Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1357477
C.M. Russell Museum 400 13th St N The C.M. Russell Museum pays tribute to Charlie Russell, Montana's best-known artist and one of the masters of western art. The museum houses an extensive collection — more than 2,000 pieces — of Russell's art, as well as personal belongings and archival materials, the largest such Russell collection in the world. Works by artists such as O.C. Seltzer, Winold Reiss, Gary Schildt, and Plains Indian ethnographic objects bring the total number of items in the museum's permanent collection to approximately 12,000. The museum's permanent exhibits include the five galleries of works by Charles M. Russell, plus The Bison: American Icon, Heart of Plains Indian Culture, the Browning Firearms Collection, and The Russell Riders Sculpture Garden. The museum also hosts nationally acclaimed visiting temporary exhibitions year round. The Russell complex includes the museum and the artist's original log studio and home, both of which have seen recent updates and renovations. The Russell's major fundraising event occurs in March during Western Art Week, and includes two auctions that offer more than 250 works of art. Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, winter; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday, summer Log studio hours: 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday, winter; 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday, summer Russell home hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday, summer only Admission: $9 adults, $7 seniors 65 and older, veterans and scheduled tour groups, $4 students, free for ages 5 and younger, museum members, and active military. Phone: (406) 727-8787 Website: cmrussell.org Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art 1400 1st Ave N The former school building that houses the galleries of Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is more than 120 years old, and the people who work there honor the history it represents every day. The museum fosters and supports local and regional contemporary artists and the work they produce. Its galleries are regularly filled with exhibits by artists working in a variety of media. The Square holds regular classes for children and adults alike. The Arts on Fire fundraiser, which takes place in the fall, raises money for educational programming and The Square's growing ceramic arts program. The Square's yearly art auction, held the second weekend in April, supports the museum's 14 to 20 rotating contemporary exhibitions. In addition, The Square also serves as a venue for community events, including everything from baby showers to community performing arts. The Square also houses a cafe, meeting and event rooms, and outreach programs for those with disabilities or other barriers, and participates in the Downtown Great Falls Association's First Friday Art Walks. "We believe that art is for everyone. It is our vision to connect the community with culture and contemporary art. We respect diversity, equity, and inclusion where all voices are heard," said Sarah Justice, executive director of the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 5-9 p.m. Tuesday; 12-5 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free courtesy of Farmers Union Insurance. Phone: (406) 727-8255 Website: the-square.org Children's Museum of Montana 22 Railroad Sq The Children's Museum of Montana gives kids the opportunity to explore their world, allowing visitors to touch and play with displays, pretend, and learn. The museum features 20,000 square feet of exhibits on two floors, including grocery store, hospital, dental, and Lego learning exhibits. Every year the Children's Museum of Montana hosts the "Chocolat Noir." This event is a unique, adult-only fundraiser with live entertainment. 100% of all proceeds go directly to the maintenance and advancement of the Children's Museum! This event is usually held in February of each year. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday Admission: $5 for ages 2 and older, $4 for senior citizens; annual memberships, group discounts available. Phone: (406) 452-6661 Website: childrensmuseumofmontana.org 83 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org * Businesses listed in blue are Chamber Members. C I T Y S I T E S Museums & Activity Centers