Month: March 2013

Birdwatching at Freezout Lake

Freezout Lake (almost looks like it is spelled wrong but that’s correct!) between Fairfield (4 miles) and Choteau (7 miles) is the site of two major birding “events” – spring and fall snowgoose migrations. Tundra swans also are part of the two migrations. Freezout Lake straddles US Hwy 89 and the lake is really a series of interconnecting ponds, ditches and dikes built to control water levels. With consistent water, marsh-dwelling birds, waterfowl and many other species make … Read more

Made In Montana Marketplace Held In Great Falls

I look forward to the end of March each year when many Montana entrepreneurs head to Great Falls for the Made In Montana Marketplace. First of all, I am so impressed with the talent living in Montana! I saw everything from food – teas, jerky, cereal, spices, gluten free products…to CDs from local musicians, everything from cowboy yodeling to classical and blues. And, the list goes on. I stopped first at the Cream of the West … Read more

Great Falls Wood Sculptor Tom Dean

Tom Dean, whose business is called Milo Creek Carvings, is a completely self-taught wood carver/sculptor residing in Great Falls, MT. I had a chance to visit with him at the C. M. Russell Museum during the recent sale and auction to benefit the museum. He uses exotic woods – I wouldn’t have even tried to guess what kind of tree they came from! When I think of his carvings I think mostly of fish, think “trout”. … Read more

Powwow Season Began Last Weekend in Great Falls

The University of Great Falls held a traditional powwow last weekend on campus. It was their 32nd annual powwow and it was free to attend. A traditional powwow doesn’t pay out competitive prize money but it offers dance specials. I stopped by to watch two things – the Tiny Tot dancers and a ceremony commemorating the canonization of Sister Kateri Tekakawitha, the first Native American Catholic saint who was named in October 2012. My timing was … Read more

Art Week in Great Falls-First Stop TownHouse Inn

When the middle of March rolls around you can feel the pulse of the art world pick up mighty fast if you are in Great Falls, Montana. What began as a local art show named after the C. M. Russell Museum has turned in to a major draw. Hotels are filled with both art and people, other venues also have art shows and a lot of folks begin to look a little bit “western”! We call it Western Art … Read more

Art Week Great Falls – Western Heritage Show Preview

Gosh, two art shows in one day and I’m exhausted. Hard to imagine how I’ll hold up after visiting about a half dozen more! Tonight I went to the Great Falls Holiday Inn where the Western Heritage Art Show & Sale had their preview night. I actually went to this show twice tonight – the first time my camera battery died, darn, so I took a break, recharged the battery (and myself) and went back. … Read more

Art Museum Celebrates Birthday

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls held a fun and unique celebration last Friday – a birthday party for Dr. Seuss! All ages were welcome. Upright rectangular boxes were covered with white paper, then characters from Dr. Seuss books were drawn on them (someone’s a good artist!). Kids of all ages could don an apron, grab some paint and start coloring the designs. At first when we arrived it was pretty quiet. … Read more

First Friday Art Walk in Great Falls

The First Friday Art Walks in Great Falls, Montana have been a great success. Even on a wintry Friday evening people flock to visit with local artists and see their work. The artwalks are free – artists open their studios and galleries on a Friday night and many serve refreshments to visitors. Several featured locations are in downtown Great Falls on Central Avenue. The Columbus Centre on 16th Street and 2nd Avenue North has one floor devoted to art … Read more

It’s Almost Art Week in Great Falls

Let’s talk about Great Falls, Montana’s version of March madness which is otherwise known as Art Week. It all began with a celebration of Charlie Russell’s birthday which falls around the third weekend in March. An auction, art sale and birthday party were planned and it grew, and grew and grew! Festivities this year kick off Wednesday, March 13 and several of the events keep going through Sunday, March 17. The C. M. Russell Museum sponsors The Russell: The … Read more