Winston Publishing

PORTFOLIO ~ P.37 STUDIO 706 ARTIST GUILD SHOW Supporting Art through Multiple Mediums & Scholarships TEXT BY AMY JOYNER Photo courtesy of Studio 706 Artist Guild Show A bout 25 enthusiastic members of the Studio 706 Artist Guild are display- ing and selling their artwork that they have lined up at the Civic Center Gibson Room for the sixth year during Western Art Week. They are also celebrating the group's 20th birthday. Since its unpretentious begin- ning in 1997, the Guild has as- sembled about 50 members who can learn or teach, work together or independently at their eclectic Great Falls space at 706 7th Ave. S. Artist members take pride in offer- ing art that is "unique and afford- able to the general public," says Sherry Tuss, Studio 706 Artist Guild president for the last two years. Artistic style is not limited to Western or outdoors, and their show is not typical, either, Tuss adds. "We do so many things that are beneficial to the pub- lic classes, meeting, providing a studio. …Our artists work in such a variety of media, (at this week's show) people can see what our members do." The Guild is not dedicating their show to a featured art- ist or specific medium. Tuss says participating members have fo- cused on the favored and famed Great Falls Downtown area while preparing art to be judged, displayed and sold. Each art piece is relevant to Downtown Great Falls. The winner will be determined by Ike Kaufman, tireless local historian and owner of Kaufmans Menswear found downtown, Tuss said. That art is displayed together at the show and is for sale. Another announcement coming Saturday is the winner of the People's Choice Award. Those visiting the show will vote and a prize given, Tuss says. Also displayed at the Stu- dio 706 Artist Guild Show are the complete portfolios of the many high school seniors in Cascade County who applied for one of two $650 Bill Chigbrow Memorial Scholarships the Guild is awarding. Tuss says that the group's mem- bers vote on the applications and accompanying art to award the money to seniors who want to for- mally study art after graduation. Tuss says, "It is a very good feeling to offer these scholarships. Anymore, education is unbeliev- ably expensive. Any help we can offer makes us feel so good for someone who is worthy." Works at the Studio 706 Artist Guild Show include all types of fine art including oils, water- colors, acrylics, pastels, pen/ink, graphite, pottery, photog- raphy, wood carving, stained glass and ceramics. The Guild offers various classes on those mediums during the year. Information is at www.studio706artistguild.com. > s t u d i o 7 0 6 a r t i s t g u i l d s h o w STUDIO 706 EVENT SCHEDULE Thurs., March 16, 2017 • 5 pm: Reception • 5-9 pm: Show Open Fri. March 17, 2017 • 10 am-9 pm: Exhibit Room Open Sat., March 18, 2017 • 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Exhibit Room Open • 3 p.m.: People's Choice Winner Announced Civic Center Gibson Room, 2 Park Dr. S www.studio706artistguild.com "Wet Spring Near the Highwoods" 11" x 16", Acrylic, Steve Tilleraas "Gibson Park Arch" 8" x 12", Watercolor, Sherry Tuss

• Cover