Poetry Out Loud Finals Page 14 Arts in the Age of COVID-19 Pages 6-7 & 17

Spring 2020 n Montana - The Land of Creativity

MAC News Crow tell their own story with major Governor appoints two exhibit at Chicago’s Field Museum new members, four By Anna Paige Reprinted with permission from the Billings Gazette, billingsgazette.com, March 15 returnees to MAC As an indigenous female scholar and The Montana Arts curator, Nina Sanders doesn’t lack for stories Council welcomes two to tell. new board members Born and raised on the Crow Indian Res- – Angela Russell of ervation, Sanders is working to decolonize Lodge Grass and Cor- museums and work within such institutions by Skinner of Billings. that have for centuries excluded and misrep- Russell replaces Lynne resented Indigenous voices in exhibits and in Montague, who was history books. appointed in 2015 and served one term, “We can effectively look at cultural insti- and Skinner fills the tutions with historical collections that are the vacated term of Arlene cause of these misinterpretations of our culture Parisot, which ends in and the perpetuation of stereotypes,” said 2023. Corby Skinner Sanders, whose Apsáalooke name, Akbileoosh, “Lynne brought the means Brings the Water. perspectives of an art- Last year, Sanders was invited to curate an ist, an active member exhibition for the Field Museum in Chicago. of the cultural commu- Titled “Apsáalooke Women and Warriors,” it Curator Nina Sanders carries a money tree, a traditional gift to nity, and a profession is the largest exhibition pairing historical and honor someone, in a parade to celebrate the opening of the as an advocate for contemporary items in the Crow tribe’s history Field Museum’s new exhibition “Apsáalooke Women and War- children and juveniles and the first major exhibit curated by a Native riors” in Chicago. (Photo by Anna Paige/Courtesy of Billings Gazette) to the arts council,” American scholar, in collaboration with her says MAC Executive community, in the museum’s 126-year history. Sanders, who brought together more than 20 Indigenous Director Tatiana Gant. collaborators, including writers, scholars, artists, pho- “Lynne served on sev- tographers, filmmakers and designers, to showcase the eral MAC committees, An exploited past powerful place that Apsáalooke women hold in historical including the monthly The history of Indigenous people has most often been and modern times. review of Strategic retold by those outside the culture, which has homoge- Indigenous people have also long been exploited for Investment Grant ap- Angela Russell nized Native Americans and placed them in historically their cultural identity and artifacts, while their traditions plications. She thought deeply about every comment inaccurate contexts while ignoring their lives in contem- and imagery have been appropriated or represented with- she shared – I’ll miss working with her.” porary society. out context or reverence. “That is slowly beginning to change, as Native artists Gant also expressed the Council’s sadness over See Crow Tell Their Story, page 5 the loss of longtime council member Parisot, who tell these stories in incredibly effective ways,” said died Nov. 23. “We will miss her warmth, brilliance and humor,” she wrote in the winter issue of State of the Arts. “She listened carefully, spoke honestly, and Arts in the Age of COVID-19 the council respected her insight.” The two new members, Russell and Skinner, add a valuable perspective to the council. MCT lays off 66 actors/directors, cancels tour “At recent meetings, the council has been looking By Kristi Niemeyer MCT cancelled 254 tour res- at ways to address the inequity of access to cultural As the world knows by idencies through May 20 and resources across Montana,” Gant says. “Having two now, the COVID-19 virus is was forced to lay off 66 actors. new members from the eastern part of the state will unfolding in ways that are both “It’s pretty devastating help us understand the priorities of the residents in rapid and unprecedented, and for all of us right now,” says their communities.” the arts world is certainly not Elander. “But the tendency, She notes, “Corby has been so deeply involved in immune. the statistics and the wisdom the cultural community of Billings, and Angela has Missoula Children’s The- we’re hearing is that it may get accomplished so much around both preservation and atre, an organization with roots worse.” encouraging contemporary expression.” grounded in Montana and The estimated economic hit Gov. Steve Bullock also reappointed four mem- branches that spread across the to MCT is $1.5 million in lost bers: G.B. Carson, Sean Falcon Chandler, Mark nation and around the world, revenue, and much more if the Kuipers and Jean Steele will serve until 2025. was hit particularly hard. summer tour to military bases “This has been such an extraordinary group of The staff at the Missou- around the world is cancelled. leaders, and our new members will add so much,” la-based theatre met March 13 In the immediate future, says Gant. to assess the unfolding public says Elander, “13,000 chil- health crisis, and decided to dren won’t be able to be in Corby Skinner, an independent marketing cancel the last five shows of a production that many look professional in Billings, is regarded across Montana “The Spitfire Grill,” a commu- forward to for the entire year.” for his capacity to assess issues and create positive, nity theatre production, as well Meanwhile MCT’s two-per- effective messages. He’s worked in all aspects of as an upcoming children’s day An MCT production of “Hansel and Gretel” son teams of actors/directors, performing, visual and literary arts. camp, “Beauty Lou and the – one of many touring shows now cancelled spread out across the United As director of The Writer’s Voice since its be- Country Beast,” that had 66 through May. (A2 Photography) States, are trying to find their ginning in 1991, Skinner has coordinated seven Big kids enrolled. way home. Read programs for the National Endowment for the “There were no cases in Montana when we went into MCT veteran Brandon Price posted a note on Face- Arts and 17 consecutive High Plains Book Festivals the meeting, and by the time we got out, there were five,” book’s Tour Actor/Director (TAD) alumni page Sunday featuring authors from a seven-state region and three says Terri Elander, MCT’s International and Public Rela- morning, March 15: “How is MCT doing with all this? Canadian provinces. tions director. Any teams stuck out there? Anything we can do to lend a See MAC Members on next page By Monday, March 16, schools were closing in Mon- hand?” tana and nationwide. In the face of school closures, and strict guidelines coming from the state and federal level, See MCT Tour, page 6 State of the Arts • Spring 2020

A bright spot: the report recognizes Montana for allocating resources, having dedicated From the Director staff at the Office of Public Instruction, and working with Native Nations to implement Tatiana Gant, Executive Director Indian Education for All. [email protected] The nonprofit IllumiNative, formed to act on the findings of “Reclaiming Native Truths,” states that invisibility is the modern form of violence against Native Americans. We are in this together The exhibit of “Apsáalooke Women and War- Photo by Czelsi Gomez riors” has the potential to make substantial strides in advancing a truthful and accurate As world events become local, we thank Making Native Nations visible narrative. our constituents for postponing and cancel- Touted as the first major exhibit curated ling events and making accommodations for Twice in the past six months, I’ve had the opportunity to hear presentations on the by a Native American scholar, it involves staff and volunteers. MAC is committed to many Montana contemporary Apsáalooke everything possible to be flexible and under- research and findings behind “Reclaiming Native Truth,” available at the artists along with sacred standing with deadlines and grant funding. items that have not been We will continue to monitor resources for website of the same name. In developing the report, researchers on display for more than the creative sector and share them across our 100 years. We are lucky 2 social media feeds. examined the understanding and perceptions of Native Ameri- that the Billings Gazette The National Endowment is also tuned in, has provided abundant as reflected in this message from NEA Chair cans by their fellow Americans. Among the findings: coverage of the exhib- Mary Anne Carter: it, including sending “As America confronts this period of • 40% of Americans don’t believe that Native Americans are journalist Anna Paige unprecedented change and uncertainty, we to cover the openings in want to assure you that one thing will not a living culture • 72% of Americans rarely Chicago. change: our support for the arts across this If you find the article great nation. receive information on Native Americans, past or present reprinted in this issue “The National Endowment for the Arts is interesting, I encour- open for business. Our staff, while working • .04% of media includes Na- tive characters age you to look at the remotely for the next several weeks, is avail- Gazette’s other pieces. able to you via phone or email, as usual … According to “Becoming Visi- Sign up ble,” a companion publication to the research It’s been wonderful to see my social media “We know that there are more than five feeds flooded with images of the artists and for MAC’s million Americans who make their liveli- referenced, the public school education sys- tem is the most powerful tool for shaping pub- the exhibits. eNews hoods in the broader arts and cultural sector Montana Arts Council has been think- across the country and are potentially at risk. lic opinion. In their nation-wide assessment, Between the quar- researchers note the decades-long efforts of ing deeply about ways that we can remove terly issues of the We also know that the arts provide comfort, barriers to state resources and increase access resilience, wisdom, and the means for self-ex- the National Indian Education Association to State of the Arts, our advocate for a curriculum that includes an ac- to arts opportunities. As we move toward staff publishes four pression and connection, perhaps even more greater equity, I’m glad to have the State of so during challenging times such as these. curate history and contemporary Native issues separate e-newsletters and accomplishments. the Arts newspaper to share what we find in- with opportunities and “As you focus on the health and safety of spiring about Montana. Please don’t hesitate yourself and your loved ones, please know Despite these efforts, 87% of history information: standards don’t mention Natives after 1900. to let us know what more we can uncover. • Artists’ eNews that we are in this together, and that you can • Arts Educators’ continue to rely on our full support.” eNews • Arts Organizations’ Artist’s Innovation Award eNews MAC seeks program officer Exhibition on display at • Public Artists’ eNews The Montana Arts Council is seeking a • Represent MAC across Montana and the Holter in May If you’d like to sign program officer to join its staff in Helena. nationally The Montana Arts Council named six The position was posted on the state hiring • Promote grant programs like The Cultural up for one or more of Montana artists in November to receive these, please offer us website, mtstatejobs.taleo.net, March 11 and Trust, Strategic Investment Grants and Artist’s Artist’s Innovation Awards. Their works are your contact informa- the first review of applicants is April 6. The Innovation Awards tion and what you’d position will remain posted until filled. • Develop, refine and implement all aspects on display in May in the Holter Museum’s like to receive at: art. According to the job description: of grant programs High Gallery. mt.gov/enews or send The Montana Arts Council (MAC) is the • Contribute content for MAC’s social The $5,000 award is given every two us an email at: mac@ agency of state government established to de- media channels years to artists who have attained a level of mt.gov. velop the creative potential of all Montanans, • Provide assistance to artists, educators success in their pursuit of discovery. advance education, spur economic vibrancy and non-profit organizations AIA recipients are: Keep an eye on and revitalize communities through involve- Knowledge of the arts is not necessary – a Robert Harrison, Helena, with support ment in the arts. love of the arts and creativity is required! from the Jessie Wilber and Frances Senska your mailbox MAC is looking for a team-oriented, To apply for this position, submit a resume Individual Artist Award in Ceramics hard-working and fun-loving individual with and cover letter through the State of Montana MAC has been Nan Parsons, Basin an aptitude for learning new skills who will Careers site. The cover letter should describe cleaning and updat- thrive in a small office environment. how your knowledge and skills align with the Jennifer Reifsneider, Missoula ing our mailing list MAC is a dynamic agency where all mem- duties of this position. Only electronic appli- Naomi Siegel, Missoula database. Thank you bers work strategically to address issues of cations will be accepted. Melissa Stephenson, Missoula to the many who have diversity, equity, access and inclusion. For more information, email JeniferAlger Jane Waggoner Deschner, Billings updated their informa- The Program Officer will: @mt.gov or call 406-444-6489. For more information, visit www.holter tion electronically. As a final step, a museum.org. postcard will be sent to all addresses with MAC Members (from previous page) which we have not had contact. Please He led the marketing and programming four terms in the Montana House of Repre- State of the Arts return the reply card for the Alberta Bair Theater for 18 years and sentatives, one term with the newly created to continue to receive served as Arts and Humanities Field Coordi- Crow Tribal Legislature, and served as Chief State of the Arts is published four information. nator for the National YMCA of the USA for Judge for the Crow Tribal Court. times a year by the Montana Arts You can always eight years. Russell actively participated in the Nation- Council and produced by Lively change your infor- Skinner is currently on the boards of the al Council of Native American Legislators Times. mation by emailing Alberta Bair Theater, Art House Cinema and served as an officer of the Native Ameri- State of the Arts welcomes submis- [email protected] or call- and Billings Cultural Partners. He served as can Court Judges Association. sions of photographs, press releases ing 406-444-6430. the chair of the Yellowstone Art Museum’s She was a co-organizer of the Apsáalooke and newsworthy information from in- annual art auction in 2019 and 2020. Skinner Committee for the Arts, which promotes and dividual artists and arts organizations. is also cohost of the arts and culture radio supports local artists and craftspersons, and Please check with the Montana program, “Resounds,” which airs on Yellow- published the Apsáalooke Calendar for 30 Arts Council for reprint permission. stone Public Radio. years, which featured early Crow photographs Next Deadline: The deadline for In 2009, he was awarded the Montana and history, poetry and artwork. submissions is June 5 for the Summer Governor’s Humanities Award, and in 2015, Public service has included serving as issue (July-September). Send items he received the Philip M. Fortin Humanitari- chair for the Friends of Chief Plenty Coups, to: Montana Arts Council, PO Box an Award. trustee of the Big Horn County Library 202201, Helena, MT 59620-2201; Skinner received his BFA from the Uni- Association, and as a member of the Montana phone 406-444-6430, fax 406-444- versity of Montana and an MFA from Clare- Board of Crime Control. 6548 or email [email protected]. mont Graduate School, Claremont, CA. Russell received a bachelor’s degree Subscriptions: State of the Arts is and a juris doctorate from the University of available free of charge upon request Angela Russell, a member of the Crow Montana and a master’s degree from Tulane as a public service of the Montana Tribe, has spent her life involved in health, University. Arts Council. To subscribe, call 406- social and political issues for the Crow The full council convenes June 5-7 in 444-6430, or update or sign-up Nation and the State of Montana. She served Whitefish. online at art.mt.gov.

Spring 2020 • State of the Arts

Gallery 16 in downtown Great Falls, which is celebrating 50 years in business. Since the 1970s, the gallery has exhibited the work Congrats to ... of Montana artists in many mediums, including painting, ceramics, textiles, prints, jewelry and woodworking. Gallery 16, named for the Rising Voices at Browning High street where the first storefront sat, was School, which was selected as a winner launched by nine women who pooled of the 2020 Library of Congress State their resources to keep the doors open. It Literacy Awards. The poetry club was both a place to sell their work and will receive $2,000 in recognition of create in the studio space. “They said it their outstanding contributions to the couldn’t be done,” says longtime gallery promotion of literacy and reading in member and Great Falls ceramic artist their community and state. Rising Judy Ericksen. She reports that when Voices is a student-led writing group the cooperative gallery was formed five established in 2014 under the guidance decades ago “by those brave women, of Amy Andreas, the school librarian. the comment was that no group of Approximately 100 teens have been women could get along together well active members of the club. Since its enough” to sustain a business. But development, Rising Voices students by the gallery’s 16th birthday, there have worked with writers from Montana were 16 members celebrating at its and all across the country to help hone former address on 16th St. “And now and inspire their writing. The group has Rising Voices of Browning High School we’re 50!” says Ericksen. Since its 3 inspired a new generation of writers from inception there have been moves to the Blackfeet Nation and has helped students find the power of sharing other downtown locations, leading the gallery to its current home at their strong and creative voices with others. Each year culminates 600 Central Ave., where nearly 100 artists – men and women – are with the Rising Voices Literacy Night when 50–100 students, staff, represented. and community members listen to students share their work and celebrate their creative efforts. “This is very exciting,” Andreas said. The five recipients of Arts Missoula’s annual Arts & Culture “The students are, of course, exceedingly pleased to receive more state Awards, which honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding Send us your and national recognition for the group. They don’t understand how work in the arts and humanities have made a significant contribution good news our ‘rag-tag’ group of writers has received so many accolades for just to the community’s quality of life. This year’s Cultural Ambassador getting together, writing, and supporting each other’s creative efforts.” Award, honoring someone who has consistently supported the arts Artists, writers, mu- The award will be used to help publish student poetry each year, bring community and cultural diplomacy, goes to Nancy Matthews, sicians, arts educators in some visiting poets and writers and help students experience some volunteer and board member for several arts organizations, who has and arts adminis- literacy activities in other areas of the state. The group was nominated helped bring international art exhibitions to Missoula. The Individual trators: Please let us by the Montana Center for the Book. Artist, celebrating someone who has shown exceptional achievement know about major in their chosen craft, goes to Margaret Baldridge, concertmaster for awards and accom- the Missoula Symphony Orchestra, violinist for the Helena potter Sarah Jaeger, plishments, especially who was named this year’s Potter String Orchestra of the Rockies and the Sapphire Trio, and longtime UM Music professor. The Arts beyond the borders Laureate by Montana Clay, a statewide of Montana. organization of ceramic artists. Jaeger Educator, honoring an outstanding local educator Send your good received a BA from Harvard College who has devoted a career to teaching the arts, is and a BFA from the Kansas City Art awarded to John Combs, fine arts supervisor for news to Congrats, Institute. Her functional porcelain Missoula County Public Schools, and former band c/o Kristi Niemeyer, pottery is often thrown and altered, director at Hellgate High School. The Business 207 6th Ave. E, then glazed using wax resists, which Support for the Arts, given to a business that has Polson, MT 59860; creates layers of color. She has taught provided long-term support to Missoula’s artists or better yet, email at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and arts organizations, is awarded to Blackfoot kristi@livelytimes. New York State College of Ceramics Communications; and the Cultural Vision Award, com. honoring artistic programming, goes to the at Alfred University, and Pomona Montana Potter Laureate Sarah Jaeger If you include a College in California, and has given Zootown Arts Community Center, with its new facility located in downtown Missoula. The recipients “are prime digital photo, please workshops at schools and art centers nationally. She also served on make sure it’s at least the board of directors for the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic examples of what makes Missoula an exceptional place to work and 200 lines per inch (lpi Arts for 10 years. Jaeger was the recipient of the 1996 Montana Arts live,” said Arts Missoula Executive Director Tom Bensen. Due to Council Individual Artist Fellowship and the 1991 Emerging Talent C0VID-19, the annual awards lunch has been postponed. For more or dpi) and a file size Award from the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. information, visit www.artsmissoula.org. of over 500kb. In 2006, she was awarded a Target Fellowship from United States Artists; she was also among the artists profiled in the PBS documentary The family of longtime Flathead Valley artist Marvin “Craft in America.” Her work is in public and private collections and, Messing (1922-2014), whose drawings, “The Art of the most importantly, kitchens around the country. “Sarah has been an Cross,” are on display in St. James Episcopal Cathedral’s active and productive member of the clay community in Montana for gallery in Chicago Feb. 26-April 12. The display is decades,” writes Alison Reintjes of Montana Clay. “In addition to being composed of his large, detailed charcoal drawings and an amazing potter she has willingly shared her knowledge with others. depicts the classic devotional service commemorating In recent years she has shown resilience while dealing with health 14 events in Christ’s journey typically referred to as The issues and, at the same time … been developing a strong new body of Passion of Christ, The Story of the Crucifixion or The work.” Stations of the Cross. Messing portrayed three further views of the story, expanding his series to 17 drawings. Radius Gallery Although the artist is known for his colorful surrealistic owners Jason Neal paintings, he chose black and white with touches of burnt and Lisa Simon, on sienna for “The Art of the Cross,” hoping the scenes would moving to their elegant evoke deeper emotions while capturing the gravity of the new space at 120 N. story. At the time Messing drew the pieces, he was actively Higgins Ave. (formerly involved in the inter-denominational Cursillo movement the Uptown Diner), in in Montana. The sketches were first viewed at a gathering Missoula. Refashioned in 1991 and subsequently were shown in many churches in and revitalized, Radius the Flathead Valley. Messing’s daughters, Kris Messing of “The Art of the Cross” opened in January with Stevensville and Pam Messing Hughes of Whitefish, have mounted by Marvin Messing an array of new works the series so the works are protected and can be displayed more by the gallery’s stable easily. Honoring their father’s wishes, they say the collection may be of artists and a major used by any denomination and all people should feel welcome to view exhibition of works by the works. iconic artist Rudy Autio. In the new location, Bozeman filmmakerPaula Mozen, whose film, “Life Interrupted: the couple plans to Telling Breast Cancer Stories,” has reaped awards at a continue their mission of number of notable festivals in 2019. The film was named Best exhibiting “masterfully Radius Gallery (Photo by William Marcus) Documentary Feature at the Long Beach Indie International made, eye-catching and thought-provoking contemporary artworks Film Festival, took Best in Show at Docs Without Borders by artists from across the region and beyond.” The two-story space, and the Women’s International Film Festival, and was an replete with soaring skylights, 16-foot-high ceilings and museum- award finalist for the Polish International Film Festival, caliber lighting, also features an upstairs gallery devoted to showcasing Changing Face International Film Festival and the Flathead “Montana’s abiding role in the ever-expanding field of ceramic arts.” Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC). The film by the Another gallery space is dedicated to Montana’s rich artistic and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and two-time breast cancer cultural heritage. The building’s owners, Karen and Brian Sippy, survivor shares intimate stories about women confronting a have an ambitious vision to foster a thriving, sustainable arts economy life-altering diagnosis who refuse to step down. Notable for in Missoula that cultivates artists and collectors alike. In addition to its unflinching view of the often-scary process of diagnosis Radius, the site will include Art Vault, a business providing state- and treatment, the documentary also offers useful insights of-the-art storage for precious collectables; and a mural program on into the emotional and physical aspects of the disease. the south-facing wall of the building. Neal and Simon first opened Featuring women from across the United States, “Life Radius in 2014 at 114 E. Main St.; their new digs were designed by Interrupted” was produced in Bozeman and funded by many Don MacArthur of MMW Architects. Artist Julia Galloway told the organizations including the Greater Montana Foundation and the Montana Film Commission. Missoulian, “This gallery is a treasure to have in Missoula, and raises Filmmaker Paula Mozen’s up contemporary art in Montana and the Northwest.” More Congrats on next page “Life Interrupted” State of the Arts • Spring 2020

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The Alberta Bair Theater in Billings which received a $500,000 The family and friends grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to help fund the of writer, playwright and theater’s $13.6 million renovation and expansion. “We are thrilled former executive director of to receive this level of support for, and commitment to, the capital the Myrna Loy Ed Noonan. campaign,” said Jan Dietrich, executive director of the ABT. She noted He died of complications that the grant brings the organization to within $600,000 of achieving experienced during a heart its $13.6 million funding goal. “This recent gift helps insure a brick procedure Jan. 20 at age and mortar home for the performing arts in our region,” says Dietrich. 70. Born in Butte on March The ABT is on track to complete the renovation by September, and 11, 1949, Noonan crafted a plans to celebrate opening night on Sept. 12 with a concert by Emmy series of plays about Butte and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth. and Helena. In 1989, his “War of the Copper Kings” The Montana Folk Festival, which received a $200,000 challenge was produced by Grandstreet grant from The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in Theatre as a Montana conjunction with Montana Resources to support this year’s event, Centennial production. He Ed Noonan (Photo by Eliza Wiley/ slated for July 10-12 in Butte. The festival will initially receive received a Montana Arts Helena Independent Record) 4 $100,000, which must be matched by contributions from other Council Fellowship for a Montana businesses. If organizers meet the challenge, the Washington Butte play, “Taking History,” and the Wilderness Institute’s Matthew Foundation kicks in another $100,000. The festival, which began in Hansen Endowment Award for “Montana Wilderness.” A book of his 2008 as The National Folk Festival, and has continued since 2011 as poetry, Noisy Soil, was published in 1998, and he read his poems at the Montana Folk Festival, brings an estimated 150,000 visitors to many national, state and local events. His stories and poems included Butte each summer. “We want to see this event continue for the long all manner of critters cavorting and philosophizing with various saints term, which is why we are doubling our support for this signature and heavenly hosts, as captured in his short story series, “Good St. Downtown event,” said Mike Halligan, executive director of the Dennis and Dominic’s Cat.” Noonan was the director of the Myrna Loy Center Phyllis Washington Foundation. from 2000 until his retirement in 2015. He served on the Helena City Dance Commission from 2016-2020 and had recently been hired as the Collective seeks temporary manager of the Helena Civic Center. He remained an active new home member of the adjunct staff at Carroll College for more than 30 years Transitions and was advising students until the day he died. In addition to serving The historic La on numerous local and regional nonprofit boards during Flesch building at Congratulations and his 40 years in Helena, Noonan was also a presence at the 121 W. Main St. in best wishes to Jennifer national level, including stints with the National Performance downtown Missoula Asebrook, an old hand Network, American Producers Association, Under the Radar recently sold, leaving at Whitefish Theatre and the National Dance Ensemble, among others. Krys its tenant, the Down- Company who quietly Holmes, executive director at the Myrna, credits Noonan with town Dance Collec- assumed the mantle “leading the Myrna Loy out of financial disaster in 2000.” tive without a home of executive director In a tribute on the art center’s website, she writes, “I quickly as of June 11. Jan. 1 after serving as learned that this man, with the sad-sack eyebrows and the “I am heartbro- development director ready smile, was neither sad nor placating – he was a deeply genuine combination of the sorrow bred of compassion, and ken,” writes DDC since 2013. She takes over from Gayle MacLaren, the smile of someone who knows joy.” After enumerating his founder Heather Ad- executive director since accomplishments and praising his bold vision, she adds, “It ams. “Thousands of takes tremendous courage to embody creativity, compassion 2014 and a member of the Gayle MacLaren and Jennifer Asebrook people have shared and light. The only way to teach that is by example. And so WTC staff since 1999, who (Photo by Sonja Burgard) their love, their en- remains with the company have we all learned from Ed.” ergy and their time in a part-time capacity as operations manager. “I am so excited for making the DDC all this new opportunity,” says Asebrook. “I have really enjoyed learning The family and friends of Missoula that it is today.” about the administrative aspects of this wonderful community theatre. musician Michael “Micki” Singer. He In the wake of The best part is that our incredible staff has remained intact with died early New Year’s Day in a tragic COVID-19, the studio these changes and Gayle can continue to be my mentor and source automobile accident, returning from a has suspended classes of support.” For MacLaren, the transition offers “the best of both New Year’s Eve gig. He was 63. He was born in Palo Alto, CA, on Aug. 26, 1956, and performanc- worlds” – an opportunity to semi-retire, “but still spend time in a place that I love and with community that I love to see.” Asebrook and moved to Missoula from the San es, and Adams was is a native of Milwaukee, who grew up in Amherst, MA. She earned Francisco area in 2009. Singer’s first love exploring online plat- a master’s in plant ecology from Duke University and arrived in was jazz, although he mostly played rock forms to deliver class Montana in 1993 to complete her master’s thesis at Glacier National and delved into country after moving content to dancers Park. She met her husband-to-be that summer, returned in 1994 to Montana. He was a drummer in the at home. “We need and stayed. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” she says. Even Lolo Creek Band, Soul City Cowboys, dance and move- though her background is in science (she co-owns an environmental UFOkies, Zeppo, Party Trained and Michael “Micki” Singer ment now more than consulting company), she was raised by an arts-loving family and Strange Brew, frequently played with the ever,” she wrote. grew up attending musicals, plays, dance and live music. When she Basement Boys, Micki’s Allstars and Kimberlee Carlson and Western At the same time moved to Montana, she bought a season pass to the Whitefish Theatre Union, and sat in with the Ed Norton Big Band. He also played music Adams is looking for Co. and became a regular patron. “I ultimately felt like I could be an in Hamilton and Ravalli County, where his mother, Z’eva Singer, resides. His latest project was hosting the Local Exposure radio show a new home for the excellent promoter/cheerleader of the organization,” and the board and staff agreed, first hiring her for a part-time marketing position, then on Missoula’s KBGA, where he enjoyed showing off his friends’ DDC. To keep up promoting her to development director, and now executive director. musical talents and helping up-and-coming musicians. Ed Stalling, a with these transitions, Asebrook appreciates WTC’s mix of theatre, from classics and fellow drummer, described Singer as “a kind, gentle, caring person,” visit ddcmontana. musicals to more cutting-edge drama and young actors’ shows, plus and told the Missoulian he admired the musician’s versatility and ability com. the innovative music, dance and special events the company brings to play so many styles of music. “That’s not as common as one would to the O’Shaughnessy Center each season. “I honestly think we are think anymore,” he said. He also noted that Singer “played to serve doing many wonderful things that I want to continue,” she says. The the music,” a quality that makes for an in-demand percussionist. His company may also explore a few additions in the future, including an long-time partner Helena Vlasto echoed that view: “I think music was independent film series and offering the stage to local musicians who Micki’s best friend,” she told the Missoulian. are looking to play outside the bar scene. Whatever path the company follows, her predecessor, MacLaren, is confident “that Jen will lead the The family and friends of architect and Governor’s Arts Award organization to great success for years to come.” recipient Robert Erick Fehlberg. He died Aug. 17, 2019 in Pleasanton, CA, where he lived with his wife, artist Ladonna Fehlberg. The couple Welcome to William Harning, the new education director at received the Governor’s Arts Award in 1983. The architect was especially Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls. He received his honored for donating his time, and supervising dozens of volunteers BFA from Montana State University in May 2017, with a focus in in transforming the Yellowstone County Jail into the Yellowstone Arts ceramics, and begins his work as education Center (now the Yellowstone Art Museum) in 1964. In a 2015 Billings director while completing his artist Gazette story, Fehlberg said he wanted to maintain the character of the residency at The Square, culminating in building, even opting to keep a cell door with bars inside the main front an exhibition in June. Harning also serves door. “The art center was a beautiful thing for Billings and for the whole as an educator/mentor for the Square’s region,” he told the Gazette. “When we were pitching it, we talked it up Curative Art Collective. Prior to arriving in because it was good for business in Billings.” He served as the museum’s Great Falls, he worked as an instructor at first board president in 1964-65. He also helped found the Montana Detroit’s Pewabic Pottery program, served Institute for the Arts, and was president of that organization from 1963- as president of the Ceramics Guild at MSU, 1964, and was instrumental in converting Miles City’s water treatment and organized several campus fundraising plant into the Custer County Art and Heritage Center (now WaterWorks events. He was named Student of Excellence Art Museum), which opened in 1977. Fehlberg was born April 28, 1926, by the Fine Arts Department and received in Kalispell and earned a degree in architecture from Montana State the Community Involvement Award from University in 1951. He was an architect in Kalispell before moving to the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce. In Billings in 1958, where he joined Cushing Terrell Associates, and became his new role he hopes to help The Square vice president at CTA Architects Engineers in 1973. A member of the William Harning provide “a robust, vibrant and constructive American Institute of Architects, he was president of the Montana chapter center for learning in the Great falls area.” in 1965, and national director from 1971-1974. Spring 2020 • State of the Arts

For more photos from this Crow tell their own story (from page 1) monumental exhibit, visit billingsgazette.com

Members of many of the nation’s tribes have but I wanted to tell a story about how the wom- “Native narratives were not important,” begun to work with the institutions that are en watch over these things,” Sanders said. Sanders said. “It was the objects that they were housing and presenting their history to rectify centered on.” these inaccuracies, as well as working toward Crow voices in Chicago Seeing the shields in the exhibit, a viewer repatriation of sacred cultural items and ances- begins to understand that these shields were not Throughout the exhibit space, which flows tral remains. carried in battle, but were created in ceremony through several rooms, music and language by Museums, with a mission to preserve and and held by families for generations. Cut from Apsáalooke people is broadcast over the sound present artifacts, are often in conflict with tribes buffalo hide and shrunk and thickened by heat system. The language meshes with drumbeats, seeking the return of sacred and culturally from fire, shields were adorned and decorated chants, and songs by hip-hop artist Supaman. significant objects. Such collaborations as the with pigments and items containing spiritu- “Everyone who walks in here — every one Sanders has worked on provide guidance al powers and significance to the families to single Crow — is just overwhelmed with for a way forward that acknowledges a shared whom the shield belonged. emotion because it’s so powerful,” said Velma responsibility. Pretty on Top Pease, a language teacher on the “Apsáalooke Women and Warriors” opened Crow Reservation who traveled to Chicago to A collaborative culture mid-March in Chicago with exhibitions at the take part in the opening ceremonies. “It’s not Field Museum through April 2021, and at the The easy part of this exhibition was se- only what you see; it’s what you hear, what you Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society lecting contributors, said Sanders, who had a feel.” 5 at the University of Chicago great wealth of scholars and artists within the until Aug. 21. More than 50 Crow Tribe to draw from members of the Crow Tribe and sought out people she traveled to Chicago for the described as incredibly kind, historic event. generous and humble. “I’ve had my nose to the “I picked people who I grindstone,” said Sanders, knew would be patient with who began organizing the this process,” Sanders said. Field Museum exhibition in “Working with an institution April 2019 with support of like this is incredibly hard co-curator Meranda Roberts. work and can be painful. A Contemporary works lot of times they are not ready in the exhibit were craft- to make space in areas that Mitchif Festival ed by Apsáalooke people, they believe should be more including fashion designers sanctified.” and Language Della Bighair-Stump and Meranda Roberts, co-cura- Workshops tor of the Apsáalooke Women Bethany Yellowtail; artists Mitchif Heritage including Ben Pease, Allen and Warriors exhibit and a Keepers host their Knows His Gun, Mona Med- Large portraits of indigenous women and historic war shields of the Crow person of Northern Paiute and icine Crow, Del Curfman, tribe dating back to the late 1800s are displayed the Field Museum’s new Mexican-American heritage, annual Music and Art exhibition “Apsáalooke Women and Warriors” in Chicago. Jason Garcia and Kevin Red is working at the Field to Festival June 12-14 at Star; bead artists Lydia Falls (Photo by Anna Paige/Billings Gazette) consult and help shape the the Choteau Pavil- Down, Birdie Real Bird, Karis Jackson and renovations of its Native ion in Choteau. The With perspectives of fellow tribal members, Elias Not Afraid; hip-hop artist and fancy danc- American Hall, which was closed in 2018 tem- event celebrates the Sanders presents Apsáalooke culture through a er Christian Parrish Takes the Gun (Supaman); porarily after decades of static displays. historical lens while also showcasing contem- history, music, food, photographer Adam Sings In The Timber; “It’s very hard for them to get behind porary art and ideas. Their artistry and knowl- language, art and filmmaker Marty Lopez; and scholars and changing the model of what makes an exhib- edge are shared through modern beadwork, culture of the Métis consultants including Phenocia Bauerle, Aaron it,” Roberts said. “You can’t go about creating fashion, video animation, painting, sculpture who live in Montana. Brien, JoRee LaFrance, Timothy McCleary and an exhibition for indigenous people the same and photography alongside historical artifacts Mitchif is the lan- Charmaine Hill. way you can for a dinosaur, but that’s the same and sacred items, also made by tribal members. guage of the Métis Apsáalooke war shields dating back to the model that they use.” Along with the war shields, historical turn of the 20th century are on display. These Given that a museum’s mission is to protect people of Canada items dating from the 1850s to 1890s include sacred shields obtained by the museum in the and preserve its collection, working with staff- and the U.S., who are war shirts, elk tooth dresses, cradleboards, and past century have never been shown publicly ers has brought up plenty of discussion around the descendants of medicine bundles from the Field Museum’s and are displayed alongside other historical culturally appropriate ways to handle and First Nations women permanent collection. objects of the Apsáalooke people along with display’s historical items. and fur-trade workers Items can be traced back to the late 1800s their contemporary works. “The museum is invested in their collection when collectors and field researchers ap- of European ancestry Sanders, who holds degrees in anthropolo- and this idea to preserve things for all eternity,” proached Native people to collect objects, that mixes old Euro- gy and American Indian studies from Arizona said Sanders. “That’s their job, and we can many of which ended up in museums with little pean and First Nation State University, speaks the language of the respect that, however we would do things very context or were sold and traded throughout languages. There are Apsáalooke and was raised by her grandmother differently, and we are asking them to integrate time. less than 600 flu- and elders. some of these care systems into the way that we Such objects, Sanders believes, have their ent speakers of the “She is the grandmother’s granddaughter,” preserve material.” own agency. “When they chose to leave the her relative, Shawn Real Bird, described during With permission from the Apsáalooke Mitchif language in community when they did, it was an incredibly an opening ceremony on March 12 at the Tobacco Society, two sacred tobacco medicine the world at present. painful experience to all the families.” University of Chicago, where a tandem exhibit bundles are on display. The belief is that these For 25 years, Mon- Sanders describes a belief system among the is on display. Such status in the tribe provided items should be seen and remembered. tana’s Métis relatives Apsáalooke that such sacred objects made the Sanders training in language, cultural ways, the Sanders describes medicine bundles as liv- have met to preserve choice to leave and come to these museums. clanship and religious systems, and rituals such ing beings. “We weep, and we pray, and these “The prayer has always been to come back to their heritage and as the sundance and sweat lodge ceremonies, items need to feel that and hear that, and in turn create a space for the us, and that we will be reunited.” they give off a life and a force that energizes Real Bird said. youth to learn their us. We need to engage with them.” That time spent with her elders prepared history. The festival Sanders for the cultural battles ahead, and she’s The Field in Indian Country features workshops entered the museum space with the spirits of Powerful medicine The Field Museum opened in 1894 during by published writers generations of warriors behind her, propelling this time of collecting. The year prior, the Such powerful medicine is the reason Sand- and award-winning her tenacity and desire to find ways to work museum’s holdings debuted when Chicago ers was called to the Field Museum, she said, speakers as well as within institutional walls. hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition, a and she believes the draw of such sacred items “In the Crow language words are sacred, six-month-long event that commemorated the have called others to Chicago as well. historical presenta- and there are beautiful words below those 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus “Every single person who has come here is tions by Métis elders pictures that will carry on this way, this legacy, arriving in the “new world.” meant to be here and have an experience that and cooking demon- this tradition,” Real Bird added of Sanders’ “The exposition delighted visitors with will in some way continue to transform the strations. work to present Crow culture to viewers at the 65,000 exhibits filled with natural wonders and world we live in, and Apsáalooke people hap- Admission is free Field Museum. cultural artifacts, many of which later found a pen to have a part of that,” Sanders said. and the festival is Both exhibitions are focused on different permanent home in Chicago at the newly creat- While one of the exhibition’s goals is to open to the public; aspects of Apsáalooke culture, which was pri- ed Field Columbian Museum,” according to the look and move forward, many of the Native the language work- marily an egalitarian society prior to coloniza- Field’s website. women and girls the exhibition celebrates are shops are sponsored tion, and the role of women within the society. The collection now numbers more than 40 missing or have been found dead, a staggering in part through an Gender roles within the tribe are explored while million artifacts and specimens, many obtained plight for indigenous women who are 10 times Opportunity Grant also looking at Apsáalooke warriors and the directly from Native peoples or from a system more likely to be murdered than the national role of women within historical and contempo- that museums employed for swapping items. average. from Humanities rary times. Some of the museum’s archives and sacred A signpost at the Field Museum indicates Montana. In Sanders’ research, she found the stories of items were obtained directly from Apsáalooke the exhibition is dedicated to Selena Not For more informa- women to be largely excluded, and in repre- people in the early 1900s by Stephen Simms, a Afraid, Kaysera Stops Pretty Places, and the tion about the festival senting history she places women’s stories at collector working on behalf of the Field Muse- nation’s many missing and murdered indige- visit www.mitchif the forefront. At the Field Museum, Sanders um. Between 1901 and 1902, Simms obtained nous women and girls. heritagekeepers.org. dedicated a room to war shields, and behind approximately 100 war shields from various “We are singing the songs of women,” each shield is a large-scale portrait of a woman Apsáalooke families, according to Sanders’ Sanders said. “A lot of times, we forget how from the tribe’s past, assuming the position of a research. Though Simms utilized an interpret- precious Native women and all women are. guardian of that space and over those objects. er and wrote about the shields, it was limited Sometimes, you need to be reminded what are “We could tell stories of men in battle and and rough at best, often describing just their the most precious parts of our culture.” counting coup, and it could be a glorious story, appearance. State of the Arts • Spring 2020 The arts in the age of Coronavirus By Kristi Niemeyer the Chocolate Factory” are also on hold. and “Dervish are high-tailing home while they The cascade of cancellations and post- “These productions are MAT’s main can,” says the arts center’s executive director, ponements started as a trickle March 9, when source of revenue and without them we find Krys Holmes. the C.M. Russell Museum announced that ourselves in a difficult position,” wrote the In addition to owing $7,000 in refunds for it was postponing The Russell Auction – the company’s executive producer, Jay Pyette. Dervish tickets, The Myrna also cancelled centerpiece of Western Art Week in its annual fundraising gala, slated for Great Falls – due to concerns about March 14, and a concert by the Ras- the potential infectious risk posed trelli Cello Quartet on April 9. by COVID-19 to attendees and the “We will dip into savings to support community. our staff as much as possible,” says “We take this decision very seri- Holmes. “I love my team fiercely, and ously,” said Tom Figarelle, execu- will do everything I can for them.” tive director of the museum. “The The Myrna crew is “also imagining Russell Exhibition and Sale has a new ways to serve our community beloved 52-year tradition in Great through tough times. We all need Falls and is a primary source of music, laughter, and good movies to revenue for the museum, but given get us through. Maybe we can just do 6 the potential and likely spread of the it differently.” Coronavirus at The Russell events, Rural performing arts groups are we feel postponement is in the best ending their seasons early too. Mis- interest of the Great Falls communi- The Myrna Loy: “Imagining new ways to serve our community.” sion Valley Live! in Polson and Ronan ty and our patrons, staff, volunteers cancelled a concert March 20 and I feel for what and partners.” “If you considered a donation, but just didn’t announced a few days later that Stringfever, By March 15, most of the remaining art get around to it – maybe now is the time.” a band from the United Kingdom that was suffering is auctions and shows that make Western Art Zootown Art Community Center was slated to play eight concerts across Montana coming. And Week an international attraction, followed busy planning its largest fundraiser of the in April, had cancelled their tour. at the same suit, creating a significant hit to the communi- year, the Mini Show, a gala art auction “No one expects this virus to start to wane ty’s economy. As of press-time, the museum and dinner held at The Wilma in Missoula. until possibly this summer,” writes board time I think planned to announce the rescheduled date by Instead, ZACC is currently closed, and is member Trish Rodrique. She added that many we are made the end of March and anticipated holding The moving the Mini of the presenters Russell within the next six months. Show to an online she’s in touch with for times like Western Art Week is by no means the only platform. around the state have this. We’re casualty. By March 13, event cancellations “Obviously, these cancelled the rest of were pouring in to LivelyTimes.com, Mon- are tough decisions their performances resilient, gen- tana’s only statewide events calendar. And by for us as we are de- this season. erous, and Monday, March 16, most major events within pendent on our daily At Arts Missoula, strong. We a two-week to month-long span were either operations and the a hub of Missoula’s cancelled or postponed, and many venues, in- Mini Show fundrais- arts community, the will help each cluding art museums, theaters and art centers, ing efforts to meet focus was on how to other through. had announced closures ranging from two our operation bud- move forward with weeks to a month. – Krys Holmes, The gets,” writes ZACC SPARK! Arts Ignite The nonprofit arts community is especial- Myrna Loy executive director Learning, a commu- ly reeling. Jen Asebrook, executive director Kia Liszak. nity-wide partnership of Whitefish Theatre Company, says the “This closure’s that aims to expand organization is faced with cancelling at least impact on our arts programming in three of the season’s final five shows, which community, staff the schools, espe- include a mix of concerts and community the- and our organization cially in light of atre productions. “And it is possible the entire is potentially very possible long-term remainder of the season will be cancelled, so serious, but it is school closures. The it’s a big financial hit for us,” she says. our responsibility annual Arts & Culture The company, housed at the O’Shaugh- to make sure we are Awards lunch, slated nessy Center in Whitefish, suspended business making decisions Mission Valley Live! cancels two concerts, and for April 7 at the operations at least through March 29. Re- that keep everyone the third is iffy. Doubletree Hotel, is hearsals were also cancelled for an as safe as possible.” also postponed. Maybe instead of try- upcoming performance of “Sense While refunds are available for cancelled “Right now we are reacting in the moment, and Sensibility,” and the perfor- events, Liszak adds, “converting the value trying to be responsible, as is the case with ing our best to bring mance itself will be rescheduled. of your ticket purchase into a tax-deductible any other industry,” writes executive director people to art, we’ll “We are hoping our season tick- charitable donation to the ZACC would be Tom Bensen. “And it’s a moving target, with et holders – and perhaps some of much appreciated.” new developments each day … I assume have to find new ways our sponsors and others who have This is not an isolated request. Many that’s the case all over the state.” to bring art to people pre-bought tickets – will help us presenters across the state are encouraging pa- through their phones weather the storm a bit.” trons who can afford it to consider exchanging Montana Actors’ Theatre a pre-purchased ticket for a receipt, marking it Museums and galleries on hiatus and computers.” in Havre was planning to stage as a donation. The Clay Studio of Missoula cancelled – Alyssa Cordova, Hockaday “Mama Mia” March 13-28, but The Myrna Loy in Helena was looking its annual Potsketch fundraiser, slated for Museum of Art postponed the production when forward to a performance by the Irish band April 9 at the University Center, as well as the its theatre on the campus of Dervish, which was also performing in Mis- preview reception and Potsketch exhibit. Dis- MSU-Northern was closed. Upcoming pro- soula the week of St. Patrick’s Day. But in cussions are underway about rescheduling the ductions of “Ticked Off!” and “Charlie and light of travel bans, the concert was cancelled event for later this year, or moving the auction of ceramic art and drawings to an online plat- form. Spring classes are also postponed. “This has been a tough and heartbreaking (from page 1) week for all of us, and a huge blow to all the MCT cancels tour small businesses and organizations in Missou- By March 17, more than 120 offers of TADs and are now having to teach middle la and beyond,” writes the studio’s executive help and support had rolled in: school theatre online. We’ll trade you room director, Shalene Valenzuela. “But above “Which team of the Emperors New and board for some fun ideas and guest all, we value the safety of our community Clothes is coming to Columbia, MO? TAD lecturing!” (Kristin) members.” veteran here from 1994-95 with a kiddo to “Kansas City KS/MO! Lots of TP and The Archie Bray Center for the Ceramic audition and some free drinks and food for two golden retrievers – if anyone needs help Arts in Helena also shuttered its public facil- People need the the team! Let me know!! Xoxo” (Jennifer) reach out!” (Kathleen) ities March 16, including classroom spaces “Three extra rooms, beds, food, and In preparation for the summer tour, MCT and its sales gallery. arts in times of parking available in Arkansas. Close to has hired 17 two-person teams to take the “We are planning for alternative offerings crisis – to uplift Dallas/Shreveport/Little Rock. And tons company’s whimsical productions to kids in our education program but for the safety of board games to keep us occupied if you in hundreds of communities across North of the students and instructors, we will be our spirits, to need to social distance with us here for a America and to military bases in the U.S. ceasing community class activities during this bring us joy and bit.” (Brittany) and around the world, including South Ko- time,” wrote resident artist director Steven a sense of “Omaha, NE smack dab in the middle of rea, Japan, Italy and Bahrain. Young Lee. the country if you need a place on the way “Typically this time of year we’re look- Meanwhile, resident artists’ studios, offices community. through! My dog, Dobby, always welcomes ing for between 80 and 90 actors,” Elander and clay manufacturing remain in operation. – Terri Elander, MCT more hands to sneak him treats!” (Bridget) says. “We’re being cautious.” Although the buildings are closed to the “I didn’t see any teams in or near Wis- And yet, she adds, it’s times like this public, clay orders and gallery sales are still consin, but if anyone finds themselves in when artists are most important. “People available via phone or email. the area, they have a friend and safe place need the arts in times of crisis – to uplift Most of the state’s major museums were here – we have cheese to spare.” (Bailie) our spirits, to bring us joy and a sense of temporarily closed, at least through the end “We have two spare rooms in San Jose, community.” of March. The staff at Paris Gibson Square CA. My husband and I are both former Museum of Art in Great Falls was plan- ning to use the two-week interval to develop Spring 2020 • State of the Arts programming and work on main- The Verge Theater in Bozeman, tenance projects at the historic which offers live theatre and com- building. “Please stay connected edy, is dark at the moment. “We to the arts, by creating at home,” hope that by helping ‘flatten the advised their email. curve’ of infections locally, we can Art in Bloom, a new four-day play a small part in allowing our event during which floral designers first responders to do their best to and garden club members create keep everyone healthy,” says execu- displays interpreting works of art in tive director Hilary Parker. the galleries, is still scheduled for For now, the Verge is postponing June 4-7. classes, rehearsals and shows. “One The Hockaday Museum of Art of the best aspects of Verge is its in Kalispell is now closed at least sense of community, so we know through April 15. While director you will stay focused on taking care Alyssa Cordova had hoped to keep of one another,” she wrote in an the museum open “as a place of email announcement. respite and reflection,” she decided “Let’s use this time to connect the risk was too great for both staff and find a deeper appreciation for and patrons, many of whom are all that we have as well as to sup- senior citizens. port those in need,” writes Parker. The Hockaday staff will spend “We’ll be here, ready to welcome 7 the downtime on behind-the-scenes Babcock Theater in Billings offers timely advice. (Photo by Jody Grant) you back to Verge Theater in the work, and “use our creative think- The Missoula Symphony Orchestra, very near future.” ing skills to find ways to support artists and which is recruiting a new music director, post- Resilience is a theme echoed by Holmes art education through our online platform,” poned the last concert of the “Pass the Baton” at The Myrna. “I feel for what suffering is says Cordova. season, which was slated for April 18-19. coming,” she writes. “And at the same time I Virtual tours are almost certainly afoot. “Our final finalist, Zoe Zeniodi, resides in think we are made for times like this. We’re “Maybe instead of trying our best to bring Greece and clearly she is unable to travel to resilient, generous, and strong. We will help people to art, we’ll have to find new ways to the U.S. at this time,” says executive director each other through.” bring art to people through their phones and Jo May Salonen. The Missoula Symphony computers.” Association office was temporarily closed in mid-March and employees were working Private sector hit hard too Like the recession of 2008, upheavals Bars, restaurants and other gathering remotely. offer an opportunity for museums to grow places were temporarily closing their doors, Social distancing “As with the rest of the world, we take and innovate. “It can be a learning opportuni- especially in light of federal recommendations this situation day by day, hour by hour, in an is the recipe to ty,” suggests Cordova, “a way to stretch our that gatherings be limited to 10 people or effort to keep our musicians, patrons, staff and thinking.” fewer. Logjam Presents, the state’s largest stop the spread volunteers safe,” she adds. Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings concert promoter, postponed all live events Likewise, Bozeman Symphony is search- of the virus hopes to reopen April 1, and mentions its for at least 30 days, beginning March 15. Log- ing for a new music director, and the season’s among us, but it new exhibitions, including a solo show jam owns three concert venues, the Top Hat final concert, still on the calendar for May by Wyoming artist Neltje, “Tell me, why and The Wilma in Missoula and the Rialto in is also the death 2-3, features Janna Hymes, the sixth and final flowers?” Missoula Art Museum is closed Bozeman. The move, including the restaurant candidate for the position, along with featured of festivals that March 16-April 6, and all MAM programs closure, affects nearly 200 hourly employees. soloists traveling from across the state and and events through May 1 are cancelled or Private galleries were also on hiatus. Ra- bring people to- country. postponed. dius Gallery in Missoula, which moved into Whether these performances happen gether to dance According to its website, the Holter Muse- elegant new quarters this spring, announced depends on ever-changing health guidelines. um of Art in Helena had cancelled all events that it was closed to the general public until in the streets and “Each day seems to present new information and programs “for the next couple of weeks as further notice. It will, however, be open by celebrate collec- and new challenges,” says executive director we continue to assess the situation.” appointment, and “fastidiously follow health Emily Paris-Martin. tive joy to live The Emerson Center for the Arts and protocols.” The organization has cancelled Symphon- Culture in Bozeman has closed its offices and “Giving a little of each day over to cre- music in the full- ic Choir rehearsals until further notice and public spaces including the theater, ballroom ativity’s boundless expression is an excellent plans to reschedule several events includ- ness of the short and galleries. The Emerson’s tenants continue meditative practice, and not a bad way to ing Symphony at the Shane and the annual to have access to their studios/galleries, unless spend a bit of our self-seclusions,” wrote sweet summer Underwriters Appreciation Reception, which mandated otherwise by local, state or federal co-owner Lisa Simon. “The business and was slated to showcase talented cellist Tristan in the Northern governments. Staff members are working busy-ness of life will catch up with us all soon Hernandez, runner-up for the 2019 Montana Rockies. remotely or are on a staggered work schedule. enough.” Association of Symphony Orchestras’ Young The Montana Historical Society in Hele- And in announcing a decision to “keep – George Everett, Artist Competition. na announced March 17 that it had closed its our doors closed until the worst of this has Montana Folk Festival “Music is a healing force and we need that museum galleries, Research Center, Museum passed,” Persimmon Gallery in Bigfork now,” says Paris-Martin. She also appreciates Store, and the Original Governor’s Mansion added: “so many beautiful items to touch and the support of the symphony’s board of di- to the public until further notice. try on. We decided it’s not a great idea right rectors, a strong network of colleagues across “We will continue to serve the public by now.” the state, “and symphony orchestras nation- staffing the Research Center desk for calls Some bookstores, including Chapter One wide who are taking vital steps to move our and email and encourage access to collections in Hamilton and organizations forward and provide an essential through our various digital channels,” said Fact & Fiction in platform for resources.” Giving a little of each day over to MHS Director Bruce Whittenberg. “Remem- Missoula, were tai- The Billings Symphony postponed its ber that access to the Montana Historical loring their services creativity’s boundless expression is major production of “West Side Story.” While Society collections is not just about walking to the times. Chap- acknowledging that it was a difficult decision, an excellent meditative practice, through the door.” ter One offered free the organization saw it as the best way to pro- delivery in town and not a bad way to spend a bit tect “the safety and well-being of our patrons, and free shipping Symphonies on sabbatical donors, musicians, guest artists, and all our of our self-seclusions. The business the week of March The state’s symphony orchestras were also symphony family.” 16. The store also and busy-ness of life will catch up forced to cancel and postpone concerts. All Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Cho- suggested that with us all soon enough. Helena Symphony Orchestra and Chorale rale has cancelled its annual Spring Festival, readers check out rehearsals, performances and events are can- April 25-26, and the Butte Symphony’s final – Lisa Simon, Radius Gallery libro.fm, an online celled through April 15, including a Master- concert of the season, “Unfinished Sympho- source of audiobooks that splits proceeds with works concert on March 28. nies of Great Composers” on April 11 “is on independent bookstores. The season finale, “Carmen in Concert,” hold until the COVID-19 situation is brought and an after party are still tentatively slated under control,” according to a Facebook post. More on page 8 for May 2, although “the symphony will be closely monitoring its options throughout the Theaters across the state go dark next few weeks,” writes Scott Kall, director of Patron Services. Due to a major remodeling project, the The Great Falls Symphony took an Alberta Bair Theater in Billings offered a innovative approach. When a Chamber Music more limited season this year, with perfor- Series concert, Independent Spirits by the mances at a variety of venues, including the Chinook Winds, was cancelled for March 15, Babcock Theater and MSU Billings Petro the performance was live streamed via Face- Theater. “Finding Neverland,” a major touring book, as will the remainder of the series (live production scheduled for April 2 at Metra- performances are still tentatively scheduled Park, was postponed, along with two student for April 17 and 19 and May15 and 17). performances and a National Geographic Live The orchestra postponed its “Jubilee” show, “Ocean Soul.” concert from March 28 until May 10. “Gloria” “We’re taking this show by show as remains on the calendar for April 25, “but more information becomes available and are we are giving ourselves a couple of weeks heeding the advice of public health officials,” to see how things are going,” says executive says Jody Grant, the ABT’s programming and director Hillary Rose Shepherd. “These are marketing director. “Despite the performance unprecedented times and we don’t know what side of operations, the renovation continues on schedule. We’re still planning on re-opening the future holds, but we are so thankful for the The Top Hat in Missoula has postponed live support of our community.” in September.” music for 30 days. State of the Arts • Spring 2020 Montana Heritage Center moves forward Gov. Steve Bullock cer- vice, and other amenities emonially signed a bill Jan. for everyone who comes 16 that provides funding for to the Capitol to experi- construction of the Montana ence Montana. Historical Society’s new Funding for the proj- Montana Heritage Center. ect was authorized by Bullock was surrounded the 2019 Montana Legis- by proponents of Senate lature. Some of the con- Bill 338, and noted that the struction and renovation ceremonial signing was the costs will be covered crowning achievement of the by accommodations tax decade-long effort to build revenue, which is esti- the new facility. He added mated to provide about that the new Heritage Center $38 million. Existing is for all Montanans, as well bonding of about $6.5 as for visitors to the Treasure million is available, and State. the Montana Historical 8 “We have incredible Society has committed treasures … and this is an to raise private contribu- opportunity to see what we tions of $10 million for have, not just for people here Montana Historical Society Director Bruce Whittenberg watches Gov. Steve Bullock galleries and exhibits. but for people across the as he ceremonially signs Senate Bill 338, which authorizes funding for the new Mon- Russ Katherman, world,” Bullock said. “It’s tana Heritage Center. Seated with Bullock are Sen. Jill Cohenour, Sen. Terry Gauthier chair of the Building exciting that Democrats and and Rep. Julie Dooling, who were all instrumental in efforts to pass the bill. Committee and ad- Republicans came together ministrator of the State and said ‘Let’s finally get this done.’” tration decided last fall to build a new facility Architecture and Engineering Division, told the “This is not the Helena historical soci- on the Capitol campus, just a few steps from society’s board of trustees that it may take 12 to ety but the Montana Historical Society,” he the Capitol building. 18 months to arrive at a design, which he hopes added. “It’s a treasure everyone in Montana The new facility will be constructed across to present to the trustees next May or June. should enjoy and share.” Sixth Street from the current home of the “We expect it will take two ­to two-and-a- Big Sky Reads The new structure and renovations to the Montana Historical Society, and the old build- half years for construction,” he predicted. “It existing building are expected to cost about ing will be renovated. Along with housing will be museum-quality construction, which is offers stipends $52 million. After an in-depth study on where Montana’s history, the facility will provide pretty intense. We’ll use high-quality, durable to book groups it will be located, the Department of Adminis- public and legislative meeting space, food ser- materials that will last for the next 100 years.” The Montana Center for the Book supports public book New director takes helm at Humanities Montana clubs in rural areas Humanities Montana recently announced School and received a Johnson Center at that engage in deep- that Randi Lynn Tanglen takes the reins as fellowship grant from Austin College since er, thought-provok- executive director effective June 1. Tanglen Humanities Montana 2015, her innovative ing discussions about is currently an associate professor of English in 2002 to research the and creative leadership literature. and director of the Robert and Joyce Johnson cultural, literary and has transformed the The Big Sky Reads Center for Faculty Development and Excel- historical significance of center into a model program, now in its lence in Teaching and director of the Gender Montana women’s com- faculty-development second year, pro- Studies program at Austin College in Sher- munity cookbooks. She program. vides $500 stipends man, Texas. used that grant to travel Tanglen notes that She replaces Ken Egan, who retired last the state, visiting local as a faculty member, to book clubs for fall. Longtime board member Scott Crichton museums and archives she has benefited from trained discussion has been serving as interim executive director. and giving presentations National Endowment leaders, author “Randi Tanglen rose to the top in our na- at libraries and civic for the Humanities, visits, book shipping, tionwide search,” said Crichton. “She is a real organizations. Andrew W. Mellon marketing, and other find for Humanities Montana – an academic Tanglen earned her Foundation, and local costs that enhance with experience in program administration, doctorate in English foundation philan- Randi Lynn Tanglen the humanities value public humanities advocacy, and donor from the University of thropy to enhance her of a program. Book relations and philanthropy. Her demonstrat- Arizona. Since 2008 she has taught at Austin teaching and research. “I am eager to work clubs must be open ed commitment to humanities engagement, College where she offers classes on U.S. with the Humanities Montana staff and board to the public and especially in small communities, in order women and minority writers. Her co-edited of directors to ensure the continued vibrancy meet in a public to support an inclusive, democratic society volume with Brady Harrison of the Univer- and support of humanities outreach in my makes her perfect for this job.” sity of Montana, Teaching Western American beloved home state.” space or school. The Montana native was born in Sidney Literature, will be released in June. “We are simply delighted that Randi is All book clubs sup- and received degrees from Rocky Moun- Tanglen regularly participates in academic coming back to Montana to share her leader- ported by Montana tain College in Billings and the University conference panels about public humanities ship and vision with Humanities Montana,” Center for the Book of Montana in Missoula, where she wrote a engagement and publishes opinion pieces on said Aaron Pruitt, chair of the organization’s contribute reading master’s thesis on Montana women writers. literature and culture in the Dallas Morning board of directors. lists, discussion ques- She taught English at Billings West High News and Texas Tribune. As director of the Learn more at humanitiesmontana.org. tions, event times and more to the program’s Facebook Arts in the age of Coronavirus (from previous page) group, providing a valuable resource to Fact and Fiction directed readers He noted that Butte’s St. Patrick’s find new books, new to its website, “open 24 hours a day Day parade – an event that typically and available in your living room,” draws thousands of revelers to the participants, discus- and offered “curbside service if you Irish-centric city – was cancelled, as sion questions and want to avoid shipping costs and limit was Butte’s first Art Walk of the season facilitators. public interaction.” For homebound on May 1. As is the case across Mon- The program funds locals, “we will deliver books our- tana, live music venues are closed, and up to 10 clubs each selves right to your doorstep.” gigs are cancelled or postponed until year; there’s no dead- The Institute for Tourism and further notice. line and the applica- Recreation Research at the University Everett hopes that the folk festival’s tion is easy. of Montana had conducted multiple dates in mid-July – nearly four months For details, head to online surveys March 11-15 to gauge from the onset of the Coronavirus in www.humanities the impact of COVID-19 restrictions Montana – will allow the show to go montana.org/ on traveler and travel-related business on. owners, and was planning to send an- “So we are moving forward, plan- big-sky-reads/. other batch the week of March 23. To ning the festival as if the world had not track results, head to itrr.umt.edu. Crowd gathers at the Original Stage during the Montana changed in the last few weeks and at the Folk Festival. (Photo by Joshua J. Pate-Terry) same time planning to either cancel or A festival season? impact to Butte is approximately $8 million; postpone the festival depending on how high George Everett, executive director of the region and state reap an estimated $25 the risks remain for our audiences,” he writes. Mainstreet Uptown Butte and the Montana million annually. “Social distancing is the recipe to stop the Folk Festival, said plans are still in the works “As the threat of the spreading virus spread of the virus among us, but it is also the for Montana’s largest outdoor festival, July becomes a reality in Southwest Montana, and death of festivals that bring people together to 10-12. The nonprofit event draws more than indeed throughout the nation and the world, dance in the streets and celebrate collective joy 150,000 people to historic Uptown Butte to we have been developing contingency plans to live music in the fullness of the short sweet see more than 200 musicians, dancers and to cancel or postpone the Montana Folk Festi- summer in the Northern Rockies.” craftspeople from across the U.S. and around val if required by concerns for public safety,” His advice: “Wait and hope for a change in the globe; admission is free. The economic Everett writes. the situation and wash our hands a lot.” Spring 2020 • State of the Arts

gets old, and a slight Atlanta Rhythm Section nuance. The group’s seasoned sound is the complete package. They get the crowd About Music – By Mariss McTucker dancin’, and even if you don’t dance, it’s a pleasure just to listen! Russ Nasset: He was Singin’ This Song Sweetgrass Blues Band: Ghost Dance Missoula’s honky-tonkin’ music icon This nine-year-old electric blues band from Russ Nasset, he of the burn-barrel voice and Helena has its inaugural CD out. It features 10 fleet-fingered guitar licks, has produced another homemade rockers by founder and guitarist (mostly) solo CD. He has accompaniment on a Mark Dixon. He’s originally from Oklahoma few numbers, but mostly it’s just him, his dis- City, and has been a Helenan since 1994. tinctive baritone sound, gravelly and expressive, Dixon took up the electric guitar at age 15 and a guitar. and brings a southern sensibility to his work; Joining him on this stockpile of folk and influences like Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top cowboy pieces are a couple of family members: waft through the pieces. son Sam (who plays with his dad in The Revelators) plays sleek electric Joining him are Helena natives Trevor Hult, an in-demand studio bassist, guitar on four tracks, and granddaughter Ella sings on Glen Ohrlin’s “My and timekeeper Jay Hutchinson thwacking the drum skins. Great Falls na- Home’s in Montana.” tive Cole Bass, who daylights as a high-school band teacher, adds tenor sax John Parker adds an old-time feel with clawhammer banjo on the tradi- and keys. Laurie Zupan shares vocals on “Cowboy Cadillac” and “When the 9 tional song, “Tyin’ Knots in the Devil’s Tail”; David Horgan spills sweet syr- Lights Go Out.” up via lap steel on “Cool Water”; and Richie Reinholdt thumps the upright With Dixon on lead vocals and Hutchinson and Bass singing harmony, bass on Harlan Howard’s bittersweet “The Blizzard.” the fellas put out the funk, with lots of sax and guitar leads. The Allman Nasset is a rocker, yes, but his riveting interpretations of these cherished Brothers, B.B. King and Van the Man seep into the music, along with Mo- nuggets command attention. Tom Russell’s “The Sky Above and the Mud town and jazz styles. Below,” a colorful tale of horse thieves and a preacher who takes revenge, is On “Buddy’s Blues,” the band expands on and quickens the chunky open- putty in Nasset’s hands. His voice, still soaked in the whiskey and smoke it ing chords of the Guess Who’s “American Woman”; honkin’ sax and crisp gobbled in days of old, smolders and cracks, and he reaches way down for trap work give way to fluid guitar lines as Dixon sings. Hip-shakin’ country State of hushed bass notes at the end of verses. Same with the western waltz, “The rocker “Cowboy Cadillac” finds Dixon trading his truck for a fast Caddy to the Arts Streets of Laredo,” where he deploys his deep bass to sing the “So beat the chase women because the oldie “won’t do much more than 85.” drum slowly” chorus. The slowed-down foot-stomper, “Black Widow,” has snaky guitar and sax; welcomes CDs And who can resist the wistful “Shenandoah”? Nasset gives it a loping superstition abounds in black cats, bad dreams and bad luck. On “Sum- State of the Arts country feel, and plays the melody line on baritone guitar while Sam joins mertime Girl,” with its fuzzed-out guitar and ’60s chord progression, Dixon in on electric. Russ sings the lyrics with his voice doubled, too. It’s perfect. welcomes CD sub- sings about the idyllic days of summer and falling in and out of love. missions by Montana The elder Nasset has been at this for a long time, and the years shine in There’s even one for Billings: “Magic City Strut” swaggers. It’s a fin- musicians for inclu- his voice. We are fortunate to have an artist like him in our midst. ger-snapping shuffly blues instrumental that has rockin’ bass. This is a nice first effort from a savvy blues band! sion in the About Montana A Cappella Society: Faith, Love, Adventure — Music section. The More Stories of America The Lil Smokies: Tornillo recordings must be professional, com- The longtime community choral group from Missoula’s rising stars, The Lil Smokies, mercially available, Hamilton, christened by Gov. Steve Bullock as have put out their third studio album, named “Montana’s Ambassador of Song,” has released after the Texas town where it was recorded. Af- full-length CDs a follow-up to Stories of America, an album ter touring tirelessly for days on end, the band recorded within the inspired by attending a choral festival in Cork, hunkered down with accomplished producer/ past 12 months, with Ireland, in 2013. This new effort features music engineer Bill Reynolds at the Sonic Ranch cover art and liner they sang at the invitation-only International studio near El Paso to regroup and record. notes. Reviews also Choral Festival in Tuscany, Italy, last summer, Band members Matt Cornette, banjo, Scott appear at livelytimes. where they performed in three churches. Parker, bass, Matt “Rev” Rieger, guitar and vocals, Andy Dunnigan, Dobro Along with sacred pieces the group learned for the trip, the recording com, Montana’s and vocals, and Jake Simpson, fiddle and vocals, decided this time around statewide source for features popular standards from their repertoire, and the finale, “So Long, they would focus on shared songwriting. Three songs are from Rieger, one arts and entertain- Farewell, Goodbye,” written by Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. from Simpson, six from Dunnigan, and one by all three (“World’s on Fire”). All tracks were recorded live in Hamilton’s historic St. Paul’s Episcopal They aspire here to write in the folk-rock style of a major influence, the ment. Church except for the 12th century “Salve Regina,” recorded during the Laurel Canyon (California) songwriters of the ‘70s (think Crosby, Stills, Brief biographical society’s last performance in Italy, at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Nash, and Young, and Buffalo Springfield, among many others). Each information on band Montecatini Terme. performer sings his own compositions, and they split up the arranging, too, Arranger/artistic director and founder Don Matlock, since retired, members would be with stellar harmonies contributed by all vocalists. helpful to the writer. adapted many of the pieces. The traditional 19th century spirituals include Mirroring that style alone would make them mere imitators, but when “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” “Down to the River to Pray,” and a great it’s built upon a foundation of galloping, unrelenting tempos and white-hot Please send submis- arrangement of “My Lord, What a Mornin’.” It’s a hymn that starts quietly, instrumental work, you have something new. sions to CD reviewer then morphs into a march, building to a crescendo that’s glorious in its Slow silky fiddle starts “Carry Me;” next comes a whispery vocal intro Mariss McTucker, P.O. depth, and ringing to the rafters before ending in a hush. Wow! from Dunnigan. There are soaring harmony vocals on the chorus that stop Box 81, Dixon, MT, The Green/Homer/Brown swinger, “Sentimental Journey,” opens with a abruptly for a cappella harmony on “untie these knots, carry me.” Blazing 59831. hollered “1-2-3-4-1,” and sports a train toot. Jerry Ross’s “Steam Heat” has fiddle follows, and presently the song tamps down and fades quietly. lots of hisses and a snappy feel, and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “The Girl from Rieger’s snappy “Wheel on the Water” has a chunky feel, and crisp fiddle/ Ipanema” sways with soft palm-tree ambience. Dobro snippets shine between verses. Rieger’s earthy voice, contrasting The 17-voice choir sings many leads in unison, particularly on the with Dunnigan’s smooth baritone, gets reverb-y on “but the quiet never sacred music, and layers the vocals in almost every song for a lush feel. lies.” Simpson sings his “Life Out There,” a folky, country loper with pretty Superb engineering by Jason Hicks (of Joan Zen fame) shows how the harmonies. Montana A Cappella Society sounds in a live setting. No wonder they were “World’s on Fire” finds banjo kickstarting the song along with Dunnigan’s chosen to perform in Europe, twice! vocals. There’s monster fiddle sawing and a knock-out banjo break, then all quiets. Three voices enter, one at a time on separate verses, till it sounds Off in the Woods: Greenhouse almost like a round. “Tornillo,” the finale, is a slow ballad on piano. It’s an un-Smokies-like contribution that’s refreshing, and it works. The exceptional second album from one of The group is on a winter-spring tour throughout the States and Canada, Montana’s premier dance bands is out. It’s been picking up new fans, no doubt! a long time coming, but well worth the wait since 2011’s Smoke Signals. The Knee Jürk!: Hot Buttered Holiday The Polson fellas describe themselves as “rock’n’ reggae roll with a funk-flavored soul.” Although it’s long after the Christmas season, the crackerjack EP from Funky beats, sharp arrangements, whiz-bang this Butte duo bears listening to anytime. Jock Holmes and Russ Nelson call chops from all players, and stellar singing from themselves a “semi-acoustic supersonic duo incorporating all that big-band front-man Jon Schumaker typify their sound. They rented the versatile beat.” I’d say that’s about right, considering all the sounds the two men make Hammond organ to simulate some instruments and recorded the album at on their first project. an empty Wilma theater, so the sound quality is superior to boot. Both are schooled on their instruments, and have a lot of musical expe- Rarely can one voice carry a whole album, let alone a whole night of per- rience. Lead singer Nelson learned guitar mostly from his uncle, John Mon- forming. But Schumaker’s elastic pipes are up to the task. His tenor is in the toya, a well-known solo guitarist and singer in the Butte area; he also plays range of a Michael McDonald, say, but with more depth and earthiness. in Shellshock Lullaby. Holmes was bassist/vocalist in The Max and sang and The original four-piece includes Schumaker (vocals, guitar, and bass), drummed for Slakkr. Sean Burress (bass and guitar), Nathan Noble (drums), and Layne McKay Since getting together four years ago to play Christmas strolls, the duo (sax, guitar and the album’s sound engineer). They are complemented by has gained popularity around southwest Montana for their dynamic live Kyle Daugherty (trombone and shaker), Kai Salmonson (auxiliary percus- shows. Influences from bands like The Replacements and Matchbox 20, sion and bass) and Kia Adibzadeh (keys). among others, run through their original songs. Band members penned all nine numbers, including a few pure instru- Nelson plays all guitars and keys, programs computer instruments and mentals. Some pieces, such as “Candy Before Dessert” with its many moods sings all leads, with the exception of Holmes on the riotous “A John Mayer and tempo changes, sound like film music. Their dynamic arrangements XXX-Mas.” They both sing backup, and wrote four of the songs. “All I’ll Say” ebb and flow, tightly wrapped in scatter-shot rhythms propelled by killer is by The Max’s Kyle Brenner. drum and bass lines, and crisp horn phrases. The EP is funny and zany, with sometimes cartoon-like electro-pop styl- “Faces in the Mountains” is jumpy with a percussion interlude, and ings, played with a sense of humor. “You’re a Buzzkill Mr. Grinch” speaks for “American Muscle” finds Schumaker mixing a little gravel into his vo- itself. “Consuelo del Solsticio” is unexpected; it’s a pretty instrumental that cals. “Treading Water” morphs from reggae to rock and back again; and shows off their expertise. Schumaker displays his vocal agility with “Soul Revival,” traveling way up “Jürk (Holiday Mix),” has fuzzed-out guitars à la Buffy the Vampire Slay- there on some falsetto “oohs.” er, firefight arpeggios, and crashing drums. Lots of catchy riffs and abrupt “Rez Rider” is a slowly rockin’ instrumental that shakes the hips and stops, with “Jürk!” repeated over and over, lend to its hypnotic sound. Let’s struts all over the place. It’s got a catchy, repetitious horn melody that never hope for a full-length CD from them soon! State of the Arts • Spring 2020

ers, including Courtney Blazon, Travis Burdick, Monte Dolack and others. The long list of writers includes Dan Aadland, Susan Austin, Doug About Books Chabot, John Clayton, Seabring Davis, Shane Doyle, Gary Ferguson, Peter Halstead, Ed Kemmick, Scott McMillion and Bernard Quetchenbach. Editors Traute Parrie and Jesse Logan are both long-time veterans Non-fiction/Memoir of the Forest Service. The book is published by the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Foundation, a nonprofit group devoted to supporting steward- It Comes Around Again: A Memoir ship of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness through “boots-on-the-ground” By Rudy Autio experiences. This memoir, published posthu- mously, offers an intimate look at An Archaeological History iconic Montana artist Rudy Autio, Six Hundred Generations: one of the important figures in the of Montana By Carl M. Davis contemporary clay movement rooted in the 1950s. Accomplished Missoula archeologist Carl Through the early 1990s, Autio Davis takes a fascinating look at the archeo- sporadically worked on a memoir, logical evidence of Montana’s long Indigenous which he wrote for his children, but human history. hoped would be relevant to artists The fourth largest state encompasses 10 everything from snow-capped peaks and their as well. “We knew about the memoir and we’d always enjoyed it, so we thought why don’t we use that? Let Rudy tell his own story,” his daughter, forested flanks, to rolling prairies, wide river Lisa Autio, told the Missoulian. valleys and eroded badlands. The family worked with artist-curator Dennis Kern and his Rattlesnake “Over the millennia, people from the Co- Valley Press on the design, and incorporated historical photographs for a lumbia Plateau, Great Basin and Great Plains small-run first edition. More pictures were added for a second run that ac- came to this place we now call Montana to How to companied an expansive exhibit of Autio’s works, on display Jan. 24-Feb. live, hunt, trade, raid and socialize with each 29 at Radius Gallery in Missoula. other, making the area a cultural crossroads,” submit a book The memoir focuses primarily on his early days growing up in a Finn- he writes. “This convergence and interaction for State of ish immigrant family in Butte, his time in the Navy at the end of World of Native groups from different regions is what War II, establishing the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena with another makes Montana archeology both fascinating and complicated – it tells not the Arts ground-breaking clay artist, Peter Voulkos, and how he built his early one story, but many.” To submit a book murals using brickyard clay. Davis focuses on 12 unique archaeological sites, taking readers on an published in the Later he helped noted historian K. Ross Toole, the new director of extraordinary journey through time, technologies and cultures. Beginning past 12 months by Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena, with a number of diora- with the First Americans who followed mammoths into this landscape, a Montana author mas, and was hired by the University of Montana in 1957 to build what he describes how Native Americans lived, evolved, and flourished here for thousands of years. At the same time, he offers insights into the study for inclusion in the would become a nationally known ceramics program. of archaeology, “the scientific recovery and analysis of material remains About Books section He discusses noteworthy students he learned from during his 28-year teaching career and various commissions he created during those years. – ancient garbage!” He also traces the cyclical changes in climate that of State of the Arts, affected the migrations, hunting and foraging of ancient peoples. email the following Autio also describes some of the early workshops he gave in the 1970s and talks about his first trips to Finland, where he met relatives and artists More than 70 color photographs and numerous illustrations by the information to kristi alike, and worked as a guest artist at the Arabia Factory in Helsinki. The author accompany the 320-page book’s engaging and accessible writing. @livelytimes.com or book also traces how his work evolved over the course of many decades, Published by Riverbend Publishing of Helena, Six Hundred Genera- [email protected]: with funny stories balancing the ordeals of making a living and supporting tions was recently named the Best Popular Book for 2020 by the Society • Title, author, a family as an artist. for American Archaeology, and was lauded by SAA president, Dr. Joe publisher and Autio died in 2007 from leukemia at age 80, and his wife, modernist Watkins, “an outstanding contribution to archaeology.” month/year pub- artist Lela Autio, died in 2016 at age 88. The couple’s four children contin- Raised in Dillon and a graduate of the University of Montana, Davis lished; ue to tend the couple’s rich legacy, including a studio filled with the art worked for 35 years as an archaeologist for the Forest Service, retiring in 2015 as the regional archaeologist for the U.S. Forest Service Northern • A brief descrip- they made, and hundreds of works the couple collected from friends and artists they admired. Region in Missoula. In 2018 he was honored with the Montana Heritage tion of the book Keeper Award from the Montana Historical Society. (no more than 200 Like many artists, Autio was “never thinking about posterity,” his words), and a short daughter told the Missoulian. Instead, he was focused on “the moment right in front of you where you’re working spontaneously.” bio of the author; The Meditation Process: Raja Yoga and Buddhist Shamatha • A cover image: By Lyle Olson minimum 200 dpi in Rediscovering America: A 21st Century Journey The Meditation Process is a practical study pdf or jpg format; By Brian Kahn of concentration meditation for intermediate With Rediscovering America, Brian Kahn • If other publica- and beginning meditators. Based on more – the host of Montana Public Radio’s “Home than 40 years of wide personal experience and tions or authors have Ground” interview series – takes the reader on research, the book offers a close look at what reviewed the book, an extraordinary journey. the meditator actually does. send a brief sampling During a trip to Moscow, he was invited to Author Lyle Olson gives concise, practical of those remarks. accompany the Russian TV journalist Vlad- suggestions for posture, breathing, dealing Books submit- imir Pozner and an 11-person Russian film with thoughts, brain hemisphere functions, es- ted to State of the crew on a 50-day, round-trip drive across the tablishing one-pointed mind, turning the mind Arts appear in this United States, following the path two Soviet inward, relaxation, non-attachment, and more. publication at the journalists took during the Great Depression. Over 65 professional photos taken in India and Montana Arts Coun- He served as the American co-host and helped Nepal add a sense of reality and vibrancy to cil’s discretion and as select and interview people along the way. The the contemplative lifestyle. crew asked everyone from the mayor of Las space permits, and As the author notes: “It’s helpful to have a map describing the stages of Vegas to a haberdasher in Memphis, “What meditation; to know where you are going, how you are getting there, and will not necessarily does America mean to you?” The answers are when you are going off course.” be reprinted at Lively often surprising and relevant — and always poignant. Olson is a retired high school counselor and teacher, who turned to Times.com. As with the initial journey, the new adventure aimed to show the Rus- the study of various religious traditions and Eastern philosophy to answer sian audience what America and Americans were really like. As it turned such perennial questions as “what is life for?” He entered the graduate out, one of the people who learned the most was the author himself. school in Yoga Science and Philosophy at the Himalayan Institute and In his intimate travelogue, Kahn offers a fascinating record of the land- served as photographer for Yoga International and the institute for 15 scape and people they encountered – a diverse and enlightening spectrum years, including two years spent in Indian ashrams. of Americans who compose the living fabric of our country. “Meditators struggling with plateaus or looking for a comprehensive, Author and critic Rick Newby writes: “Kahn’s bracing travelogue, full detailed consideration of process will savor this hefty guide to building a of surprises and portents, offers a clear-eyed look at the conflicted reality meditation practice.” (Publisher’s Weekly) in America’s 21st century, but manages what might seem impossible in Olson now lives in the Salish Mountains of northwest Montana, sur- these dark times, to offer hope for an American life ‘more real, more rounded by nature, critters and books. deeply meaningful …’ This book is essential reading for every citizen who cares for the health of the Republic.” Waiting for the Revolution: A Montana Memoir Kahn is also the author of Real Common Sense. Rediscovering America By Jo Anne Troxel is published by Drumlummon Institute in Helena. Born during the radical era of early 20th century politics, author Jo Anne Troxel is the Voices of Yellowstone’s Capstone: A Narrative Atlas of the product of a tumultuous affair between her Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness idealistic mother, Marie Chapman Hanson, and Edited by Jesse Logan and Traute Parrie the infamous Communist sheriff of Plentywood, This unique collaboration between writers, artists and cartographers Rodney Salisbury. Her engrossing memoir travels both the physical and intellectual terrain of the Absaro- explores her complicated family history, the ka-Beartooth Wilderness. Although the atlas – true to its name – hardscrabble life carved out by the inhabitants contains maps, it is not a guidebook. of Montana’s eastern plains, and the challenges “Instead, in the way wilderness users explore physical trails on faced by three often parentless children whose the landscape, readers are invited to explore the intellectual trails … only option for survival was to band together. [coming] away understanding not only the importance of desig- Troxel describes her book as a gift to her nated wilderness and public lands, but the interconnectedness of parents “and to all of us who know that life and humans and wild places over time.” love are complex and rich, that taking risks for a better life can be fraught Voices of Yellowstone’s Capstone is made up of 28 engaging with unintended consequences, and that, in the end, our stories remain essays paired with richly illustrated maps by artists and map-mak- after we are gone.” Spring 2020 • State of the Arts

Poetry About Books The River Where You Forgot My Name By Corrie Williamson After moving to western Montana, Troxel grew up “in a $39 dollar In her second collection, poet Corrie shack on 10 acres by the railroad tracks” on the Flathead Reservation in Williamson travels between early 1800s Vir- Arlee. She earned a degree and taught English and creative writing at Boz- ginia and Missouri and present-day western eman High School for 23 years and conducted writing workshops around Montana, a place where “bats sail the river of the state. In 2015, she wrote and published a book of poetry, Mean Dog dark.” Blues, and contributed to the collection Bozeman from the Heart. Three of the book’s five sections trace Williamson’s experiences while living for Montana Quick Facts five years in western Montana. The remaining By Josh Quick two are persona poems written in the voice of Missoula-based author and illustrator Julia Hancock Clark, wife of William Clark, Josh Quick says he marvels at trail placards who she married soon after he returned from in state parks, instructional illustrations and his western expedition with Meriwether Lew- hand-drawn maps, losing himself in “their is. Julia offers a foil for the poet’s first-person simple beauty.” Montana Quick Facts is his Montana narrative and enriches the historical own effort to offer “fanciful facts,” depicted perspective of the poetry, providing a female 11 as hand-sketched interpretive signs. voice to counterbalance the often male-centered discovery and frontier The 112-page collection of original narrative. illustrations shares strange but true stories The collection shines with all-too human moments of levity, tragedy, about Montana. Discover the contents of a Butte coalminer’s lunch, learn and beauty such as when Clark names a river Judith after his future wife, how many intercontinental ballistic missiles are housed in Hi-Line silos, not knowing that everyone calls her Julia. At the same time, Williamson meet pioneering modernist painter Isabelle Johnson, and find details on the turns a curious and critical eye on the motives and impact of expansion- Grateful Dead’s one Montana concert. ism, unpacking some of the darker ramifications of American hunger for Author seeks Quick told the Lake County Leader that the book originated when he land and resources. began illustrating interesting facts about Montana with custom typography, “We sit within a small circle of light and listen to Williamson’s unhur- illustrator for and posting them to social media in his spare time. By the time he accrued ried voice as it tells us, ‘Hush now, all/ will be revealed,’ which is how we children’s book must dwell on this earth, too – with patience and a sense of time’s great 20 to 30 hand-drawn facts, he decided to strive for 100 facts, and compile Janice Cohn, the them in a book. arc and return. I’m grateful for the echoing music made in the space be- tween present and past,” writes Keetje Kuipers, author of All Its Charms. author of The Christ- In his own words, the Montana Quick Facts explores “the weirdness of mas Menorahs: How life playing out in the West.” The author has taught writing at the University of Arkansas, Helena College and Carroll College and worked as an educator in Yellowstone A Town Fought Hate, National Park. The River Where You Forgot My Name was a Montana is seeking a Mon- Fiction Book Award Honor Book in 2019, and her first book, Sweet Husk, won the tana artist to create 2014 Perugia Press Prize. new illustrations The Blaze for a reprinting of By Chad Dundas The Man Himself this award-winning Having lost much of his memory from a By Al Nyhart children’s book. It traumatic brain injury sustained in Iraq, Army tells the true story of veteran Matthew Rose is called back to Mon- Years ago, when he was a teaching tana after his father’s death to settle his affairs, assistant at the University of Montana, poet how Billings residents and hopefully to settle the past as well. It’s not Al Nyhart picked up a textbook on writing fought anti-Semitism only a blank to him, but a mystery. to use in the English comp class he was during the holiday Why as a teen did he suddenly become sul- teaching. season of 1993. len and vacant, abandoning the activities and “Reading through it one day I came across The preferred style a line that said ‘style was the man himself.’ I people that had meant most to him? How did is “a la Norman Rock- he, the son of hippy activists, wind up enlisting thought that if I’d write a book someday that would be the title of it. So, I think it all fits. well’s artistic realism,” in the first place? says the author. “This Then on his first night back, Matthew sees That’s what these poems are about – man wanting to ‘fashion a world.’” is a great opportunity a house go up in flames, and it turns out a local college student has died in- to build your port- side. And this event sparks a memory of a different fire, an unsolved crime His book, The Man Himself (published folio illustrating an from long ago, a part of Matthew’s past that might lead to all the answers October 2019 by Main Street Rag Publish- he’s been searching for. What he finds will connect the old fire and the new, ing Company), was nearly 30 years in the making. Some are narratives, important, inspiring a series of long-unsolved mysteries, and a ruthless act of murder. drawn from childhood and experiences stuck in his psyche; others were chapter in Montana’s The Associated Press lauds the book as “both a cleverly plotted mystery crafted during graduate school – he earned an MFA from the University history.” The artist and a touching account of a wounded veteran trying to rebuild his life … of Montana in 1994 – and have been worked and reworked over the years; will be paid; call 973- and the writing is superb throughout, occasionally verging on poetry.” and more recent ones were influenced by what he was reading, a list that 509-8089 for details ranges from Stephen Hawking to Wallace Stevens. “In Dundas’ assured hands, one man’s search for answers makes for a or email drjanice The resulting poems, writes David Keplinger, author of Another City, lyrical, riveting meditation on memory,” writes Entertainment Weekly. [email protected]. Dundas earned his MFA from the University of Montana, and his short “cut and scrape against the lining of the heart, with poems that mark fiction has appeared in the Beloit Fiction Journal, Sycamore Review, the behaviors of ‘the only animal who refuses to be what he is.’ All the Sou’Wester and Thuglit. Since 2001, he’s worked as a sportswriter for while, and with gorgeous clarity and tenderness, the work arrows toward national outlets including ESPN, NBC Sports, Sporting News, as well as freedom. Though they have traveled great distances, the poems land with local and regional newspapers. A fourth-generation Montanan, he lives impeccable timing and musical control. Here you will find, in Nyhart’s with his wife and children in Missoula. words, ‘the way back as becoming.’” The author, who lives in White Sulphur Springs, has been a painting contractor for more than 40 years. His poetry has appeared in many pub- The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton lications, including Berkeley Poetry Review, Big Sky Journal, Exquisite By Richard Fifield Corpse, Great River Review, William and Mary Review, and elsewhere. The Serpent King meets Girl in Pieces in this moving and darkly funny story about a Sweetclover teenage girl coming of age and learning how By Shann Ray to grieve in small-town Montana. Grounded in the physical while asking Tiffany Templeton is tough. She dresses metaphysical questions, the poems in Sweet- exclusively in black, buys leather jackets that clover detail love, wilderness, fracture and are several sizes too big, and never backs union. They speak of wildflowers, the slant down from a fight. She’s known in her tiny of a collarbone, the flight feathers of predato- Montana town as Tough Tiff, and after her ry birds, and the eye of winter. shoplifting arrest and a stint in a reform American Book Award-winner Shann school, the nickname is here to stay. Ray’s affinity for Montana landscapes and But when she comes back home, Tiffany the intimate heart of the beloved burn like a may not be the same old Tough Tiff that ev- hearth. His collection of poems honors mar- erybody remembers. Her life is different now: riage through individual and collective inter- her mother keeps her on an even shorter leash pretations of the body in movement – silent, than before, she meets with a probation officer once a month, and she’s still vocal, ethereal, muscular and transcendent. grieving her father’s recent death. The fellow travelers in these poems cross As Tiffany navigates her new life and learns who she wants to be, she mountain ranges to behold the intricacy of blue-capped tree swallows, must also contend with an overbearing best friend, the geriatric cast of a scale the Beartooths to find the bones of an eagle, exult in mercy, forgive- high-maintenance drama production, her first boyfriend, and a town full of ness, “the arrowleaf tilt of your torso.” eccentric neighbors – not to mention a dark secret she’s been keeping about “Shann Ray’s Sweetclover is a book steeped in desire, a book of body why the ex-football coach left town. and spirit. It strikes me, savoring these fine, wise poems, that love and re- “Fifield succeeds in delivering a cast of quirky, unpredictable characters ligion share a vocabulary: ecstasy, rapture, devotion, faithfulness,” writes and an intriguing plot,” writes Kirkus, and author Susan Crandall praises Maggie Smith, author of Good Bones. “In Sweetclover, married love is the book as “a jewel among novels, both darkly humorous and deeply nothing less than holy.” revealing.” Ray, who grew up in Montana and spent part of his childhood on the Fifield earned his MFA from Sarah Lawrence College in upstate New Northern Cheyenne Reservation, lives in Spokane where he teaches lead- York. For the past 20 years he has worked as a social worker for adults ership and forgiveness studies at Gonzaga University. He’s written seven with intellectual disabilities, while volunteering as a creative writing teach- books, including three collections of poetry. er in Missoula. His debut, The Flood Girls, was published in 2016. State of the Arts • Spring 2020

Preservation Road Show heads to White Sulphur Springs The Montana Preservation Alli- For those who can’t attend the full ance (MPA) in partnership with the conference, a one-day registration op- USDA Forest Service Region 1 brings tion is available for tours on Saturday. the next Montana Preservation Road Show to White Sulphur Springs June 10-13. This preservation conference Road Show Highlights highlights the history of Meagher • Opening reception on the Castle County and central Montana. Museum lawn in downtown White The Road Show launches from Sulphur Springs. a different small town every other • Explore the history of Central year with the mission of immersing Montana with stops at the Bair Muse- participants in the history and culture um, Harlowton and surrounding ghost of rural Montana, spotlighting local towns. preservation efforts, and raising • See Meagher County through the awareness of the importance of pre- eyes of the famous Ringling Circus serving Montana’s historic buildings family. and cultural landscapes. • Delve into the history of White 12 Sulphur’s many industries and the In White Sulphur, the conference A parberry crown – one of the hidden treasures visitors to will spotlight lesser known landmarks Jawbone Railroad. White Sulphur Springs will discover during the Montana • Journey the historic Old Kings and local preservation stories, includ- Preservation Road Show. ing the Castle Museum, the Bair Fam- Hill Highway into the Belt Mountains ily Museum and local ghost towns. A cadre of conference – just an enthusiastic traveler, with local and regional experts. recognized historians, authors, professors and listener and lover of history. • Discuss the challenges facing small com- rural preservation experts will also explore “White Sulphur is a town that we just fell munities. the history of landmark local families like the in love with,” said Outreach Coordinator • Look behind the scenes at some of White Ringlings, Gordons and Doigs. Madeline Westrom. “MPA began work there a Sulphur’s most beloved historic buildings During the conference, the MPA will dedi- few years ago to help survey the potential of during the all-access walking tour. cate a special evening to celebrate the people historic buildings in downtown and our staff • Choose a Saturday tour or workshop to and organizations that help protect vital and knew early on that it was an excellent candi- hone preservation skills or see the barns of Two Montana endangered heritage sites. The board and staff date for hosting the Road Show. Meagher County. will help present the Montana Preservation “With rich culture, a strong community, To get the latest information, updates, and museums host Awards to outstanding preservation efforts and easy access to a number of major histor- registration information about the Road Show, Art in Bloom from across the state. ical sites, it is going to be tough for folks to visit www.preservemontana.org/2020-road- Participants don’t have to be an historian show or follow Montana Preservation Alliance Paris Gibson Square decide which all-day and half-day tours they or professional preservationist to join this want to take.” on Facebook. Museum of Art in Great Falls and the Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings Cohesion Dance Project stages “Resonance” each plan to host Art Cohesion Dance Project (CDP) Stuart Smith of Albuquerque, in Bloom this sum- presents a new version of “Reso- NM. mer. Art in Bloom is a nance – an evening of Art Inspiring New contributions come nationwide festival of Art” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, at from an array of local talent, fine art and floral de- the Helena Civic Center. including Sean Hill (poetry), sign held at museums With dance and sculpture at its Lenny Eckhardt and Jon An- across the country core, “Resonance – Evolved” is derson (music), Katie White that originated at the an artistic confluence of sculpture Swanson (viola), and others. Museum of Fine Arts and performance. The production Call and other Cohesion Boston in 1976. features professional and local com- choreographers Amber munity dancers weaving seamlessly Moon Peterson and Julynn Art in Bloom: Spring in and out of three original kinetic Wildman have created new Awakening! is slated sculptures by Helena artist Richard pieces for a cast of more than for June 4-7 at Paris Swanson, accompanied by spo- 20 local professional and Gibson Square. Floral ken-word poetry and live, original community dancers, ages 12 designers and garden music. Dancers join Richard Swanson with one of the sculptures he designed through adult. club members plan The new production stems from and fabricated for “Resonance – an Evening of Art Inspiring Art.” In addition to this unique to create imaginative Cohesion’s original production, performance, Cohesion facil- displays interpreting which debuted in 2018 at The Myrna Loy in Resonance without the metal sculptures he itates the ripple effect of creative energy and works of art in the Helena and toured around the state in 2019. designed and fabricated specifically for this cyclical inspirations with Resonance-inspired galleries. Each day Cohesion’s artistic director, Tanya Call, production,” she notes. school arts residencies. Cohesion leads stu- will include a special emphasizes how instrumental Swanson’s In addition to Swanson’s sculpture, other dents through a multi-genre artistic creative sculptures are to the core of this project. pioneering contributions include spoken-word process, providing tools to create in a variety program, including “While each artistic contribution is based poetry by award-winning poet Tyler Knott of media and experience first-hand the cycle workshops, lectures, a on one of the other art compositions creat- Gregson, and an original music score by of art inspiring art. For details, visit cohesion- cocktail party, cham- ed for the project, there really would be no professional percussionist and accompanist J dance.org. pagne brunch, family activities, and daily docent tours. The museum is now Arts interview program available online accepting applications from professional flo- “Look Before You Speak,” an The series “attempted to reach an rists and designers to arts interview program on Mis- audience who does not normally visit create floral arrange- soula Community Access Televi- studios and galleries and dispel this ments in response to sion (MCAT) hosted by Stephen myth.” contemporary works Glueckert, is now available online Glueckert and his guests also of art in the muse- via YouTube. The series, which sought to increase visual literacy ran from 2016-’19, took a different while showcasing the vitality of the um’s collection and interview approach each season, arts in Missoula. spring exhibitions. starting with professional schol- Glueckert, a prolific artist and For details, visit www. ars who were writing about the Curator Emeritus for the Missoula Art the-square.org/art-in- arts, then interviewing gallery and Museum, is a Montana native who re- bloom-2020. museum curators, and eventually ceived a BFA from the University of The Yellowstone visiting with artists in their studios. Idaho and a master’s in art education Art Museum’s inau- Many of the artists were at differ- from Western Washington University. gural event is set for ent stages in their careers, but each Stephen Glueckert interviews Kate Davis during “Look Before He has taught at The University of July 9-12. For more guest was serious in the pursuit of a You Speak,” an interview program now available via YouTube. Montana, the University of Papua information, visit consistent body of work. New Guinea, and throughout the www.artmuseum.org/ Each guest was encouraged to bring in, or the program. The visual arts demand that we Pacific Northwest. In addition to being a prac- talk about, up to a half-dozen images. While ticing artist, he has written extensively about special-events/art-in- make careful consideration of the image we traditional television maintains an image on have before us, set aside rash judgments and contemporary artists living and working in bloom-2020. the screen for no more than two seconds, slow down to describe and identify what it is Montana. the series kept a still on the screen for much we are looking at before we make a judgment These interviews were funded in part by a longer – sometimes up to two minutes – while about what it is we are seeing.” grant from the Montana Arts Council’s Cul- it was being described. “In Montana we can often be lulled into a tural and Aesthetics Projects grant program. “Some viewers might feel this is boring,” sense that the real arts are on the east and west The collection is available online at at www. says MCAT general manager Joel Baird. “But coasts of the United States. Nothing could be youtube.com/channel/UCybr55Hp_wx- there is an underlying educational aspect of further from the truth,” Baird writes. woe5pNJCz6Nw. Spring 2020 • State of the Arts

About Visual Artists Betsey Hurd: Where the Wild Things Are Through May 15 at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, Great Falls Artist’s Website: betseyhurd.com Montana artist Betsey Hurd is interested in the secret life of animals, wild as well as domes- ticated – including the dogs and horses that she “A Montana Legacy,” by Stephen Braun lives with and observes ogy student at the University of Montana, he was introduced to ceram- daily. She reflects upon ics and studied with ceramics pioneer Rudy Autio, conceptual artist their relationships and Dennis Voss and sculptor Ken Little. As a student, he lived up Grant interactions with each Creek in a tipi for four-and-a-half years, despite recorded temperatures other, their hierarchies, as low as -50°F, biking 13 miles to his site, and scavenging food out of fears and loves. dumpsters. 13 The contemporary “I tried to figure out the minimal level of consumption I needed in artist is known for her order to live and after doing this I determined everything else I con- sculptural ceramic work, sume is in excess,” he says. as well as her paintings “The Good Red Road,” by Betsey Hurd This commitment impacts his studio practice, in particular. Braun of horses. The work she explains, “Art materials are linked to extractive industries and filled creates rarely depicts hu- with heavy chemicals. I’m judicious in what I make. It’s a moral and mans. Instead, it reflects her fascination with the inner life of animals. ethical question, a conundrum. Hopefully the content, the impact, of Send your When humans do appear, they are typically combined with animal my work will supersede the resources that go into making it.” forms in a style Hurd describes as “polymorphic fabulism.” These Spanning more than 30 years, Braun’s career comprises solo and submissions sculptures are meant to be non-specific in species and remain gender group exhibitions nationally and internationally, and broad representa- for About fluid. tion in public and private collections. This exhibition will be accom- “All my life, I’ve been a horsey girl and have gotten to do just about panied by an illustrated catalog with essays by artist and writer Peter Visual Arts With About Visual everything on horseback, from foxhunting in Virginia to trailing cows Koch, critic Lucy Lippard, and MAM senior curator Brandon Reintjes. in the Missouri Breaks of Montana; showing jumpers to starting colts,” Arts, State of the Arts she writes. continues to profile “As a painter and sculptor my strength comes from depicting what Marion Lavery: 20/20 Vision living Montana artists I know: horses and cows, sheep, dogs – all the four-leggeds that I live May 1-June 3 at 4 Ravens Gallery in Missoula (no students, please), with, and observe, daily.” Missoula artist Marion Lavery says the visual world informed and whose work is the She notes that cows and sheep, with their blocky forms and tenden- inspired her artistic development, beginning with high school classes focus of a current cy to “lie around a lot,” lend themselves to abstraction; horses, on the at the Philadelphia Institute of Art, followed by earning a bachelor’s in exhibit in Montana other hand, carry weight and power “on perilously thin legs, balanced applied art from Pennsyl- (on display during and beautiful, stalwart and frisky. It’s hard to better an honest horse.” vania State University. some portion of the Hurd received her BFA, cum laude, from the University of Montana She furthered her three months covered in Missoula in 1984, with concentrations in ceramics and drawing, and academic interests with by the current issue of has made a living as an artist for more than 30 years. Her artwork is graduate-level classes in State of the Arts). exhibited and acquired by collectors throughout the United States. painting, art history and Submissions must ceramics at the University include: Connie Herberg: Wild Montana Skies of Minnesota in Duluth, • A digital image of the artist’s work, Continuing through June 28 at the Carbon County Arts Guild Western New Mexico Uni- versity in Silver City, and with title of the piece Satellite Gallery at the Roosevelt Center in Red Lodge the University of Montana (at least 200 dpi and Artist’s website: www.connieherbergfineart.com in Missoula. 500kb); Artist Connie Her- She has worked as a • A brief bio and berg masterfully evokes graphic artist and prop de- description of the dynamic moments in the signer, professional potter, artist’s work; sky in this collection of bookbinder, and studio “20/20 Vision” by Marion Lavery • Date range and large-scale oil paintings. artist. title of exhibit; and The artist attended “My primary focus in recent years has been acrylic collage, • The gallery or both North Dakota State print-making and artist’s books,” she says. Her works on display at 4 museum name, town University in Fargo and Ravens employ cold wax and oil paints. and phone number. Eastern Montana College Her work has appeared in group shows and invitational exhibits at MAC will select sub- (now MSU Billings), 4 Ravens Gallery, Sutton West Gallery and the Missoula Art Museum missions that reflect a where she earned a bach- in Missoula, the Holter Gallery in Helena, the Runnings Gallery in cross-section of gen- elor’s of fine art degree. Seattle, and at the Philadelphia Country Club in Lower Merion, PA. der, geography, styles She’s since honed her and ethnicity, and are skills via an amalgama- from a mix of public tion of workshops, peer Neltje: Tell Me, Why Flowers? and private galleries influences, self-study, March 26-July 12 at the Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings and museums. practice and passion. Her- “Haymaker” by Connie Herberg Artist’s website: neltje.com Submissions for the berg maintains a studio at Neltje’s paintings, like the artist, are intense, complex and larger Summer issue (Ju- her home in Shepherd, where she paints and occasionally teaches. than life. The well-known contemporary artist is prolific and focused, ly-September, 2020) Nature is both classroom and the source of her inspiration as she working through each series until she feels it is complete. This exhibi- are due June 5; send gathers subject matter while hunting, fishing and camping. Herberg tion features two series, which she painted between 2016 and 2018. ingredients to Kristi@ places a strong emphasis on drafting skills and observation from life, In her late 30s, Neltje began her excursion into the discipline of livelytimes.com with and believes that developing an understanding of the subject and Sumi-e painting. That practice became the core of her later work. About Visual Arts in mastering the translation from observation to an art form is the key to a She often starts a painting with a gesture of bold color and works in the subject line. successful work. a counterclockwise pattern, alternating between quick, expressive A Cautionary Growing up as the oldest of four in a farming family in northwest physical movements and intense deliberation. Colors sing like musical Note: Many galleries North Dakota, she was strongly influenced by her mother and maternal notes. and museums are grandmother in creative pursuits. The landscape remains an integral Neltje finds a source of energy as well as solace in nature’s beauty. closed well into April part of her life and an overarching theme in her work. “Tell Me, Why Flowers?” is composed of lyrical abstractions linked due to the COVID-19 Her paintings have been included in many local, regional and na- like a musical “theme and variations.” A painting of the same title, pandemic, and are tional shows and competitions, and were featured in a Northlight publi- at 10-by-30 feet, fills a gallery wall. This and four other monumental shuffling exhibition cation on drawing. Her work has been purchased by the Department of paintings represent the four seasons, and reflect the life and abundance schedules according- the Interior, Stockman Bank and the Richland County Museum, and is the artist feels in the presence of nature. ly. Our advice: check included in business, corporate and personal collections nationally. “Dialogue of My Mind,” also on display, is Neltje’s first figurative with the venue before series, made in response to the 2016 elections. Her series of expres- venturing forth. Stephen Braun: Hindsight and Foresight Are 20/20 sive faces imagines people affected by the rapidly changing political Continuing through Aug. 8 at the Missoula Art Museum landscape: shocked, fragmented and disconnected. Neltje has In a corner of northwest Montana, deep in the woods, Stephen had numerous Braun is making powerful, challenging ceramic sculptures. “I love the group and solo planet and all of its beauty. But all I see is loss. I see the scars we leave exhibitions, to support our consumptive nature. We leave a landscape of heartache.” and received Self-deprecating and evasive, Braun would rather focus on his art- the Wyoming work than himself as an artist, or his history of activism. Governor’s Art His exhibit at the Missoula Art Museum includes large, narrative Award in 2005. wall-based and free-standing sculptures, some of which encourage She is based out audience interaction, including pieces that spin and works intended to of Banner, WY, be walked directly upon, around or through. near Sheridan. Braun comes from a long history of radical artists. As an anthropol- “Tell Me, Why Flowers?” by Neltje State of the Arts • Spring 2020

Arts Education Students deliver powerful poetry at POL state finals By Tom Kuglin Reprinted with permission from the Helena Independent Record (helenair.com), March 9 For someone with a fear of public speak- ing, center stage of Grandstreet Theatre in Helena might have been the loneliest micro- phone in the state of Montana. But for 16 high school students, it was their chance to bring poetry alive. The 2020 Poetry Out Loud Montana State Finals, held March 7, featured students mem- orizing and reciting classics to contemporary works in an event that is part competition and 14 part art. Now in its 15th year, students must compete at school and regional events before coming to the Montana finals with the chance to go to Washington, D.C., next month for the national competition. Flathead High School sophomore Isabella Shinn stepped to the microphone. After a deep breath, she delivered an emotional and The top three finalists at 2020 Montana Poetry Out Loud State Finals, held March 7 in thoughtful rendition of “For the Dogs Who Helena, are (left to right): Adelle Meissner, Belt High School (third place); Isabella Shinn, Barked at Me on the Sidewalks in Connecti- Flathead High School (first place); and Katy McCumber, Butte High School (second place). cut” by Hanif Abdurraqib that earned her Artists in the applause of the crowd and title of state COVID-19) and a $500 stipend for her school champion. to buy poetry materials. Schools & “I think I just saw the (poem’s) title and Monica Grable, the council’s arts educa- Communities that interested me,” she said in an interview. tion director, noted that the former chairman “Then I read it and it was powerful and really of the NEA, Dana Gioia, saw the need to keep MAC’s Artists in makes you think about it.” poetry alive in schools and became a driving Schools and Com- Shinn competed in Poetry Out Loud last force behind Poetry Out Loud. Every state in munities (AISC) grant year as well and says she enjoys the travel, the country sends one champion to the finals, program has main- meeting new people and reciting the poetry. which includes a free trip with a parent or tained a tradition Of course the experience of getting up in front guardian. of helping to pair of a crowd and delivering the words from Even while the event crowned a champi- professional artists memory is not easy. on, organizers emphasized the difficulty and with learners of all “It’s scary – I was so nervous last year. subjectivity that comes with judging anything ages for nearly five This year I wasn’t as much but whenever you artistic. stand on stage you start shaking,” she said, decades. Under the “I have to say, that what you tackled today adding that going to nationals comes with its is one of the more difficult art forms, much current program iter- own level of nerves. Flathead High School sophomore Isabella like a dancer translates a choreographer’s ation there are three Shinn was just one of many students bring- Shinn cinched top honors with her rendition work, or an actor a playwright’s, you had subcategories: Grants ing stellar recitations to the state finals. of “For the Dogs Who Barked at Me on the to dig into the poet’s words, thoughts and $1,500-$5,000, Arts Butte High junior Katy McCumber’s rendi- Sidewalks in Connecticut.” feelings and interpret them for the rest of us to Learning Partners tion of “When You are Old” by William But- (Photos by Katie Knight) connect,” said Tatiana Gant, executive direc- and Grants Under ler Yeats earned her second-place accolades, National Endowment for the Arts and the tor of the council. $1,500. The latter and Belt High School senior Adelle Meissner Poetry Foundation with the Montana Arts “Those words are in you forever,” she con- serves as an entrée received the third-place nod from the judges Council. The program helps students master tinued. “You accomplished an amazing thing into grant writing for her delivery of “Broken Promises” by public speaking skills, appreciate poetry and by inspiring people all along the way, in your for many Montana David Kirby. earn awards and cash prizes. For her win, classroom contests, in your school contests, at Montana Poetry Out Loud is offered to applicants and offers Shinn receives $200, an all-expense-paid trip the regionals, and thank you for letting us be a students through a partnership between the to nationals (which has been canceled due to part of that.” grantees an opportu- nity to gain first-hand experience with what Artists in Schools and Communities an AISC grant can accomplish. Supported by State Carbon County Arts Guild addresses community need of Montana and Na- By Monica Grable tional Endowment for Arts Education Director the Arts funds, AISC This past fall, first-time applicant Carbon grants are awarded County Arts Guild in Red Lodge used an Art- with a 1:1 match re- ists in Schools and Communities grant in the quirement; first-time Under $1,500 category as a way to address a grantees and Class C community need. A reorganization of the art (or smaller) schools, program in the Red Lodge School District however, need only – shifting instruction to a grade 4-12 model to meet a 2:1 match. – meant that teachers in grades K-3 (not all This means that for of whom felt confident teaching art) would a project with an need to provide for their classroom-based art expense budget of instruction. Carbon County Arts Guild recognized the $1,800, the AISC need for these teachers and students to be award would cov- supported and, through a partnership with er $1,200 of the Mountain View Elementary, was able to project expense, with send teaching artist Dominique Paulus into just a $600 match classrooms for a two-week residency. While required. the AISC grant Matching AISC Grants Under $1,500 they were awarded did With the guidance of teaching artist Domi- funds may Second grade students created life-size Upcoming FY21 Due Dates: not cover the nique Paulus, third grade students learned not include birds after learning about migration and May 4, 2020 at 5 p.m. entirety of the the basics of one-point perspective and other fed- applied the concept to their own work. bird habitat. (Photos by Kim Kapalka) eral funds, Nov 4, 2020 at 5 p.m. project, it did make the proj- but may ing, teachers were able to gain confidence in vide a way to engage classroom teachers in ect possible. their own ability to lead art instruction in their the arts.” partially include fees During the residency, Paulus was able to classrooms. Over the course of the two-week residen- paid by participants. introduce the basic elements of art, such as In the words of Carbon County Arts Guild cy, 126 students and eight teachers benefitted For more informa- line, shape, color, value and texture, to each Executive Director Kim Kapalka, “From the from Paulus’s residency, and – given the tion contact Monica grade level. Further, she shared the history of perspective of the Arts Guild, the highlights response from students, staff, administration Grable, 406-444- the process, appreciation of the natural world of this grant project included being able to and the Carbon County Arts Guild itself – the 6522 or Monica. and science disciplines, all while emphasizing provide an art opportunity for K-3 students, partnership is likely to continue into the next [email protected]. artmaking as a way for students to express hire an artist whose passion for the arts and school year. their individuality. While students were learn- science was contagious, and be able to pro- Spring 2020 • State of the Arts

Arts Education MAM launches remote access platform for students Last spring, the educa- In an effort to tion team at the Missoula build community Art Museum (MAM) around Museum began a partnership with as Megaphone, Inspired Classroom, a MAM created an Missoula-based education artwork-sharing plan tech company, to build an that enabled all par- interactive, online platform ticipants to see the art aimed at providing schools that the other classes outside of western Mon- created. tana with a live tour and After students educational experience at completed their the museum. expressive paintings, 15 MAM successfully teachers were invited piloted this program with to share their stu- two classrooms from St. dents’ artwork, and Ignatius Elementary School process photos and and has integrated it as reflections on their an extension of MAM’s class or school social Fifth Grade Art Experience media, using the (FGAE). FGAE, which in- hashtag #museumas- cludes a tour of MAM and Jenny Bevill, MAM’s Educator and Outreach Specialist, leads students in an inquiry megaphone. MAM artmaking, runs annually -based discussion during the Museum as Megaphone launch event. then asked permis- from October to January sion to repost to its and has served more than 1,500 fifth grade By 2022 MAM hopes to have schools social media and website. Sharing in this way students from five counties so far this year. participating from all seven American Indian offered a remarkable opportunity for teachers Online This new program, called Museum as reservations in the state. “This access and from throughout the state, and beyond, to see teaching Megaphone, launched on Feb. 10, 2020, with engagement with contemporary art and artists everyone’s student artwork. seven schools from across the state participat- serves the education and well-being of all “MAM recognizes that everyone’s work is resources for ing: Daly Elementary (Hamilton), Judith Gap, Montana youth,” said Kay Grissom-Kiely, cu- personal and abstract, so this makes judg- Frazer School (Fort Peck), Kinsey Elementa- rator of education at MAM. She notes that the ments like good or bad irrelevant,” says arts educators ry, Moore School, Noxon Elementary and St. program meets several Montana State Content Grissom-Kiely. “At MAM, self-expression is In the wake of the Charles Mission School (Crow Agency). In Standards for educational curricula. the goal, whatever that looks like. If colors COVID-19 pandem- all, 152 students participated in the program’s During the Museum as Megaphone LIVE are being mixed and brushstrokes are apply- ic, the Arts Educa- launch. DAY at MAM, students and teachers were ing the paint to paper expressively, then the tion Partnership In a state where geography, weather and virtually placed in the museum’s largest artwork is a success.” (www.aep-arts.org/ economic factors are obstacles to visiting gallery, looking directly at Rick Bartow’s art- covid-19- MAM, Museum as Megaphone allows stu- work, while MAM’s art educators led students Museum as Megaphone amplifies resources) is post- dents and teachers from anywhere to virtually on an inquiry-based tour. ing resources that tour the galleries. Using the distance learn- “Students were energized and engaged student voices, expands outreach ing platform and technological expertise of in dialogue and discussion about a promi- The primary benefits for students engaged aim to help schools, Inspired Classroom, students log in from their nent contemporary American Indian artist on with Museum as Megaphone are the connec- arts educators and classroom and interact directly with exhib- display hundreds of miles from their school,” tions created with contemporary visual art and teaching artists shift iting artists and art educators. Each session says Grissom-Kiely. “This virtual portal, cre- artists – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous operations to online includes an interactive exhibition tour, a cur- ated in partnership with Inspired Classroom, – a widened vision of the world and what is platforms for tele- riculum for self-guided, hands-on artmaking, expands MAM’s reach and amplifies the possible, and the amplification of their voices. work situations, serve and videos and resources for teachers. voices of rural and tribal students across the For teachers, the program provides enrich- their constituents in ment and professional development while Any classroom equipped with an Internet state.” new ways and care providing access to the museum – some- connection and a computer with a camera and Following the LIVE DAY, students had for their employees. microphone can engage in Museum as Mega- thing that would otherwise be unavailable to two weeks to complete their own expres- Among the offer- phone; participation is free. sive paintings in their classrooms. Students schools. Museum as Megaphone also meets ings: watched the Museum as Megaphone videos Montana Standards in Art, IEFA and Social Studies while building 21st Century Skills. • A link to a Pilot season focuses on and followed instructions in order to express themselves through paint in their classrooms For MAM, Museum as Megaphone is an Facebook blog for Indigenous artists without an art teacher present. opportunity to expand outreach to rural and Theatre Educators The pilot season of Museum as tribal schools, improve access for Teaching Online; Megaphone will focus on the art “I’m starting to go through the all to exhibiting artists as well • The online collec- of Indigenous artists Rick Bartow as to the MAM’s collection, and tion of the Carnegie (Mad River Band Wiyot) and Lillian modules and am really excited to build support for MAM’s vision Museum of Art, of museums as democratic places Pitt (Wasco, Warm Springs, Ya- collection.cmoa.org bring this to my students. The where all people are welcome to kama). This focus is rooted in the • The Kennedy museum’s commitment to exhibiting interact. platform is very user friendly.” Center’s theatre, contemporary Native American To learn more about the Mu- artists and providing access to rural – Teresa Heil, Frazer School, Fort Peck seum as Megaphone, contact Kay music, and dance and tribal communities. Grissom-Kiely at 406-728-0447 resources for arts or [email protected]. educators: www. kennedy-center.org/ Opportunity for Educators education/ resources-for- educators/classroom- Harvard hosts Arts and Passion-Driven Learning Institute resources/media- The Arts and Passion-Driven Learning The three-day immersive experience includes Who should attend? and-interactives/ Institute (APL), held Aug. 3-5 at Harvard workshops, performances, plenaries, small • Music resources • K-12 classroom teachers, arts special- for kids from the Mu- University in Cambridge, MA, explores the group discussions and an appearance by cellist ists, artists who teach, school administrators, sic Teachers National importance of awakening and developing and Silkroad founder Yo-Yo Ma. and counselors. students’ personal passions, and how those Participation in this extraordinary pro- • Teams of teachers/artists and admin- Association: www. passions are vital to deep and meaningful fessional development opportunity offers istrators from the same school, district or mtna.org/MTNA/ learning. educators the chance to reflect on five primary organization. Learn/Parent_and_ In a rapidly evolving 21st century, edu- and important themes related to their work: • Teaching artists in youth development Student_Resources/ cators need tools and resources to tap into curiosity, cultural competency, inspiration, programs and after school programs. Websites_for_Kids. students’ creativity and connect with them community and visibility. • Educators working in culturally vibrant aspx individually and in culturally competent ways. Susan Wolfe, a visual arts educator at Lame urban, rural, and indigenous communities. APL provides professional development for Deer Junior/Senior High School, offers this The Arts Ed Collab- Early application, in advance of the orative, artsedcollab. K-12 educators to connect students’ passions perspective on attending the APL Institute: priority deadline of June 22, is strongly to meaningful learning by drawing upon the “Every year the Arts and Passion-Driven org, is another help- recommended as applications are reviewed ful resource. efficacy and power of arts experiences to Learning Institute has encouraged me to fur- on a rolling basis. The final application engage students across academic subjects and ther challenge my experiences as an educator deadline is July 6. in a variety of school settings. and practicing visual artist. In the process I For more information and to apply, APL features faculty from the Harvard have learned how to identify my own inher- visit: www.gse.harvard.edu/ppe/program/ Graduate School of Education, artists from ent gifts and utilize them to create a deeper arts-and-passion-driven-learning-institute. the Grammy-winning Silkroad Ensemble, and connection with the young people in my seasoned educators from the U.S. and abroad. classroom.” State of the Arts • Spring 2020

Film Clips News about film in Montana Making a Montana Bridge Infamous A look back at “The Untouchables” By Allison Whitmer Wunderwald estimated Montana Film that the production spent Commissioner close to $1 million in the The gangster thriller, “The area as they prepped and Untouchables,” turned a filmed at the bridge. The central-Montana bridge into film premiered on June 3, a star when director Brian De 1987. Palma continued his run of The New York Times action films that began with gave the film a positive “Scarface” and “Wise Guys.” review, calling it “a smash- 16 Based on real events in ing work” and saying it was 1930s Chicago, the film “vulgar, violent, funny and centers around the illegal sometimes breathtakingly activities of Al Capone, who beautiful.” regularly and publicly flaunts One of the production attempts by the Bureau of crew was Great Falls resi- Prohibition to shut down his dent Rick Moore. He sent liquor supply and distribu- The Untouchables in Montana: On the horses from left to right are Andy us several photos from the tion activities. In the end, tax Garcia, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith and Kevin Costner. shoot for this article. evasion is his downfall. (Photo by Rick Moore) Moore had worked on The production re- to imply the border crossing and had to be Miller beer commercials in searched and filmed in historic Chicago realistic to the 1930s. It also had to be low Denton, and through referrals started working locations, and then began reaching out to find enough to the river for safe stunt work. craft service on the film. Bigfork a location for a pivotal scene at the U.S./Ca- After scouting several bridges that were “During production Sean Connery told me Independent nadian border. too high, under construction, or had too much he loved fruit, and I bought him fruit every By 1986 the Montana Film Office had traffic, the production settled on the Hardy day,” he recalls. Connery went on to receive Film Festival been in existence for 12 years, and in that Creek Bridge, located on the frontage road be- the Academy Award for “Best Supporting postponed until time had hosted “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” tween Cascade and Wolf Creek. Constructed Actor” for his role in “The Untouchables.” with Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges, and in 1930, this Warren-through-truss, three-span TIME magazine rated it as one of the best October “Telefon” with Charles Bronson in the Great bridge became the star of the moment. The films of 1987. The fourth annual Falls area. Production companies were using bridge sits in the spectacular Adel Mountains And “The Untouchables” producer Art Bigfork Independent Montana on a regular basis. Volcanic Field, which is more than 75 million Linson’s son, John Linson, and Kevin Costner Paramount Pictures worked with Garry years old. Film Festival (BIFF are now back in Montana filming the TV Wunderwald, head of the film office at the The production team arrived in October 2020), scheduled to series “Yellowstone,” which just got picked time, to scout for a 1930s era bridge to serve 1986 and transformed the area for 10 days. up for a third season. take place April 3-5, as the U.S./Canada border crossing for a To make the bridge look more isolated, 600 As for the Hardy Creek Bridge, it’s now on has been postponed confrontation in the film as Eliot Ness, played trees were planted, and houses were covered the National Register of Historic Places. We until Oct. 2-4 due to by Kevin Costner, intercepts illegal booze in 50,000 square feet of camouflage netting encourage you to watch the film and then take concerns surrounding shipments from Canada and begins to crack and canvas. Locals were cast as Canadian a Sunday drive out to the Hardy Bridge! Coronavirus. the crime organization. Mounties, Model T’s were rented from nearby Learn more about films made in Mon- Organizers, who Wunderwald had some tough require- farmers and ranchers, trains were rerouted, tana, incentives, crew and locations online at were expecting film- ments. The bridge had to be closed to traffic. and the public had a front seat to watch the montanafilm.com and follow us on Facebook, makers from across It needed to have distinct looks on both sides action live. Twitter and Instagram. the state to attend, decided to postpone the festival “in an International Wildlife Film Festival abundance of caution and to protect the embraces digital festival experience health of the local In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the 43rd Inter- national Wildlife Film Festival, typically held at the Roxy community. “ Theater in Missoula, will go digital April 18-25. The IWFF Learn more about LABS, described as an incubator for science filmmaking, the festival, held at has been postponed. the Bigfork Center for IWFF organizers aim to create “a virtual festival experi- the Performing Arts, ence that will honor films, sponsors, guests and educators, at mtbiff.com. and exemplify the way media can be utilized in a new reali- ty.” As usual, the film competition will be juried. The public may buy passes and tickets to films and live streaming events at wildlifefilms.org. Organizers hope to attract “people across the nation who will crave this kind of Rick Moore took the photo above and many more while working on the interactive content come mid-April.” filming set for “The Untouchables” at the Hardy Creek Bridge.

Montana Poets Laureate What Does Calm Say Spring snow comes softly into the tiny mountain town, from the canyons, which have already turned opaque. A church bell is ringing, anachronistically. No suicide bombs, no gang rape, no nuclear winter, no drone strikes, no polar extinctions. Just a village buried in inconsequence. As if it were a dream we can’t re-enter. In the beginning, the authors say, the world was black and white, before the clay wrapped itself around itself, forming an inside and outside. Hole in the bedrock where the water breaks. Dear Sister Outsider. Our Lady Underground. Atmosphere, a ripped frock the shade of swans. We know the soul can become unbalanced, out of tune like a guitar, that snakes and rats will leave their holes when they sense Melissa Kwasny and M.L. Smoker (Photo by Barbara Weissberger) disturbance in earth’s core. What does calm say, sinking into its dark- As co-poets laureate and women from marginalized communi- skinned ditch? What does peace say, in the continuous line-making of its ties, Montana Poets Laureate – Melissa Kwasny and M.L. Smoker horizons? What does oil say, the figure we have chosen for our voice? – aim to celebrate poetry as an art that fosters connection, rela- tionships and bridge building. State of the Arts will feature their – Melissa Kwasny, from Pictograph (Milkweed Editions 2015) poems on an alternating basis during their two-year term. Spring 2020 • State of the Arts

National Arts News Nine Montana organizations receive NEA grants National Endowment for the support the Montana Folk Festival. Arts Chairman Mary Anne Carter • Bitter Root Resource Conser- announced recently that organiza- vation and Development Area (aka tions in every state in the nation, Bitterroot Arts for Autism Heart- as well as the District of Columbia ism Community Center), Ham- and Puerto Rico, will receive fed- ilton: $10,000 to support a dance eral funding for arts projects from program in the rural Bitterroot Valley. the NEA in this round of fiscal year • Archie Bray Foundation in 2020 funding. Helena: $20,000 to support a visiting Overall, 1,187 grants totaling artist program in ceramics. $27.3 million will provide Ameri- • Helena Presents (aka The cans opportunities for arts partic- Myrna Loy): $35,000 to support ipation, including nine grants to a multidisciplinary performing arts Montana organizations, amounting series highlighting Métis and Indige- 17 to $175,000. nous artists at the Myrna Loy. “The National Endowment for • Missoula Writing Collabora- the Arts is proud to support grants Mountain Time Arts’ production of Standby Snow: Chronicles of tive: $30,000 to support weekly cre- throughout the entire country that a Heatwave, Chapter One, debuted last summer in Bozeman. ative writing instruction for students. connect people through shared ex- rale: $10,000 to support a concert perfor- • Zootown Arts Community periences and artistic expression,” says Carter. mance of “West Side Story,” and related Center (aka the ZACC), Missoula: $10,000 “These projects provide access to the arts for outreach activities. to support the creation of several murals in the people of all abilities and backgrounds in both • Mountain Time Arts, Bozeman: community. urban centers and rural communities.” $30,000 to support the creation and presen- • Whitefish Theatre Co.: $10,000 to The Art Works and Challenge America tation of Standby Snow: Chronicles of a support music performances by International grants awarded to Montana are: Heatwave, a multidisciplinary opera. Guitar Night. • Billings Symphony Orchestra & Cho- • Mainstreet Uptown Butte: $20,000 to Learn more at www.arts.gov. CERF helps craftspeople NEA releases latest public participation survey in crisis The Craft Emer- The National Endowment for the Arts U.S. adults (aged 18 and over) who gency Relief Fund recently released the full results from the over a 12-month period: (CERF) is a nonprofit, nation’s largest, most representative survey of • Used electronic media to access tax-exempt organiza- adult participation in the arts. The new Survey artistic or arts-related content (73.6 tion which provides of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA) re- percent, or 175 million adults). Mon- immediate support cords the different ways that American adults tana: 77.2 percent to professional (age 18 and older) engage in the arts, where • Read books not required for craftspeople facing that engagement takes place, and why adults work or school (44.2 percent). Mon- career-threatening participate in these activities. tana: 51.5 percent emergencies such as The survey report also tracks demographic • Attended artistic, creative or fire, theft, illness and characteristics of those who participate and cultural activities (54.3 percent, or natural disaster. respondents’ perceptions of the availability 128 million adults) with live music CERF programs of the arts in their communities. The report performance the most frequent activi- include interest-free covers both national and state-level data as ty. Montana: 66.4 percent loans with flexible well as selected urban areas. • Created or performed art (33.4 pay-back dates, dis- Since 1982, the Arts Endowment has part- percent). Montana: 50 percent counts on materials nered with the U.S Census Bureau to produce • Attended an art exhibit (23 per- and equipment from the SPPA, with this edition analyzing data cent). Montana: 33.5 percent craft-suppliers, and from 2017. special loan funds In previous studies – some sponsored by Other participation findings are: available for crafts- the Arts Endowment – arts participation has • Among adults who participated people facing emer- been positively linked with emotional well- in the performing arts – either as gencies such as HIV/ being, social and civic activity, and tolerance creators or performers – 62 percent did so to Comparisons between the 2017 SPPA and AIDS, cancer, natural and receptivity, among other factors. Regular spend time with family and friends. By con- the previous report in 2012 can be found in disasters and heart measurements of the nation’s arts participa- trast, most adults who created visual artworks U.S. Trends in Arts Attendance and Literary ailments. The website tion present valuable insights not only for reported doing so because they felt “creative Reading: 2002-2017. The raw data, along also offers valuable those engaged in the arts, but also for public or creatively inspired” (61 percent). with online analytics, are at the National tips on how to be leaders and policy makers looking to improve • More than half of adults who attended Archive of Data on Arts & Culture, a free, ready for an emer- societal outcomes. artistic, creative or cultural activities did so public data repository funded by the Arts gency. more than twice a year. Endowment. Created in 1985, Key findings from the 2017 Survey • Among adults who sang, made music, The Arts Data Profile webpage features CERF is the only or- ganization of its kind of Public Participation in the Arts danced or acted, 63 percent did so in the research briefs, maps and tools on state trends home, while 40 percent did so in a place of in arts participation. Find the research at in the United States. Montana consistently scored above the na- worship. www.arts.gov. It offers profession- tional average in the new report, which tallies al craftspeople the resources they need to get back on their feet and back to work COVID 19: State and National Resources after career-threaten- The National Endowment for the Arts to get mass gatherings or large community Americans for the Arts (blog.americans ing crisis. offers a fact sheet aimed at applicants and events ready for Coronavirus (cdc.org). It’s forthearts.org) offers basic individual pre- Tax deductible do- awardees (www.arts.gov/COVID-19-FAQs), also the go-to site for virus protection and vention measures to share with attendees, nations help maintain as well as a handy list of resources and links hygiene tips, and the latest federal regulations. program participants and employees. the loan fund. For for the arts community: www.arts.gov/covid- The American Alliance of Museums, www. details, email info@ 19-resources-artists-and-arts- aam-us.org, offers advice applicable to muse- Resources for Employers/Employees craftemergency.org or visit the website, organizations. ums and other cultural venues. U.S. Department of Labor & Industry: The Theatre Communications Group has www.craftemergency. www.dol.gov/coronavirus org. Other National Resources posted a Coronavirus Preparedness Webinar U.S. Small Business Administration: ArtsReady (artsready.org) and the on vimeo.com, and the Event Safety Alli- www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus National Coalition for Arts Preparedness ance’s webinar, “Prepare Your Organization -covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan- and Emergency Response (ncaper.org) are for the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak” resources regularly updating their sites with arts-specif- (eventsafetyalliance.webinarninja.com), may The Governor’s Cornonavirus Task ic resources and advice. ArtsReady has also be helpful to performing arts groups. Force: covid19.mt.gov circulated practical examples of measures The League of American Orchestra’s Coro- The Montana Department of Health and being implemented by cultural organizations. navirus Resource Page (americanorchestras. Human Services: dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/ The Centers for Disease Control and org) includes sample audience communica- cdepi/diseases/coronavirusmt Prevention (CDC) offers guidelines on how tions as well as other recommendations. State of the Arts • Spring 2020

Public Value Partnerships The 3 Rs at work in Montana Public Value Partnership grants between in workshops revolving around Montana nonprofit arts organizations and the compassion and explore how to Montana Arts Council champion the fact that understand, observe, and participate the arts are of benefit to all the citizens of in a more compassionate life. Montana and are worthy of state and federal At the end of each workshop, investment. participants created an original Public Value Partnerships utilize three artwork on an 8” x 8” wood panel. At tools we call “The Three Rs” to expand the end of the workshop series, more the public value of the work being done by than 6,000 individual panels were Montana’s non-profit arts organizations: created. • Building relationships; The next step in the program’s • Creating greater relevance and mission was to exhibit these 18 meaning; and original artworks, host lectures and • Establishing return on investment performances relating to the mission, (measured both as economic vitality and and educate the viewers on the impact on people’s lives). importance of this project and its MAC believes that using “The Three Rs” continuation into the future. strengthens participation, understanding The Compassion Project’s biggest Grandstreet Theatre: “Mama Mia!” brought the and support from audiences, donors and challenge was finding a location with audience members to their feet. funders. We’d like to share some of the best enough space, time, facilities and examples of these stories: manpower to install these works. That’s where their families and many, many others from the the Emerson stepped in. We installed 4,555 Gallatin Valley and beyond. Building Relationships of the panels in the Weaver Room Gallery, The whole installation was on display for second floor hallways, and the west wing three months, with smaller sections coming C.M. Russell stairwell and hallways. down gradually, until finally just shy of 1,000 Statewide arts Museum, Great The process began pieces remain. These works will remain Falls: Each year, in our backstage and installed into perpetuity. The Compassion service the museum theater storage spaces, Project plans to spread their compassion organizations produces a calendar where for over a week curriculum to other cities in Montana and featuring the art of The Compassion beyond. Our connection as the host site for Montana has many Charlie Russell. Project, Emerson staff, the first project of its kind in our state will arts-discipline- It is sold in the and volunteers sorted, have a lasting impression on our constituents specific statewide store year-round nailed ID tags, and and all project participants. service organiza- and is consistently stored thousands of a sought-after tions. You can find pieces of community Return on Investment a complete list here: item. However, art. The following art.mt.gov/arts_ museum members 10 days were strictly Grandstreet Theatre, Helena: Grandstreet brings high-quality theatre service_orgs at the Sustaining devoted to installation. Membership level C.M. Russell Museum: The museum’s In the end, the to Helena all year long. This means that staff hand delivered the calendar, pub- and above receive visual impact was community members are coming together to lished annually, to directly touch base with the calendar free of overwhelming. Rows create a collaborative work of art, which gives Montana Arts sustaining members. charge. upon rows, columns local artists an opportunity to stretch their Council The process in upon columns of colorful painted tiles were talents and learn new skills. The company’s grants, awards years’ past has been to mail out calendars in displayed, each with a unique and personal productions invest heavily in local businesses the fall for the upcoming calendar year. Last story all tied in compassion. The events in order to create theatre, purchasing goods & commissions year, however, museum staff hand delivered that followed spanned a month’s time, and and materials for sets, costumes and props. Visit the Montana the calendars to those members in our included speakers from around the country, Grandstreet is always interested in new Arts Council’s website immediate community. We knocked on doors professional artists, school children and their partnerships that encourage patrons to stay for a complete listing and businesses and personally gave the gift families, dozens of volunteers, university downtown and enjoy other businesses. And of grants, awards and of the calendar to the member. This allowed students, Emerson staff, and community besides all of the material and business commissions: a face-to-face thank you to the member members. It is the largest community art benefits, Grandstreet believes that bringing and created a great opportunity for further people together from all manner of different Individuals: art. project installed within the city of Bozeman dialogue and cultivation. perspectives and backgrounds helps to create mt.gov/gac#ind to date. We were able to extend personal Our participation in this project was an a better community and gives people an Organizations: art. invitations to member openings and other opportunity to grow and, hopefully, be more mt.gov/gac#orgs honor and privilege. We were able to show member-exclusive opportunities and as our support of a new, local non-profit, display community minded. Schools: art. a result, saw an increase in attendance of As to the theatre’s impact on people’s mt.gov/gac#schools the works of almost 5,000 community member-specific events. Our biggest lesson participants, and engage with hundreds lives: Programs and Ser- learned was face-to-face interaction with our “Grandstreet Theatre and its school have vices: art.mt.gov/ps of artists, volunteers and supporters. The community is the best way to engage and Emerson’s partnership with The Compassion turned our family of four into a true and inspire people to walk through our doors! Project spurred a long-lasting connection to strong family of many. Because of GST, Montana State University, school children and our teenage daughters will move into their Creating Relevance adult lives passionate and eager, fierce and kind, and with a much Emerson Center for the Arts stronger sense of humanity and and Culture, Bozeman: Last empathy because they have been spring, the Emerson hosted The consciously taught to always seek Compassion Project’s production, to understand what it feels like to exhibition, lecture, and reception walk in another person’s shoes,” of the organization’s citywide art writes Shana McBride Harrington. projects. “Without the generosity and The Compassion Project love I received from Grandstreet was founded by Dr. Kayte Theatre I never could have found Kaminski, Montana State my own potential as a performer University’s director of Health and human! I hold on to advice and Human Development. Her I received from within those vision, spurred from a similar hallowed walls and carry it with program in LaCrosse, WI, invited Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture: The Compassion me everywhere I go, continually school-aged children and the Project was a citywide art project that included an exhibition, paying it forward,” writes Chris community at large to participate lecture and reception at the art center. Vogl.

Call for Cultural & Aesthetic Project Advisory Committee

Applications for membership on the Cultural the four-year terms include attending a two-day panel and Aesthetic Project Advisory Committee will be meeting every other year and reviewing up to 100 accepted through May 6, 2020. The Montana Arts grant applications online in preparation for the review. Council makes half of the appointments to this The next meeting is scheduled for October 2020 in committee, and the Montana Historical Society makes Helena. If you are interested in being considered, the other half. please send a letter of interest and a resume or bio The arts council looks for a broad range of electronically to Kristin Han Burgoyne at professional arts expertise, and also geographic, racial [email protected] by May 6, 2020. and gender balance for the committee. Obligations of Spring 2020 • State of the Arts

Montana Artrepreneurs Montana Artrepreneur Program: Three cohorts begin journey

As we turned the corner and provide a support into 2020, three new cohorts system for artists on their of the Montana Artrepreneur journey toward a viable arts Program (MAP) began business. their journey, continuing MAP participant Nikki the Montana Arts Council’s Schaubel offered this commitment to serving reminder of the spirit of and supporting individual MAP, reflected in a quote artists. MAP coach Liz by author Stephen King: Chappie Zoller is convening “Life isn’t a support system a cohort of six visual artists for art. It’s the other way in Three Forks, an eight- around.” 19 person cohort is underway in Missoula led by Rickie van Applications open in Berkum, and a third cohort of five participants is being April for next round convened in Great Falls, with The Montana coach Annie Daniel Clark. Artrepreneur Program Each cohort will (MAP) is an art-centered experience four weekend business development workshops – 40 hours of program taught by working professional learning – as artists and open to all visual well as interim meetings artists. MAP provides more designed to provide than 40 hours of college- continuity and connection. Three Forks MAP participants attend their second weekend workshop, held level instruction, reviews Strategic “They’re each very at Liz Chappie Zoller’s studio. (Photo by Liz Chappie Zoller) 35 practical business tools, Investment engaged and enthusiastic, demystifies the world of focused and committed to the work and continues to flourish and I appreciate and rely business, and affirms the title of “Artist” as a Grant funds the process” says certified MAP coach Liz on those personal and professional friendships credible profession. available Chappie Zoller of her sixth cohort. “I’m cultivated through some very apt Montana Instruction is focused on advancing Strategic Invest- both pleased and proud of how well they’ve Arts Council programming.” proficiency in the artist’s chosen medium, ment Grant (SIG) bonded and their generous and supportive A current member of Annie Daniel Clark’s articulating their story and purpose as an funds are still avail- artist, strategically seeking patrons for their nature towards each other.” cohort, Virginia Niccolucci, is already feeling able for upcoming art, and engaging in the arts community. MAP This particular aspect of the Montana the empowerment of exploring her artistic projects and profes- potential and developing her business: “I instruction is centered on four weekend-long Artrepreneur Program is regularly cited as a sional development. retired from my job as an Internal Revenue workshops held roughly eight weeks apart. meaningful and transformative outcome of These grants pro- MAP, and is particularly important in a far- Service auditor several years ago and am now Applications to the next MAP instructional vide up to $1,000 in flung state where artists may feel distant from exploring the latent artist in me!” year will be open in April. To learn more matching funds for the broader Montana arts community. The Montana Arts Council sees that the about MAP, visit art.mt.gov/map and, to MAP artist Jennifer Ogden offers this investment in our citizen artists becomes an stay up to date on the upcoming application professional artists, reflection on her recent experience: “MAP has investment in our shared Montana economy, timeline, like Montana Arts Council on nonprofit 501(c)(3) helped me to become more comfortable with where the arts are increasingly recognized as Facebook or contact Arts Education Director arts organizations marketing my work and expanding my reach a driver. Further, this dedicated programming Monica Grable at 406-444-6522 or Monica. and Preschool-Grade as a rural Montana artist. Our MAP cadre is designed to foster personal fulfillment [email protected]. 12 teachers in Montana, and are available in four cate- gories: Public Art Archive celebrates 10th anniversary • Professional development grants The Public Art Archive and private stakeholders, help build individual (PAA), powered by the researchers, students, and art skills and knowl- Western States Arts public audiences that desire edge, arts careers Federation (WESTAF), educational resources about and/or arts business- celebrates 10 years in the content, depth, and breadth es. 2020. Over the past of public art that currently • Market expan- decade, the archives have exists.” sion grants help in- documented over 14,000 crease exposure and international public Eligibility Requirements improve marketing or artworks and provided free promotion, opportu- access to explore those The archive recognizes works on both desktop and the wide variety of practices nities for exhibition, mobile sites. and forms that public art performance and/ Managed by a team takes. This includes objects or sales to a wider or of specialists from the and experiences that range new audience. public art and collection from the permanent to • Grants for public management fields, the the ephemeral, traditional outreach arts activ- archive is a free, constantly sculpture to projects focused ities fund ongoing growing online and mobile on social exchange, as well or one-time activities database of completed as those works supported that are designed to public artworks. Artists and by public or private funding reach a new or ex- art enthusiasts can explore public art on the how PAA “has grown from a collection of sources (or a combination). panded audience. go with the location app; or browse online by ideas attempting to fill a resource gap into To qualify for inclusion in the Public Art • Challenges and artist name, collection, material or work-type. a continually growing repository and suite Archive, a work of public art must meet two emergencies grants The archives are integrated with Google Maps of services built to ‘make public art more requirements: provide resources for • The work must be publicly viewable; to support mapping features for virtual or on- public.’” artists or arts organi- • The work must be sanctioned, foot exploration, and offer filters that aid in Goldstein notes that public art is zations experiencing research and education. increasingly integrated into urban planning, commissioned, placed, or displayed through an official acquisition process. challenges or emer- In a blog post by PAA manager Lori placemaking, and the development of cultural gencies that impede Goldstein, posted Feb. 25 in honor of the tourism. “The commissioning of public art For more information, visit www. publicartarchive.org. the ability to contin- archives’ 10-year anniversary, she notes has prompted a growing network of public ue work. The application deadline is the 15th Deadline for next round of TourWest grants extended to May 1 of the month. Due to developments surrounding COVID-19, WESTAF has standard performance grants are available in an amount of up to For guidelines and extended the TourWest 2020 application deadline to May 1. $2,500 or 50% of the artistic fees, whichever is less. more information TourWest is a competitive grant program that provides subsidies Eligible projects in the 2020-2021 cycle must take place between visit art.mt.gov/sig; to arts and community organizations in the 13-state WESTAF Sept. 1, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021 and include one public performance contact Kristin region, which includes Montana, for the presentation of out-of-state and one educational outreach activity. Grant applicants can expect to Han Burgoyne touring performing and literary artists. be notified of their award status in July. ([email protected] Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, TourWest Visit tourwest.gosmart.org for application guidelines and policies. or 406-444-6449) for more information.

INSIDE STATE OF THE ARTS

1 Crow Tell Their Own Story; MCT Cancels Tour; New MAC Members

2 From the Director; MAC Seeks Program Officer; Artist’s Innovation Award Exhibition; New MAC Members (cont)

3-4 Congrats, Transitions & Condolences

5 Crow Tell Their Own Story (cont)

6-7 Arts In The Age of Coronavirus; MCT Cancels Tour (cont)

8 Montana Heritage Center; New Humanities Montana Director; Arts in the Age of Coro- navirus (cont)

9-11 About Music; About Books

12 Montana Preservation Road Show; Cohesion Dance Project’s “Resonance”; Online Arts Interview Program

13 About Visual Artists

14 Poetry Out Loud State Finals; Carbon County Arts Guild AISC Project

15 MAM Launches Remote Access Platform; Harvard Hosts Arts Learning Institute

16 The Untouchables; International Wildlife Film Festival; Montana Poets Laureate

17 NEA Grants; NEA Public Participation Survey; Poetry Out Loud COVID-19 Resources Adam Langston of Belt accepts his participation certificate for the Montana Poetry Out Loud State Finals from Montana Arts Council Executive Director Tatiana Gant, as other finalists look on. Read more about this year’s contest on page 14. 18 The Three Rs at Work in Montana (Photo by Katie Knight)

19 Montana Artrepreneur Program; Public Art Archive; TourWest Grant Deadline Extended

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 Jay Pyette Angela Russell Corby Skinner 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 Crow Tell Their Own Story in Major Exhibit MAC Staff Pages 1 & 5 Tatiana Gant, Executive Director [email protected] • 406-444-6546 Jenifer Alger, Chief Financial Officer 9,750 copies of this public document were published at an estimated [email protected] • 406-444-6489 cost of $1.29 per copy, for a total cost of $12,594, which includes Kristin Han Burgoyne, Database & Grants Director, $9,166 for printing/production and $3,428 for distribution Accessibility Coordinator State of the Arts is provided free of [email protected] • 406-444-6449 charge upon request. An alternative Monica Grable, Arts Education Director accessible format is also available [email protected] • 406-444-6522 upon request. Spring 2020 Shawna Korth, Business Specialist Call 406-444-6449 April/May/June [email protected] • 406-444-6510