Official Guide to Art Week Great Falls, Montana March 15th-19th, 2023
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1401637
12 the russell: the sale to benefit the cm russell museum C Russell's West Goes North as Museum Campus Grows an a single place be a bucket list destination, community cultural center, world-class museum, and home to the art and soul of the American West? When the dust settles on a new campus expansion project, the C.M. Russell Museum plans to be all of those and more. The path to a northern expansion began many years ago with the museum's acquisition of properties on the north side of 5th Avenue North. The final property, 1221 5th Ave N, was secured in late 2019 and the possibility of a campus expansion was finally within reach. The Russell Exhibition and Sale At the heart of the current museum campus, are the early 1900s, fully-restored house and studio of Charlie and Nancy Russell, a National Historic Landmark. Over the years, Charlie and Nancy's backyard has grown to include one of the first recognized Western art museums, the Frederic G. and Ginger K. Research Center, and the outdoor Russell Riders Sculpture Garden. The newest expansion adds 2.1 acres and a new chapter for the institution. "The C.M. Russell Museum's roots are deep in the Great Falls community. We are dedicated to preserving and expanding the premier cultural center that the community and Charlie Russell's legacy deserves," said executive director Tom Figarelle. After a thorough evaluation and a grant-funded environmental site assessment, the structures on 5th Avenue North were determined unsuitable for museum use. Habitat for Humanity ReStore salvaged materials before demolition. The expansion effort focused on reimagining the campus to expose greater and more diverse audiences to the stories and timeless lessons of Russell's West. A Campus Master Plan Task Force was formed in October of 2019 to manage the detailed, long-term plan. Co-chaired by board vice-chair Anne Martinez and architect Steve L'Heureux, the group included board members, museum staff, neighborhood residents, community advocates, and artists to leverage a diverse and creative outlook. Architectural rendering Architectural rendering By Angie Windheim