Winston Publishing

he Arts Association of Montana has been nurturing a diverse group of artists from across the state for nearly 50 years. ese artists represent a wide range of mediums, styles, and subjects, including traditional western art, mixed media, photography, and 3-dimensional artworks. You can meet these artists and view their work during the association's 9th appearance at Western Art Week. Artist Jean Fleming-Mazur is the president and show chair of the Arts Association of Montana. She explains that one doesn't need to be an established artist to be in the show, but one must be a member of the association. People oen join just to be in the show. "is is a way for members to get experience without much expense. It's a way to put their toes in," says Jean. Association member, Monica Bauer, has been showing at Western Art Week for several years. Monica grew up in Great Falls and recently returned as a member of the art faculty at the University of Providence, Great Falls. Her oil and acrylic paintings focus on figuration, draw from Montana scenes, and explore themes of cultural displacement and irreversible change. She T Missouri Falls Fine Arts Show Montana Artists Display Their Range of Talents By Susie Wall missouri falls fine arts show Monica Bauer Alexia Duncan Kyle Daughtery Jean Fleming-Mazur Samantha Houston Gil Park Sharon Smith Frankie Stockman Melisa Trombley Sandy Walker Monica Bauer - Plant • 24"x18" Oil on Canvas Alexia Duncan - One Headlight • 8" x 10" Mixed Media Missouri Falls Fine Art Show Artists MISSOURI FALLS FINE ART SHOW Event Schedule Thursday, March 16 Meet the Artists | 5 - 8 pm Friday, March 17 Show Opens | 10 am - 7 pm Saturday, March 18 Show Opens |10 am - 7 pm Great Falls Civic Center (downtown) Second Floor, Gibson Room 2 Park Dr. S. enjoys showcasing local history in her art, such as her paintings depicting industrial sites and oil refineries in Great Falls and Bue. "I find remnants of these places fascinating," she says. "People see a painting of a local oil refinery, and instantly there's a connection. ey say, 'Oh, my brother works there, my uncle, my nephew.'" e awarding of the association's Val Knight scholarships will be a highlight of this year's show. In honor of local artist Val Knight, who was passionate about encouraging youth creativity, three local public high school art students will receive $300 each. "ey don't have to spend it on art, but it's a way of saying congratulations. Awesome job," says Jean. e awards are given at the opening reception, and the student's work is displayed during the show. 50 • portfolio

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