In This Issue Craig Hergert alara jewelry ryan turner earth elements
features
2 8 10 12 16 18 23 26 30 32 36 38 42 44 50
earth elements downtown bozeman art walks architecture and the art of relevance the art of designer jewelry life on planet bronze treasures boutique artisans of the land massive landscapes watches as art drift seeds twenty years of the emerson ryan turner earth's treasures bozeman camera expands jim r. harris
Publisher Mike Rey
Editor Dave Reuss
Marketing Director Chris Rey
Design Jared Byerly
Contributors Jessica Bayramian Byerly Jim R. Harris Craig W. Hergert Anthony Houtz Susan Lavold Bill Muhlenfeld Babs Noelle Corinne Richardson Patsy Saatjian Elizabeth Severn-Eriksson Ryan Turner
Ad Sales Mike Rey Chris Rey Coco Nisbet Joseph Spinelli
Published By Rey Advertising 3220 Hillcrest Drive Bozeman, MT 59715 406-539-1010 reyadvertising@q.com
On the Cover "Boulder Falls" 2013/2014 1 by Craig Hergert
EARTH ELEMENTS DESIGN CENTER CELEBRATING THE ART OF LIVING: CONTEMPORARY NATURAL ELEMENTS IN HOME DESIGN By Corinne Richardson
Nature, it has been said, is a mirror on the soul. We are drawn to the natural world because of its beauty, because it reflects our emotions and restores our spirit - sheets of moody clouds drawn over the mountains invite contemplation, a kaleidoscope of colors in the
design, and the artful blend of interior
line between earth and sky inspires, and
and exterior a primary design principle.
the soft light filtering through a grove of aspens in the passing of seasons may of-
Earth Elements Design Center located in
fer a poignant counterpoint to hectic lives.
Bozeman, Montana, looks to nature for inspiration when selecting design products.
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In Big Sky country, where the elements
Specializing in bringing beautiful, natural
of nature are an essential fabric of life,
elements into Montana homes, the new
where expansive views, wilderness, and
center, owned by Ben Jones and Steve
light are brought into living areas, it makes
Taylor, features innovative contemporary
perfect sense that the natural world
home finishes - wood flooring, stone, and
would be reflected in Montana home
tile - with high quality, artistic craftsmanship.
Montana Art & Photography
The company introduces unique, creatively designed products from around the globe that become part of the design composition, but are also art objects by themselves, much like the continuous change in nature is a work of art. These products, rich in texture, patterns, and color, create distinc-
Pixel Bois Flottés by OSCAR ONO
tive home interiors, adding
The featured eco-friendly wood flooring and
stimulation, elegance and
wall products designed by internationally re-
sophistication to home design, taking the
nowned designer, Oscar Ono, are elegant
expression, “art extends beyond the wall,”
and evoke nature while capturing the com-
to a new level through unique applications.
plexities of wood. The Pixel Bois Flottés wall application replicates stacked logs giving it a modern, timber-like feel. The End Grain flooring shows off the natural grain patterns of wood conjuring the notion of an ancient forest, and the weathered, stressed flooring, evokes a sense of character through the endurance of elements, and time and history. End Grain by OSCAR ONO
2013/2014 3
panel, their diffusing and reflective qualities adding interestStone products featured by Earth Elements
ing, playful shapes and forms
incorporate precious gems, like tiger’s eye
as seen with the mosaic brick
with earth tones, ambers and golds, and
wall tile. The dynamic patterns
irregular lines. Light reflects from the stone
of sunlight and shadows inter-
creating subtle modulations adding soft-
playing on the steel and kitchen
ness to the space, and creating an expe-
appliances is pleasing to the
rience that has a kind of magic to it, as if
senses, and mimics the changes of light and
you were suddenly transported to a petri-
patterns we experience in the natural world.
fied wood forest. Ethereal, yet at the same time, earthly, the experience gives you an unexpected sense of peace.
The tile selection offered by Earth Elements includes a variety of quality designs featuring natural elements, such as glass mosaics, tumbled and polished marble, tiles with brick patterns, and brushed stainless steel. These products create stunning contemporary decorative effects when used as a border or featured wall
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Montana Art & Photography
Moon Glacier Metallic Black Mosaic by PORCELANOSA
All lines are thoughtfully selected, each having a certain presence and personality. Each product draws you into the space with character and ambiance, like the pieces of art in your home that you really love. Earth Elements is masMetal Brick Acero Mosaic by PORCELANOSA
terful at bringing luxurious elements into
Earth Elements Design Center is well versed in
your project to create a modern, but warm
the art of material selection and is a valuable
and inviting living environment, a harmoni-
resource to local homeowners, architects,
ous home that represents artful living and
builders and interior designers for procuring
is designed with character steeped in the
materials for their home design projects. The
tradition of what makes Montana so unique.
Design Center will also offer bathroom and kitchen fixtures, cabinetry and hardware.
Earth Elements Design Center will open its doors July 2013. An extensive selection of wood flooring, stone and tile samples will be available for viewing in the showroom.
GALLATIN ROAD | SUITE | BOZEMAN|| MT MT 59718 59718 ||406.414.7040 | WWW.EARTHELEMENTS.COM 8121181211 GALLATIN ROAD | SUITE E |E BOZEMAN 406.414.7040 | WWW.EARTHELEMENTS.COM
2013/2014 5
all of the video, print or web content
ourselves at a fraction of the cost. This really hasn’t been affordable for most
privately owned businesses until now. Can you explain the importance of artistic expression in commercial advertising?
No one likes being sold to. We try to
present brand messaging in a way that people can relate to. The artistic aspect is what compels people but good An Interview with Elliot Lindsey, Creative Director at Lever Creative What is Lever Creative? We are a young design, animation
and video production house based in Bozeman Montana.
In the creative advertising industry, what does Lever Creative bring to SW Montana?
Today, digital media creation is becoming
messaging is equally important. The audience must feel inspired to take action and retain the necessary information to do so.
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see things going in the next ten years?
Really, we are just a group of artists who
like making cool stuff and working with
good people. In ten years we will probably be doing the same thing, but hopefully with faster cars and bigger explosions.
more accessible. It was not long ago
Any thoughts in closing?
campaigns were almost exclusively
Sure, you can check out our
t h a t c omplete bran d o r m a r k e t i n g
handled by large agencies. The agency
would develop a concept, then outsource
and oversee the production of the media needed for the campaign. This is still the case with some of our larger corporate
and international clients, but on a local level things are very different. With our wide range of capabilities, we can
provide our smaller clients with the conceptual development and produce
Photo Derik Olsen
work at thelever.com and thanks for reading.
2013/2014 7
downtown bozeman association presents
DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN ART WALKS
The Downtown Bozeman Association, Downtown Bozeman art galleries, retailers, and the Emerson Center for Art and Culture are proud to present this summer’s Downtown Bozeman Art Walks. The Art Walks occur on the 2nd Friday of the month in June through September, and again for our Winter Art Walk in December from 6 to 8PM in Downtown Bozeman. The businesses and galleries generally feature artists’ openings and receptions during the event and often provide complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The 2013 Art Walk dates are June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, and December 13. Maps for the Art Walks are available now and throughout the year at participating galleries and businesses or online at downtownbozeman.org. • Alara Jewelry at 42 West Main St. • Altitude Gallery at 134 East Main St. • The Artshoppe at 23 South Willson Ave. • Artists’ Gallery at 111 South Grand, Suite 106 in Galleria Hall in the Emerson Center • Banks Fine Art at 127 East Main St. • Beaucoup Framing and Gallery at 111 South Grand, Suite 111 in Galleria Hall in the Emerson Center 8
Montana Art & Photography
• BozeArts and the Klare Building Artists at 234 East Babcock (behind First Security Bank) • Bozeman Angler at 23 East Main St. • Bozeman Art Museum, be on the lookout for the new “Bozeman Pop-up Art Museum” location! • Bozeman Youth Initiative, Youth Art Show at Soroptimist Park, bozemanyouth.org • Cello at 18 South Willson Ave. • Country Bookshelf at 28 West Main St. • CTA Architects Engineers at 411 East Main St. Suite 101 • Dari Rasa Trunk Show at 132 East Main St. • Ecce Gallery at 111 South Grand, Suite 107A in Galleria Hall in the Emerson Center • Envi Interior Design Studio at 30 East Mendenhall • ERA Landmark at 8 East Main St. • Four Winds Gallery at 111 South Grand, Suite 108 in Galleria Hall in the Emerson Center • Jessie Wilber Gallery (including the Emerson Weaver Room and the Emerson Front Lobby) at 111 South Grand in the Emerson Center • Loft Spa at 211 East Main St., 3rd floor (above the Rocking R Bar) • Meridian Boutique at 101 East Main St.
• Miller’s Jewelry at 2 East Main St. • Montana Gift Corral at 237 East Main St. • Montana Trails Gallery at 14 North Church Ave. (inside 14 North Restaurant) • The Nova Café at 312 East Main St. • Oh Susanna’s at 111 S. Grand, Suite 110 in Galleria Hall in the Emerson Center • Old Main Gallery at 129 East Main St. • Rocking R Bar at 211 East Main St. • Sassy Sisters at 9 East Main St. • Schnee’s at 35 East Main St. • tart at 111 South Grand, Suite 107C in Galleria Hall in the Emerson Center • Vino per tutti at 315 East Main St. • Visions West Gallery at 34 West Main St. • Wild Joe’s Coffee Spot at 18 West Main St. • Zócalo Coffee at 117 East Main St.
While you stroll from gallery to gallery, you’ll also be able to enjoy live jazz and rock music played by young musicians from the area. Some of our consistent groups include Syzygy and Basement Jazz. Many of these groups are involved in an organization called “Hand Me Down Some Silver,” a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to those students in need for music lessons, music instruments, and special music projects. The opportunity to support this incredible organization during the Art Walks is brought to us by donations from First Security Bank. You can find these ensembles and/or bands at the following locations: First Security Bank, Ellen Theatre, Emerson Center for Art and Culture, and at Soroptimist Park. This free community event is brought to you by our gracious sponsors: First Security Bank, 95.1 The Moose, Insty Prints, The Bozeman Daily Chronicle, and the Bozone. The Art Walks are also open to the public and will take place rain or shine. For more information, visit downtownbozeman.org or call the Downtown Bozeman Association at (406) 586-4008.
In addition to featured openings at the galleries and businesses, the Art Walks also feature live performances throughout downtown.
2013/2014 9
DENY THE BANAL AND TRIVIAL architecture and the art of relevance By Anthony Houtz, AIA
As we experience and examine the spaces that surround us, spaces that form the backdrop for our living and working environments, it is apparent that architecture is not always art—but it should be. Beauty has become a luxury, and perhaps from certain perspectives it always has been. Hidden beneath a superficial layer of borrowed ideas and kitsch are the true artifacts of the human or natural condition. It’s in this realm that authentic beauty resides, and it’s here where genuine artistic prowess seeks to operate. Whether in film, photography, or other methods of artistic presentation, art at its best continuously seeks to reveal and influence. Art is never banal and is rarely trivial. Even if not traditionally aesthetic, true art is beautiful because it is relevant and genuine. Stories tell of the “honeyed voices” of singers, the “lyrical prowess” of bards and the honor and valor of knights. Beauty and the evidence of the highly skilled are inherently spatial and temporal. Critical to the study and experience of art is the notion that art must be integrally experienced and discovered to be fully appreciated. Art is always a three-dimensional activity. Architecture exemplifies such an art form—it certainly involves skill and incorporates technical knowledge, but its success is innately tied to what the designer believes about architecture. Good designers believe that space can be an active catalyst in problem-solving for 10
Montana Art & Photography
companies and businesses, that personal relationships are better in great spaces and that companies are more profitable. Architecture is not solely about experience, and it is not simply about bricks and wood. It’s not just about tacking preconceived ideas onto the front of a square box—architecture should not simply provide space, but should instead begin to understand and communicate space that provides new efficiencies and new realities, extinguishing the commonplace in favor of the genuine and authentic. It is about designing a rose. Architecture needs to ask the difficult questions regarding how and why spaces are utilized, and have the diverse capability and rigor to develop and discuss those questions. It is similar in photography— great photographers hone their craft and are able to maximize their photography to emote and evoke, to explore the human or natural condition. Deep questions that work on multiple social and aesthetic
planes. The master architect is adept at developing these questions and ultimately innovating—the more important spaces of our built environment should be entrusted to those who are willing and capable of creating and preserving valuable space. If the completed building does not embody soul, it becomes irrelevant. Architecture is deeper and broader than most understand. Great, emotive, genuine architecture is based primarily on a deep, authentic understanding of the inner workings of the actual function of the space rather than a simple aesthetic. Space then becomes more useful, more powerful, more thoughtful, more creative, more efficient, and ultimately more valuable to its occupants. It is these spaces that become special examples of exceptional artistry—art that serves purposes beyond the mere function of the space, art that is relevant and logical. Whether architecture is specifically classified as art is ultimately immaterial—but well-crafted, designoriented space should become a priority. Art is more than attractive packaging for a product so that it can be consumed. If great architecture is only about looks and superficial beauty, then contemporary society has ironically been tied to a reification of that same superficiality. When opportunity arises, in both obvious and obscure locations, choose to deny the banal and trivial—aim higher and look deeper. Look around and dare to dream what possibilities may exist, what new realities can be entertained. Seek the authentic, seek the logical and intelligent. Seek architecture. 2013/2014 11
the art of
DESIGNER JEWELRY by Patsy Saatjian, owner of Jewelry Studio in Bozeman, Montana
Ch a r l es Sa a t j i a n
Ali sh a n
Ta co r i
There’s something quite remarkable about Jewelry Studio in downtown Bozeman, Montana. For one thing, Jewelry Studio is no ordinary jewelry store—it specializes in fine designer and custom-created jewelry. It's a studio that features the incomparable jewelry collections of several distinguished designers.
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Montana Art & Photography
Si mo n G .
Jewelry Studio’s exclusive designers are seen as artistic sculptors working with precious metals and gemstones. Designer jewelry is a term used to define jewelry that is more exclusive, unique, and original than mass-manufactured and commonly available jewelry. To be considered “designer” jewelry, a collection must exemplify a signature style. Greater care and expertise is taken in the technical execution of designer jewelry, resulting in a higher-quality piece of jewelry. It is also considered as more individualistic, as it is produced on a limited scale—often by hand. The materials, processes, and distinctive styles of each designer’s work range across a diverse spectrum. Designer jewelry is recognizable by both its sophisticated method of creation and its verifiable design pedigree. 2013/2014 13
Simon G .
Ta co r i
Just like an original or limited-edition painting, whoever wears designer jewelry is assured of having an elite and treasured piece of wearable art. Our jewelry is created for today’s highly discriminating individuals, who prize uncompromising quality and lasting value. Individuals who want to make a personal statement in style and fashion will appreciate the originality of design, the quality of materials, and the labor-intense, meticulous construction of fine designer jewelry. Ali sh a n
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Montana Art & Photography
Designer jewelry speaks equally to both the one who wears it and to those who behold it. People who define jewelry as an art form—who respect exquisitely designed and crafted jewelry—have discovered that Jewelry Studio in Bozeman has just what they’re looking for.
To Advertise • Mike Rey 406.539.1010
2012/2013 15
LIFE ON PLANET BRONZE
an interview with Dennis Harrington By Bill Muhlenfeld
Born and raised in Bozeman, Dennis Harrington began his quest to embody the majesty of the West with Guardian Spirit, a monumental sculpture of Montana’s own native grizzly bear – permanently on display at Bozeman’s Gallatin Field Airport – and other Montana wildlife bronze sculptures. In 1999, Harrington’s focus shifted to the cowgirl image and depicting the iconic women of the West in modern forms. Today, Harrington is one of our most significant figurative bronze sculptors. Does your workday follow any particular pattern? I try to get into the studio around 10 every morning. My studio is located in my art gallery, Planet Bronze, so all day long I can take breaks from working and talk to people who have come into the gallery to see the art we have. I think it’s really exciting for the clients to actually get to meet me and form a friendship. That doesn’t always happen when you walk into a gallery and buy a piece of art. Because of this, every workday is slightly different than the next. What drives your artistic process? How and why do you choose subjects? How does the choice of subjects relate to your growth as a sculptor? My earlier figural work was extremely driven by my different emotional states and the pieces I created represented those emotions (Confined and Dante, for example). However, my work now has strayed away from portraying my emotions and is now focused more on creating an emotional response in others. As far as my wildlife art, in the earlier years I was interested in creating pieces that were based on subjects and animals that were a world away. Now, my animals are the ones that can be found in our backyard here in Bozeman. You mention two influential people in your life, one from the 17th century and one from the 21st. Tell me about Gianlorenzo Bernini and Martine Vaugel. What do they mean to your life and art? 16
Montana Art & Photography
Bernini is important to my work and me because I feel a connection with him. We are both trying to portray the female form softly and delicately through an extremely hard medium. What Bernini was able to do with stone, I hope to be able to do with bronze. Martine Vaugel is my mentor. I have so much respect for her as an artist, an educator and a close friend. She’s a world-class artist, yet she always finds time to talk to me about my art and our lives. I know that a few years ago you had a traumatic head injury and had to “relearn” sculpting. What was that like for you and how did you go about it? In 2007, I suffered from a hematoma on my brain that caused a significant amount of memory loss. It took me a year and a half before I was able to start sculpting again. And when I got back into the studio, I realized that I had forgotten so much of the technique that I had created for myself over the years. It was exhausting and frustrating to have to figure out all over again the best technique to accomplish different effects in my sculpture. I would get stuck while sculpting and I would have to try different methods to achieve something that I knew I had perfected before. It was a hard journey, but I am happy to say that I’m back to my normal self in the studio. What’s the story behind the Guardian Spirit sculpture at Gallatin Field Airport? I consider the grizzly bear to be the king and guardian of the Montana wilderness, so I wanted to provide the airport with its own guardian spirit. I have even heard that the patina is being rubbed off the claws and that they are now shiny because so many people rub them before they fly as a good luck charm! I really enjoy the pose that I chose; my inspiration was my dog. He would always sit next to the couch and keep an eye on me in that same pose. One day, I had an idea that it would be really fun to sculpt a great bear in that same position. In my eyes, it turns the bear into man’s best friend. You have said that your family is the most important thing to you. Do they inspire your art in any way? They actually do. My two daughters each have a sculpture that they have inspired and posed for. The New Dress, for instance, was of my youngest daughter.
Where are you headed with your art? I am really enjoying figural work at the moment. The female form is truly beautiful. I will continue exploring the different possibilities it has to offer; I’m excited to see where it takes me next. For what do you most want to be remembered? I think what is most important is to be remembered through my daughters. I want them to be proud of the art that I have created and will continue to create in the future. I also want the values that my wife and I pass on to them to be upheld and respected. That would ultimately be the best way to be remembered. Based on the original article, “Life on Planet Bronze,” by Bill Muhlenfeld, as it appeared in the Autumn 2011 issue of Distinctly Montana.
Who came up with the name Planet Bronze? I did. When I opened the gallery, I wanted the bronze work displayed to come from all over the world. I would say that Planet Bronze is one of the nicest galleries in Montana. How many artists display their work at Planet Bronze? How do you decide which artists to represent? We show between 30 and 40 artists in the gallery. I usually like to work with artists that I respect; it’s extremely important that I have a good working relationship with them. A lot of the artists in the gallery are local and are good friends of mine. I think it’s important to support the local art community. We are a small family and need each other’s support in order to succeed. There is also a specific feel in the gallery, so the art that I accept has to fit and complement the other works. A lot of the art we have is a contemporary spin on traditional western art. 2013/2014 17
TREASURES A RETAIL COLLECTIBLE BOUTIQUE By Elizabeth Severn-Eriksson There’s an exciting new store in the Big Sky Resort Mountain Mall. Scott Redinger and Tom Elliott purchased the space, located next to the J& P Grocery store, in April and spent several months renovating. Treasures opened its doors for business on June 7th. For Redinger and Elliott, the retail location was a natural progression after owning Treasures’ parent company, Concept Gems, a wholesale company selling gems, such as the Montana Sapphire and the Opal Royale, for over 15 years. Successful ventures selling sapphires to the previous owner of the retail location and loose and finished gems at makeshift tables set out in the mall over the course of this past winter prompted Redinger and Elliott to take the plunge and open a store.
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Both men have substantive experience in the gem industry. Elliott, who lived in Seattle for over 18 years before moving to Bozeman two years ago, owned the North American Gemological Laboratory, which he started in 1998. With that success, he began Concept Gems. Hailing from Portland, Redinger has an impressive background in both business and gems, the latter having spanned the past 30 year in all aspects from development of product lines, retail, manufacturing and wholesale, to sales and marketing. He was a natural asset for Concept Gems. Redinger and Elliott work well together – their talents and skills complement one another and they share the same drive and passion for what they do. Both are currently in the process of moving to Big Sky permanently.
rare than diamonds, only five to 10% of all sapphires have the natural cornflower blue color.
The warm, well-lit, attractive shop showcases a variety of jewelry, artwork and artifacts. Many of the gems, like the sapphires, were obtained in Montana, but often those that weren’t have distinctly Montana features, such as the wire wrapping around some of the opal jewelry (done by a Big Sky resident). Every piece of jewelry is handmade and none of it is mass-produced. Treasures features turquoise, opals, sapphires, Black Hills gold, Montana garnets and agates as well as custom-made knives, artwork, Glacier Watches (beautifully set with Montana Yogo sapphires) and much more. In essence, it’s a jewelry store with the best collection of art in the area.
Elliott and Redinger hope to eventually have a gallery location up at the resort that will display local artists’ biographies and artwork. In the near future, they also hope to expand their business to include a mining experience for individuals and families whereby customers could purchase a bag of soil and mine it for sapphires.
The store also has an impressive selection of Montana sapphires, which come from three major areas across Montana. The Yogo Sapphire, from the Yogo Gulch near Lewiston, is considered by many to be the finest in the world. They are also the rarest in the world. They are mined 450 feet below the earth’s surface and can cost up to $6000. Yogos are world-renowned for their quality and color. Found in Tiffany jewelry and the Smithsonian gem collection, Yogos have the deepest blue color, often compared to a Montana sky, and are small in size. More
Stop by Treasures the next time you’re up on the mountain. For more information, contact Redinger by email at scott@conceptgems.com or by phone at (971) 2308126 and Elliott at tom@conceptgems.com or (206) 551-7006. Or call the store at (406) 595-8413. Summer hours are Monday through Sunday, 10AM until 6PM; winter hours are Monday through Sunday, 10AM until 7PM.
Montana Art & Photography
Montana sapphires have the widest range of colors, from pink to blue to orange and yellow and are found in Rock Creek, or Gem Mountain, as it’s also known, near Phillipsburg. These sapphires aren’t nearly as rare or as expensive as the Yogos. The largest sapphires, which come in pastel shades, hail from the Missouri River near Helena where they are found in the top five to 10 feet of topsoil. These, too, are not nearly as expensive as the Yogo. All varieties of sapphires can be found in Treasures. Treasures’ jewelry all has a native accent so that it will appeal to both locals and visitors wishing to take something representative of Montana home with them. There are also loose stones, so that people can choose one they like and have it made into a piece of jewelry, often within 48 hours (custom-made pieces can take longer). Treasures has four master goldsmiths at their disposal that can assist with the design, cast, cut, set and finish of any piece of jewelry.
Both Elliott and Redinger enthusiastically share their passion for their store and their business and feel that Treasures is a fantastic opportunity to expose people to artists and gems. “We are really excited about the store and the direction we are going,” says Redinger. “Big Sky is a great area and the people here are wonderful.”
Treasures
* Mine Direct Pricing On Montana Sapphire * Handmade Jewelry From Big Sky and Montana Craftsman *Gallery Quality Prints And Paintings *Gemstones From Around The World * Handmade Native American Jewelry Located at The Mountain Mall at Big Sky Resort | (406) 995-3210 Summer hours: Monday through Sunday, 10AM - 6PM | Winter hours: Monday through Sunday, 10AM - 7PM 2012/2013 19
With a relentless commitment to personalized customer care and quality craftsmanship, Midwest Welding & Machine (Midwest) provides unparalleled welding, machining, light fabrication and mechanical repairs. Founded in an old blacksmith shop on the corner of Mendenhall and Rouse, Midwest has been serving the region since 1944 with the same objective: help customers achieve their goals while maintaining a 69-year legacy of quality and service.
midWest provides:
for quite some time, Midwest
the next great work of art, Midwest has the
• Full-service welding – MIG
is now adding this service to
experience, expertise and artistic vision to
and TIG welding for both
meet customer needs locally.
get the job done right. Located at 2320 n.
“Midwest’s goal is to offer the
7th ave. in Bozeman, Midwest Welding &
best powder coating services in
Machine is open monday through Friday,
manual and precision CNC
the country,” remarks longtime
from 8am to 5pm and can be reached by
machining;
manager Val Lint. Expanding
calling (406) 587-5417 or (877) 796-7790.
fabrication and repair; • Full-service machining –
• Heavy equipment service and repair; and • Powder coating – a brand new service at Midwest.
6,000 sq. feet and installing a 40-ft.-long curing oven, Midwest is ecstatic to be able to provide powder coating to the Gallatin Valley and
cleaner, greener and
throughout Montana.
more durable than painting,
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powder coating entails spraying
Whether poWder
an object with electrostatic
coating a unique sculpture,
powder and then baking that
repairing a broken heirloom,
object until the coating cures.
fabricating a custom staircase
Although a popular technology
or helping a local artist realize
Montana Art & Photography
w w w. m i d w e s t - w e l d i n g . c o m val@midwest-welding.com p: 406-587-5417 f: 406-587-5821 2320 N. 7th Ave A , Bozeman, MT 59715
POWDER C O AT I N G
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Montana Art & Photography
ARTISANS OF THE LAND By Susan Lavold
When the winds of Montana tear through the mountain passes and down across the plains, the meek, the urbane, and the tepid are tucked away into snug offices and homes, pretending that the elements are not more than they can handle. But some folks inherit these elements with the same stamina and fortitude that allowed their ancestors to persevere each time this Montana land seemed to turn against them. Montana’s pioneers and native tribes knew to carefully marshal the resources they had. They built low out of the way of the worst of the elements, close to water where trees formed belts of shelter against the wind, the driving snow, and the heat. That innate sense of making every resource, every action count has passed down so that many of their descendants still waste very little, reusing scraps of glass, metal, wood, or leather. Out of this ancient sense of utility and inherent distaste for squandering resources, true craftsmanship has often blossomed into art: the intrinsic value, the purpose for which a piece is created, the quality of the material, and the integrity of the work is what’s important. There is no mass production, no cookie-cutter duplicates, and no place here for the extrinsic, added-on value of branding and promotional hype. Hardy, resourceful, and quietly courageous, these home-grown rural artisans may trudge through blizzards to rescue new-born calves, doctor wounded horses in the frigid dark, plow fields, teach school, or keep shop, but they are hidden jewels in the treasure state of Montana. Often selftaught, some stumble into the act of creating by trying to find a solution to a problem. Others create because they can’t help it. It seeps out of them and colors the way they look at the world. All are as much a natural resource of the state as the trees, the minerals, and the wildlife. One such artisan is Lydia Falls Down. A member of the Crow Tribe, Lydia’s passion is making and beading traditional Crow parade regalia. Lydia learned beading by watching her grandmother. Her first full regalia took seven years to complete while she studied for a business degree and paid her tuition by selling her beadwork. Like many Northern Plains tribes’ parade regalia, that Crow’s consist of beaded items that are worn by both horse and rider and include cradleboard, crupper, saddlebag, saddle, martingale, bridle, lance case, and blanket. A woman will wear either an elk-tooth dress or beaded buckskin dress. As with many indigenous cultures around the world, traditional Crow modesty dictated that a woman’s dress be full length with long sleeves. One such dress that Lydia has made has 1,100 ivory elk teeth. Only the two eyeteeth on an elk are ivory. Her beaded wedding blankets, made from brain-tanned elk hide, have 25 to 35 beaded lines across the hide with hundreds of tiny beads hand-sewn in each row. Lydia has been beading for 25 years, and over time she began to make the design in each regalia piece match the other pieces, creating an integrated set. Her traditional Crow geometric patterns also began to include flowers and she now primarily uses the more expensive cut-glass beads that add a shimmer to the work. Some of her pieces have “Crow Pink” beads which
are no longer produced since the gold used to make them is too expensive. Her exquisite work caught the attention of the Chicago Field Museum, which recently paid $50,000 for Lydia’s complete set of a warrior’s parade regalia. Jay Old Mouse is the Northern Cheyenne people’s designated keeper and maker of the courting flute. This honor and the necessary skills have been passed down for generations: Jay’s grandfather, Black Bear, passed the honor onto Jay. A certified carpenter, Jay uses the historical methods and protocols in making and playing these flutes of deceptively simple beauty. The courting flute has a long history of use in prayer, in ceremonies, as social entertainment, and to honor individuals during funerals, weddings, and other events. It also was used by a man to court the young woman of his choice. Artisans such as Jay Old Mouse straddle two worlds. One is a place where art objects hang on a wall to be admired but with no portal to the spirit world. But listen to Old Mouse as he plays one of his flutes, and you are transported to a parallel universe where the artist steps into a role of the cultural hero who connects tribal members to ancestral voices. Haunting, primordial yearnings stir in your soul listening to the music pouring from these flutes. It becomes obvious why the flutes were used to court young maidens, commemorate the deceased, and sooth the soul. It also becomes obvious why Jay is held in high regard by his people. Randy Hilner is another such craftsman who is descended from rural folks. Born in Billings, Randy worked in housing construction right out of high school then moved to Reed Point where he started his own construction business. About 20 years ago, Randy started thinking about working with juniper— he went out into the hills for a load of juniper but only ended up using it as firewood. As he got older and less able to deal with the elements, he started to take another look at what he could do with the juniper. Randy started with a few lamps then when one early customer brought him some redwood to use for the seat and back, Randy created two chairs that had juniper and redwood. The client sold one of the chairs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for $6000. Randy now creates tables, chairs, beds, lamps, and occasionally other items such as chandeliers. Randy’s favorite type of furniture to make is the rocking chair. Randy’s work is heirloom quality that will last for generations and can been seen in Rustic Mountain Furnishings in Billings, Montana, Mountain Made Treasures in Cody, Wyoming, Big Sky Furniture in Big Sky, Montana, and in The Home Room in West Yellowstone, Montana. Gary Lancaster is another carpenter who has turned to creating beautiful yet practical items. His specialty is wooden trunks, chests, and boxes. Gary grew up in Montana in Twin Bridges and Big Sky, often working on dude ranches building cabins and repairing various wooden structures.
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Like many rural artisans, Gary is quiet—almost shy—but he puts his focus into the beauty of the wood instead of into conversation. He originally started making boxes as family gifts but soon had demand for others. He finds unusual pieces of driftwood and creates coffee and lamp tables, blanket chests, and jewelry boxes. He makes a number of custom pieces including stools, stair railings, cabinets, doors, and impressive beds. One of the most unique features of Gary’s boxes, chests and other items are hidden drawers and hinges and latches all handcrafted from wood. Gary’s girlfriend, Kathy Banks, will hand-carve a client’s initials, logo, or favorite phrase on the top of the boxes and chests that Gary makes. Unlike the slick precision of laser-cut designs that are superimposed on wood and can be reproduced over and over, Kathy and her twin sister, Keli Fogle, create designs by hand with loving attention to the individual characteristic of each piece of wood. Descendants of one of the founders of Big Timber, Montana, the identical twins have an unorthodox art education by today’s standards. Schooling started in a one-room rural schoolhouse with no indoor restrooms. The first woodworking influences came from a mountain man who traveled by mule and spent several winters carving wooden figures in a cabin on the twins’ remote family ranch in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains of Montana.
Although Norm buys his colored wool from the Navajo reservation, he prefers working with his own hand-spun wool. But he laughs when asked if his income matches the time spent to raise the sheep, clean the wool, card, spin, and weave it. Just winding the warp threads onto the loom for a rug can fill a full day. Norm weaves wonderful and sturdy rugs and saddle blankets in his workshop in Twin Bridges which is also a charming little coffee and gift shop. However, as with most rural towns in Montana, the summer tourism season is the time when he makes most of his sales. Now widowed for a second time, Norm no longer raises sheep or other critters and is thinking of using his winter months to conduct weaving workshops.
Always artistic, the twins spent years as ranch wives on opposite ends of the state. Eventually winding up nine miles apart in Twin Bridges and Sheridan, Montana, where they both continue to carve and paint.
Montana has a wealth of similar artisans scattered across the state. Rural communities’ art centers are some of the best places to scout for work from such folks. The Livingston Center for Art and Culture is a good place to start. With a new exhibit each month and year-round classes in the arts for all ages, this non-profit art gallery represents local artists and makes art accessible to all. Art Walks are held the fourth Friday of each summer month and provide a festive atmosphere in which to check out the local galleries.
Floating through the mountain mists east of Glacier National Park, eight haunting metal figures of life-size warriors on horseback depict the emotions and memories of Blackfeet tribal history. Abandoned car parts are the raw material for these monumental sculptures by Jay Polite Laber who was born on the Blackfeet Reservation of Montana.
During the summer, the Center has excellent exhibits of professional regional art, summer art camps for children, workshops in photography, painting, dance, metalsmithing, and the annual plain air paint-out that draws professional artists from many states in the West for a week of painting outdoors along the Yellowstone River.
After a flood destroyed their home, his family moved to New Hampshire— but the invisible tether that attached Jay’s heart to Montana brought him back. As a student at Salish Kootenai College, Jay began to combine “junk” with artistic ideas. The notion of using scavenged material flowed from the Native American tradition of utilizing everything. That tradition and the memory of that ‘63 flood helped shape the idea of creating those warriors from old auto bodies found embedded in stream banks, which Jay dubs his “Reborn Rez Wrecks.”
Winter at the Center features a festive holiday exhibit of great potential for unique Christmas gifts as well as the annual life-drawing event, when guests can watch artists at work. In the spring, the Center gathers local poets for poetry readings and has the Studio Clearance Sale, when artists offer their works at discounted prices to make room for new endeavors. Anytime is a good time to visit the Livingston Center for Art and Culture! They are located at 119 South Main Street, and can be reached at (406) 222-5222
His award-winning metal sculptures have been purchased by the town of Stevensville, Montana, and by Westphalian State University in Germany. Most of his work is now done on commission, such as “A Warrior’s Offering” which was designed for the Rocky Boy Reservation in northcentral Montana. Several sculptures grace the campus of the Salish Kootenai College. Jay has created fighting warriors, sentries, animals such as foxes and bison, and peace offering sculptures that must be seen to be fully appreciated.
The Two Rivers Gallery in Big Timber is another great art center. Located on Big Timber’s Main Street at 226 McLeod, it also features monthly shows of local and regional artists’ work as well as various workshops for young and old. As a unique fine-art gallery, it often features work by well known figures such as Barbara Van Cleve, known for her rich, iconic black-and-white photos of ranch life, or the paintings of Jack Hines, or the wrought iron and stone furniture of rodeo judge Danny Halverson. Each month, the gallery features a new show mixing local artisans’ work with that of folks from other regions. They can be contacted by phone at (406) 9324009 or at info@tworiversgallery.org.
Norm Frankland is a weaver. Originally from England, his family moved to San Diego while he was still in school. After graduating from high school and college in the States, he hitched through Europe and North Africa, meeting his first wife in London. He landed in Montana more than 40 years ago while wandering around the world again after losing his wife to heart failure. Norm eventually remarried and began farming in the Bitterroot Valley, raising milk cows, draft horses, and sheep. It was the low price of the wool from a few brown sheep that made Norm sign up for a weaving workshop. He was just looking for a way to use the brown wool but
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fell in love with weaving. He soon took over a friend’s flock of sheep with a recessive gene for brown wool so that he could use a natural brown in his weavings. Norm bought a shop in Twin Bridges and took up weaving full time.
Montana Art & Photography
Other rural art centers to keep in mind are the Carbon County Arts Guild and Gallery in Red Lodge, the Custer County Art and Heritage Center in Miles City, and the Lewistown Art Center in Lewistown, Montana.
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new and old ways to capture massive landscapes By Craig W. Hergert
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I miss the old days of going into a darkroom, locking the door, turning on the red light then physically and mentally interacting with concept, technique, chemicals and paper. A science experiment, combined with a light capturing machine, artistic license, and a insatiable appetite to impart in the photographic process over and over again, creating something new, tangible and beautiful. With the advent and progress of digital capture, it changed the way I saw the world by a removal of limitations. Starting with a slow Macintosh computer, a scanner and Adobe Photoshop 1.0 back in 1992, I was mesmerized by what I could do with digital. Then they released the new function of layers in 1994, and I was dumbfounded. Now I could do everything we were doing in the darkroom, but with much more precision, detail and control! The constraints of film were now all but gone, and the ideas and possibilities of digital were very, very exciting. Over the years I've combined shooting film with digital capture that has blended into a perfect tool for capturing the massive landscapes of Montana. However, I now only use my large format panoramic film camera for specific outings and subjects only, as the costs of shooting has become a bit prohibitive. The price of large format film and processing for my view camera adds up to about $15.00 per click of the shutter‌. ouch. But the upside of this, is that in an age where memory cards are cheap and can hold hundreds and hundreds of images, the temptation to over shoot becomes much less of an issue. Planning, conceptualizing, and finding the perfect location, light, subject and composition become more of the focus, because when you only have 1 shot, you have to make it count. 2013/2014 27
To me, shooting is only but one small part to the equation, as I love the whole photography process from start to finish. To go out and capture the light is one thing, but the magic of translating the minds eye to computer screen, to printer, to paper, frame then finally the wall, is as magical as the slow appearance of silver and gelatin in a chemical bath. Taking that image, finishing, framing and hanging the piece is as fulfilling as knowing that you've captured a moment in time that may never exist again. I pride myself on continuing to process, print and frame all my own work these days, and even though it may be a slower time consuming process, I believe that anything worth while is worth working a little harder for.
Montana Panoramic is an ongoing collection of photographs by award winning photographer Craig W. Hergert. Beginning in 1997, this collection of vast landscapes, mountain ranges, wilderness, rivers, parks, towns, wildlife, hunting and fishing images from all over the great state of Montana has grown to thousands of images, and continues to grow each day. Craig is a freelance artist whose work is currently on display in several galleries, and businesses throughout Montana, including his studio and showroom in Bozeman, and in private collections all over the world. He has won numerous international panoramic photography awards, and has also been given the "Montana's Treasured Artist" award by the Secretary of State. He has also published two widely acclaimed hard cover coffee table books titled "MONTANA: Skiing the Last Best Place", with foreword by Warren Miller and "Montana Panoramic Volume I: 1997-2007" now in its third printing. 28
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For more information on Craig's work, please visit the website at MontanaPanoramic.com Montana Panoramic Co. Studio & Showroom 26 F. Shawnee Way Bozeman, MT 59715 406-522-7798 www.MontanaPanoramic.com
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WATCHES AS ART By Dave Reuss
It seems that all art begins as information. What may start as mere paintings on a cave wall may evolve over time to breathtaking illustrations. And over the last few hundred years, the same has become true of watches—they eclipse simply communicating the time and have become viable mediums for art. At The Last Wind Up, there are hundreds of examples of this beauty. In each watch, you can see the months—if not years—of intricate labor dedicated to create just one piece. What makes watches so interesting is the commingling of form and function with respect to the aesthetic of the timepiece. Great pieces are about finding the balance between useful, accurate timekeeping and an intricate, ornate façade that covers every square millimeter of the timepiece. “What appeals to most is the idea that there’s a machine of micromechanics on their wrist—this fabulous piece of wheels and springs—finished to such an incredible degree,” Says Dave Berghold, owner of The Last Wind Up in Bozeman. On display throughout his store are scores of watches, each with their own individual appeal and beauty, ranging from the late 1600s to modern day. So what is it that truly lends beauty to a fine watch? FACE AND DIAL ART For watchmakers, this is where the most attention is paid: the face, the hands, and the proportions of detail all need to be perfect to make a beautiful watch. Yet there’s no set formula: from the 30
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clean, aesthetic layout of classic watch faces to the more detailed approach, a finely made timepiece can be artistic in many different ways—painted faces often contain so much detail that you can almost imagine the craftsman hovering over the timepiece, tiny paintbrush in hand, putting the finishing touches on his miniature masterpiece. MOVEMENT ART Since watches spend the majority of their life closed, the movements inside are really an area where beautiful timepieces can shine. Handcarved, stylized movements and springs (upper right) engraved with beveled whirls and flourishes. “From a pragmatic view, there’s no reason to bevel the edges—only because it looks beautiful,” says Berghold, remarking on one of his favorite pieces. Some watches (above) often feature components polished to a mirror finish—or even to the rare black finish, where the metal is so highly polished that it looks black.
CASE ART With watches, just as much time is dedicated to the art’s frame as is dedicated to the canvas. Great watches showcase intricate engraving done by hand, expressing countless details (upper left). For pocket watches, the case adds weight and strength to the overall piece. “Sometimes, you can feel the quality when you hold it,” says Berghold, palming an English pocket watch from 1790 with an elaborate scene engraved on the back. So to the discerning eye, the finish of the steel, the beveled edges, and the handiwork all provide a purpose beyond simple timekeeping—they make the watch beautiful.
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ADRIFT A mountain is composed of tiny grains of earth. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water. Even so, life is but an endless series of little details, actions, speeches, and thoughts. And the consequences whether good or bad of even the least of them are far-reaching.
- Sivánanda Saraswati
Master jeweler, Babs Noelle, makes it clear that she loves Montana. So long as she can break up the long winter with stints in her home in rural Yucatan. “Boy, I am so not designed for a cold climate. The way I keep cheery through our long winter is to be on the Caribbean coast of Mexico for little bits of it. The effect on me lasts through several of Montana’s crueler months. The only thing that is lacking is that I love my work, and I’m not set up to do it in two different, inspirational places. “But I’ve fixed that.” Firmly entrenched for nearly three decades in both contemporary design and antique reproduction, Noelle’s emergence as a natural 32
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found objects jewelry artisan seems an unlikely addition to her quiver of design directions. When asked how she reconciles those three very different design approaches, she answers: “I don’t. I mean, I don’t even try to reconcile them at all." “Since the beginning of worn art, man has been inspired to make jewelry from found natural objects. But, it didn’t take long for technological advances to arise, allowing for the equivalent of today’s ‘contemporary design,’ in that it pushed the edge of that time’s envelope. And it also didn’t take long for the concept of honoring the past to find its way into jewelry design, which is the basis of nostalgic reproduction.”
St a r Nu t s et w i t h d i a m o n d s i n t h e p a t te r n of t h e co n ste l l a t i o n B o otes a n d f i n i s h e d wi t h a 14K wh i te go l d b a i l
…from the bank of the Yellowstone and the shore of the Caribbean Noelle credits her academic and technical training with her penchant for edgy design as well as historic reproduction, despite their seeming antithesis. But her passion about creating fine jewelry around natural objects blossomed only when she moved to Montana. “Basically, there was a convergence between me exploring my new environment in Paradise Valley and a desire to once again flex my engineering muscle, as I had in school nearly two decades earlier. I developed a patented gem-setting technique that allows me to set diamonds and Montana sapphires into the rocks, petrified wood, and Montana agate I found around my property on the Yellowstone River.
Historically considered the most precious drift seed is the Mary’s bean (Merremia discoidesperma). Also known as the crucifixionbean, has a cross stamped on one surface. Catholics in Ireland believed that these brave survivors of ocean travel would extend their protection to anyone lucky enough to find one on Irish shores. In the Hebrides a woman in labor was assured an easy delivery if she clenched a Mary’s bean at the proper time. Such seeds were handed down from mother to daughter over generations.
“It’s been nine years since I developed the techniques used in my ‘Rocks that Rock’ collection. I am proud that this collection continues to be one of the most popular at Alara, and that there are little pieces of Paradise Valley residing at new homes as far-flung as Finland, Britain, China, Germany, France, South Africa, and New Zealand. And of course, all over the U.S.” More significantly, Noelle’s interest in using found natural objects became cemented in her artistic palette as firmly as her work in contemporary design and antique reproduction already were. “Were it not for moving to Montana and seeing rocks in a new light, I would not have viewed the sea-beans I found on my slice of Caribbean heaven on the Yucatecan coast the way I do.”
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Sea-beans?
thoroughfares for monkeys high in the rain forest canopy.
Alternately called drift seeds. Botanically referred to as disseminules.
The sea hearts themselves are called Fava de Colon (“Columbus bean”) among the Madeiran islanders, in honor of Columbus’ inspiration to find the New World.
It is said that the existence of sea-beans was one of the reasons Christopher Columbus felt certain there was a New World. Washing up on the shores of Portugal were seed pods unknown in the Old World. Once intentionally germinated, they rendered plants from far-flung lands. They gave clues that there were both unknown places and untested oceanic transport currents.
“Since they are so large compared to others – about two inches across – my first sea-bean find on my Yucantan coast property was a Fava de Colon. Like anyone else finding their first sea-bean, I curiously sought out what it was. And I found out from lifelong local sea combers that I really needed to make a sport of it to find the more prized, smaller, less plentiful sea-beans. Little did I know that my chunk of beach was a longtime favorite of other sea-bean hunters.
Sea-beans have the unique ability to buoyantly travel great distances over a prolonged period of time, yet still be viable upon “landing.” They often land on shores that are not hospitable to them as a species, however. The sea-beans that Columbus specifically contemplated were “sea hearts,” which are the seed pods of a South American tropical vine, Entada gigas. These lianas produce the longest bean pod of any legume, and twine through the forest canopy like a botanical boa constrictor, actually providing arboreal
“So now, as my husband spends countless hours bonefishing, I go sea-bean hunting. You can spot the ones that have actually made a round trip from South America to the Caribbean to Europe and back around again, simply by noting their ‘mileage.’ While they are still intact, and still buoyant after four to fifteen years, they show more wear on their hard shell, and might even sport some barnacles. It’s a wonderful metaphor for perseverance. The ones that have endured a shorter trip have shinier outer shells, which suggested to me that perhaps they could be polished. “After searching the wrack line for my fair share of hamburger beans, sea purses, Mary’s beans, starnut palm seeds, nicker nuts (and building up vitamin D for my return to Montana), I ruminated over their beauty. I opened a few up to check out their structure. I researched their origins, travel routes, and past uses – all of which are fascinating. I experimented with different polishing techniques. Noelle settled on how she wanted to honor these fascinating sea-travelers by partially mimicking what had elicited the most compliments from her Yellowstone rock jewelry. Combining the natural rusticity of the found object with little touches of refinement in the way of precious metal and precious gems has rendered her latest collection, featuring the sea-beans she has come to adore. “Rather than polishing the beans to the point of artificiality, I polish them only to the point that they are as smooth and rich in color as those that have not cruised the oceans. I craft simple yellow or white gold bails and chain, and set the beans with diamonds or Montana sapphires singly, in the patterns of simple constellations or in a random pattern of my own design. “I like to create from the senses, the mind, and the heart.” Sources: Sea-Beans from the Tropics, Ed Perry IV and John V. Dennis World Guid to Tropical Drift Seeds and Fruits, C.R. Gunn and J.V. Dennis
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G ray n i c ke r n u t i s s et w i t h a Mo nt a n a sa p p h i re a n d f i n i sh e d w i t h a 14K wh i te go l d b a i l .
S e a Pu rs e s et w i t h d i a m o n d s i n t h e p a t te r n of t h e co n ste l l a t i o n Ca s s i o p e i a , a n d f i n i s h e d w i t h a p a i r of 1 4 K ye l l ow go l d b a i l s a n d a n a t t a c h e d go l d c h a i n .
The gray nickernut (Caesalpinia bonduc) was worn as an amulet in the Hebrides to ward off the Evil Eye, and they are to this day used in the Caribbean as marbles. As further child’s play, nicker nuts heat up immensely when rubbed on cloth, and so are used by boys to play pranks on unsuspecting girls, giving them a start when touched with the hot seed.
111 S. Grand Ave. #107C Bozeman, MT 59715 www.tartique.com 406-582-0416
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celebrating 20 years of
THE EMERSON
If there seems to be a lot of action on the corner of Grand and Olive this summer, that’s because the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture is hosting an ongoing party in honor of its 20th anniversary. The Emerson kicked off this milestone year with record crowds at its May Open House and ArtWalk, the first of several birthday celebrations. In early July, the Emerson hosted a Party Arty block party on the grounds of the historic school building that is home to its many cultural endeavors. A bazaar, live music, and a community-wide art project highlighted the festivities. With its educational programs, exhibits, concert hall, ballroom, retail shops, the Emerson Grill, and artist-tenants, the Emerson is a one-stop hub of creative vitality in southwest Montana. For many, the 20th anniversary is a time to reflect on the impact the Emerson has had in the community. Mary Beth Green, who has been going to the Emerson since it opened in 1993, says she feels energized when she walks in. “It brings out a creative spark. I especially appreciate the renovation of the Crawford Theater. It’s such a nice venue.” Chelsea Smith and her husband Richard have conducted classes in Artsplot on the second floor for the past 18 years. “I like that the Emerson is close to downtown,” she says, “and that other like activities such as dance, theater, and music go on here. I love the historic atmosphere and being able to share that with the community.”
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If you’d like to help celebrate the Emerson’s 20th this summer and fall, here are some activities that will keep you busy: LUNCH ON THE LAWN If you see kids hula-hooping and running around with painted faces, you’ve come to the right place. This is a summertime favorite featuring live music, children’s activities, and local food vendors each Wednesday through August 21. GARDEN & HOME TOUR Now in its 16th year, this popular tour and fundraiser takes place August 9 and 10 at various horticultural and home-décor locations throughout the Gallatin Valley. SUMMER EXHIBITS Three different shows are offered July 12 through August 16. A collection of Montana State University student prints, curated by MSU graduating senior Mary Keck, are in the Weaver Room. Garden Views, juried in conjunction with the Garden & Home Tour, are on exhibit in the Lobby Gallery, and prints by Edith Freeman are featured in the Jessie Wilber Gallery. Edith Freeman’s Montana Seasons, from the Yellowstone Art Museum’s permanent collection, features woodblock prints portraying central Montana in the various seasons. Garden Views are artist interpretations of gardening in Montana. Carol Welch’s Best in Show is featured on the Home & Garden Tour poster.
STUART WEBER IN CONCERT In an official anniversary event, this classical guitarist and longtime friend of the Emerson will perform for selected guests and supporters on November 8 in the Crawford Theater. HALLOWEEN FRIGHT NIGHT On October 31, small spooks and goblins will find a safe environment at the Emerson where they can enjoy treats, a costume contest, and games. CHRISTMAS STROLL & GINGERBREAD HOUSES The Emerson is proud to be a sponsor of Bozeman’s annual Christmas Stroll on December 7. Gingerbread house making, live music, and a special greeting from Santa highlight this event. HOLIDAY BAZAAR On December 21, the Emerson Ballroom, the Weaver Room, and the hallways are filled with vendors offering fine items handcrafted by Montana artisans. Six retail art galleries are open in Galleria Hall.
EMERSON ARTWALKS These take place the second Friday of each month. Upcoming dates are August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8, and December 13. CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS Set for September 27, this signature fundraiser is a relaxed yet elegant evening with great food, lively camaraderie, and engaging entertainment.
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ryan
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Over the last 15 years, Ryan Turner has been capturing classic Montana activities like skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing against the most beautiful backdrops in the state. As an award-winning photographer, he’s traveled around the world taking pictures, but still has the Treasure State to thank for some of his best images. “I love photographing in Montana because there are so many opportunities with its endless beauty in land and people.” Between national ad campaigns, magazine features, and creating new prints for his gallery collection, Ryan continues to surround himself with the activities he loves to photograph. “Last year was amazing—every year continues to get more and more interesting. I’ve been able to work with amazing people and create images I had only dreamed of,” Ryan says. In the last 12 months, his work has been featured in dozens of publications across the country, including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Closer to home, the final touches were recently added to his permanent art installation at Big Sky Resort. The Yellowstone Conference Center now features 13 of Ryan’s framed prints on display—with some as long as 14 feet. 2013/2014 39
The Ryan Turner Photography Gallery is in Big Sky, Montana, near the turn to Big Sky off Highway 191 in the Bighorn Center. Featuring museumquality prints in handcrafted frames constructed from reclaimed lumber, his gallery showcases the heart and soul of the Treasure State with scenic images from Yellowstone Park, Big Sky Resort, the Gallatin River, and more.
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The Little Museum & Prospecting Store
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Since 1989, Earth's Treasures has been delighting customers with a treasure trove of natural wonders. Boasting a range of products that rivals the imagination, from Montana fossils (never replicas) to metal detectors, gemstones to gold pans, Earth’s Treasures houses great finds for the serious collector, the five-year-old backyard excavator, the amateur treasure hunter and everyone in between. Distinctive and exceptional gifts are Earth’s Treasures specialty: unique jewelry featuring butterfly wings or Yogo sapphires; petrified wood sinks, stone pedestals and onyx wine goblets; fossils and minerals; ancient life (fish, dino poop, eggs, leaves, pine cones) forever captured in amber or stone; the “bug wall” showcasing framed insects; or any number of other distinctive collectibles. “We prefer to hand-select for the very finest quality and beauty,” states Patti Albrecht, Earth’s Treasures owner. “We work hard to support local 4. collectors to highlight Montana’s fossils, crystals and jewelry, while providing a selection of treasures from around the world, as well.” 42
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3.
2.
Albrecht’s unswerving dedication to quality, passion for these natural beauties and commitment to her customers is reflected in every carefully chosen piece that graces her shelves. Earth’s Treasures is at once both intriguingly exotic and intoxicatingly delightful.
1 . Tr i ce ra to ps Jawbone Fossil 2 . Ske l eto n i ze d Leaves 3 . Au st ra l i a n Wo od Opal 4. Tr i ce ra to ps Ho rn Fos s il
Located at 25 North Willson Ave, just off Main Street, Earth’s Treasures is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information on any products, services or monthly web specials, please visit www.EarthsTreasuresMT.com or call (406) 586-3451. 2013/2014 43
bozeman camera
E X P A N D S
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Bozeman Camera is pleased to announce their expansion at the current location on North 7th Avenue. The business has been in operation for 27 years, and the expansion is one of its largest undertakings yet. The new space has created a larger retail floor, increased office space, and a future classroom area. The store not only sells new and used photography equipment, but also provides repair service and offers rental gear. The additional 2,200 square feet gives the store the opportunity to increase these services and create a better experience for the customer. “Our customers are the reason the store is what it is today. We have customers who have been working with us for over twenty years. Their patronage and referrals have made everything possible,� says owner Marshall Lewis. 2013/2014 45
After moving from its previous location on Main Street to North 7th five years ago, Lewis was encouraged by his customers to offer new cameras and lenses alongside their extensive amount of used equipment. The business acquired both Canon and Nikon dealerships, and it continues to expand its inventory based on requests from its customer base. “We’re servicing the local community of photographers. The products we carry are based on their needs. Our goal is to be the trusted advisor and expert on their equipment. We want to establish that kind of relationship with our customers,” says Lewis. As their inventory and customer base grew, space became scarce, and it was soon very obvious that the store needed more room. When the neighboring company Bozeman Glass decided to consolidate and move to their warehouse, Lewis jumped on the opportunity to acquire the storefront. Investing in the expansion during a tough economy was difficult but necessary. “It was a no-brainer. The business needed more space to function properly,” Lewis says. “With the closure of Van’s IGA next door, there was a certain amount of risk. I am happy to say we have continued to experience growth.” Now that the expansion is complete, the store is moving onto new projects, which include an online retail store and photography classes.
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Grand Tetons over Jackson Lake, Infrared, circa 1930s
OWNANDAAWORK OF ART PIECE OF HISTORY PURCHASE AUTHENTIC PRINTS FROM ORIGINAL SLIDES & NEGATIVES AT
WWW.FRANKBYERLY.COM OR ASK YOUR LOCAL GALLERY IF THEY CARRY THE FRANK BYERLY VINTAGE COLLECTION
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history of the
Gem Gallery By Dave Reuss
After nearly two decades of serving customers in Bozeman, The Gem Gallery has moved west—12 feet and 11 inches west, to be exact. But by moving just three paces across the hall in their same building at 402 East Main, the company can now enjoy nearly 1,000 square feet of more space. And along with all that open space comes a river rock fireplace studded with garnets, platinum, fool’s gold, and Yogo sapphires; original hand-hewn fir floors; cherry display cases made right here in the Gallatin Valley; and a 44,000-pound walk-in vault—just to keep his inventory safe at night. For owner Don Baide—a fourth-generation Montanan— gemstones and precious metals have been nothing short of an obsession ever since he was a child.“I still remember my cousin showing me a pill vial of Yogo Sapphires—I was mesmerized, and I made a vow to figure out where they come from,” Don says. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing from MSU in 1979, he spent two years traveling the globe, fulfilling his childhood goal and finding out exactly where gems and stones come from. For many years after he settled back in Bozeman, Don ran his gemstone-importing business out of his home. He opened his first downtown shop at 107 North Grand and was met with great success. Orders kept coming in, and things really took off once he saw a “For Sale” sign in the window of the newly built Blackwood building on east Main. When he finally signed the papers and opened his doors at the new location in 1994, The
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Gem Gallery was an overnight hit, capitalizing on the solid clientele base Don had established over the years. For all the years of hard work, travel, and research, Don really has the Yogo Sapphire to thank for all his success in Bozeman. “Honestly, The Gem Gallery was truly built by Yogo Sapphires—we’ve got one of the most major collections in the state,” Don says. He owns two digging claims at Yogo Gulch outside Utica, Montana and spends time every summer mining for these little blue pebbles. Don frequently teaches classes on them, and more than a few people around the state consider him the leading authority on these precious gems found only in the Treasure State. With mining claims in Montana and even more projects across the globe fighting for his attention, Don has slowly started to think about retiring from the store. Thankfully, he’s planning to keep The Gem Gallery as a family-owned business, with his son Jason eventually taking over operations.“Really, I’m expanding into the new store so my son can one day run the place—once he’s out of college and through gemology school,” Don says. But until he hands the keys over to Jason, he’ll enjoy their new location on the corner of Rouse and Main, imagining all the precious stones that the next twenty years will bring. To find out more, visit Don at 402 East Main or at gemgallery.com.
jim r.
HARRIS Aerial, Architectural & Adventure Photography
Aeri al Vi ew Overlookin g B oze m a n & B r i d ge r Mo u nt a i n s
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Jim is one of the most diverse photographers you will ever meet. He has become the go to photographer for architectural photography in Southwest Montana. You will also see him hanging outside of a helicopter taking aerial photographs of the MSU Bobcat games. B r i d ge r Mo u nt a i n s & Ba r n
Whether photographing the mountains of Montana and Nepal, or fishing inTanzania, be sure to check out Jim's website to order amazing canvas prints featuring the many adventures he has embarked on around the globe. www.JRHarrisPhoto.com
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Ae r i a l Vi ew of Lo n e Pe a k & Mo o n l i g ht Ba s i n
Aeri al Vi ew of t h e B r i d ge r Mo u nt a i n s Ri d ge
Ae r i a l Vi ew of Ye l l owsto n e Ri ve r a n d t h e Wi n e G l a s s Li v i n gston
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Montana Aerial, LLC Po Box 793 Bozeman, MT 59771 MSU Football St a d i u m Go Ca t s 201 2
Ross Peak and Sunf lowers
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