Official Guide to Art Week Great Falls, Montana March 15th-19th, 2023
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1401637
11 Lynn Contway, wife of the late bronze sculptor and painter Jay Contway, says that the events of Western Art Week have been a catalyst for keeping art alive in many other communities over the past five decades. "When Norma Ashby began the Great Falls show, I don't think she had any idea that she was creating a model for dozens of communities to begin their own art shows," Lynn says. "Shows have come and gone, but this one always stays." Thirteen stellar shows are slated to take place so far, with more artists being added to the lineup every day. Marisela Hazzard, content director for Great Falls Montana Tourism, says the upcoming western art extravaganza is "sure to be one for the record books." "The much-anticipated week of live music performances, quick draws, auctions, and art in all forms will be joined with August's warmer weather and a new mobile- exclusive pass that will guide people through each show, highlighting events, artists, and offering exclusive discounts and prizes," Marisela notes. The free mobile pass will include up-to-the-minute details about each show's hours and artists, as well as a map overlay to make finding each show and nearby features even easier. The free mobile pass is available at www.westernartweek.com. "Just enter your email and follow the instructions," Marisela says. This year's Special Edition Western Art Week will also overlap with ArtsFest MONTANA 2021, which kicks off on August 13 and runs through August 20. Since 2019, artists from all over the continent have traveled to Great Falls' downtown area to create meaningful and impactful murals on the sides of local buildings as part of the event. "Artists are given complete creative license to do what they would like, within some limits," explains Joan Redeen, community director for the Great Falls Business Improvement District. "The goal is to foster creativity." ArtsFest MONTANA 2019 resulted in five new murals, and the 2020 event led to the installation of six more. The number of sites for this year's program is yet to be determined. Check out the ArtsFest MONTANA Facebook page or visit www.artsfestmontana.com for the latest scoop on the installations or to apply to have your building included in this year's event. The stellar lineup of family-friendly art shows, performances, activities and outdoor festivities on tap for this Special Edition Western Art Week will make it a celebration you won't soon forget. This is the one you don't want to miss!