Winston Publishing

portfolio • 41 Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art High Noon Fashion and Contemporary American Indian Art paris gibson square museum of art March 20 Museum Open 10am-7pm Exhibit Reception 5-7pm March 21 Museum Open 10am-7pm Fashion Show 12pm March 22 Museum Open 10am-5pm March 23 Museum Open 10am-5pm 1400 1st Avenue North Free Admission - Donations Accepted N Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art Event Schedule By Ellie Stone amed for the historical entrepreneur and politician Paris Gibson, who is credited as the founder of Great Falls in 1883, a large focus of the permanent collection in the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art consists primarily of modern and contemporary art. Operating year round as the only contemporary art museum in an 80-mile radius, the staff at The Square works relentlessly bringing nationally acclaimed artists to Great Falls with fresh exhibits rotating in and out every three months. Specifically, during Western Art Week, they focus on Native art and programming with a Native American culture. Kristi Scott, curator of art, says, "We think it's really important here at The Square to provide a platform for Native Americans to participate in their own representation of their culture." Great Falls is the closest urban center for the Blackfeet and the Chippewa Cree at Rocky Boy, and Fort Belknap where there are Assiniboine Sioux populations. The Little Shell population yearns for a voice as they have no land to call their own. Scott says, "We're quite multi-cultural for a blue-collar Montana community. Part of the pull is bringing something for the Natives here in Great Falls and raising awareness about cultural appropriation for non-Natives who are in town for Western Art Week." Beginning Wednesday, March 21 from 5:00-7:00 pm, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art kicks off Western Art Week with a special exhibition reception for Continuum: Contemporary American Indian Art form the Missoula Art Museum's Permanent Collection. Enjoy a discussion on the selections of artists and artwork by guest curator -Nikolyn Garner (Kickapoo / Oneida / Cherokee), along with free appetizers and refreshments. Thursday afternoon The Square presents new designs on the runway by Chippewa Cree designer, Alisa Herodes at this year's High Noon Fashion Show. Herodes is partnering with The Square to bring meaningful couture with a cultural focus to Great Falls during Western Art Week. Programming includes a runway show and discussion on the plight of the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Cree who are seeking federal recognition. Admission is free to our six galleries as well as the live artist demonstrations beginning at 10:00 A.M. Saturday peruse the galleries and enjoy live painting demonstrations in the afternoon with Livingston artist Edd Enders. "I hope people take a break from all the buckskin and fringe and take the opportunity to really contemplate what it means to be Native and see Native American contemporary work.," concludes Scott. Neil Parsons (Southern Pikuni), Yellow Owl Shirt

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