My weekend became consumed with art shows! The Great Falls Native American Art Show held at the Civic Center was on my list for Saturday’s treks. As expected, I saw a great variety of artwork. The featured student artist, Kristen Hirst, was at her booth when I stopped by. On Friday she had sold 10 pieces of her art and, to say the least, she was very pleased. She posed by her favorite painting of brightly colored horses. … Read more
I visited another art show titled Jay Contway and Friends this past weekend. Held at Montana Expo Park in Great Falls, this show had bronzes by Contway (huge detailed bronzes), woodcarvings, metal sculptures, silversmithing, leather work, paintings and more. I took photos of some of the more unusual offerings. A handmade saddle was so detailed with leather tooling, I wouldn’t want to use it for horseback riding. I looked at the woodcarvings from several different angles and still could not figure out … Read more
Wow, last night was my first night of “Art Weekend in Great Falls”. OK, it was Wednesday and not the weekend, but Great Falls’ art frenzy has begun. I attended the Footprints on the Trail show sponsored by the Western Heritage Artists at the Great Falls Holiday Inn. There is a lobby art show and they also had good old western tunes being played in the lobby by the Jeni Dodd Trio. It never ceases to amaze me when I see … Read more
The Western Art Capital of the World – that’s what folks call Great Falls this time of year. It all began with one art show and auction – the C. M. Russell Art Auction, named after western artist Charlie Russell. There are now art shows and auctions throughout the city – the Great Falls Native American Art Show, Western Heritage Artists Show and Sale, Jay Contway and Friends Art Show, March In Montana Show and … Read more
Hey shutterbugs, Russell Country is conducting a photo contest for images taken within the 13 county tourism region. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries selected and Russell Country retains publication rights for all photos submitted. So…even if you don’t win you could see your favorites published! First place winner will receive $150. Second and third place winners will receive $100 and $50, respectively. Digital images are preferred and should be submitted … Read more
Last Saturday I was out at Giant Springs State Park just east of Great Falls, MT. It was one of those days where you just felt lucky to be outside. The weather was awesome. The park had invited artists to set up their easels and do some plein air painting. I hope it was as fun for the artists as it was for me watching them. Some were set up on the manicured lawns at … Read more
White Sulphur Springs, MT hosts an impressive list of cowboy poets and pickers May 8-10. The gathering is called “Motherin’ Up”. Daytime sessions are free to the public and poets rotate each hour starting at 10am. Attendees will be able to hear performers from Montana, Canada, and North and South Dakota. Saturday evening’s performance is $12. A nondenominational cowboy church service begins at 9am Sunday. Concessions will sold by local 4-H clubs and you’ll also … Read more
I recently toured the new Blackfeet Painted Tipi exhibit installed at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls, MT. The colorful and educational exhibit details different tipi designs used by the Blackfeet tribe from northwestern Montana. This exhibit will remain at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center through summer and fall so it will be a great excursion for visiting friends and family. During this same time, many demonstrations and talks are given … Read more
Today we visited the C. M. Russell Museum complex located in what I call the heart of Great Falls. The museum”, Charlie and Nancy Russell’s home, and Charlie’s log studio are all on this one-block complex in their original location. A few years ago the Russell Museum rehung all of Charlie’s art in chronological order. At the time I didn’t think it was a big deal but it really shows his growth as an artist. … Read more