. A ranching that go into something that works are melody, returning home to his 10-year-old pug, Bella. family in Savage offered the family spon- rhythm, words and thought,” he said. “I don’t need the limelight to find happi- sorship to immigrate, so that’s where they Even after major success and critical ac- ness. I’d just as soon take what I need from landed. claim, Lazarides is humble and says he’s still Revitalizing each day and move on,” he said. A few years later, his family moved to learning about playing music. He stayed in Montana’s Rural Lazarides spoke in lyrical prose throughout Billings, where Lazarides got his first guitar, Montana because it’s always been home. an interview in his apartment overlooking went to high school and played his first show Lazarides said he’s got more projects com- Heritage grants Main Street in Belgrade. Nearly every inch at the YMCA in 1964 as a teenager. He never ing, but that he prefers to tackle one day at a of the space was filled with antiques, knick- graduated and instead took to the road playing time instead of planning for the future. available knacks, and of course, his guitars. A grandfa- with bands all over the country as a full-time He said he lives by a simple philosophy: The Montana His- ther clock engraved with the year 1913 sat in musician. “Live until you die and make people happy torical Society’s State the corner. “Before I found success, or before it found when you can.” Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is announcing $350,000 in Revitalizing Mon- Ballet Beyond Borders returns to Missoula Jan. 8-11 tana’s Rural Heritage The Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre brings The four-day event kicks off Jan. 8 with Roman Baca: A U.S. Marine who (RMRH) grant pro- Ballet Beyond Borders back to Montana with international and Montana dancers joining the cofounded Exit12 Dance Company. gram funding to sup- the Grand Prix Dance Challenge and Global Missoula Writing Collaborative in visiting Lizt Alfonso: This Cuban dancer has port the preservation Diplomacy Conference slated for Jan. 8-11 in schools in Missoula and on the Flathead In- earned multiple awards and recognition, and of historic buildings Missoula. dian Reservation. The festival wraps up with was included on the BBC’s list of the 100 in rural communities This marks the fifth global dance festival a Gala Finale on Jan. 11 at the University of inspiring and influential women from around across the state. hosted by Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre and Montana’s Dennison Theatre. the world in 2018. The state agency follows on the heels of a highly successful In addition to the dance challenge, Sophie Rebecca: This British ballet will award grants premiere of Ballet Beyond Borders in Los An- Ballet Beyond Borders will feature substan- dancer is an articulate representative of the between $10,000 geles and Westchester, CA, this past August. tive discussions on the role of dance in global transgender community and will share her and $100,000 for “Ballet Beyond Borders has been such a diplomacy. All events are free and open to the journey to womanhood and how dance has physical repairs and success in Missoula that we were invited to public with the exception of the Gala Finale played an important role. bring the festival to Los Angeles and West- (tickets for the gala are available at Ahmad Joudeh: Currently a dancer with improvements to rural chester earlier this year,” says Rocky Moun- www.griztix.com). the Netherlands Dance Theater, Joudeh grew properties listed in, or tain Ballet Theatre artistic director and Ballet up in Yarmouk, a Palestinian refugee camp in eligible for listing in, Beyond Borders president Charlene Campbell Featured Guest Artists Damascus. the National Register Carey. Learn more about the festival at www. of Historic Places. Ballet Beyond Borders 2020 will feature “We’re thrilled to be back home, bringing rmbt.org/bbb-about or call Rocky Mountain four inspiring individuals who have overcome For details, email the world to Missoula for four days of world- Ballet Theatre at 406-549-5155. incredible challenges while pursuing excel- [email protected]. class dance competition and diplomatic ex- lence in the performing arts. changes that are at the heart of our mission.”

Montana Poets Laureate We are the ones for Dezmond

Waiting. A syllable: forming, generating energy in small, dark masses: marrow, stem cell, neuron. Waiting to come alive again in this tiny body. Guwa – you should learn this is the word between you and I, my son, hokshina. Come here. Come home. To this place. Between you and i no separation. But always room. And silence – until we can find meaning and the words together. Melissa Kwasny and M.L. Smoker (Photo by Barbara Weissberger) I repeat it, again and again, gesturing for you to come over. Hoping As co-poets laureate and women from marginalized com- the vibrations will come alive, you will listen inside yourself. And you will sense munities, Montana Poets Laureate – Melissa Kwasny and M.L. just who you are, who you belong to and among. Smoker – aim to celebrate poetry as an art that fosters connec- As if you were under water and could feel your pulse, tion, relationships and bridge building. Kwasny and Smoker the whir and swish of your blood traveling miles and miles. believe in creative collaboration and wish to use their shared Across the wind-blown graves of your great grandparents and their grandparents – title to demonstrate the value of working together. As life-long Mikushi, Mitugash – yours. And they are out there, belonging to you before educators, they are also committed to working with teachers you were even born. Waiting. and at-risk youth to demonstrate how poetry can provide a – M.L. Smoker (published 2018 in Big Sky Journal) source of understanding and hope. State of the Arts will feature their poems on an alternating basis during their two-year term, beginning in this issue with M.L. Smoker. State of the Arts • Winter 2020

Public Value Partnerships The 3 Rs at work in Montana Public Value Partnership grants between portions were aired during a week- Montana nonprofit arts organizations and the long celebration of Bernstein’s 100th Montana Arts Council champion the fact that birthday at MTPR in August, and are the arts are of benefit to all the citizens of also available to be streamed online. Montana and are worthy of state and federal Also airing were clips from investment. Maestro Allan R. Scott’s interview Public Value Partnerships utilize three with Jamie Bernstein, eldest tools we call “The Three Rs” to expand daughter of Leonard Bernstein. the public value of the work being done by Using social media before, during Montana’s non-profit arts organizations: and after the performance in May • Building relationships; helped the HSO to reach and expand • Creating greater relevance and their audience and keep followers meaning; and apprised to the MTPR week-long 18 Sunburst Foundation: Finding ways to engage the • Establishing return on investment programming, which highlights the (measured both as economic vitality and Helena Symphony. community. impact on people’s lives). Following the boomerang announcement Sunburst also provides a variety of MAC believes that using “The Three Rs” on Facebook and in the news that the Helena local musicians to play during these soup strengthens participation, understanding Community Credit Union (HCCU) had signed nights. Diners are families and individuals and support from audiences, donors and a multi-year commitment for the naming of all ages, as well as senior citizens who funders. We’d like to share some of the best rights of Symphony Under the Stars, the HSO regularly frequent the center. This is a examples of these stories: worked closely with HCCU to create new very social occasion and is also a very marketing strategies, such as a effective way to network with people and billboard ad and geo-fencing to promote upcoming Sunburst events by services, and they aided in a placing information at the tables and making partnership with the Blackfoot announcements, and simply talking with Statewide arts River Brewing Co., who people. crafted “Galaxy Pale Ale” in Sunburst has noticed an increase of older service honor of the upcoming show. folks at its concerts, especially after one of the organizations The beer-making day and soup nights. The organization has a number launch party were shared on of older volunteers, who have implemented Montana has many social media, and beginning a policy that all individuals 90 and over are arts-discipline- the day before the show, other free of charge to all of organization-sponsored specific statewide partnerships with Carroll events, which is a great way to cater to the service organiza- College, the BSA Scouts, group of active people over 90 in the Eureka tions. You can find AARP, Helena Foodshare, area. a complete list here: and 406 Recycling worked In a small town, Community Soup Night art.mt.gov/arts_ Helena Symphony: Maestro Allan R. Scott conducts the together to put on the entire offers a perfect way to give back to the orchestra in a celebration of the late Leonard Bernstein’s service_orgs event. A proprietary photo- community, connect with existing audiences, 100th birthday. (Photo by Wandering Albatross Photography) sharing campaign launched at and interest others who don’t normally attend. Symphony Under the Stars, Building Relationships It is also a great way to connect with new Montana Arts which was attended by more than 18,000 people moving in to the area. Helena Symphony: The 2017-18 people, and allowed concert-goers to share Council season presented numerous opportunities their own pictures and comments with all Return on Investment grants, awards to the Helena Symphony to collaborate others in attendance in real time. The result of with businesses and individuals at local, all efforts was a true community event. Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT, & commissions regional, national, and international levels. Inc.): This is an inspiring story from a parent of a student at Ulm School about an MCT Visit the Montana In a non-series concert featuring Philip Creating Relevance residency: Arts Council’s website Aaberg and several members of the Helena Sunburst Foundation, Eureka: “I don’t have to explain why I believe the for a complete listing Symphony Orchestra, the HSO worked with Community Soup Night is an event that takes MCT residency experience would benefit our of grants, awards and Aaberg’s Sweetgrass Music and EDGE Marketing+Design to film Facebook live place every Tuesday at the Tobacco Valley youth. I can explain why I know it will from commissions: my own personal experience. videos and digital ads to help promote the Senior Center. Local businesses and groups Individuals: art. “I have had the honor of watching a concert, which also was the official launch of take turns providing a free meal to anyone mt.gov/gac#ind performance every other year for the last 14 Aaberg’s latest recording, Versatile. in the community, or by donation. Donations Organizations: art. help to maintain years and it never ceases mt.gov/gac#orgs These efforts brought together existing to amaze me the time and symphony-goers with Aaberg’s fans and the building. Schools: art. Sunburst’s effort the children put into mt.gov/gac#schools provided a platform to grow the HSO this program. My own audience, both online and in the concert hall. arts director and Programs and Ser- experience regards my son, In January, the Helena Symphony board members vices: art.mt.gov/ps who has numerous learning welcomed Montana resident and acclaimed volunteer to operate disabilities, including violinist Tim Fain to the Helena Civic Community dyslexia and issues reading Center stage. Through online marketing Soup Night four and memorizing, even and collaboration with public radio, the times throughout simple spelling words. HSO attracted first-time ticket buyers from the year. This “When my son was in Helena but also from Missoula and Hamilton, involves providing seventh grade, the MCT which Fain calls home, and saw one of the all ingredients, tour actor/directors chose symphony’s largest audiences for a January preparing and him to be one of the news concert ever, as a result. serving soup, broadcasters in ‘The Joining thousands of arts organizations, rolls, salad and Tortoise and the Hare.’ I Masterworks VI: Bernstein 100! (May 2018) a dessert for up was very nervous because celebrated the late Leonard Bernstein’s to 140 people, there are a lot of lines for upcoming 100th birthday anniversary, which and cleaning up that part. My son came fell in August. The concert, which was listed after. There is home and worked on his as an official centennial performance by the a commercial MCT, Inc.: Inspiring kids to believe in lines every evening, even Leonard Bernstein Foundation online, was kitchen completely themselves with productions like “John- after being at rehearsal for hosted by Michael Marsolek of Montana open to the dining ny Appleseed.” five hours. He memorized Public Radio (Missoula). In addition to a room at the center for this activity so it is a his lines, though he Facebook live broadcast prior to the concert, good way to engage with the diners while struggled with the words and the reading. the entire performance was recorded, and working. “My son thought he was useless in school because he couldn’t ‘get’ anything. MCT gave him the opportunity to see that he could succeed at something and that it would just Call for Cultural & Aesthetics Project Advisory Committee take him a little more time and effort than the other kids but he was just as good. During the Applications for membership on the Cultural the four-year terms include attending a two-day panel play, he helped the other kids with their lines. and Aesthetic Project Advisory Committee will be meeting every other year and reviewing up to 100 “MCT is a wonderful opportunity to teach accepted through May 6, 2020. The Montana Arts grant applications online in preparation for the review. children to overcome fears of being in front of Council makes half of the appointments to this The next meeting is scheduled for October 2020 in people, or to just try something new, to dress committee, and the Montana Historical Society makes Helena. If you are interested in being considered, up in a costume and use their imaginations. the other half. please send a letter of interest and a resume or bio I have seen other children who are labeled The arts council looks for a broad range of electronically to Kristin Han Burgoyne at at our school as ‘problems’ make it through professional arts expertise, and also geographic, racial [email protected] by May 6, 2020. the entire residency and they shine without and gender balance for the committee. Obligations of having a single issue.” Winter 2020 • State of the Arts

Montana Artrepreneurs MAP Update: Insights on the business of art By Rickie van Berkum do that.” Art school ads poured into The Montana Artrepreneur my inbox, some costing a year’s Program (MAP) starts a new worth of my wages. year of training visual artists to MAP was not only affordable, develop a sustainable business but I met my coach and classmates of art. In 2020, three cohorts face to face, I received one-on-one will meet in Great Falls, coaching. Before I knew it, I found Missoula and Three Forks with myself in a community of people just coaches Annie Allen, Rickie like me, helping and cheering each van Berkum and Liz Chappie- other on … Zoller, respectively. We have In my first year of promoting a diverse and dynamic group myself as a professional artist, I of artists looking forward quadrupled my sales in art while still 19 to their MAP journey – an working in my contracting business. I intense, information-packed learned how to move forward within and potentially transformative my means while accomplishing a experience. top-notch presentation. I just did my One of the most rewarding first fine arts show, and because of the and challenging parts of MAP is MAP artist Amanda Bielby used her construction background to skills I learned, all the other artists working with artists to articulate develop a stunning booth for her first fine arts show. were coming over to my display and (Photo by Rickie van Berkum) their story, the “why” of their commenting on how professional it art. The story becomes the foundation of grateful for MAP. It gave me an opportunity was. I built my booth to save money and stick many of the marketing tools that the artists to grow my business and has guided me in to my roots, but because of MAP, I knew how create, such as their promotional materials, ways that help me converse and interact far to take it. social media presence, booth, and other with other artists and community members strategies for reaching new customers. as I promote myself and the work I do … I What is MAP? Strategic Achieving a well-articulated story often was superintendent of the very first Native Montana Artrepreneur Program (MAP) is directly impacts the artist’s artwork, resulting American Arts show at the Western Montana an art-centered business development program Investment in growth in their artform. Fair in 2019. Due to the artwork I do, I taught by working artists and open to all visual Grant funds The 500 Montana artists who have currently am a board member of the Jeannette artists. MAP provides over 40 hours of college- completed MAP are busy creating their Rankin Peace Center. Other opportunities level instruction, reviews 35 practical business available art and developing markets for their work. include making t-shirt logos for Missing and tools, demystifies the world of business, Strategic Invest- November and December are busy show Murdered Indigenous Women awareness and and affirms the title of “Artist” as a credible ment Grant (SIG) seasons, and I caught up with a couple of the Indigenous Film Festival, and presenting profession. funds are still avail- MAP artists who brought me up to date on my art work at Diverse U. Instruction is focused on advancing able for upcoming their business of art. More opportunities are in the works … proficiency in your chosen medium, articulating projects and profes- Sheryl Silberman (threadsofpoetry.com), many more opportunities that I did not think your story and purpose as an artist, strategically sional development. MAP 2014: While my art has evolved since I would ever happen. For now? Rest. seeking patrons for your art, and engaging These grants pro- first participated in MAP, the basic principles Amanda Bielby (www.amandapaintsllc), in the arts community. MAP instruction is vide up to $1,000 in learned then have kept me on track towards MAP 2019: After developing a successful centered on four weekend-long workshops held matching funds for building the business side of my art. When paint contracting business, I decided to change roughly eight weeks apart. professional artists, I show my work or interact with the public, my focus to art. But I felt lost because the Applications to the next MAP instructional I have the confidence that I am presenting art world was too unknown. What is my year will be accepted through May 15, 2020. nonprofit 501(c)(3) myself and my art at a professional level. art worth, where do I start to sell it, what is To learn more about MAP, visit art.mt.gov/ arts organizations Dre Castillo (www.acastillocreations. available? When I searched online, there was map or contact Monica Grable, Arts Education and Preschool-Grade com), MAP 2019: What a journey! I am truly a ton of contradicting advice, “do this, don’t Director, at 406-444-6522. 12 teachers in Montana, and are available in four cate- gories: KALICO founder named Creative Community Fellow • Professional development grants Alisha Shilling the past 15 years raising various topics, for example, field research, help build individual of KALICO our four kids, being a equity, design, budgeting and crafting a pitch. art skills and knowl- (kalicoartcenter.com), photographer, volunteer art This course work was critical to keeping the edge, arts careers a new community art teacher at my kids’ school idea of KALICO moving forward. I have felt space in Kalispell, is and a bookkeeper. supported with knowledge and resources that and/or arts business- among the 25 change The dream we had began – especially coming from a small community es. makers selected to resurface two years ago – have been a lifeline. It has challenged me to • Market expan- for the Creative during a time of growth think about our project in ways I may not have sion grants help in- Community Fellows’ in the Flathead Valley. In without this opportunity. crease exposure and fifth cohort. Over the September 2018, I found a improve marketing or next six months, this donor to help get us started What have you learned so far at cohort promotion, opportu- international group will and Flathead Community meetings? nities for exhibition, work with National Foundation became our Our first of two in-person trainings performance and/ Art Strategies (NAS), fiscal sponsor. I spent the happened from Oct. 28-Nov. 5 in Vermont. I or sales to a wider or faculty partners, past year networking with gathered with 24 other cohorts along with the new audience. mentors and each other local community leaders and NAS team, University of Pennsylvania faculty, • Grants for public to test, adapt and build business owners. and mentors and individuals in various art outreach arts activ- on their work. “The We formed our board fields. ities fund ongoing community of practice of directors in May 2019 This experience was so thoughtfully crafted Alisha Shilling or one-time activities a cohort builds in and just secured our first by NAS. Learning in an intensely focused and Creative Community Fellows is one of the location at 149 Main Street. We are set for a designed setting allowed me to dive deep into that are designed to program’s lasting strengths,” said program soft opening in January and a grand opening the information being presented. The highlights reach a new or ex- director Sunny Widmann. “Each Fellow’s in February. were: panded audience. unique perspectives will contribute to Our mission: KALICO Art Center is a • Having one-on-one mentor meetings • Challenges and transformational learning experiences flexible space for all ages and abilities to with individuals at the top of their fields. The emergencies grants throughout the program, shaping and create, connect and experience contemporary advice and information that they shared with provide resources for elevating their capacities to drive change.” art by offering dynamic classes, events, me was priceless. For example, mentor Hannah artists or arts organi- State of the Arts asked Shilling to elaborate exhibitions and studio space. Fox of the Museum of Making from Derby, zations experiencing on the new art center and her experience as a England, gave me resources to take back to challenges or emer- Creative Community Fellow: What inspired you to apply for the our board and walked me through the idea of gencies that impede fellowship, and how do you feel it can co-creating a space with your community. The the ability to contin- Can you tell us more about KALICO? benefit your organization? Museum of Making has done an outstanding ue work. Opening a community space for the arts One of our board members emailed me job at modeling this concept of human-centered The application was a dream my husband, Adam, and I had 20 the information about NAS (National Arts design thinking. deadline is the 15th years ago. The condensed story goes like this: Strategies) Creative Community Fellows. I • Second, I now have 24 new friends and of the month. We were on our honeymoon in Calgary sitting was inspired to apply because honestly, peers who are right where I am – building For guidelines and at a coffee shop, dreaming of what we wanted starting a nonprofit is super hard and I was art movements for change in their own to do with our lives. We got out a napkin and hitting a wall of what the next step was. communities. I was so inspired by all the brave more information drew the plans out for creative space which This program is specifically geared towards change-makers I met. We shared stories, found visit art.mt.gov/sig; back then included a coffee shop … We filed creative change-makers who have started a more in common than not, cried, laughed, contact Kristin the drawing away and headed to college. project but need help moving their ideas from looked at each other’s projects, brainstormed, Han Burgoyne Adam has been an art teacher for the past concept to reality. and challenged each other to reach further. ([email protected] 15 years at Summit Prep School and I studied We started our work in September with I am so honored to have been selected to or 406-444-6449) for photography and psychology. I have spent monthly modules that are each focused on represent Montana and our project. more information.

INSIDE STATE OF THE ARTS 1 Artist’s Innovation Award Recipients; Governor’s Arts Award Nominations; Carlin Bear Don’t Walk Mural

2 From the Director: Arlene Parisot; Shawna Korth Joins MAC Staff; MPAC Showcase and Conference

3-4 Congrats & Transitions

5 Condolences

6-7 Artist’s Innovation Award Profiles

8 Carlin Bear Don’t Walk Mural (cont); More Condolences

9-11 About Music; About Books

12 Winter Art Auctions & Events

13 About Visual Artists

14 National Arts Education Managers Convene; Artists in Schools & Communities Grants

15 Hellgate High Students Create Ornaments; The Buffalo Unity Project

16 Plains, Trains and Automobiles; Big Sky Documentary Film Fest; Flathead Lake International Cinemafest

17 Kostas Inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame; Ballet Beyond Borders; Montana Poets Laureate: M.L. Smoker Julianne Gadoury, arts education coordinator for the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, paid a visit to Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture in the Wild during the October Professional Development Insti- 18 The Three Rs at Work in Montana; Cultural tute for State Agency Arts Education Managers, held in Missoula. & Aesthetics Project Advisory Committee (Photo by Monica Grable)

19 MAP Update; Creative Community Fellow

MAILING ADDRESS: PO BOX 202201, HELENA, MT 59620-2201 51143 Pre-Sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Bozeman, MT MAILING ADDRESS: Permit #120 PO BOX 202201, HELENA, MT 59620-2201 STREET ADDRESS: 830 N. WARREN ST., HELENA, MT V: 406-444-6430; T:711 Fax 406-444-6548 website: art.mt.gov email: [email protected] Change Service Requested

Montana Arts Council Cynthia Andrus, Chairman Tom Cordingley, Vice Chairman Angella Ahn Elizabeth Albers G.B. Carson Sean Falcon Chandler Corky Clairmont JP Gabriel Mark Kuipers Tracy Linder Lynne Montague Jay Pyette Jean Steele Renée Westlake All Montana Arts Council members can be reached by email at [email protected] or by mail c/o Montana Arts Council, 830 N. Warren Street, Helena, MT 59620 Montanans Receive Artist’s Innovation Awards MAC Staff Tatiana Gant, Executive Director Page 1, 6-7 [email protected] • 406-444-6546 Jenifer Alger, Chief Financial Officer [email protected] • 406-444-6489 9,750 copies of this public document were published at an estimated Kristin Han Burgoyne, Database & Grants Director, cost of $1.29 per copy, for a total cost of $12,594, which includes Accessibility Coordinator $9,166 for printing/production and $3,428 for distribution [email protected] • 406-444-6449 Monica Grable, Arts Education Director State of the Arts is provided free of charge upon request. An alternative [email protected] • 406-444-6522 accessible format is also available Czelsi Gómez, Administrative & Media Specialist upon request. Winter 2020 [email protected] • 406-444-4700 Call 406-444-6449 January/February/March Shawna Korth, Business Specialist [email protected] • 406-444-6510