arts
IN THE BITTERROOT
NOVEMBER 2015
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in this issue Bitterroot Performing Arts Series 2015 - 2016..........5 Why read poetry.........................................................10 Local art galleries........................................................11 bitterrootarts.org........................................................14 Dine around features local producers......................15 The story of dance......................................................17 Looking good: picture framing.................................19 Artist in residence program.......................................21 Mike Conroy, music teacher......................................23 The value of art to young people..............................25 Art in the public schools Hamilton............................................................26 Corvallis.............................................................27 Darby..................................................................29 Florence.............................................................31 Victor..................................................................32 Stevensville........................................................33 Arts in the Bitterroot is published by the Ravalli Republic Newspaper, a division of Lee Enterprises. Mark Heintzelman, Publisher Matt Bunk, Editor Jodi Lopez, Advertising Sales Manager Kathy Kelleher, Jodi Lopez, Ashley McGaughy, Advertising Sales Dara Saltzman, Production & Design Arts in the Bitterroot is copyright 2015, Ravalli Republic.
232 W Main, Hamilton, MT 59840 ravallirepublic.com
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 5
photo provided
Internationally reknowned Kronos Quartet will play February 14th, 2016.
Bitterroot Performing Arts Series unveils new lineup Perry Backus Ravalli Republic
Bringing top-notch performing artists to a small town like Hamilton can be a challenge on many fronts. Earlier this fall, Bitterroot Performing Arts Council’s Executive Director Monica Grable had a chance to share notes with others in the same boat at a Western Arts Council conference in
Vancouver, British Columbia. She still remembers the surprised looks when she pulled out a brochure showing this year’s performing arts series. “I opened the brochure and they all said ‘wow,’” Grable said. The conference-goers were impressed that Hamilton was able to attract internationallyknown performers such as the Kronos Quartet. “Kronos is not a quartet that plays in towns
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selected as Musical America’s 2012 Musicians of the Year. The Wall Street Journal called them the “power couple of chamber music.”And they are coming to the Bitterroot Valley. “They were the kind of performance that definitely drew some notice from my colleagues,” Grable said. “When I told them that they were going to perform as a benefit for us, they were totally blown away.” Finckel and his wife, Wu Han, are apparently good friends with a Bitterroot Valley resident. photo provided The story goes that they were Roy Rogers and The Delta Rhythm Kings will play October 24th. having dinner one night in New of our size,” Grable said. “They don’t even norYork City when the Bitterroot mally play in towns the size of Missoula. To be Valley man told the couple about the challenges able to have them here is a fantastic opportunity faced by the small-town performing arts council. for our community.” “When that community member shared our To make that happen, Grable had to inquire struggle to keep our organization afloat, they quickly when she learned the quartet would be performing in Billings and Big Sky. “If they were just responding to our offer, that would never happen,” she said. “The fact they were already going to be here in the state made it all possible.” But the fact that Hamilton would host the famous quartet wasn’t the most exciting news that Grable had to unveil at the recent conference. Cellist David Finckel photo provided and pianist Wu Han were David Finckel and Wu Han will play November 20th.
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 7
photo provided
SOLAS will play at the Dennison Theater on March 12th, 2016.
offered to help,” Grable said. “I about cried when I heard the news. And then when I was told the community member was going to send a check to help meet our other expenses for the night, I really had a hard time keeping my composure.” “It means everything to us,” she added. The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council ended its 11th season last year in the black. “But just barely,” Grable said. “It’s definitely a little bit of a hand-to-mouth kind of situation. It’s a tricky thing to do when you live in a town of this size. We’ve always had a lot of support from our community, but, nonetheless, this is a very expensive endeavor.” This year the series will bring five performances to Hamilton and, in a new twist, one to Missoula.
The series opens on Saturday, Oct. 24 with virtuoso slide guitarist and Grammy-nominated Roy Rogers and his band, The Delta Rhythm Kings. Over his 35-year career, Rogers has worked with such artists as Bonnie Raitt, Ramblin Jack Elliot, Carlos Santana, Steve Miller and Linda Ronstadt. On Friday, Nov. 20, David Finckel and Wu Han will perform. “There will be a lot of excitement amongst fans of classical music for this performance,” Grable said. The internationally-renowned Parsons Dance will perform on Sunday, Jan. 10. The first time the council brought a dance troupe to Hamilton, Grable remembers that a number of patrons were talking about giving away their tickets before she urged them to
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attend. When the troupe left that night, people came up to her and said they wanted to see more dance as part of the series. “They told me they really had a great time,” Grable said. “I believe that’s one of the hallmarks of our series. It offers the opportunity to broaden the appreciation of all performing arts for our audience.” Residents of the Bitterroot Valley will be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Kronos Quartet on Sunday, Feb. 14. The next performance will feature the quintessential Irish-American band, Solas, on Saturday, March 12 at the Dennison Theater in
Missoula. Solas had appeared in the first year of the series in 2009. The idea was to bring them back for an encore performance around St. Patrick’s Day, but the date they could return was already booked at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center. “We decided to take our audience on a field trip,” Grable said. “Using the Dennison Theater was a way to ensure the event would still happen and also tip our hat to the Missoula community that’s helped support our series since it began.” Sometimes as much as 20 percent of the audience is made up of Missoula residents. “This is a one-time event that helps bridge
photo provided
Parsons Dance will perform January 10tj, 2016.
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 9
photo provided
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will play April 8th, 2016.
that gap a little bit,” Grable said. “We have no plans of moving our series to Missoula.” There are some special plans in the works for a pre-event and potentially buses that would run between Hamilton and Missoula. The concert series will conclude on Friday, April 8 with infectious energy and high-powered horns of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Subscriptions are on sale at the council’s office at 127 W. Main St., Suite 103, in Hamilton. Office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. on Fridays and performance days. This year, the council is also offering a flex package that allows people to buy tickets to four or five of the performances and secure the same seats for each one. Online sales will begin about Sept. 25 at www. bitterrootperformingarts.org “I really feel like we’re about to round the corner,” Grable said. “We definitely have the community’s support. The community really does love this series.”
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Poetry infuses a sense of who we are, defines our world Shawn Wathen for the
Ravalli Republic
We’ve all been there, sitting behind a desk explicating Keats’Ode to a Grecian Urn, Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, Dickinson’s Because I Could Not Stop For Death, with varying degrees of unease, confusion or boredom. Wondering, if we cared enough to wonder, what these poems could possibly have to do with life. Except for that rare student — I was not one of those — poetry slipped from our consciousness as rapidly as a dream upon waking. Only later, quite by accident, did I come to understand that poetry infuses us with a sense of who we are. From the very beginning, language defines how we see the world. Read to a very young child. They instinctively grasp the rhythm of language. These first incantations, whether they be from Milne, Seuss, or Silverstein, tie us as infants to 3,000 years of Chinese verse; to the great Homer; to the Sufi poet Hafiz. It is only from neglect that we lose this thread. A cursory glance through history aptly demonstrates, despite our contemporary failure to recognize it, that poetry has the power to create form out of chaos; beauty from nothingness; the ability to sustain a culture. In 1795, Poland was erased from the map of Europe. For 123 years, poetry kept alive the idea of a resurrected nation. Three poets wielded that kind of power. Garcia Lorca describes a bullfight at five in the afternoon. Franco takes note of the implications and has him assassi-
nated. During the long winter of Stalinism, inmates of the gulag passed to each other the poems of Osip Mandelstam and Anna Akhmatova, or committed them to memory as a way to sustain their humanity. Primo Levi talked of the importance of Dante at Auschwitz. Perhaps not on the level of bread for the body, but vital for the soul. Closer to home, I had the great fortune to meet Lorraine Sizer. We met at the book shop, but formed a deep friendship over poetry. We would share our favorites — she gave me Eiseley and Masefield; I handed her Milosz and Tsvetaeva. Once I jokingly informed her that all of Dickinson’s poems could be recited to the tune of The Yellow Rose of Texas. Her eyes flashed, and I looked hastily for an exit. Poetry mattered. Even after her body was ravaged by Parkinson’s disease, she would phone to chat. We would recite favorite poems committed to memory. Granted, there is nothing quite so dreadful as bad poetry. Nevertheless, there is also astonishingly good verse, and some that touches the sublime. Milosz: That I wanted good poetry without knowing it, That I discovered late its salutary aim, In this and only this I find salvation. Language is how we communicate, how we describe our world, and poetry is the essence of language distilled to its most pure, most beautiful, and most weighted form. By reconnecting with the great poets, we just might foster a different, richer, and more compassionate view of our world.
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 11
A small sample of local art galleries by
Dominic Farrenkopf
for the
Ravalli Republic
The Bitterroot Valley’s beauty is not limited to natural scenery. It can be readily found in the form of artwork. Fortunately, there are many easily accessible, local galleries that feature fine art. I took a little time and visited with some gallery owners in the area. With a little research and poking around, you can find these and many other galleries in our beautiful valley. Art City Located at 407 West Main Street in Hamilon, Art City is a gallery and gift shop featuring affordable artwork created by professional artists. A wide variety of mediums are displayed at Art City, including pottery, fiber arts, woodworking, paintings, jewelry and a great selection of note cards. Vivian Yang owns the building that houses Art City. “The building is rich with history as it is one of the oldest buildings on Main Street,” Yang said. Yang bought the building in 1980, and it was originally used as an art studio. “Many artists were producing art, but not many were selling their art. Seventeen years ago the gallery opened with the purpose of the artists having a place to sell their creations,” Yang said. Art City is managed by its members who continue to stock the shelves with high-quality art. Art City is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays and from 11 a.m . until 3 p.m. on Saturdays. You can be reach Yang at 406-363-4764 or vevanyang@gmail.com.
The Frame Shop & Gallery Established in 1981, The Frame Shop and Gallery has been owned by Ann Harding for the past 20 years. The business’ presence on Hamilton’s Main Street does not go unnoticed. Upon entering the gallery, you will find that in conjunction with the fine art on the walls, it offers a custom framing service. A broad selection of framing options can be tailored to meet your individual style. The art adorning the gallery offers a diverse selection as well. It features all local artists of contemporary or modern style, including Bobbie McKibbin, Laura Wathen, Barbara Michaelman, Theresa Garland Warner, Noellynn Pepos, Janet Whaley, Morlise Borcher, Pam Caughey, Rich Lande, Abigail Turner, David Buck and Ellyn Jones. “These artists’ mediums vary from oil, watercolor, pastel, and acrylic paintings, ceramics, photographs and even felted scarves,” Harding said. Visit The Frame Shop and Gallery from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. The business is located at 325 West Main Street in Hamilton. You can reach The Frame Shop at 406-363-6684 or frameshopandgallerymontana@ gmail.com. Eagle Editions Ltd. Specializing in historical Old West paintings by Jerry Crandall, Eagle Editions Ltd. is a homebased studio and gallery in Hamilton. It has been selling Jerry Crandall paintings since 1974. Crandall works with oil and acrylic paint and strives to produce technically well-exe-
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cuted pieces that tell a story, all while being historically accurate. Crandall loves history and is fascinated by artifacts. That, coupled with his relentless research, brings a dose of reality to his traditional paintings. Crandall, who grew up in La Junta, Colorado, near historic Bent’s Fort, said he became interested in history partly due to his father’s love of the Old West. “Instead of doing homework, I would read firsthand accounts and diaries by Kit Carson and other leading period figures. Thus, the foundation for my love of the Old West was established. By constantly studying and researching pre-1900 Western personalities and events I am constantly formulating paintings that not only tell stories, but capture the essence of leading historical personalities,” Crandall said. To visit Eagle Editions Ltd. gallery, please make an appointment at 406-3635415 or oldwest@eagle-editions.com. Art Focus Located at 215 West Main Street in Hamilton, Art Focus offers a vast array of mediums including photography; all varieties of painting; pottery and ceramics; sculptures in bronze, wood, ceramic and metal; and a wide range of jewelry. You can also find very unique artwork in the form of wood-felted vessels, fused glass, decorated gourds, scratchboard, printmaking and drawings.
The business offers many artist workshops, free talks and demonstrations. It has been a sponsor of a summer art camp for young artists for the past four years. Art Focus was founded in 1993 by Montana artist, owner manager Robert Neaves. In 2011 it was purchased by Dan Cassens, a local businessman and rancher. Douglas Taylor, a contemporary artist and educator, manages Art Focus. “Art Focus focuses on quality and variety that suggests the spirit of nature and western Montana. We install and feature new art each month, giving the many repeat visitors a fresh experience. Art Focus also enhances our concern for the display and preservation of art with a custom picture framing shop with the largest selection of moulding in the area, best equipment and thirty-five years of professional experience,” Taylor said. Art Focus represents accomplished artists from the Bitterroot Valley and nearby. Artists featured at Art Focus include Pete Ramburg, Jason Savage, Robert Neaves, Melora Neaves, Judith DeYoung, Tricia Bass, Jin Huang, Joseph Thornbrugh, Karen Stoddard, Karen Savory, Lisa Jean Wade, Claudia Whitten, Kathy Burk, Kelly Price, Marshall Holmberg, Peggy Woods, Elen Weege, Bob Phinney, Dyrc Sibrans, Pam Little, Wayne Queen, Denise Pfau, Steve Johnson, Dave Harper, Shirley Anderson Sylvester, Doug Hudson, Olive Parker, Lora Gill, Craig Birch, Suzette Del Rae, Douglas E. Taylor, and special
Mon - Fri 9 - 6pm Sat 10 - 5:30pm 252 Main St., Hamilton, MT 406.363.5220 chapter1bookstore.com
“A book store is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking.” - Jerry Seinfeld
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 13
guest painter, Douglas Dirkson. Stop at Art Focus from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 406-363-4112 or email info@artfocusmontana.com. I.S.O. Art Ltd. I.S.O. (In Search Of) Art Ltd. is nestled comfortably into its Main Street location in Hamilton. I.S.O. Art was established in 1989 and has been offering high-quality art to collectors in Hamilton since 2011. Upon entering their gallery, you will see works by Historic American artists of the American West, and original American Indian artifacts. The gallery also serves as the in-house studio of bronze sculptor Keith McMasters. McMasters described in detail many of the pieces on display. When I inquired if they had any Charlie Russell’s, McMasters led the way to a large glass case. Inside the case, along with many fascinating pieces, was a bronze sculpture by Russell of a big horn sheep. “Patrons of I.S.O Art will be sure to discover some of the finest examples of historic and contemporary art in the American west,” said McMasters. Visit I.S.O. Art Ltd. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday during the summer (May 15-Sept. 15) and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday during the winter (Sept. 16-May 14). For more information, contact Doug Nelson at 406-212-0239 or doug@isoart.com. You can also contact Keith McMaster sat 406-522-9571 or keith@isoart.com
West Fork Mountain Crafts & Gallery West Fork Mountain Crafts and Gallery in Connor will be turning 15 years old next year, and owner Gay Findley is very proud of that longevity. “The original part of our gallery was moved from Philipsburg and built in 1932. The t-pee (lodge) in front of the business was painted by the late Harold Whitley. Harold Whitley was a well-known Montana artist.” Inside the gallery, patrons will encounter fine arts, fiber arts, pottery, silver (both traditional sterling and wire wrapping) and photography by Bitterroot Valley artists. In addition, West Fork Mountain Crafts and Gallery carries books by local authors and Made In Montana gifts. The unique and picturesque setting of the gallery enhancing the artwork and literature showcased inside. The gallery rests right on the bank of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. Another unique aspect is the bead room, featuring exquisite beads from many countries. Take a scenic drive to the gallery at 4955 Saw Mill Lane in Connor. You can visit from 6:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days per week during the summer. Fall hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days per week. Winter hours, beginning Nov. 1, are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Contact Findley at 406-821-2007. You can also find West Fork Mountain Crafts & Gallery on Facebook.
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Kristine Komar for the
Ravalli Republic
The Bitterroot Valley has a new source for making connections with art, artists, workshops, lessons and arts events: bitterrootarts.org. Created by the Bitter Root Cultural Heritage Trust, the website was designed as a collaborative space for artists, arts organizations, arts events and programs. Funded by a grant from the Montana Office of Tourism, the site is optimized for mobile devices. All functions are free to users. Having all arts information presented in one place demonstrates that a robust arts community – and creative economy — exists in the Bitterroot. The site encourages all arts venues and programs to participate. Bitterrootarts.org can be a useful tool for many. Travelers looking to spend time in the Bitterroot Valley will be able to plan ahead, catch arts events they are interested in, schedule classes and workshops, and visit with artists in their studios. It’s a tool for guides and outfitters – when a spouse would rather not go fishing or hunting – anyone in the lodging industry, as well as organizations looking to work with artists. The site is young and will become more fully populated with information as the arts community becomes aware and helps develop creative uses for the site. For art lovers The website is a great way to see arts programming in and around the Bitterroot. It features an arts and culture calendar that helps people find something to do and plan ahead to catch something special, whether it’s visual arts, performing arts, dance, literary arts, music or beyond. The artist registry will help you discover and locate artists. You can learn something about each artist through their statements as well as images of their work. Contact information allows you to visit artists’ websites or reach out by email or phone. Many artists welcome studio visits, or you can see the shows they will be attending or the galleries that represent them. Under the workshops tab you’ll find information
about artists who teach workshops or give private lessons. The website also features information about the ARTrageous Community Arts Festival held in early November. There will be an array of opportunities to view art, hear music and attend performances. You’ll also be tantalized to take in an Empty Bowls lunch participate in other culinary art adventures. You’ll also be able to track the biennial ARTrageous Show and Sale, an outstanding and diverse local art show, next appearing Nov. 6-8, 2016. There’s also a blog where you can read what artists have to say about their process, muse on art, or sound off. For artists The website is a way to magnify and amplify an artist’s marketing reach and exposure. If you’d like to write about art, the bitterrootARTS.org blog provides you with a new channel. If you don’t have a website, the artist registry provides an online presence for your art business. There is a fee for the artist registry. You can sign up online. Participation on the site immediately provides you with reach beyond the local communities. To be successful with your arts business, it is critical for local artists to find ways to market in other regions. Working together with other artists and arts offerings provides a much bigger footprint for the local arts community. The site is a perfect example of doing something good for your own business while helping build a stronger local arts market for all. For the community The Bitterroot is a small, tight-knit community that offers many opportunities for arts engagement. In this environment it is often easy to see working together as a competitive exercise with each participant being allotted only a small wedge of the pie. But there is a more rewarding and productive point of view: the notion that “the more there is, the more there is.” The arts community is invited to engage each other in support of individual and community efforts. For more information call 406-375-9953.
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 15
MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic
Chef Daniel Dean is breading green tomatoes at Bouilla in Hamilton.
‘Dine Around’ focusing on local producers Michelle McConnaha Ravalli Republic
DINEaround is the artistic culinary aspect of ARTrageous, the Bitterroot Valley artists’ collaboration celebrating visual, performing and culinary art experiences. The festival this year is Nov. 6-8. Organizer Kristine Komar said the weekend of celebrating community art is growing. “People will be coming on this weekend just to be surrounded by art,” Komar said. “They will eat it, they will drink it, they will look at it. We want to create an environment that is an experience.” The festival includes culinary artists: chefs, brewers, vintners, bakers, cheese makers, coffee roasters and more. DINEaround gives chefs the opportunity to be creative and gives diners the chance to have a great meal and maybe
experience something new and different. Participants wanting to experience the specialty cuisine during the ARTrageous festival weekend visit local participating restaurants and establishments at any time during their hours of operation to try the succulent offerings. Komar said DINEaround will focus this year on local lamb from Jim Ellingson’s Bitterroot Valley Lamb; pork and sheep cheese from Tucker Family Farm in Victor; plus local wine, craft beer and cider pairings. There will also be cheese, breads, desserts and more. “It is about local producers finding customers and chefs being regarded as artists,” said Komar. “It’s a shame that we grow all this meat here and send it off. We need to experience it.” Komar said DINEaround has demonstrated
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long-range plan to create a festival celebrating that the Bitterroot has some amazing culinary community art and to increase business for the artists community on a traditionally slow shoulder“DINEaround is a showcase for chefs to creseason weekend. ate their special arts and for the community to Komar said the ARTrageous festival is still in know they are in for a treat,” Komar said. its infancy, and said the building of a commuBlodgett Canyon Winery co-owner and winemaker Kevin Braughton said the weekend nity arts festival takes time. This year, there will be First Friday events, DINEaround event will be delicious. Montana Bricolage Artists Show at Higher “We’re doing two events,” Braughton said. Ground, and the Holly Jolly Artisan Show “On Nov. 6 and 7 in our tasting room we’ll & Sale at the Daly Mansion as well as the serve “local lamb meatball stew” with root DINEaround. The ARTrageous Art Show and vegetables and blue cheese. It will be made Sale at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Event from Bitterroot Valley Lamb and prepared by Center is offered every other year and will be guest Chef Dan Dean of Bouilla.” The dish, which will be paired with a specific held Nov. 5 and 6, 2016. “DINEaround is a great way to have a great wine, will be available from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. or meal and at the same time to support our culiuntil it is sold out. nary artists and local producers.” Komar said “On Sunday, Nov. 8, we’ll offer a five-course dinner paired with wine,” Braughton said. “Alison Bowcutt, from Red Rooster, is doing Chefs & participating establishments include: four of the five courses, and we’ll pair a wine Chef Nick Blair at Bitter Root Brewery with each of the courses. We’ll feature chicken from Homestead Organics, pork from Tucker Blodgett Canyon Winery Family Farms and lamb from Bitterroot Valley Chef Daniel Dean at Bouilla Lamb. We are focusing on the local producer Chef Scott Hoenstine at Mine Shaft Pasty Co. and local produce.” Chef Crissy Searle at Signal Grill Dean said he hasn’t finalized a menu item Chef Karen Suennen at Spice of Life for Bouilla during DINEaround, but he enjoys Chef Laurence Markarian at Taste of Paris, Chef cooking with lamb and is considering his creSteve Studar at The Wild Mare in Corvallis ation of a lamb breakfast dish for Saturday. and Chef Eric Loessberg at Mission Bistro “Inspiration will hit,” Dean said. in Stevensville. “DINEaround is great. Kris does a great job on it for us and for the community. She only To find the specific hours visit online receives the satisfaction of a job well done.” bitterrootartrageous.org. The Bitterroot Valley artist’s collaboration selected the first weekend in November with a
The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust Kitchen and do all of your Christmas shopping early at
invites you to have Lunch in Hattie’s
The Holly Jolly Artisan Show & Sale November 6th-8th
Friday, Noon-6pm • Sat & Sun 10am-4pm High quality homemade and handcrafted goods featuring 35 local and regional crafters and artisans on all three floors of the beautifully decorated Mansion Admission $3 At The Door- Kids 12 & Under are FREE Call 363-6004 Ext 2 For More Info Located off Eastside Highway between Hamilton and Corvallis
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 17
The story of dance Pamela Erickson
to move around on a raked floor. Today, performers still refer to the area towards the back of Whether a dance performance takes place on a proscenium stage as “upstage” and the area a large stage in an ornate theater, on a rusty fire towards the front of the stage as “downstage.” escape of a city Ballet developed building or in a over several centugreen pasture in ries in Europe and the countryside, was exported to dance enthusiRussia. After many asts anticipate an years of isolated exciting experigrowth, the Russians ence. Where did came to Europe these engaging in 1913, creating a performances storm of reactions come from? at the Paris Opera All dance House. With music performances by Stravinsky, sets by have their roots Bakst, and choreogin ancient culraphy and dancing tures. The Greeks by Nijinsky, Parisians refined dance with were insulted, and the use of chorioted in response. ruses commentIt did not take long ing, in movement, for appreciation of on the action of the Russian style of their dramas and ballet to grow, leadcomedies. Ethnic ing to the world tour and folk dancing, of Diagheliv’s Ballets as well as country Russes. They were dancing, evolved the flame that lit the into the charming worldwide resurPHOTO by Michelle Dillon and meaningful gence of dance. Joy French is a memeber of Bare Bait Dance. dancing people Next stop: America. do around the In the U.S., alongworld today. side the development of quality ballet, the The big break from these historical streams uniquely American style, modern dance, flowcame in the 16th century when Louis XIV of ered across the country. It is currently taught in France, a dancer himself, began what came every university dance department and is accesto be known as ballet. At that time, the stages sible to all body types, making it a truly demowere sloped upwards away from the front and cratic art form. The critical differences between the audience was seated on a flat surface. You ballet and modern dance are the acceptance of can imagine how difficult it was for the dancers individual and iconoclastic interpretations, bare for the
Ravalli Republic
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feet, and the very basic idea of release of the body’s muscles. In ballet the goal is to stretch the body up and off the floor, whereas in modern, all dance space is explored including the floor. Modern dancers spend years learning the skill of sinking into and rising off the floor, often going upside down in the process. There are several codified modern dance techniques, the most famous among them being Martha Graham’s. Her presence in the U.S. and other countries for more than 50 years left a huge legacy. The dance artists who made important contributions after Graham are legion. The works of Paul Taylor, Alvin Ailey and Pilobolus still delight dance audiences. Here in Hamilton, we will be treated to a concert by Parsons Dance Jan. 10 at the performing arts center. In Missoula, we are blessed with the artistry of such wonderful choreographers as Amy Ragsdale, Nicole Bradley Browning, and the members of the modern dance company “Bare Bait Dance.” Get a ticket and go see them.
PHOTO by jen delong
Joy French is a memeber of Bare Bait Dance.
a whole lotta montana Located in Corvallis, at the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, The Wild Mare restaurant is open Wednesday thru Saturday from 5-10 p.m (May 1st through Labor Day) and 5-9 p.m. (fall and winter hours) for dinner.
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283 2nd St | Corvallis, MT 59828 (on the corner of 2nd & Market) www.thewildmare.com | 406-961-8938
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Bitterroot Valley 302 N 1st Street, Hamilton • 363-2222 Tu - Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 11am-4pm
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 19
PHOTO PROVIDED
This is an example of museum glass and conservation glass.
Looking good on the outside and inside: Picture Framing Douglas Taylor for the
Ravalli Republic
It is heartbreaking to see a treasured photograph or artwork faded, discolored or stuck to the inside of the picture-framing glass. As a professional picture framer with more than 30 years of experience, I’ve seen many such cases and I’ve helped prevent many more. Picture framing is more than making artwork, documents, or keepsakes look good on your wall. With modern archival technology, it is easy to make things look good and be protected for
generations. Contemporary materials and methods can preserve colors and prevent details from fading. Archival and conservatory methods protect the item with acid-free materials, ultra-violet filtering, glazing and mechanical designs. Harmful gases from acidic materials can fog and yellow images, ironically trapped under glass. Corrugated cardboard and masking tape are the two most notorious villains of harmful picture framing. Ultra-violet rays from the sun or fluorescent lighting can fade and damage the
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image. Items placed in direct contact with the inside of the glass can be harmed several ways. Most often the picture or document gets wet by incorrectly cleaning glass: never spray the glass directly; instead, spray the cleaning cloth. Cleaning fluid can drip and flow under the glass before you can UV light can damage photos. say, “Oh no!� When this happens with a photo, the photographic emulsion acts like a glue. Even the film manufacturer Kodak can’t separate the photo from the glass. One of the functions of a mat,
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the border around a picture in a frame, is to create a small amount of protective space between the item and the glass. Ideally the design is about a presentation that enhances the framed item without attracting attention to the framing. Looking good in a specific style of interior is a consideration, but the primary PHOTO PROVIDED concern should be how the item and framing relate. The frame sets the mode and character for the look. A single mat or perhaps multiple mat colors are selected that make a connection between the artwork and the frame. Any items on paper should be behind glass. There are several types of glazing to choose from. All glass types are available in ultra-violet filtering versions. The darker an image, the more reflection can be created in the glass. Regular glass on a dark image can be mirror-like, obscuring the image. There are two types of glass that can diminish reflections and make viewing the image easier. Reflection-control glazing creates a soft reflection, and museum glass allows a very clear and vivid image. Museum glass darkens the reflection so that it is not as noticeable and allows a full spectrum of color to bounce back through the glass to the viewer, making the glass appear invisible. An informed picture framer can help you make wise choices of material to use in order to properly protect your framed item, and can guide you in your choice of design allowing you to express yourself through the picture-framing process.
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 21
Artist in residence program Annie Allen
of days, every sense tingled with new sights, smells, sounds and tactile sensations. After long I was one of three artists chosen last summer morning hikes, my afternoons were filled with for an opportunity of a lifetime to connect “with journaling, sketching and painting. the greater landscape beyond the borders of The wilderness is not new to me. I lived in Glacier National Park” as stated in the operatthe mountains of Lincoln, Montana, for more ing plan for the Artist Wilderness Connection than 28 years. My family and their families Residency. This was an opportunity to observe, before them camped, hunted and gathered reflect and reveal their senses in my interpretation the mountains of of the wilderness in the Bob Marshall Montana – using an Wilderness, artist’s voice, more the Scapegoat directly my voice. Mountain and Alice What an honor. Creek. Hiking has The Bob Marshall provided a life Wilderness, jacket in more ways the Swan Valley than one. Most of Ecosystem the tales that arose Management and from our family’s Learning Center, experiences in the the Hockaday mountains came Museum of Art from a man’s perand the Flathead spective: exciting National Forest tales of spotting worked together to elk, bear, mountain create this opporlions and other tunity for artists and wildlife. Tales of those interested in natural beauty art. unfolded, along The journey with precise pinbegan July 29 at points on maps. the Challenge Now laying Cabin located before me was a on the Flathead map, a magical National Forest. map of my own to PHOTO PROVIDED Built in 1927, the pour over, analyze Annie Allen works on a piece called Pathways. Challenge Cabin and reflect upon became a home from my feminine base of connection where I could gather my perspective. Trails, pathways to meander and thoughts for the day and review the visual imag- explore. Explorations lay waiting. And most ery that hit my brainwaves. Within a couple importantly, no perimeters or time to worry for the
Ravalli Republic
Page 22 - Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015
PHOTO PROVIDED
Annie Allen pours over maps.
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about. As I relaxed into my surroundings, I became aware of my connection to everything around me – the intricacy of which one can fully comprehend when within the greater landscape. Senses become fine-tuned. As an artist, I was completely aware of colors, contrasts, shapes and rhythmic design, which ties every component of nature together - the beauty of capturing textures and lines that are revealed at different angles from the sun, the shapes and depth of color that infuse the landscape, the pure delight of creating an image from my own vision and perspective. This vision and perspective gave voice to the inner workings of my mind and to the artwork I created. As John Muir so eloquently stated, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity.”
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 23
PHOTO PROVIDED
Mike Conroy, on banjo, poses with Bluegrass 101. Left to Right: Steve Chapman, Barry Prime, Anne Merrifield and JoAnne Martin
Music teacher Conroy says learning should be fun Dominic Farrenkopf for the
Ravalli Republic
When it comes to bluegrass music, Mike Conroy knows a thing or two. Conroy is a music instructor who lives with his wife, Tari, in Conner. He has been teaching music for the last 11 years. He teaches the guitar, mandolin, banjo and stand-up bass. Asked if he also teaches the jug, Conroy laughed and replied, “I only teach the jug if it’s full.” Conroy is known for his quick wit and downhome humor. In fact, for Conroy, making music fun is what it’s all about. “My job is to make the student have fun, not make them good. That takes the fun out of it,” he said. “I want them to learn to play music and
have fun.” The joy of music began for Conroy all the way back to the sixth grade. “I started playing the electric guitar with the low string down so it would sound like a bass,” he said. “We played the sixth-grade sock hops.” Conroy worked for Stoltze Conner, but he cut a new trail when the mill closed. He and Tari started an orthodontia appliance business and a recording studio. “Now with 35 students, it’s more about teaching than recording,” he said. Conroy still makes recordings of his students though. “My students don’t do recitals, so about two months before Christmas we record the students’ best songs and put them on a CD,”
Page 24 - Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015
he said. “We make them 10 copies to give as gifts.” Conroy’s claim to fame is when his students get together and form a group or when a family of students play together as a band. Conroy and his group of pupils call themselves Bluegrass 101. The quartet consists of Steve Chapman on the six-string bluegrass dreadnought guitar, JoAnne Martin on the fiddle, Anne Merrifield on the mandolin and Barry Prime on the stand-up bass. All of Bluegrass 101’s members are retired and have had musical ambitions their whole lives. Now they are able to pursue their dreams of playing music. Conroy instructs them all individually, but keeps a close eye on them as a group as well. Conroy, who is also the president of Montana Rockies Bluegrass, said there is an upcoming event in Stevensville where Bluegrass 101 will perform. It’s a hootenanny to be held Nov. 7 at the Stevensville Playhouse.
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“A hootenanny is an open-mic event where bluegrass performers sign-up at the door to play,” Conroy said. “The music starts, and we just take turns until everyone has played. This is strictly bluegrass, and it will be a great event for both the performers and the audience.” The members of Bluegrass 101 feel good about playing the hootenanny, but it took some building up from Conroy. “We will play the hootenanny as a group,” said Prime, who plays the stand-up bass. “We didn’t like it at first, but it has helped us gain confidence,” says Merrifield, who plays the mandolin. “It’s nice to have a teacher that encourages you,” said Chapman, who plays the dreadnought guitar. The group laughed when Martin, the fiddle player, commented: “We are living proof that you can teach old dogs new tricks.” In addition to putting on the hootenanny, the Conroys host an annual bluegrass festival in Hamilton. The Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival is always the 4th week of July. The festival admission is $15, and $15 for a camp site. “It is a great family event and a fantastic opportunity to hear some wonderful bluegrass music, Tari Conroy said. “It’s great fellowship, too. You meet so many nice people.” The Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival is slated as a gathering with an “old timey mountain feel.” The festival is an affordable, family-friendly event carried out in a beautiful setting. The festival’s website, www.hardtimesbluegrass.com, assures you that it’s all “good clean fun.” Mike Conroy also teaches old-time country, old-time rock ‘n roll and gospel. Lessons are $20. Students can meet with Conroy at Brock’s Barber Shop in Stevensville, at Rooted Music in Hamilton, and at the Conroys’ home in Conner. “I have students that range from age six to age eighty,” Mike Conroy said. “If you want to play music and have fun, come along with me.”
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 25
The value of art to young people Tamar Stanley for the
Ravalli Republic
Arts, education, community, museums. What is the common denominator? Each has the ability to create a hybrid space between our natural and built environments. They can help connect youth, our most important resource, to help them better understand and affect the natural life of our untamed landscape and the urban environment that surrounds it. The Ravalli County Museum stands in a historic downtown area serving a predominately rural population. In recent years the role cultural institutions play in the daily life of a dynamic and developing community has evolved. Museums have recognized the necessity to see themselves as contributing in a larger way to the educational opportunities of a community. The museum is committed to meeting these emergent needs and providing a space where children and families can explore, create, share and connect through art. We have observed a new energy in our youth, those seeking an outlet for their creativity. We also know that with so many parents now in the workforce there is a likely probability of constrained resources between that inspiration and an appropriate opportunity. This showcases a perceptible gap between available services that augment and enrich their creative pursuits and a raised awareness of the limited funding to allocate resources to achieve this objective. This has a discernable impact. To help bridge the gap, the Ravalli County Museum has incorporated the power of art as a learning tool. In collaboration with professional teachers, educators, parents and other organizations, we can help youth gain skills and build confidence in their self-expression through the act of generating art. While doing so they improve their abilities in constructive communication and critical thinking. When students turn to the latest computer game or gadget, how do we make an invest-
ment in creativity and freedom of expression an accepted and encouraged norm? Making learning visible, while enjoying themselves and creating an atmosphere where good habits of the mind are supported, has been a gratifying formula to watch in progress. Providing enrichment, stimulation and a place for families to interact in a variety of experiences has become a dominant theme. The museum is in a unique position; at a time when many museums have chosen a specialty, a singular focus, Ravalli County Museum retains its mission diversity. This allows us to offer an array of programming to reach a variety of interests. Collaborating with like-minded organizations is essential. No one entity — be it our schools, a recognized scholastic or extra-curricular program, or a traditional after-school platform — can maximize a successful strategy singlehanded. Advances can be gained with multilevel offerings. The art medium being taught, or the level we teach it, or even where we teach it, is less important than striving to develop a situation where thought-provoking and expressive art is endorsed. We support and show respect for our students’ creative ideas, let them learn from their miscues and celebrate their accomplishments. We offer a safe workshop where students bring life to their ideas without too many rulebooks or hurdles in their path. Rich and wide-ranging themes, moderately orchestrated, invite eloquent and differing responses that are limited only by the imagination.
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Page 26 - Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015
Arts in the public schools Michelle McConnaha Ravalli Republic
Hamilton Students start in the earliest grades learning music basics. They continue through all grades with strong artistic and performance opportunities. The Hamilton High School Music Program
MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic
Sting-Ray Engel shows some of his two-dimensional drawings, created mostly in black and white.
received a $5,000 grant from the Aaron Bolten Memorial Fund and used it to purchase 10 iPads that teach music basics and provide music composition assistance. Eleven Hamilton High School students were selected for All-State Choir and Band, which is comprised of the best singers and musicians at schools across Montana. The Hamilton school performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the high school’s performing arts center, unless otherwise noted. Here is a list of the performances and dates: Hamilton Middle School Choir on Oct. 27; Hamilton High School Choir on Oct. 29; Hamilton Middle School Band on Nov. 3; Daly Choir on Dec. 8, second grade at 6:30 p.m. and third grade at 7:30 p.m.; Daly Choir on Dec. 10, fourth grade at 6:30 p.m. and fifth grade at 7:30 p.m.; Hamilton High School Choir on Dec. 14; Hamilton Middle School Choir on Dec. 15; Hamilton High School Band
on Dec. 14; Hamilton High School Choir Valentine Dinner Show on Feb. 15, time to be announced; North West Choir on March 3 and 4; Hamilton Middle School Band on March 8; Hamilton High School Theatre Arts on March 17 and 18; Hamilton High School Choir on March 29; Hamilton Middle School Choir on March 31, 7 p.m.; Hamilton High School Choir on April 1; Hamilton High School Band Concert on April 5; Hamilton High School Choir on May 17; Hamilton High School Band on May 24; Hamilton High School Choir on May 31. Art classes begin in fifth grade with teacher Malina Clark. “Students produce artwork in two- and threedimensional forms,” said Clark. “They gain confidence and proficiency working with a variety of mediums including drawing and coloring tools, painting, collage, plaster, paper-making, wire sculpture and clay. They also learn about art history, various artists, cultural and commercial art, art criticism, color theory, and drawing and coloring techniques.” Art at Hamilton High School is taught by Kasey Arceniega and Monica Grable. They have beginners and also advanced students preparing to pursue careers in art. Ella Henstine MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic plans to study art Derek Perry consults art teacher Monica therapy in college Grable about the art he created with basic and had develcolor wheel options. oped her own style of artwork that she calls “stylized with a very strong tone or feel.” Derek Perry said he enjoys the art classes because they are relaxed and have helped him develop his own expression. Sting-Ray Engel focuses is work on two-dimensional drawings, mostly in black and white, because
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 27
he is color-blind. Sophia Schmidt has worked as a student at Rocky Mountain Lab for about a year. As part of her experience she split her time with the Visual Medical Arts and the Electron Microscopy departments. Schmidt said she found there is a high level of art that goes into scientific presentation in the form of posters and brochures. One of her projects was colorizing magnified bacteria, and her image was featured on the cover of the September issue of a national magazine - The MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic Journal of Clinical Hamilton High School art student Ella Henstine displays two examples of her stylized Investigation. artwork. “I didn’t take the photo, but I got on Photoshop and selected the colors of the bacteria and the background,” Schmidt said. “It’s not super creative in the sense that you draw, but choosing the colors and the way you use Photoshop to make it more eye-catching is really what brings art into the process.” Grable said it is important for students to see there are lucrative career options for creative artists. “Sophia is a fantastic artist in a variety of mediums, and to have her apply it to technical art with her job at the lab is very cool,” Grable said. The art programs in the high school and middle school plan to have an art show for the community in May during the First Friday in downtown Hamilton. Corvallis Former music instructor Martha Ilgenfritz said the Corvallis Performing Arts Booster Club, which formed in September, will provide needed assistance for the music and art teachers of Corvallis. “We’ll do fundraising and volunteerism, and helping instructors in the high school and middle school, and eventually take it all the way to the elementary school,” Ilgenfritz said. Nancy Brown, band director at Corvallis High
School, said the support is encouraging. “The direct involvement by the arts booster club
MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic
Corvallis High School and Hamilton High School marching bands combined to provide one great sound for the Ravalli County Fair Parade in August.
will enhance student education and ensure the future vitality of the arts within our school district and community,” Brown said. “We are excited to have such a strong advocacy for the performing arts, as well as the opportunity to work as a team to provide a positive and strong impact on the quality of the arts provided at the Corvallis School District. There are many, many needs in the music and drama departments
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Page 28 - Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015
that will only be met with some ingenuity and elbow grease on the part of the students and parents.” The first focus of the booster club was the production of the Broadway musical “Damn Yankees.” The
MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic
The Corvallis High School production of the Broadway musical “Damn Yankees” brought the drama and music departments together. It was also the first effort of the Corvallis Performing Arts Booster Club.
group raised money for the purchase of the rights to perform the play, arranged meals for students
putting in long hours of practice and filled many supportive roles needed for a production. Choir is taught at all grades at Corvallis schools by instructors Naomi Webb, Emily Athman and Nancy Brown. Band and orchestra are taught in grades five through 12 by Willi Prince and Nancy Brown. Unique in Montana is Corvallis’ orchestra class that begins in fifth grade and continues through grade 12. It is taught by Emily Athman. The strings program recently received an Aaron Bolton Grant that purchased violas, violins and cellos for student use. Performance dates are: Corvallis High School musical “Damn Yankees” on Oct. 12-13; Corvallis High School Band/Orchestra/Concert choir on Oct. 26; Corvallis Middle School Choir/Orchestra, grades 7 and 8, on Oct. 29; high school choir Western A Festival on Nov. 16 -17; Madrigal Dinners on Dec. 7-8; Corvallis Middle School Band/Orchestra, grades 5 through 8, on Dec. 15; Corvallis Middle School solo night on Feb. 18; Montana Youth Sing in February; Corvallis Middle School Choir/Orchestra/Band, grades 5 and 6, on March 1; Corvallis Middle School, grades 7 and 8, Festival Concert on March 17; Corvallis Middle school Band Festival at Florence on
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Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 29
March 21; District Music Festival in Missoula on April 14-16; Corvallis High School Festival Concert on April 18; state recital on April 25; State Music Festival in Helena on May 6-7; Corvallis Middle School, grades 5 and 6, Pops Concert on May 17; Corvallis Middle Schoo, grades 7 and 8, Pops Concert on May 24; Memorial Day Parade on May 30.
MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic
Corvallis High School art students decorate the ceiling tiles in the Corvallis Mercantile. They add a local touch to the back area. The goal is to fill the store ceiling.
Art at the high school is taught by Kevin Silkwood. Photography classes are taught by Maureen Powell. The students in Powell’s photography class and Rob Plakke’s English class are collaborating with the Salish Tribe to create their 10th book of poetry and photography in the Bitterroot Valley. Peggy Leverton is the art director for the exciting program at Corvallis Middle School.
MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic
Maureen Powell teaches photography classes at Corvallis High School. Her students are working on their 10th book of poetry and photography done in collaboration with the Salish Tribe and Rob Plakke’s English class.
As part of the Indian Education For All program, Salish-Kootenai artist Jay Laber will return to Corvallis Middle School this spring to work with the
art students. “Mr. Laber is a sculptor, flute maker and teacher,” said Leverton. “He has won international recognition for his life-size sculptures of wildlife and warriors, created from salvaged automobile and machinery parts.” The Corvallis Middle School art department is working to bring local artists into the class to meet the students and share their work and experiences. The middle school also participate in the online student art museum called Artsonia, known as the world’s largest children’s art museum with more than 34 million submissions. Visit it online at artsonia.com. Every Tuesday after school the Clay Club meets in the studio to create art work. Corvallis High School has a strong tradition of fostering a speech, drama and debate team that competes from October until February. The team size averages 35-40 members and has won numerous state championships. Coach Doug McConnaha keeps a photo of the 1929 debate team on his classroom wall. He said it is a reminder that the skills of being able to speak in public, to present a logical argument, and to have confidence in front of an audience are lifelong and impact future generations. Judges are needed for the Corvallis speech, drama and debate invitational tournament on Nov. 13-14. Call the high school to volunteer. Darby Darby schools have built up the arts program and are offering students a wide range of opportunities. Dean of Students Bryan Dufresne said they have a strong student art community at Darby High School in the areas of art, music and drama. “We offer opportunities from the traditional to the cutting edge,” Dufresne said. Sean Bryers is the new art teacher for Darby’s junior high and high school. “We have started out moving through the elements of art – studying line, shape, value, color, texture and space,” said Bryers. “These elements are vital in creating any piece of art, from novice to professional work.” Bryers’ students created their first name in block lines then transformed these into cityscapes with buildings, cranes, planes, streets, cars and other city objects. Then they drew their last and transformed them into landscapes.
Page 30 - Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015
Coming summer 2016
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“The students used only curving lines to create bubble letters, which they made into mountains, streams, rivers, rocks and animals,” Bryers said. The junior high classes created texture books with 30 different rubbings of textures, from objects like concrete, walls, fences and wood. These were the basis for watercolor paintings of landscapes they created.
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Darby eighth-grader Gracie Lang created a watercolor painting with the sun rising with a river coming down as part of texture art in Sean Bryers’ art class.
Bryers said the high school class is studying contemporary artist Chuck Close, who uses grids to enlarge photos into paintings. The students chose their favorite musician, printed their photo and enlarged the image using a grid of 80 squares. Darby’s music program is directed by music teacher Alex Petrusaitis. “Our program is striving to stay at the forefront of the music technology scene,” Petrusaitis said. “This
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MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic
Darby music teacher Alex Petrusaitis (right) assist students in learning digital music composing.
year we are offering two sections of a digital music class that teaches students how to use software called Ableton LIVE. We also offer a loud and excit-
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 31
ing drum-line class, as well as the classic band and choir classes. Our main goal for the music program in Darby is to offer a fun, engaging and safe experience in the world of music, while infusing as much technology as we can to enhance each class we offer.” Production theatre is returning to the Darby stage,
PHOTO PROVIDED
Freshman Preston Schei created a cityscape using the block letters of his name.
which has been remodeled with a new sound and light system. It has been several years since the last theatrical production, and the students and community are excited for their upcoming production. Jennifer Burdette is the director of plays and stage productions. Her department is planning a coffee house art show just after the first of the year when students will present poetry, songs, short stories and other art work. Darby High School will produce a full production of “Irena’s Vow” based on the book “In My Hands” by Irene Gut Opdyke in late February or early March. Opdyke’s daughter, Jeannie Smith, visited Darby school last fall to present her mom’s story of being captured by the Germans and the Russians during WWII. “I am very excited to be able to connect Jeannie Smith’s visit to the school with the student’s performance of the first play at our high school in several years,” said Burdette. Bryan Dufresne teaches a drama class that incorporates elements of movie production. “Students learn the key elements of drama while writing, editing and producing their own movies, commercials and news casts,” Dufresne said. “The drama class also takes to YouTube every once in awhile to add some spice to the daily announcements.” Dufresne said the arts are strong at Darby, and
the school plans to continue to improve and expand offerings for students. Florence Art at Florence schools is flourishing with exciting programs in music, art and drama. The music program is full of life with 170 musicians in grades 5-12. Director Jennifer Kirby said the mission of her program is one of family and service. She strives to create a family atmosphere where students can grow and feel safe being creative and have a positive place to be. “Once in high school, band students spend significant amounts of time together outside the normal school day,” Kriby said. “Having that space be safe, positive and healthy is so important for our youth.” Kirby said she teaches students that they have a responsibility to share their talents PHOTO PROVIDED with their commuThe Florence Band Program had sophomores nity by performCassidy McCollum and Jethro Thorne selected ing concerts and for the prestigious All State Band. playing music at sporting events. “Our goal is to enrich lives, and I think we have been successfully doing that,” Kirby said. Florence band students Cassidy McCollum and Jethro Thorne, both sophomores, were selected for All-State Band. “Both students worked very hard on the music to be able to be selected,” Kirby said. “It is fairly cutthroat processes with music students from class C to AA schools across Montana all working for a seat in the All-State Band, Orchestra or Choir. Florence is proud to have quality musicians able to make the cut.” Here is the Florence concert schedule: middle school band concert “Around the World” at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the new gym; high school bands at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the old gym; fifth-grade
Page 32 - Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015
music and band at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the old gym; middle school bands at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the old gym; high school bands and choirs at 7:30 p.m. on April 7 at the old gym; fifth-grade through eighthgrade bands at 7:30 p.m. on May 26 at the new gym; high school bands at 7:30 p.m. on June 2 at the new gym. Lee McBride is the new art teacher this year. Florence art students began the year with a focus on color, shape and form. Then they made portraits using shapes to create positive and negative spaces using complementary colors. “My advanced art class is working with the elementary students on a monster project drawn by the first graders and redesigned or refined by the high school student,” said McBride. The Florence drama class, called the Florentine Players, has 24 members. The class will have its fourth Annual Pie Social on Nov. 22. The silent auction will have nearly 50 pies on display for PHOTO PROVIDED bidding. All guests Florence student Braxton McCullough’s porwill receive free pie trait was created by using shapes in positive and an outstanding and negative spaces and using complementary performance by the colors. players called “Live Dinner Theatre from the Emerald City.” The original script was written by Florence junior Brennan Kappes and drama instructor Derk Schmidt. Next up for the class will be collaboration with FCHS Choir for Le Café Chocolat (date and theme to be arranged). This spring the drama class will again collaborate with the FCHS Choir to present a unique version of “Romeo and Juliet.” Set in Detroit, Michigan, this iconic play will feature Shakespeare’s original language, a brilliant set depicting the Detroit skyline, and classic musical renditions arranged by Schmidt and choir Instructor Morgan Jones to be sung by the Motown Gospel Choir. The play will run for three nights near the end of May. “I’ve been teaching ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at Florence
High School for five years and have been conceptualizing this performance since year one,” said Schmidt. “Last year’s success of ‘Antigone’ inspires us to continue working with Ms. Jones’ choirs as well as incorporating rock-and-roll and gospel music into our plays.” Victor Victor School students have many exciting opportunities to experience and explore music, drama and visual art this academic year. Music teacher Tommy Dobberstein’s band students participated in Victor’s homecoming and are rehearsing for more performances. All concerts for Victor band performances are in the beautiful Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center. Each performance begins at 7 p.m. Here is a list of winter concerts: ninth grade through 12th grade on Dec. 15; fourth grade through eighth grade on Dec. 16; first grade through third grade on Dec. 21; and the kindergarten winter concert on Dec. 22. The music department will present a “cabin fever” concert on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The festival concert will be held on April 12, then the students will be going to the music festival on April 15. The final concert of the year is the “we’re out of here” concert on June 1. The first dramatic performance for the Victor students is the Montana rep performance “Growing Up in Wonderland” at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 26. It is sponsored by Victor Umbrella for the Arts and the Victor School District. Amber Lynch, the school’s librarian, will direct a middle-school play called “Shuddersome: Tales of Poe” by Lindsay Price on Nov. 3-4. A high school play will be produced May 4-5. The title has yet to be determined. According to art teacher Jennifer Ogden, there will be an emphasis on performance art in high school art classes this academic year with the help of musician John Sporman who has performed live-score silentfilm events in Victor and Missoula. Students will learn aspects of art film using shadow puppetry. Ogden said elementary and middle school students will create art that tells the dramatic story of the flight of the Nez Perce under Chief Joseph in 1877. Their work will accompany a Ravalli County Museum exhibit about the “Ne Me Poo” Trail this spring and summer. The Victor Middle School art students have life-
Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015 - Page 33
sized animal sculptures and a painted canvas backdrop on display at the Ravalli County Museum’s exhibit “People of Fire and Ice.”
On September 16, the first day of the project, 200 students, teachers and staff from Stevensville schools arrived to help. Over the five-day project, a total of 300 school district employees and students participated. Stevensville Principal Brian Gum led the effort to give back to the community.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The Victor 6th grade students made clay masks.
“We are fortunate to be able to enjoy arts programming through fifth- and sixth-grade field trips to the Missoula Art Museum, as well as a contemporary dance concert by Headwaters Dance Company,” Ogden said. “We have welcomed Art Mobile of Montana, a traveling art exhibit for two seasons and hope to host them again this year. These are great opportunities to see art that is being done right now, and also engage in and interpret our own local history and culture.” Ogden said Victor School will also present a multiage, 3-D installation called is “Deep Time” in May at
PHOTO PROVIDED
An Art Mobile of Montana exhibit was set up on the stage of the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center at Victor School.
the Aquarium Gallery space in the Holter Museum in Helena. Stevensville Stevensville schools jumped on the opportunity to interact with the community by assisting the project and creating art murals for the newly completed Bear Mountain Playground.
MICHELLE MCCONNAHA – Ravalli Republic
The massive community effort on the five-day community build of Bear Mountain Playground has the added bonus of art opportunities for Stevensville art students.
“The idea came that it would be awfully fun to help the Bear Mountain Playground and put this up, and we looked at it from a school-wide and district perspective,” said Gum. “Kids get the experience of giving back to their community. They have all been eager to jump in and volunteer. They are excited about it.” To take the project a step further, art teachers in the school district have worked with Bear Mountain project manager Whitney McBeth to create additional murals for areas around the playground. McBeth is organizing the creation of four murals and deciding the subject, placement and artists. Stevensville students under the direction of art teachers are contributing to the community. Teachers include art consultant Marin Weatherly, who is working the elementary classes; fifth-grade teacher Jan Enocksen; middle school art teacher Diane Mickelson; and high school art teacher Mike Mickelson. “I believe it’s important for students to participate in this mural project because it gives them a sense of ownership and community,” said Diane Mickleson. “By helping to design and paint the murals, students have the opportunity to create something that will be a part of their community for years to come. In doing so, students develop a sense of pride and responsibility toward the Bear Mountain Park and will continue to oversee and protect this playground for years to come.”
Page 34 - Arts in the Bitterroot, November 1, 2015
The Stevensville High Mike Mickleson agreed. School Choir is taught by Kyla “The high school’s Morton. The choir has many mural represents the projects and performances: wildlife of Montana,” Citrus Sales in November; Mike Mickleson said. Western A Choir Festival in “Elementary students are Hamilton on Nov. 17-18; sixth learning basic design and grade through 12th grade expression and the junior winter choir concert on Dec. high mural is about nature 17; coffee house perforand floral. The students mance on Feb. 13; ACDA that create these murals All Northwest Honor Choirs learn to have ownership in in Seattle on March 2-5; the community.” Montana Youth Sing Choir The high school mural in Frenchtown on March 11; was completed in three JH Band and Choir concert – days by advanced placeMarch 15; Stevensville High ment art students and PHOTO PROVIDED School pre-festival concert three other art classes in This 4-feet-by-5-feet mural was created by art students in advanced placeon April 7; District II Music Stevensville High School. ment art and three other art classes in Stevensville High School for the Festival in Missoula on April The date for installing Bear Mountain Playground in Lewis and Clark Park in Stevensville. 15; State Music Festival at the the murals in the Bear University of Montana on May 6-7; and a spring choir Mountain Playground in Lewis and Clark Park is not set, but the other artwork installed for the community concert for sixth grade through 12th grade on May 17. to enjoy is beautiful.
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Bitterroot Performing Arts Series
2015-2016 SEASON ROY ROGERS & The Delta Rhythm Kings
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 | 8pm
Virtuoso slide guitarist and Grammy-nominated artist Roy Rogers has electrified audiences the world over accompanied by his band, The Delta Rhythm Kings.
DAVID FINCKEL & WU HAN
Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 | 8pm
Musical America’s 2012 Musicians of the Year, cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, rank among the most esteemed and influential classical musicians in the world today, deservingly deemed by the Wall Street Journal the “power couple of chamber music.”
BITTERROOT
PARSONS DANCE
Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 | 7:30pm Founded in 1985, internationally-renowned Parsons Dance has thrilled audiences with their uplifting, family-friendly performances featuring captivating collaborations with some of the greatest artists of our time.
COUNCIL
INFORMATION & TICKETS ONLINE bitterrootperformingarts.org BY PHONE 406.363.7946 IN PERSON Signal Square 127 W Main, Suite 103 Hamilton
KRONOS QUARTET
Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 | 7:30pm
For 40 years, Kronos Quartet has pursued a singular artistic vision, continually reimagining the string quartet experience and in the process becoming one of the most celebrated and influential groups of our time.
SOLAS
Saturday, March 12, 2016 | 8pm AT THE DENNISON THEATER in Missoula
This quintessential Irish-American band burst onto the scene in 1996 and captured the world’s attention, building a new audience for Celtic traditional music and breaking new ground.
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY
Friday, April 8, 2016 | 8pm
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returns to our stage to bring down the house with their infectious energy and high-powered horns, continuing to revitalize America’s original musical art form and bring joy to audiences around the world.