5 Destination Great Falls Spring 2011_Layout 1.pdf - The Best of ...

From The Publisher
I would like to give thanks to all who have supported Destination
Great Falls this last year. This is our third year going into
2011.
There are many upcoming events for the spring issue, March is
Western Art Week. Bringing you artists from many different
places. Here are the Art Shows & Auctions; The Russell: The Sale
to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum, Western Heritage Association
Art Show, The “Wild Bunch” Art Show, Manitou Galleries &
The Coeur d'Alene Art Auction will present March in Montana
Show & Art Auction, Western Masters Art Show & Sale, and Jay
Contway & Friends Art Show. Equally as popular is touring the
local art galleries.
The Mansfield Performing Arts Center is the showcase for the
Great Falls Symphony, Great Falls Community Concerts, and
many other great events. Great Falls has other museums and interpretive
centers such as the Paris Gibson Square Museum of
Art, Children’s Museum of Montana, The History Museum, The
Ursuline Centre Museum, Malmstorm Airforce Museum and Air
Park, First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park, The Center at Montana
Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, The Galleria, The Lewis and Clark
National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, and Giant Springs
State Park.
Crooked Falls
Cruisin’ The Drag
The River’s Edge Trail is an adventure in nature for all who
use the trail. Whether it be for biking, walking, roller blading, or
simply viewing the wildlife.
Great Falls covers a lot of area – almost 150,000 acres. It’s difficult
to cover it all in one day, so the best way is to read the informative
synopsis about Great Falls, find the area that appeals,
to you most, and then plan your strategy from there.
You will find, as we do, that there is so much to do, and so
little time. Hopefully this publication will be a valuable guide to
you our visitors and residents alike in making Great Falls an
exciting experience.
Fishing on the Missouri
Ben Chovanak, Publisher
Join us and be part of the
Best Great Falls has to offer!
www.destinationgreatfalls.com
Call: 406-870-0122 or
E-mail: ben@destinationgreatfalls.com
Heritage Trail along the Missouri

Montana
Gateway to the West
Vol. 3 No. 1
Publisher
Editor
Assistant Editor
Contributing Writers
Creative Director
Contributing Photographers and Artists
Advertising Sales
Ben Chovanak
Ben Chovanak
Jeni Dodd
Elizebeth A. Casselli
Jeni Dodd
Bob Durden
Hope Good
Charla Nelson
Don Peterson
Connie Tveten
Carolyn Valacich
Suzanne Waring
Paula Wilmot
Ben Chovanak
C.M. Russell Museum
Alex Chovanak
Jodi Hickey
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Manitou Galleries
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Linda Short
Suzanne Waring
Western Masters Art Show
The History Museum
Sheila Smartt
406-452-4155
Contact Us
406-870-0122
4
423 Central Avenue
Great Falls, MT 59401
ben@destinationgreatfalls.com
www.destinationgreatfalls.com
The opinions expressed by authors and contributors to the publication are not
necessarily those of the editor or publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does
not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. While
every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of content, no responsibility can
be taken for any errors or omissions. No part of this magazine may be reproduced
without the express permission of the publisher.

TA B L E O F CO N T E N TS
Spring 2011
Left: Bruce Herdin Green, Some Wild Ones, (The Russell)
Right: Laurie Stevens Gilleon When words leave off,
music begins! See page 40.
6
10
12
14
16
18
23
C.M. Russell Museum Adds to the Allure of
Western Art Week with The Russell
Written by Jeni Dodd
24th Annual “March In Montana” Dealer
Show & Auction
Written by Charla Nelson
The Fish Train
Written by Don Peterson
The Western Heritage Art Show
To Celebrate Its 30th Anniversary in March With The
Addition of Two New Events
Written by Hope Good
Western Masters Art Show & Sale
Written by Paula Wilmot
Great Falls Gallery Offers Interesting “Hook”
Written by Jeni Dodd
The “Wild Bunch” Art Show & Sale
Written by Connie Tveten
Linda Short, Cowgirls Dream, 23” x 35”
Birger Sandzen (1871-1954) Autumn
20" x 24" oil on canvas, signed lower right
(est $30,000-40,000) (March in Montana)
26
29
34
38
American Indian Artist
Deborah Magee
Written by Suzanne Waring
Brother Van
Written by Suzanne Waring
Great Falls’ Historic Dunn Brown Building
a Haven for Western Art
Written by Jeni Dodd
36 Three New Exhibitions
Open at the Square in February
Written by Bob Durden, Curator of Art,
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Life’s and Adventure
at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Written by Elizabeth A. Casselli, Center Director
Cover Image The Lone Tree along the Rocky Mountain Front
photo by Alex Chovanak
5

C.M. Russell Museum Adds to the Allure
of Western Art Week with The Russell
Written by Jeni Dodd
Andy Thomas, Burro and the Bad Men, oil
Western Art Week in March is a yearly reminder of the importance of
fine art in Great Falls and a tribute to the city’s most beloved Western artist
Charles Marion Russell. He is “the reason for the season,” so to speak.
It is befitting that Great Falls’ repository of Russell
art, the C.M. Russell Museum, ventured into the festivities.
Last year, the museum launched its own three-day
celebration, The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell
Museum. The event featured a fixed price wall sale
and reception, brunch and quick draw and culminated
with a live auction. The Russell surpassed all expectations,
with $1.5 million worth of sales over three days.
This year, the C.M. Russell Museum continues what
is sure to be a permanent addition to Western Art Week
with the second year of The Russell. The money raised
at the event goes directly to benefiting the museum’s
collections, education programs, and general operating
expenses.
The event gears up with the 42nd annual Proclamation
Ceremony Sunday, February 27, at 2 p.m. The ceremony
will honor students who participated in the “I
like Charlie Russell because...” 5th grade essay contest.
Winning students will receive awards and the grand
prize winners read their essays.
6

The opening reception and the wall art sale kickoff The
Russell on Thursday evening March 17 at the Russell
Museum, 400 13th Street North. Enjoy food, drink, wall
sale and a preview of the art slated for the auction block
in Saturday’s live auction from 6-9 p.m. The live auction
art will remain on view at the museum until 3 p.m. on
March 18.
The wall sale, beginning at 6 p.m., offers an opportunity
to purchase art at a fixed price through the luck of
the draw. Patrons interested in a piece enter their names
into the box next to the art; the first name drawn has the
first chance to buy the work at the price listed. If he or
she declines, the next person drawn has the next chance,
and so on.
On the morning of March 18, Art in Action quick finish
event starts at 11 a.m. at the Meadowlark Country Club,
300 Country Club Blvd. Artists will paint, sculpt, and
create art pieces while interacting with the audience.
Works created during the event go up for auction at 2
p.m. The art show includes a tasty brunch and offers
something for everyone.
The evening of March 18, The Russell presents awardwinning
blogger and cookbook author Ree Drummond,
aka “The Pioneer Woman.” Her speaking engagement
starts at 7 p.m. with book signing at 8 p.m. at the Best
Western Heritage Inn, 1700 Fox Farm Rd.
Drummond’s books, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes
from an Accidental Country Girl and Black Heels to Tractor
Wheels—A Love Story, can be purchased at the event.
VIP tickets for Drummond’s appearance are available
from high school students in local art programs for $20.
Proceeds from VIP ticket sales will benefit high school
art programs. All other tickets cost $10 and are available
through the Museum and the Best Western Heritage Inn.
The highlight of The Russell is a live auction of high
quality Western art from contemporary and deceased
artists, including Russell artwork, held at the C.M. Russell
Museum on March 19. The capstone event offers incredible
art in an exciting, fast-paced auction format.
Enjoy brunch beginning at 9:30 a.m. The auction starts at
11 a.m. Absentee bids and phone bidding are available.
Historic artist Andy Thomas is an auction favorite. His
works tell tales and recreate scenes from history and the
American West. Thomas had the distinction of having
his works sell for highest price last year in both The Russell
and the Ad Club’s auction.
Thomas’s oil, The Burro and the Bad Men will likely be a
7

featured piece in this year’s The Russell live auction.
Another auction favorite, Gordon Snidow, has a
gouache entitled Morning Camp Comfort in the auction.
Bruce Greene’s oil Herdin’ Some Wild Ones is sure to garner
some attention during the event. Oil painting Autumn
Harvest is an auction entry from romantic realist Bryce
Cameron Liston.
Of course, the auction will have some Russell works up
for bid. A Russell bronze, The Blackfoot War Chief has an
expected auction range price of $45-50,000. Bronco Buster,
a Russell watercolor has an expected range of $240,000-
280,000 at auction.
Tickets for the wall sale cost $60 and include buffet,
hosted bar and non-alcoholic beverages.
Art in Action tickets are $20 for museum members and
$25 for non-members. Ticket holders can enjoy a brunch
buffet and mimosas while they watch the artists at work.
Attending the live auction on March 19 will cost $125
and includes brunch buffet, hosted bar, non-alcoholic
beverages, and catalogue.
Bryce Cameron Liston, Autumn Harvest, oil
For those wanting to attend all events, except for Ree
Drummond, which is a separate ticket, an all-inclusive
Gordon Snidow, Morning Camp Comfort, gouache
8

The Russell event ticket costs $175.
Catalogues can be purchased separately
for $50.
Tickets can be purchased on our
website at cmrussell.org or by phone
at (406) 727-8787 or in person at the
Russell Museum store. Tickets are
non-refundable.
The Russell is sponsored by The
Masterson Company, The Meredith
Family, Connacher Oil and Gas Limited/Montana
Refining Company, International
Paper, Great Falls Tribune,
Pepsi, Staybridge Suites, Hilton Garden
Inn, Pizza Hut, Gusto Beverage
Company, O’Haire Motor Inn and
Best Western Heritage Inn.
For more info on all events taking
place in Great Falls during Western
Art Week, visit www.westernartweek
.com.
Images courtesy C.M. Russell Museum
The Russell 2011 schedule
Sunday, February 27, 2 p.m., Proclamation and Essay Awards.
Thursday, March 17, 6-9 p.m., Wall Sale. (actual sale start TBA) at the
C.M. Russell Museum
Friday, March 18, 11 a.m., Art in Action at the Meadowlark Country
Club (11 a.m.-2 p.m., brunch/artists working, auction of artwork begins
2 p.m.)
Friday, March 18, 7 p.m., Guest Speaker Ree Drummond: at the Best
Western Heritage Inn, book signing at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 19, 9:30 a.m., Live Auction at the C.M. Russell Museum,
live auction begins 11 a.m.
C.M. Russell Museum & Russell Studio schedule
and admission for Western Art Week
March 13, closed
March 14 - 16, museum hours, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., studio, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
March 17, museum hours, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., studio, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
March 18, museum hours, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., studio, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (selected
galleries closed at 3 p.m.)
March 19, museum hours 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., studio, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
March 20, museum hours, 10 am - 3 p.m., studio, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Free
Admission)
Regular admission fees apply excluding ticket holders for special events
held at the museum and artists participating in The Russell 2011.
9

Amidst all the “comings and goings” throughout the
art world in 2010, Manitou Galleries’ and The Coeur
d’Alene Art Auction’s March In Montana continues to
stand out as an established,and commanding event. It
has quickly become a destination point, drawing collectors
from all over the US.
The dealer show, featuring over 50 dealers from
around the country, will open Thursday, March 17, 9
a.m. - 7 p.m. and continue through Saturday, March 19,
2011, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Auction previews will open Wednesday, March 16, 9
a.m. - 7 p.m. and continue through Saturday, March 19. 9
a.m. - 7 p.m. Auctions will begin at 12:30 p.m. Friday
and Saturday.
All events are free and open to the public. Complimentary
food and beverages are provided for attendees
and a free shuttle service will be offered. The dealer
show and auctions will be held at the Townhouse Inn,
1411 10th Avenue South, Great Falls, Montana.
Ken Carlson (b. 1947) Buffalo, 18" x 36" oil on canvas, signed lower right, (est $15,000-25,000)
24th Annual “March In Montana”
Dealer Show & Auction
Written by Charla Nelson
and a Colorado collection of beadwork, including a
fully-beaded saddle blanket, cradles, Blackfoot teepee
backrest with original poles, matching father & son moccasins
and other children’s items—many more! Cowboy
items include vintage rifles, pistols and saddles.
An equally impressive lineup of art includes works
by: Andy Anderson, Baize, Bodily, Borein, Harley
Brown, Carter, Chatham, Coheleach, Coleman, Couse,
Damrow, DeCamp, Eggenhofer, Fay, Fery, Hampton,
Heikka, James, Kelley, Kerswill, Lang, Morgan, Myrah,
Over 600 lots of fine Western, sporting and wildlife art
and sculpture and paintings, Indian collectibles and vintage
Cowboy items will be offered over the 2-day sale.
Highlights include dozens of fine Navajo weavings
Ace Powell (1912-1978), Kwanis Lane, 24" x 36" oil on canvas
signed lower left (est $6,000-9,000)
10

Joseph Henry Sharp (1859-1953)
Mountain Landscape, 8" x 10" oil on board
initialed lower right (est $14,000-18,000)
Irvin "Shorty" Shope (1900-1975), CAA, Roping a Wild One,
24" x 36" oil on canvas, signed and dated '54 lower left (est $7,000-9,000)
Nebeker, Paxson, Pogzeba, Powell, Proctor, Reed, Reedy,
Russell, Sandzen, Scriver, Seltzer, Sharp, Shope, Standing,
Tucker Smith, Terpning, Andy Thomas, Randy Van
Beek, Wieghorst, Wolfe and many more!
Visit our website for auction and show details and
reservation information. www.marchinmontana.com or
contact Charla Nelson at (307)635-0019 or
charlajmg@aol.com. Images courtesy Manitou Galleries.
Bill Mittag (b. 1935), WAA, At the Prairie's Edge, 24" x 36" oil on linen, signed lower right (est $8,000-12,000)
11

THE FISH TRAIN
Written by Don Peterson
Strange as it may sound, there was a time many years ago when people
caught the train to go fishing. Sound incredible? Well, maybe it is. It
certainly has an interesting history.
The Montana Central Railroad was formed in 1886 in
Helena by a prominent Montana businessman, Colonel C.
A. Broadwater, to give competition to the only other railroad
in the area, the Northern Pacific. Broadwater’s plan was to
have this section of track completed between Helena and
Great Falls and ready so that when James J. Hill’s line, the
St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway (soon to be the
Great Northern Railway) reached Great Falls, it could join
with Broadwater’s line and provide rail service between St.
Paul and Helena. Just prior to that same time, extensive
mineral deposits of silver and other metals had been discovered
in the little Belt
Mountains southeast of
Great Falls. James L. Neihart
of Ohio and two other
prospectors, John C.
O’Brien and Richard
Harley found paying
veins of ore at the headwaters
of Belt Creek and
its tributaries in 1881. At
first, wagon roads were
developed to get the ore
out to smelters. In time, a
rail line was constructed
to move the ore more efficiently
from mines to a
smelter in Great Falls. The
Montana Central Railway
built a spur from its main line coming into Great Falls and
hence to Armington Junction and then up to Monarch and
Neihart completing the line on November 17, 1891. At first,
the only goal was to move ore. Not long after the rail line
was completed the silver market became depressed and
prices fell miserably. There was still mining activity but
greatly diminished from what it had been. The railroad
began putting a special passenger car on during the summer
fishing season to provide an avenue for sportsmen to get from
The Fish Train from Great Falls to Neihart
12
Great Falls and surrounding areas up to the prime fishing waters
of Belt Creek and its tributaries. Eventually the Montana
Central Railroad was absorbed by James J. Hill and his
Great Northern Railroad.
Back at the turn of the 20th Century there were few automobiles
and even fewer passable roads leading into the
mountains. The most reliable forms of transportation were,
in order of comfort and convenience, the train, the stagecoach
and on horseback. Stage lines needed a good roadbed
and, although horseback got you anywhere, it certainly wasn’t
as comfortable or convenient
as a nice rail coach.
Besides, the railroad could
use the revenue in face of
the diminished ore hauling.
“Fish Trains” as they
were called along with their
attendant “Fish Cars” were
added on the route from
Great Falls to Monarch after
winter snows had melted
and the streams were fishable
again. The train would
publish an article in one or
all of the local papers apprising
everyone when this
service would begin. Schedules
were published and times for various stops were made.
You could catch a train in the morning, ride as far up the
line as you wanted to your favorite spot, debark the train
and spend the day fishing. In the evening, the train would
return and, if you wanted, either ride back that evening or
perhaps spend a day or two and catch a later return trip.
The train ran throughout the fishing season starting in May,
June or July (depending on the climate that Spring) and
would terminate whenever conditions dictated it, anywhere

from mid September to sometime in November.
For example, a notification in the Great Falls Tribune on
June 30, 1914, proclaimed “FISH TRAIN IS PROVIDED -
Great Northern to Put on Special Train to Monarch Starting
Next Sunday.” The article went on to explain that beginning
on Sunday, July 5, 1914, the fishermen of Great Falls who
“heretofore had been subjected to a handicap in reaching the
fishing streams for days outing will be able to reach Belt
Creek and its tributaries without being compelled to go to
the expense of hiring automobiles if they did not want to cut
into the time of Saturday and Monday.” They even listed a
schedule for the convenience of the able nimrods. For example,
passengers could catch train number 242 at 6:15 am in
Great Falls and transfer to the “Fish Train” at Armington
which would depart at 8:15 with stops at Riceville at 8:55,
Albright at 9:15; Logging Creek at 9:30 and arriving in
Monarch at 10:00 am where it would remain until 5:00 pm at
which time it would start back for Great Falls arriving at
Logging Creek 5:10, Albright 5:55 and Riceville at 6:45 pm.
Arrival at Armington was at 7:30 in the evening and passengers
would transfer to Train No. 241 getting back to Great
Falls at 9:20 pm.
The “Fish Train” was also used to plant trout. Sometimes
an entire car would be dedicated to planting fish such as in
1915 when a special state fish car was used to plant 200,000
trout in Belt Creek and its tributaries. At other times, some
of the sportsmen would pick up “cans” of fish at the Great
Falls Hatchery (in a 10-gallon milk can, for example) and
transport them to their favorite stretches of water taking
care of this important aspect of fisheries conservation themselves
while ensuring catchable amounts of trout would be
available to them on their next trip up
Fishing wasn’t the only pastime that people used the
“Fish Train” for. There were camping
trips, outings, dances, and other outdoor
adventures as well. One young lady recounts
in an unsigned early letter from
Great Falls to family back East of her experiences
during the summer of 1904.
She had embarked on the Monarch train
and while sitting outside on the rear of
the last car “had ample opportunity to
watch all the prairie fires caused by
sparks from the engine. Some of them
were quite serious but not so bad as they
would have been any other year, for this
has been the hottest and driest season
within the memory of man, so the grass
is short and poor.” From Monarch it was
on to camp at Tillinghast Creek in a
spring wagon. She relates her camping
and fishing experiences from that lovely spot which included
camping, cooking, eating, fishing and just lolling
about in relative luxury. They had many tents, including
“one great big tent 12 X 18 ft.” She went on to describe having
tables, chairs, cupboards, two camp stoves (one with a
fine oven), plus a hammock, cots, cushions and rugs. Pretty
nice accommodations for those days.
Train service was inaugurated to Neihart on November
17, 1891 and lasted for 54 years to the month. On November
3, 1945, the last train to Neihart made a commemorative trip
signaling the end of an era. Cold weather was the order of
the day for both the first trip in 1891 as well as the last trip
in 1954. One individual, Charles T. Rice, of the Davis Hotel,
had the unheralded honor of being present on both the first
and last trips made by train into Neihart. As this last train
worked its way for the last time through the narrow sluice
box canyon the old timers yearned for the days when the
“accommodation train” was running. The older passengers
recalled the excursion trips, picnic parties, dances and even
argued about the merits and value of the ore loads contained
in the different mines.
Today not much remains to remind us of those early days,
the outings and rides on the “Fish Train.” About all that remains
are a few mining relics and the old railroad grade.
The tracks are gone and all that is left are the memories. The
railroad grade is still used as a hiking trail and the seven or
eight miles of Belt Creek that run through the sluice box
canyon is now a State Park. Fishing, hiking, and outdoor enjoyment
still await the visitor to Sluice Boxes State Park , a
jewel among jewels in the crown of recreational Montana.
Note: Images and map as well as archival sources are courtesy
of The History Museum.
13

The Western Heritage Art Show
To Celebrate Its 30th Anniversary in March With The
Addition of Two New Events
Written by Hope Good
In celebration of their 30th Anniversary during Western Art Week March 16-20, the
Western Heritage Art Show in the newly remodeled Great Falls Holiday Inn has
added two poolside events Friday and Saturday evenings. All events are Free to the
public. During the show six $50 art gift certificates will be given away to the general
public. The professional art comes at reasonable prices, with galleries set up on two
floors of the Holiday Inn, featuring an abundance of art from over sixty artists – from
paintings and bronzes to photography and mixed media.
Charlie’s Early Days and the Yogo Sapphire,
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Montana is home to one crown jewel—the natural Yogo
sapphire. There is nothing like it anywhere in the world.
On Saturday, March 19, Mike Roberts, an American native
and former Alaska resident and the CEO of Roberts
Yogo Company (RYC) and the Vortex mine will be making
an educational and entertaining presentation at the
Western Heritage Art Show at the Holiday Inn during
Western Art Week in Great Falls. The event begins with a
silent auction preview at 6 p.m. and presentation at 7 p.m.,
the beneficiary of proceeds will be Special Olympics Montana.
The presentation will include skits by the VagaBond
Players who will be performing the history of the mine
along with the early days of Charlie Russell and his
friend, prospector Jake Hoover in the Yogo Country near
Utica where the Yogo sapphire mine is located. The silent
auction will include Yogo sapphire jewelry among the
items and the event will also include sluice box and panning
demonstrations. The event is free to the public, so
come and get up close and personal with not only Yogo
sapphires, but two of the largest gold nuggets in Montana,
one weighing over a pound.
Mike was the owner and operator of the largest underground
placer gold mine in North America for over fifteen
years. Mike and his family currently have one of the
very few deep mines in the world that produce sapphires
and the only commercial Yogo sapphire mine in existence.
Paint-Around Quick Draw, Friday March 18, 2011
The Paint-Around is a Quick Draw with a twist. It is a
timed event and the works created are composites of a
group of artists. This new, fun event will be held in the
pool area at the Holiday Inn, Friday, March 18, beginning
at 7pm.
14
The Natural Yogo Sapphire
There will be 5-8 artists in different groupings. Sculptors
and any style of two dimensional artists are welcome
to participate. Each artist begins a piece and works on it
for ten minutes. At the ten minute mark, each artist leaves
their artwork, brushes, tools, media, and moves to another
artist’s location and for five minutes works on that
artist’s work with whatever media and tools are at that location.
At each five minute mark, the artists move to the
next station, working with whatever they find
there. When they arrive back at their own work station,
they have ten minutes to finish the piece, or in some
cases, fix their artwork. It could get very interesting, and
the artwork produced will definitely be “one of a kind.”
This will be a great opportunity to obtain an original
work of art created by several artists while you watch.
The artwork will be framed, prepared for sale, and signed
by all those who worked on it. The Paint-Around Auction
will be held as soon as the artwork is ready. Ross Fitzgerald
is our auctioneer.
In addition to the new events, the Western Heritage Art
Show at the Holiday Inn will have their Preview Night
birthday celebration reception and awards presentation

The Quick Finish and Silent
Auction support the Lewis and
Clark Interpretive Center.
Photos courtesy Western Heritage
Art Association.
on Wednesday, March 16, in the atrium with music by
Jeni Dodd, 7 p.m.
On Thursday, March 17, the Quick Finish and Silent
Auction support the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
Artists work for an hour to complete their artistic projects
from live models dressed as the Lewis and Clark party
members or something else of the artists’ choice. These
paintings, drawings, or woodcarvings are then auctioned
off with 50% of the proceeds going to the Lewis and Clark
Interpretive Center Association.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive
Center also has a hands-on activity
for the kids Saturday afternoon and
in addition to the poolside event
Saturday evening, Ken Overcast
will be singing and entertaining in
the atrium.
Show hours: Wednesday, March 16, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday, March 17, 18, 19, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
and Sunday, March 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Western Heritage Art Show will also have demonstrations
by the artists, seminars, entertainment and our
Peoples’ Choice and Artists’ Choice Awards. The schools
in the local area are invited to bring their students for special
tours. They are guided and briefed by our artists to
enrich their art experience.
15

Jerry McKellar, Message to Sky Father, bronze,
80” x 46” x 24”
Western Masters Art Show & Sale
Kathy Sigle, Chief David Bald Eagle, watercolor, 14” x 10”
Written by Paula Wilmot
Ron Ukrainetz and his Western art colleagues
always knew the March art show
and sale at the Best Western Heritage Inn
was important to the Great Falls business
community. But until it appeared the 43rd
annual extravaganza was in jeopardy,
they didn’t realize how important it was
to artists who set up shop in the hotel
rooms after the beds and armoires were
removed.
By September, the Western Masters Art
Show and Sale was born.
During the March 16-19 event some 144
artists and a dozen galleries will exhibit
works in 109 rooms of the hotel, while
folk artisans display their wares in meeting
rooms off the convention area. Highlights
will include artists showing their
talents in a Quick Finish demonstration
and Saturday night auction.
“We see it as a more appealing way to
buy art,” said Morgan Cawdrey, assistant
director of the show. “People get to meet
and talk to the artists. That’s an experience
you rarely get at galleries,” he
added.
Morgan’s father, Steve Cawdrey of Bigfork,
and Pat Hagan of Billings are co-directors
of the show. Along with Ukrainetz,
their wives, Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey and
Carol Hagan, have
been part of past Russell
Auctions and
have exhibited their
colorful paintings in
exhibit rooms at Heritage
Inn for many
years.
“Our vision for the
show is to focus on
the artists,” Steve
Cawdrey said.
“Western Art Week
is a big deal. People
16
come to Great Falls from all over the
country — and not for the March
weather,” he remarked. “By giving them
the most art and artists that we can, it’s
cost-effective for the collectors who travel
here,” he added.
“Every artist hates to market his work,
but to be successful, you have to do it,”
Ukrainetz said. “This is a not-for-profit
show, but hopefully, artists will profit.”
Ukrainetz, who acknowledges that he’s
an optimist by nature, expects the show to
be a smash. “My gut is that people will be
glad the show is here and they get the
chance to visit with artists they may have
only read about,” he said.
Organizers of the Western Masters
Show hope to generate a lot of excitement
by incorporating what people loved about
the successful Ad Club show and adding
a few wrinkles of their own.
The Saturday Quick Finish event will
give demonstrating artists two hours to
finish pieces they have already begun on
their own. The longer period will allow
the artists more time to answer questions
and visit with onlookers.
The pieces completed in the Quick Finish

will be auctioned, with half of the proceeds
going to the artists and half to the
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s
Research, Steve Cawdrey said. The
charity was selected because Pat Hagan
has the disease, he added.
“This puts a personal face on Parkinson’s,”
Ukrainetz said. “And, it shows that
patients like Pat make a positive impact.”
The Quick Finish is scheduled 4:30 to
6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, just ahead
of the 7 p.m. Off the Wall auction, which
will feature 50 to 60 pieces.
Carol Hagan, Red Raven Chatterbox, 8" x 16", oil on panel
It’s called Off the Wall, because the
artists selected for the auction will pick
their own pieces to sell. “They can just
pull a piece off the wall to sell,” Steve
Cawdrey explained. Proceeds from the
sale will go to the artists, he added. Carson
Thomas, the auctioneer who is running
the Russell Museum’s sale earlier in
the day, will preside.
Both of the big Saturday events will be
open to the public free of charge — “no
tickets required,” Cawdrey said. Free admission
will open up the auction to new
buyers, he noted.
All Quick Finish artwork will relate to
Montana places, too. That’s something
that excites Ukrainetz. “Subject matter in
Montana is endless,” he said.
Exhibit rooms will be open from 6 p.m.
to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, the first
day of the sale. The rooms will be open
from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. the next three days.
Maps to the Masters will be available to
help visitors find their favorite artists and
their favorite genre, whether it be wildlife,
landscapes or the Old West. Guided tours
will be offered from noon to 8 p.m. on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 17-
19.
Exhibit rooms will feature artists from
Montana and beyond. Among the Great
Falls exhibitors will be Don and Mimi
Grant, Cliff Rossberg, W. Steve Seltzer,
Chuck Fulcher, Dave Maloney and Bob
Kercher.
The new Village Shops will display folk
art including jewelry, photography, glass
blowing, vintage Western wear and furniture.
The Young Masters program will give
advanced high school art students the opportunity
to learn from professional
artists.
Other action at the Heritage Inn during
the art show will include a St. Patrick’s
Day social sponsored by the hotel at 6
p.m. Thursday, March 17, and a talk by acclaimed
author and blogger Ree Drummond
at 7 p.m. Friday, March 18.
Club,” he added.
The Western Masters Art Show and Sale
is a four-day fine art exhibition held
March 16-19, 2011 at the Best Western Heritage
Inn in Great Falls, Montana.
For more information contact:
Western Masters Art Show and Sale
P.O. Box 2224, Great Falls, MT 59403,
(406) 781-0550
www.westernmastersartshow.com
Images courtesy Western Masters Art Show
Great Falls Historic Trolley provides
FREE hourly shuttles to several art
locations. Enjoy door-to-door delivery
aboard the fun and unique climatecontrolled
trolley. No hassles with
parking or weather. Shuttles begin
daily at 9:50 a.m. - 7:50 p.m. at
Montana ExpoPark (Fairgrounds)
where parking space is plentiful and
FREE. Find trolley schedules at participating
art venues and Visitor Center.
Call 406-771-1100.
Called “the Martha Stewart of Oklahoma,”
Drummond boasts some 4 million
hits on her blog every month. Sponsored
by the Russell Museum, her talk is a
ticket-only event. High school students
are selling VIP tickets for $20; general admission
tickets are $10 at the museum.
Scheduling Drummond’s talk at the
Heritage Inn during the Western Masters
show is an example of the cooperation the
new show is enjoying with the museum,
Steve Cawdrey said.
“But we couldn’t have made any of this
happen without the support of the Ad
17

Great Falls Gallery Offers
Interesting “Hook”
Written by Jeni Dodd
The name “A. Hooker’s Gallery” might bring to mind
something other than art, but if artist Arlene Hooker Fay
were alive, she would likely derive humorous satisfaction
from the name that daughter Lori Fay chose for the
gallery created in part to honor her memory.
A. Hooker’s Gallery offers much more to visitors than
its catchy name. In the unassuming building at 925 Central
Ave. W., Fay and partner Bill Strizich formed an
oasis where you can sit and enjoy an espresso drink
served up with laid-back hospitality in a setting surrounded
by Western art from a variety of artists. Featured
prominently, of course, are works by the
well-respected and much beloved local artist, Arlene
Hooker Fay.
“Mom passed away in 2001 and we opened the gallery
on November 16, 2002,” said Lori Fay. “The building
was in the family for three generations; my grandfather
had Bill’s Rental there. When mom got the building, she
leased it to the Rainbow Frame Shop.”
Rather than lease it out when the renters left and she
inherited the building, Fay turned to Strizich and said,
“Let’s open a gallery.”
“We’ve been hanging out here trying to make a living
ever since,” Fay chuckled.
The gallery serves as a source for Arlene Hooker Fay’s
work.
“We hope to continue what Arlene the artist was truly
about,” states Fay. “Her depictions of the faces of humanity
in the West are filled with joy and love. She managed
to capture the soul of her subjects in her own
exquisite way which was also reflective of her own rich
and challenged time here on earth. She was recognized
by her colleagues as a pioneer in the modern rebirth of
Western art and is cited by many popular contemporaries
as having had a strong influence on their own
work.”
The works of nearly thirty artists are also on display at
the gallery — artists such as Sheryl Bodily, Joe Bohler,
Thomas English, Tom Gilleon, Mimi Grant, Joe Halko,
Dick Lauritzen, Terry Mimnaugh, Gary Schildt, Gordon
18
Cowboy Connection, 23” x 35” gouache & pastel, by Linda Short
A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselvesstrong,
powerful, beautiful-and it has the capability of giving us
escape from our mundane existence. ~Author Unknown
Snidow and Ron Ukrainetz.
“We intend to provide not only a complete collection
of Arlene’s work and associated items, but that of artists
who share in her soulful presentation of the life and environment
of the West,” states Fay.
A. Hooker’s Gallery is also open during First Friday
Art Walks. Featured artist for February and March is
Linda Short.

Short is a Great Falls pastel artist whose paintings garner
honors in local and national competition. Her pastel
painting “Do You Wanna” won inclusion into the 2009
Paint America Paint the Parks Top 100 and “Leaders Eat
No Dust” took first place in pastels at the Montana State
Fair.
Short had painted for some time, but in 2009, she decided
to commit to the work of being an artist. As a result,
her work changed — moving from a tighter
photo-realistic representational art toward a more emotive
and expressionistic style.
“My inspiration comes from sorting through photos to
capture an intimate moment, whether it is a sunlight
path, or a horse in a pasture,” Short said. “It is finding
that totally natural, mystical moment — my goal is to
paint enough of the painting that it captures the emotional
energy and mood, but not paint so much that it
leaves nothing to the imagination. I like to abstract the
background, working the light and dark to lay just
enough down to get set the mood or the emotional energy
— leave it thought provoking, and something to
stimulate the imagination. I think I am on the path I
want to be on and have struggled to find that path, but
now I look at it as a journey to be lived and a commitment
to my dream — life is a journey!
Although located a little ways away from what would
be considered downtown Great Falls, A. Hooker’s
Gallery has a certain magnetism that attracts patrons.
Fay says the spiritual sense of the location seems very
positive.
“Some local folks say it’s haunted,” Fay said. “I heard
about an incident when my mom owned it where one of
the previous tenants left a heat press on overnight. She
lived out of town and remembered she left it on but didn’t
want to drive back in to turn it off. She thought it
would be okay until the next morning. When she came
in, she found the cord totally unplugged — that’s something
she never did; she would just turn it off.”
It made Fay think of her grandfather, who once owned
the building but who had already passed on before the
incident occurred. It was an action he might have taken.
“My grandfather used to be a firefighter,” said Fay. “I
figured it must be my grandfather protecting the building.
So if there is a ghost, I am comforted by it.”
19

G R E A T F A L L S M U S E U M S
Children’s Museum of Montana
Behind the Civic Center at 22 Railroad Square, 406-452-6661
The Children’s Museum of Montana is an interactive experience for all
children featuring a life sized Montana Maiasaura, Green City-Reduce
Reuse Recycle exhibit, new pirate ship, dinosaur dig, bubbles-bubblesbubbles,
plus other hands-on exhibits. Emphases of the exhibits are toward
history of the region, science and technology, health, performing arts and
regional culture. Weekly activities include Wednesday Playgroup, Saturday
Samplers, Lego Club and much more. There are several projects that are
still in the creation stage so it is well worth return visits to see the
progress being made. Admission is $4 per person, $3 for seniors, and
children under 2 are free. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
closed on Sundays. Visit our web site www.childrensmuseumofmt.org.
Children’s Museum, photo by Ben Chovanak
C.M. Russell Museum
400 13th Street North, 406-727-8787
The C.M. Russell Museum holds thousands of paintings,
sculptures, drawings and illustrations that Charlie Russell
(1864-1926) created from childhood through the end of his
life. The works are arranged to show how the artist evolved,
as well as to celebrate the culture of the American West.
Russell’s subjects were based on western history and his
own experience, including cowboys, Plains Indians, and
wildlife. The complex includes Russell’s 1900 home and his
log cabin studio built in 1903. Both the home and studio are
Nationally Designated Historical Sites. A new addition to the
Russell Museum is the interactive exhibition, The Bison:
C.M. Russell Museum, photo courtesy CMR
American Icon, Heart of Plains Indian Culture which features many of Russell’s personal Native American artifacts.
Fall hours begin September 7 and continue through May, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (closed
Sunday and Monday).Visit our web site www.cmrussell.org.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump, photo by Ben Chovanak
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
342 Vaughn Road, Ulm, Montana, 406-866-2217
The park offers a three mile hiking trail, visitors center and What
the Buffalo Became exhibit, views of our mountain ranges, picnicking
area, a prairie dog town, and special events. Admission is $5 per
car for non-resident, free for Montana residents with vehicle
license plate contributions. Park visitor center winter hours:
October 1 - March 31, Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
Sundays, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. (closed Monday & Tuesday).. Plan at
least a two-hour stop in this day-use-only park. For more information
on interpretive programs for group tours or school field
trips, call 406-866-2217 or 406-866-2219
20

Galerie Trinitas
1301 20th Street South, 406-791-5367
Galerie Trinitas, located on the campus of the University of Great Falls, showcases
the art of Sister Mary Trinitas Morin. Sister Trinitas, a Sister of Providence and
multi-media artist, was an art professor at the University (formerly College) of
Great Falls for nearly 33 years. Sister Trinitas was a master craftsman in all
media and created a rich legacy of religious-themed art. Galerie Trinitas reflects
Sister’s dedication to artistry and features oil paintings, watercolors, weavings,
ceramics, fabric arts, mixed media arts, graphic arts, a hand-carved tabernacle,
chalices, enameled Stations of the Cross, and silk screenings. Galerie Trinitas,
adjacent to the chapel tower, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, Noon to 3 p.m.
or by special appointment by calling 791-5367.
Galerie Trinitas, photo courtesy Galarie Trinitas
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
4201 Giant Springs Road, 406-727-8733
Take time to step back in time. Follow Lewis and Clark and meet the First
Peoples whose lands they explored over 200 years ago. Discover their
challenges and test your skill had you been part of the expedition and crossed
the uncharted west. Retrace their journey through the 6,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall
to learn how they overcame the unexpected and relied on help from native
people. View feature films, ranger programs, and interactive demonstrations
daily. Educators, schedule your students for a special classroom activity and
tour. Winter hours: October 1 - May 26, 2011. Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Sundays, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. (closed Mondays). Adults $8, children under 16
years free. Federal passes honored for entry. Visit the Portage Cache Store and
take home a bit of history. For more info visit our website
www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic.htm.
Lewis & Clark National Historic
Trail Interpretive Center,
photo by Ben Chovanak
Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum and Air Park
The Museum and Air Park are located just inside Malmstrom
AFB’s Main Gate at the East end of 2nd Ave North, Great Falls,
Montana. Civilian passes are available at the gate’s Visitor
Center. Admission is free. The Museum is open 1000-1600
Monday - Friday year round. Please call 406-731-2705 in advance
for special arrangements and group tours. Visitors may walk
through the Air Park during daylight hours everyday. Visit
our web site www.malmstrom.af.mil/library/
malmstrommuseum/index.asp.
Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum and Air Park,
photo by Ben Chovanak
Montana Museum of Railroad History
Located within the Montana ExpoPark
400 3rd Street NW, 406-453-3025 (evenings) for information on
museum hours or stop by Thursday evening meetings at 7:30 p.m
21

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
1400 First Avenue North, 406-727-8255
Paris Gibson Square is perhaps the easiest building in the city to locate
given its gray sandstone walls and bright brick-red roof. Built in 1896, it
was named for the founder of the City and served originally as a high
school, then a junior high school. This structurally beautiful building
was refurbished and now houses the Paris Gibson Square Museum of
Art featuring a wide variety of contemporary and modern art exhibits
throughout the year. Admission is free courtesy of Farmers Union
Insurance. Visit our web site www.the-square.org.
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art,
Photo by Ben Chovanak
The History Museum
422 2nd Street South, 406-452-3462
Located in the historic International Harvester Building, the
museum features exhibits celebrating central Montana’s heritage.
The museum archives are the county’s official records repository,
and include 40,000 photographs. The gift shop offers books, art,
unique gifts, and jewelry. Admission is free. Museum and
Archive hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit our website
www.thehistorymuseum.org
Glacier National Park: 100 Years of Inspiration
The History Museum, photo by Ben Chovanak
From June 2010, until January 2011, The History Museum pays
tribute to the centennial of Glacier National Park with an exhibit featuring the color photography of Paul and
Ann Snyder, historical images and memorabilia from the park, and a display of artifacts from Glacier’s railroad
history. Admission is free.
Ursuline Retreat, Conference Centre and Museum
2300 Central Avenue, 406-452-8585 • www.ursulinecentre.com
The Ursuline Centre stands as a symbol of spirituality and tranquillity in
the heart of the Great Falls community. This impressive landmark was
once an academy and boarding school and has stood for the teaching of
Christian values since 1912. The facility features a visually beautiful
chapel with murals of St. Ursula and St. Angela Merici, an auditorium
with a seating capacity of 250, conference and meeting rooms, and
overnight accommodations for 120. The museum features painted murals,
Indian relics, musical instruments and other artifacts. It offers a collection of
over 100 years of history of the Ursuline Sisters, their lives and how they
helped shape the history of Montana by establishing nine missions in
Montana. Tours are by appointment only throughout the year.
Ursuline Centre Museum, photo by Ben Chovanak
22

The “Wild Bunch” Art Show & Sale
Written by Connie Tveten
The local and visiting art enthusiasts coming to Great
Falls during Western Art Week will have the opportunity
to experience Montana hospitality at it’s best when they
attend the new art show in town. The “Wild Bunch”
Art Shows, inc. will be promoting it’s own art event at
the Hampton Inn,
March 16 - 19 of
2011. There will be an exciting
grand opening featuring
lots of fun, food,
and door prizes. The
Great Falls Tourism BID
will be sponsoring the
kick off festivities for
which there will be no
admission charge. The
show’s featured guest
will be Mike Logan,
cowboy poet of Helena,
Montana, who will share
Mike Logan, Cowboy Poet his poetry and stories of
the old west on Friday
evening.
This “Wild Bunch” Art show has chosen the Children’s
Museum of Montana as their charity to benefit. Participating
artists will be donating 100% of the show’s silent
auction proceeds to the Children’s Museum. The
founder and president of “Wild Bunch” Art Shows, inc.
is A. Nadine Pickthorn, and the senior vice president is
Connie Tveten, both of Sheridan, Montana. Connie and
Nadine participated in the C M Russell Auction and Exhibitors
Show from 1985 through 2010. Both artists are
working as volunteers to organize the “Wild Bunch” Art
Shows which are held in Glasgow, MT, Williston, ND,
and now, Great Falls, MT.
Show organizers believe that Western Art Week visitors
will love these artist’s unique approach to exhibiting
their art and the resulting atmosphere created. There
will be artwork available for entry level as well as seasoned
collectors. Complimentary refreshments will be
served throughout the show, along with casual seating
for relaxing. There will be artists demonstrating during
the event and also entertaining the public with their own
ability to tell tall tales and spin yarns. The “Wild Bunch”
artist’s spirit of cooperation and their light hearted attitudes
promise to provide the public with a memory
making show that is sure to grow in size and popularity.
For more Information on the art show contact Connie
Tveten at 406-842-7718 or e-mail: crart@3rivers.net
23

American
Indian Artist
Deborah Magee
Written by Suzanne Waring
Photo by Suzanne Waring
“I remember my hands seeking out the texture of the porcupine
quills the first time I worked with them. I began to understand what
potters mean about their connection to the feel of the clay. The deep
magenta, white, and yellow colors of the dyed quills seemed satisfying
to me as they wove together into a pattern. In utter amazement,
I turned the bracelet I was decorating with quillwork in several directions
to get a full picture of my work.
“I was so energized that I called my mentor and said, ‘This is it!
This is my art medium. Everything about this bracelet is beautiful.’”
At that moment Deborah Magee realized that unlike any art she had
ever done, she felt a deep connection to quillwork.
A member of the Blackfeet Tribe, Magee grew up in Browning,
Montana, where she naturally learned about the art of her native culture.
After completing a degree in art history, she was introduced to
the Smithsonian Institution’s high-quality standards when she
worked there as an intern one season.
Deborah has done beadwork since 1991 but added quillwork—an
art medium using porcupine quills to decorate clothing and accessories—to
her artistic repertoire about ten years ago. To become
knowledgeable beyond what she had gained from her childhood
environment and her college major in art, she collected and read
books on the topic and studied pieces of quillwork in museums.
Top: Indian mother-daughter dolls.
Button: Bracelet made with both
quills & beads.
Photos by Jodi Hickey
“Quillwork is at least 1200 years old and preceded beadwork for
fulfilling the artistic yearning of the Indian people. Once traders introduced
beads to the American Indians, the more durable beadwork
supplanted fragile quillwork, thus making quillwork nearly a lost art
form,” said Magee.
26

She begins each project by
pausing to recognize the sacredness
of being able to use
the porcupine quills to create
something of beauty. Then
Deborah washes the quills that
vary from 1½ inches in length to
2½ inches. She sorts out the quills she needs for a particular
art piece and then decides whether to leave them
naturally white with a black tip or to dye them. To create
color, she uses either a natural non-toxic substance, such
as onionskins or berry juice, or a non-toxic commercial
dye.
“I have benefited from others’ hardships,” said Magee.
“To have brilliant colors in quillwork, toxic dyes must be
used. Artists, including native artists, have had illnesses
after using these dyes. At the Museum of the Plains Indians
in Browning, a horse halter is adorned with quillwork
dyed a brilliant red. It’s a beautiful piece, but I
wonder about the artist’s health after working with
toxic-dyed quills.”
Once the quills are the desired color, Magee sorts them
again for size. Then she applies the quills to the piece by
choosing one of several intricate processes. Her mentor
taught her how to wrap quills, a technique used in decorative
fringe, such as on pipe bags. She also taught herself
how to sew quills, which is a more difficult
technique that she will forever strive to improve.
For centuries, native women held the quills in their
mouths to keep them soft and pliable as they worked
them into the piece. The warmth of the saliva made the
quills more pliable than if they were soaked in water.
Magee follows this ancient technique. For that reason,
it’s especially important that she use non-toxic dyes.
In 2007, Magee received a grant from the Montana
Arts Council to study quillwork with Montanan, Nancy
Fonicello, who excels in repairing museum pieces containing
quillwork. “During our time together, we studied
27
Child’s beaded Indian Shirt
Photos by Suzanne Waring
the books written about
quillwork. When we compared
the instructions in
what we called the ‘Bible
of Quillwork’ to the stitch
work on the centuries-old
pieces, we realized the
book had a great deal of misinformation. When I tried
stitching the quills into place to replicate what we were
seeing on the quill pieces, my hands naturally knew how
to do it. Immediately my stitching improved,” said
Magee. “Since then I have examined other museum
pieces and realized the stitching was done with the
method that Nancy and I rediscovered.”
When Deborah looks at pieces in museum collections,
it is as if her elders are speaking to her across the centuries.
Experiences of growing up on the reservation,
taking a keen interest in Native American art history,
and making the effort to learn from her mentors show
her the way. “I no longer need to read instruction books.
I feel confident in creating museum-quality pieces myself.
The sacred journey I have taken has helped me see
all of the toil, beauty, and technique in a museum piece.
Year by year my passion for this ancient art form
grows,” Magee said.
This past summer Deborah viewed an exhibit in Calgary
of four quill-decorated Blackfeet shirts on loan from the
Pitt River Museum in Aberdeen, Scotland. “It was amazing
to see these shirts that were most likely made before
1840, preceding beadwork that came later,” said Magee.
“It appeared to me that the work was done collaboratively
by those just learning as well as the more experienced.”
Since then, she has been invited as a guest consultant
to the British Museum in London, England, next March
to see the Blackfeet collection there. “I’m excited because
they tell me that I can lift the quills to see how the stitching
is done.”

Magee’s work is in demand.
A shirt acquired by the
Smithsonian and titled Bear
Dreams Shirt was displayed in
the show Beauty, Honor, and
Tradition: The Legacy of Plains
Indian Shirts. Another, called
the Blackfeet Holy Shirt, was
purchased by a Birmingham
Museum and Art Gallery in
England and displayed in the
show, A Warrior I Have Been.
A private collector bought the
contemporary picture, Listening to the Ancients, done as a
combination of quillwork and photorealistic beadwork.
This piece was displayed in the Changing Hands: Art
without Reservation exhibit at the Museum of Art and Design
in New York City.
Because each piece of either beadwork or quillwork is
time consuming to make and the technique is tedious,
only a few Indian people are doing this authentic work,
resulting in a scarcity
of pieces available for
sale.
Deborah depends
mainly on word of
mouth and the Indian
Market held annually
in Santa Fe to connect
her with those interested
in buying her
work. “I’m aware that
a purchaser interested
in collecting authentic
Native American art provides a narrow market for my
work. On the other hand, that probably matches my
output as I can create only two or three major pieces a
year,” she said. “My goal is to spur an awareness of
American Indian art history through my quill and beadwork.”
Miniature saddle bag decorated with quillwork and native-tanned,
smoked leather. Photo by Jodi Hickey
Deborah Magee can be reached through her email address
or by telephone: sherer5@bresnan.net, 406-873-2326
28

Brother Van
Written by Suzanne Waring
Will was born near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as the
youngest of seven children. His parents died when he
was young, but an aunt and older siblings held the family
together until Will was almost an adult. He had a
rudimentary education at local schools, but early on, he
learned to understand the nature of people. Throughout
life, this skill became one of his greatest assets.
As Will grew to adulthood, he and his brother,
Fletcher, would often go to rural areas to preach. A few
years later during a vacation from working in the oil
fields of western Pennsylvania, he met Reverend Mc-
Cabe who advised Will to be like the Apostle Paul and to
go to the frontier where Will could lay his own foundations.
Will had already been thinking about it and decided
that he wanted to go to Montana to make his mark
in life.
Upon leaving the steamboat, Will got busy finding a
place to hold services. It is said that at one of five services
during the four days he was in Fort Benton, he told
an audience his full name. Someone in the back of the
room said, “That’s too long, we’ll call you Brother Van.”
It became an endearing name that Montanans called him
the rest of his life.
William Wesley Van Orsdel, known to Montanans as
Brother Van. In photos he can be recognized because
of his usual hand-in-coat pose
William Wesley Van Orsdel stood at
the railing of the Far West steamboat
and gazed out on Fort Benton,
Montana, his destination after an
18-day trip up the Missouri River. It was 1872, and as
a healthy twenty-four-year-old, he was eager to meet
the adventures of life on the frontier. He watched soldiers,
freighters, trappers, storekeepers, and gamblers
going about their business on the levee in this riverfront
town in anticipation of joining them. He had told
friends back home that he was going to Montana to
“sing and preach and encourage people to be good.”
By the end of that first week, Brother Van did what he
continued to do in his profession as a Methodist Circuit-
Rider—that was to go from one settlement to another
singing and telling the “good news.” On that first journey,
he caught a ride with a soldier who was traveling to
Fort Shaw, stopped off at Sun River, held several services,
and then struck out for Helena. The people in Sun
River also did what people continued to do for the next
forty-some years. They gave him a place to sleep, fed
him, and provided a place for him to preach. Someone
even gave him a horse to ease his future journeys.
During his career, he inspired the building of 100
churches, 50 parsonages, seven hospitals, one college,
and one children’s home, but to the people, he was remembered
most for the care that he gave to each individual.
He inspired the hope and the energy in people
to trudge on with their burdens. He did this by listening
to them, encouraging them, remembering their names,
and being genuinely happy to see them.
29

Sun River Church with Rev. Job Little standing outside.
Early Hobson Church
A comparison of the early Sun River Church to the Hobson Church shows a
similarity, These basic box-type churches were found all over Montana. When they
were finished, Brother Van would always say, “Isn’t it lovely?”
Augustus Gray, a young lawyer, wrote of Brother Van,
“I remember several instances during that period of my
life when I most needed a friend that Brother Van
dropped into my office and encouraged me to hold out.
He assured me in his optimistic way . . .that everything
would come out all right in the end and thus made the
future look brighter for me than it had been before his
calls.”
Another friend of the preacher said, “Whenever
Brother Van entered my office, it was as though the
shades had been suddenly drawn back to let the sunshine
in.”
Over the years, Brother Van became friends with
everyone, including several of the state’s governors.
When he went to Helena, he didn’t need an appointment;
there was always time in a governor’s schedule to
see Brother Van. In fact, they liked to take Brother Van to
lunch, so they could be seen with him on the street because
he was more popular than they were. Because he
30
was so well liked, Will was asked to dedicate the Capitol
and many of the court houses throughout the state, including
the one in Cascade county.
Brother Van never married. Early on, he was engaged
to Jennie Johnston who died of what was most likely tuberculosis.
Later in life, it is said that he had promised
marriage after his retirement to Leafy Reigel who lived
in the Chinook area. He never got the chance to retire—
or to marry—as he had a stroke when he was preparing
to attend a church meeting and died at the Deaconess
Hospital in Great Falls on December 19, 1919 at the age
of 72 .
He was the Paul Bunyan of Montana. Many stories
about him have flourished, some likely tall tales. Here
are two stagecoach stories for the reader to judge:
One time, Brother Van was riding with a group of people
when a road agent stopped the stagecoach to rob the
travelers. When told to hand over his money and pocket
watch, Brother Van said, “You wouldn’t rob a poor

Methodist preacher, would you?” To this the robber
replied, “Hell no, I’m a Methodist myself.”
During another stagecoach trip, a blizzard came up, so
the driver pulled up against a cut bank to wait out the
storm. Brother Van got out of the stagecoach and demanded,
“You must drive on.” The driver refused, and
Brother Van started to take of his coat for a fight. Finally,
the driver acquiesced to Brother Van’s command. With
Brother Van sitting next to the driver, they drove
through the raging blizzard to the next stage station
where they stayed three days. Later the driver conceded
that if they hadn’t gone on to the next settlement, they
would have frozen to death.
The only home that Brother Van knew in his years in
Montana was the parsonage located next to First United
Methodist Church in Great Falls and built in 1910. Until
his death, two pastors’ families set aside a place where
he had his own furniture, stored his meager possessions,
and found himself a part of family life.
At his death, the flag at the Capitol flew at half-staff,
which was unusual because he was neither in the military
nor a government official. However, Brother Van
wasn’t any ordinary person; he was the “Best Loved
Man in Montana.”
B&W photos are from the archives at the Brother Van
Historical United Methodist Parsonage located at 113 Sixth
Street North, Great Falls.
Parsonage, photo by Ben Chovanak
31

Dining in Great Falls
One of the most exciting adventures while
traveling is dining out and discovering
wonderful regional differences, ethnic
flavors and entirely new taste with a touch of history.
Here in Great Falls there is a flair of history in the atmosphere.
The history of Borrie’s is part of Montana’s
mining past, it was first opened to serve smeltermen in
1938. The Italian/American menu contains such delicacies
as Homemade Spaghetti Sauce & Ravioli, succulent
steaks, and their famous prime rib. Dimitri’s explores
Mediterranean culture through Greek cuisine and an
exotic atmosphere. And, Howard’s Pizza offers a
signature crispy thin crust made fresh daily, using
whole milk mozzarella cheese for all pizzas. Dine out,
discover regional differences and explore Great Falls’
history.
32

D I N I N G
Borrie’s
1800 Smelter Avenue
Black Eagle, MT – 406-761-0300
The history of Borrie’s is part of
Montana’s mining past, it was first
opened to serve smeltermen in 1938.
Emilio Grasseschi (nicknamed “Borrie”)
established the business. He and his
wife Anna started a Montana tradition
that has continued today with
the 3rd Generation. The Italian/
American menu contains such delicacies
as Homemade Spaghetti
Sauce & Ravioli, succulent steaks,
and their famous prime rib special
on Tuesday nights. Wednesday is
Wine Down Wednesday, where
wine is one-half off the regular price
with dinner. On Thursday, the Crab
Leg Special features Alaska King
Crab. Every night the homemade
pasta and fantastic fresh chicken are
on the menu with Borrie’s famous
steaks. If you are interested in having
a large group out for dinner, the
restaurant can accommodate 50 people
in the private banquet room. The
main dining room has room for 180
patrons. The atmosphere is Montana
casual with a decor that includes
Western artworks, other exhibition
quality paintings, and bronzes.
Howard’s Pizza
713 1st Avenue North
Great Falls, MT – 406-453-1212
Howard’s Pizza was established in
1959. The downtown store was the
first to open. In the mid 1970s, the
East and the Northwest stores
opened, in 2002, the Southwest store
opened. Howard’s Pizza offers a signature
crispy thin crust made fresh
daily, as well as their famous sauce
and ranch dressing. Howard’s Pizza
uses whole milk mozzarella cheese
for all pizzas.
D I N I N G
Dimitri’s Restaurant
1919 3rd Street NW
Great Falls, MT – 406-452-5774
Dimitri’s Restaurant explores
Mediterranean culture through
Greek cuisine and an exotic atmosphere.
The walls are colossal murals
of the Mediterranean landscape
with vibrantly painted walls and
pictures of ancient antiquities. Fountains
and sculptures hide in every
corner of this lively space. Greek
songs and music float from room to
room which brings the guest closer
to the Mediterranean and further
from the ordinary. Dimitri's features
an experience unlike any other.
Greek inspired appetizers haunt
every taste bud. Beautifully crafted
entrées of fish, lamb, chicken and
beef are paired with an assortment
of domestic beer and wines or experience
Greek wines and some of the
finest European beer. Finally a variety
of unique desserts and pastries
are accompanied with a rich frothy
Greek coffee.
Dimitri’s Restaurant can host a
night out for two or an event for
sixty. The culmination of exquisite
food and unique atmosphere makes
Dimitri's the premier location for a
remarkable journey through space
and time.
Artist Nancy Stone Streett
33

Great Falls’ Historic Dunn Brown Building
A Haven for Western Art
Written by Jeni Dodd
W
estern art is to Great Falls as vanilla ice cream
is to apple pie — both are fine by themselves
but together, they form a synergy of flavors —
the sum totals more than the individual parts.
Great Falls hosts Western Art Week during March. Art
aficionados come from across the country and around the
world travel to the city to attend the auctions and shows in
the Charlie Russell final hometown.
Western art is king then, but there is also a strong Western
art presence in Great Falls year round. Downtown, the
Dunn Brown Building is home to two galleries that anchor
Western art firmly into Great Falls culture.
Wrangler Gallery, 316 Central Avenue
The Wrangler Gallery opened in August 2010 and is a
“work in progress with much more to come” according to
owner Brad Hamlett. The gallery features works from contemporary
and deceased Western and Native American
artists and a plethora of interesting historic artifacts. The
gallery also contains a well-equipped frame shop run by
Renee Cates, certified and experienced framer.
Hamlett, a Montana state senator and Square Butte area
rancher, was born in Great Falls and raised in Cascade. His
lifelong interest in Western and Montana history and art
took him down a path — first as collector and then as
dealer.
Greg Kelsey, Age of Renegades, bronze, Wrangler Gallery
34
Hamlett sold western art and historic objects for many
years He operated out of the Lewis and Clark Room at the
Heritage Inn during the C.M. Russell Art Auction before
opening the brick and mortar storefront in the Building, 316
Central Ave.
Hamlett’s thirst for historic knowledge led him to research
through the written word.
“The best history is found in out-of-print books,” said
Hamlett.
He soon found himself with a collection of out-of-print
books. Through the years, his collection evolved to include
maps, lithographs, photographs, photogravures and engravings.
Some of the first engravings Hamlett collected
were railroad survey lithographs dating back to 1853.
“These are some of the earliest views of Montana,” Hamlett
said.
Hamlett also recognized the importance of Charlie Russell
and his artistic contemporaries as visual storytellers —
keepers of the historic record. As luck would have it, Hamlett
became the owner of some art by one of Russell’s
friends.
“I got the chance to buy some Charles Beil originals,”
said Hamlett. “Beil is known as Canada’s cowboy artist. He
was a friend of Charlie Russell who moved to Canada and

made some of the first sculptures for
the Calgary Stampede.”
Along with works by Beil, the Wrangler
Gallery features sculptures by E. E.
Heikka, Terry Murphy and J.L. Clarke.
John Gawne, Greg Kelsey and Linda
Tuma Robertson are some of the contemporary
artists with works in the
gallery. Hamlett maintains working relationships
with Native American
artists including Brent Greenwood and
Michael Horse.
In addition to buying, selling, trading
and consigning art, Hamlett also finds
works for collectors and collections.
Hamlett’s childhood experiences in
Great Falls left a strong impression of
the importance of art in the community.
In keeping with Great Falls strong artistic
traditions, Hamlett felt it was right
to open a venue to display was he was
selling.
Lodestone Gallery, 318 Central Avenue
Lodestone Gallery’s list of artists is
ever-changing and evolving according
to owner Chuck Fulcher. Works by
Fulcher, Jacque Finnicum, Dick Lauritzen,
Echo Ukrainetz, Ron Ukrainetz
and Jeff Walker are currently on display.
The gallery’s featured artist for February
is Michael Patterson.
Patterson moved to Great Falls in
2001, a decision that led to great growth
artistically, according to the artist.
“I found the love of my life here as
well as a deeper commitment to my
art,” Patterson states. “Great Falls has
been a significant turning point for me
and I appreciate the gifts that Great
Falls has brought my way.”
Patterson, a native of Hot Springs,
Ark., holds a bachelor’s in sociology
and master’s in public administration.
He retired from the U.S. Army in 1993
and took up the brush
and easel. During his
military service, he had
visited Montana and the
state’s landscape made
an impression. Patterson
vacationed in the Swan
Valley and made that
scenic location his home
prior to landing in Great
Falls.
“My focus is on the
beauty I see here in
Montana,” states Patterson.
“I find inspiration
in this place and I try to
express the sense of
wonder it gives me. At
the same time I am
humbled by the ineptitude
of my efforts, but
Linda Tuma Robertson, Evening Shadows oil, 24”x24”
Wrangler Gallery
buoyed by the pleasure I
“There’s always been a history of art feel in being able to even make the attempt…Painting
gives me the opportu-
being displayed in Great Falls,” said
Hamlett. “There were paintings hanging
in a lot of places. My dad took me love and to produce some work that
nity to touch the reality of the place I
into The Mint when I was 5 or 6 to see may help others feel what I felt when I
the Russells.”
looked upon a part of Montana.”
Patterson, along with along with
Echo and Ron Ukrainetz, Jeff Walker
and Chuck Fulcher, have exhibit rooms
at the Western Masters Art Show and
Sale at the Heritage Inn during Western
Art Week.
Fulcher, a graduate of Montana State
University, has extensive experience in
advertising and graphic design. He
formed his own company, Fulcher Concepts
in 1993 and purchased Lodestone
Advertising in 1996.
After years of success in advertising
design, he started the Lodestone
Gallery, first as a venue for his fine art
painting. The gallery went co-op in
2009, in part due to Fulcher’s desire to
help promote Great Falls local arts community.
35

Three New Exhibitions
Open at The Square in February
Written by Bob Durden, Curator of Art, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
vations. The movement between
these elements connotes
the passage of time rather than
suggesting a frozen moment in
time that has no beginning,
middle or end.
Born in Billings, Montana,
Jeff Anderson earned his Bachelor
of Arts degree in Art from
Dartmouth College, Hanover,
New Hampshire, in 1970 and a
Master of Fine Arts in Painting
from Yale University, New
Haven, Connecticut, in 1972.
His work is influenced by living
in Japan for two years and
New York City for 10 years. He
reestablished himself in Red
Lodge, Montana in 1993.
Theodore Waddell, The Weight of Memory, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
February 17 - June 4, 2011, The Square
presents three new exhibitions focusing on
Montana art on the Rocky Mountain
Plains. Each exhibition is uniquely different
but connected by each artist’s “sense
of place”, a programming focus that began
at The Square last February. The Square invites
the public to a free reception honoring
each of the exhibiting artists Thursday,
February 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Light refreshments
will be served.
Jean Albus’s exhibition, Rapture on the
Plains, introduces one of the region’s most
sought out contemporary photographers
in her first solo museum exhibition that
will include 18 recent works. The artist
uses the Montana landscape as a backdrop
for expressions about her own history, the
history of the land, her connection to it
and the human conditions of joy, transition
and mortality. Jean Albus currently resides
near Bridger, Montana. She is a
native Montanan who lived fifteen years
in and around Seattle, Washington, before
moving back to Red Lodge, Montana in
1988.
Of her work Jean states: “Looking at
these photographs, I feel both hollow and
warm. I feel a pleasure woven out of sorrow.
I feel a beauty born of loss. And most
of all, I feel a sort of strength.”
Providing a sculptural counter point to
The Square’s other offerings, Jeff Anderson’s
exhibit, In Plain View, is a marriage
of his educational and life experience—the
balance between the studied, perceived
and the imagined. He is a masterful carpenter
who combines inspiration found in
nature with the traditions of his trade. Anderson’s
use of rough hewn planks
painted with watercolor physically reinforces
the pictorial imagery to convey his
sense of place. The fluidity of watercolor
laid across the surface of natural, hard but
porous surfaces creates a reaction that
could not be accomplished with more traditional
applications of materials. Though
his use of shapes, brush strokes and color
may appear to be entirely symbolic, in reality
they are related to the natural subjects
that surround him. Each work contains related
moments tied together with some
form of joinery suggesting the interconnectivity
of ideas and/or personal obser-
36
Neil Jussila’s exhibition,
Joseph in Montana—The Nez Perce
Epic, rounds out the trio of new exhibitions
with an examination of one of Montana’s
saddest legacies. The exhibition is
comprised of expressive paintings that
capture the range of emotion and physical
exertion that might have been felt by the
Niimiipu, Nez Perce, as they fled the 7th
Calgary in 1877 along a perilous and battle-filled
1,170 mile long journey through
Theodore Waddell,
Cloud Landscape #5

Idaho and Montana. Their hope was to
maintain independence from the U.S. Government
through an exodus to Canada that
was eventually ended short of the
US/Canadian border near Chinook, Montana,
when Chief Joseph surrendered, stating:
“Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My
heart is sick and sad. From where the sun
now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
Growing up and serving the country
during an especially divisive time, Neil Jussila
eventually found solace in painting.
His work is among the most poetic and sensitive
non-objective work done in the region
and reflects his ability to transcend the
literal implications of socio/political culture.
The subject of this exhibition may indeed
serve as a remembrance of the artist’s
own combat experience in Vietnam.
Raised in Butte, Montana, Neil served as
a Vietnam combat veteran before earning
his Bachelor of Science degree (1966) and a
Master of Arts Administration degree
(1969) from Montana State University in
Bozeman. He has taught art at Montana
State University, Billings since 1969 where
he is Professor of Art.
Area art lovers will not want to miss
these three exhibitions or take another opportunity
to view Theodore Waddell: The
Weight of Memory, an exhibition of the
artist’s paintings, prints and drawings
from The Square’s permanent collection.
The exhibition features gifts from the artist
that depict the Missouri River or are inspired
by his ranching experience along
with a never exhibited masterwork, Cloud
Landscape #5, 1985-1986 which features the
artist’s signature style of heavily applied
oil on canvas.
Theodore Waddell is one of the nation’s
best regarded painters. His contemporary
paintings, drawings and prints capture the
visual essence of life in the Rocky Mountain
region full of grand vistas dotted by
ubiquitous domestic livestock. His work is
informed by a passion and personal
knowledge of these subjects as well as the
canon of historical painting that precedes
him. His work is laden with expressive
marks and layers of paint and brush
strokes that reveal his roots in modernism
and his continued devotion to his place in
the West.
Theodore Waddell, a Montana native
raised in Laurel, studied at the Brooklyn
Museum Art School, Eastern Montana
College, and Wayne State University, Detroit
(MFA, 1968). He taught at the University
of Montana from 1968 to 1976 and has
since been a full time artist and rancher.
He has had over ninety one-man exhibitions,
including a major survey at the Eiteljorg
Museum, Indianapolis. His
exhibition remains on view through May
25th.
The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
offers the “art of our time” through an exciting
changing exhibition schedule of national,
regional and local contemporary
art. Access to the museum and its exhibitions
is free and open to the public courtesy
of Farmers Union Insurance.
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday
10am to 5pm,
Tuesday Evenings 7pm – 9pm, Saturdays
12 – 5pm, Closed Sundays. For more information
about exhibitions, contact Bob
Durden, Curator of Art at 406-727-8255.
37

Life’s an Adventure
at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
As winter turns to spring, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive
Center offers a variety of special programs, films, and activities.
Each month brings something new!
Continuing Education Lecture Series, February-April 2011
Join the Interpretive Center staff on the second Tuesday of
each month for the Continuing Education Lecture Series.
Lectures are offered at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the Interpretive
Center Theater.
February 8: “A History of the U.S. Forest Service”
March 8: “In Search of Lewis’ Plants”
April 12: “Mountain Chief of the Blackfeet”
Winter Film Festival, February 2011
Avoid cabin fever by attending the “Best of the International
Written by Elizabeth A. Casselli, Center Director
38
photo courtesy L&C Interpretive Center
Wildlife Film Festival” on Thursdays - February 3, 10 &
17, 2011. View wildlife documentaries featured in previous
International Festivals. Films are in the theater at 4 p.m.
and again at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Please bring a
donation of non-perishable food items for the Great Falls
Food Bank. Featured documentary films include:
February 3: “Bear Wars”
February 10: “Thunderbeast”
February 17: Short Features – “Life in Peril: Montana’s
Reptiles and Amphibians,” “The Middle of
Some Nowhere,” and “America… Pass it On”
Winter Play Days for Kids, February 12 and 26, 2011
This winter, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers a
series of one-day camps focused on recreation. Come

dressed for the weather, and learn how much fun you can
have in the cold! Play Days run from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Advance registration is required. Cost is $20 per child.
Black History Month, February 24, 2011 – “York Speaks”
Every winter the Interpretive Center
offers a special program to mark Black
History Month. Join our special guest
presenter, Hasan Davis, for his dramatic
first-person presentation on
York. William Clark’s slave, York, has
become one of the best-remembered
members of the Lewis and Clark expedition,
even though he was one of the
few members who had no say in going
along. In this dramatic presentation,
York relates his own story. Mr. Davis’
program begins in the Interpretive
Center Theater at 7 p.m. and lasts approximately
one hour. The program is
free.
Spring Star Party Extravaganzas,
March 11, 2011
“The Planets: Jupiter” features the
most massive of the seven close neighbors
and dozens of more distant relations in the Solar System.
View Jupiter through powerful telescopes provided
by the Central Montana Astronomy Society. Indoors hear
more about the other worlds of the solar system from Dr.
Art Alt of the University of Great Falls; meet Leo Bird and
hear the Blackfeet story about Jupiter, the “mistaken
morning star;” and hear more about the early exploration
of Jupiter from Galileo himself!
Museum Sunday Sampler, April 10, 2011
Every year, the members of the Great Falls Museum Consortium
offer a special day to the people of Great Falls.
Come and see the ten member museums free of charge,
and take part in special programs over the afternoon.
Enjoy the fun and learn some uniquely different aspects of
Montana history. Take part in the 10-museum Treasure
Hunt Challenge! And, as we continue the exhibit on the
Isaac Stevens Expedition, Land on the Brink of Change,
learn more about the first U.S. Government explorers
through Montana after Lewis and Clark. The event runs
from 12 noon - 5 p.m.
LCIC 13th Anniversary, May 1, 2011 – “The Ultimate Survival
Story”
The Lewis and Clark expedition was filled with perilous
situations, and it was amazing that only one member of
the Expedition died. Many of the challenges faced by
Lewis and Clark are with us today, and present just as
much of a threat to our well-being and survival. Come and
39
see if you have what it takes to survive! Play our version of
the “Survivor” game, build a survival kit to take home, and
take in presentations on safe travel and outdoor activities.
Also learn the role of Captain Lewis’ dog, Seaman, in protecting
the Expedition from danger.
The Anniversary program is free,
and runs from 12 noon - 5 p.m.
Lewis and Clark National Historic
Trail Interpretive Center
4201 Giant Springs Road, Great
Falls, MT 59405
Winter Hours, through May 26,
2011:
Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. -
5 p.m.,
Sundays Noon – 5 p.m. Closed on
Mondays.
For more information call:
406.727.8733 or
Visit: www.fs.fed.us/
r1/lewisclark/lcic/
Educators please contact the Interpretive
Center to schedule a classroom
visit for your students.
Hasan Davis as York
Classroom programs meet Montana’s curriculum standards
in social studies, math, history, science, and Montana’s Indian
Education for All Act

&
Black Tie Blue Jeans
Written by Carolyn Valacich
Top to bottom: Laurie Stevens Gilleon When
words leave off, music begins!; Charles Fulcher,
Signature Tree; Cliff Rossberg, Fall Notes
F
40
undraising will hit a high note on April 2, 2011, with
painted violins taking center stage as the Symphony
returns to its popular fundraising event, Black Tie &
Blue Jeans. A highlight of the event will be five stunning
painted violins, which in the hands of some of Montana’s
most respected artists will become sought-after
works of fine art. The proceeds of Violin Art will support
programs of the Great Falls Symphony which provide musical
opportunities for youth. Dozens of similar projects
have been conducted successfully in cities across the country
– from Bellevue, Wash., to Virginia Beach to right here
in Great Falls, Montana.
The violins will showcase the region’s wealth of artistic
talent, as well as its generosity. Five noted local visual
artists have donated their time and talent to create “Art of
Note”. Five fresh-from-the-box “naked” violins were hand
delivered to the artists as their blank canvas. From that,
noted artists Steve Seltzer, Cliff Rossberg, Chuck Fulcher,
Laurie Stevens Gilleon and Ron Ukrainetz are creating
works in their own distinctive style. The stunning collection
will be auctioned off with a variety of opportunities
for interested patrons to place their bids. The successful
bidders will be determined at Black Tie & Blue Jeans, a festive
evening of cocktails, dining, silent auctions, and music
for listening and dancing. Proceeds from the violin auction
and the sales of silent auction items benefit the education
and outreach programs of the Great Falls Symphony which
target all segments of local, regional and rural Montana
communities.
Educational programs are essential for the survival of
the arts in the 21st century. With continuing cuts in public
education often threatening to reduce art and music programs
in our schools, our diligence and dedication will
help ensure future audiences and patrons for symphonies
not only here in Montana, but wherever our young people
live.
The artists unveiled their works of art at the Symphony’s
Holiday Concert on December 5. The violins will then be
on display at Symphony concerts and in various businesses
and galleries throughout the community, until they
are delivered into the hands of their owners on April 2,
2011.
For more information: Symphony Office, 11 3rd Street
North, Davidson Plaza, or call 406-453-4102.
www.gfsymphony.org

Great FallsSymphony
Chris Thile
Saturday, February 26, 2011, Mansfield Theater. 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Meets Classical
Great Falls Symphony Orchestra with Chris Thile, Mandolin
Chris Thile, from the band Nickel Creek, brings folks to classical
in the tradition of Bela Bartok.
Saturday, March 26, 2011, Mansfield Theater, 7:30 p.m.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Great Falls Symphony Orchestra & Symphonic Choir
The Mendelssohn incidental music is richly romantic and includes
a familiar trumpet fanfare heard at nuptials. Changing
tone, the Mass in Time of War reflects Haydn’s distress over the
Napoleonic wars in Europe.
Saturday, April 30, 2011, Mansfield Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Joshua Bell: American Violin Master
Great Falls Symphony Orchestra with Joshua Bell, Violin
The Great Falls Symphony is proud to present Joshua Bell, the
2010 Musical American Instrumentalist of the Year.
Joshua Bell
For more information: Symphony Office, 11 3rd Street North,
Davidson Plaza, or call 406-453-4102.
www.gfsymphony.org
41

LIVE ON STAGE!
B R O A D W A Y
IN GREAT FALLS
Photo courtesy Riverdance
Mansfield Theater, Sunday, March 27, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
For ticket information call 406-455-8514 or website:
ticketing.greatfallsmt.net
Riverdance is the thunderous celebration of Irish
music, song and dance. This show tapped its way onto
the stage thrilling millions of people around the globe,
will make its long awaited debut in Great Falls.
Mansfield Theater, Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
For ticket information call 406-455-8514 or website:
ticketing.greatfallsmt.net
Photo courtesy The Music Man
Part of the Broadway in Great Falls series, The Music
Man is an affectionate tribune to small town USA. Familiar
tunes such as Trouble . . . Right Here in River City
to Seventy-Six Trombones will blow you away!
42

ART GALLERIES
Directory To Advertisers
Bob Bundi’s Glass Art Shop & Gallery – 505 1st Avenue North
Great Falls, Montana • 406-453-1636
Glass Art Shop & Gallery has been in business since 1927, Bob
Bundi purchased it in 1975. Bob offers creative custom framing
and will work with you to make sure the frame and matting
works with the image and colors in your home or office. Gallery
is open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 12
p.m. See page 16.
Gallery 16 – 608 Central Avenue
Great Falls, Montana • 406-453-6103
www.gallery16greatfalls.com
In the early seventies there were few contemporary art galleries
in Montana. Nine women banded together to form a co-op
where they could sell their own contemporary art, showcase
other artists and, for some, find a space away from home to create
their own work. Over the decades, the gallery has moved to
successively larger quarters, added members and now displays
the work of over 100 local and regional artists, paintings, clothing
and hats, jewelry, sculpture, fiber art and more. Celebrating
40 years! New exhibits opening on the First Friday Art Walk
with artists’ reception 5 - 9 p.m. .
Studio 706 Artist Guild - 706 7th Avenue South,
Great Falls, Montana, 406-781-4635 or 406-761-8228
studio706artistguild@yahoo.com
Open Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. or by appointment.
Meetings 3rd Thursday of the month 6 p.m. First Friday Art
Walk 6-9 p.m. Spring show March 17, 18, 19, 2011 (Western Art
Week), Gibson Room, Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts,
Great Falls Civic Center. Nonprofit artist guild offering classes,
mentoring, studio privileges and exhibition opportunities to
local artists. College scholarships to Great Falls youth.
Uptown Gallery - 423 Central Avenue
Great Falls, Montana, 406-788-8567 or 406-870-0122
uptowngallerymt@gmail.com. – See page 2.
ART SHOWS & AUCTIONS
The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum –
400 13th Street North, • www.cmrussell.org
Great Falls, Montana • 406-727-8787 – See page 47
March In Montana Show & Auction – Manitou Galleries &
The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction – Townhouse Inn, 1411 10th
Avenue South, Great Falls, Montana • For more information
visit: www.MarchInMontana.com – See page 47
Western Heritage Artists Footprints on the Path at the Holiday
Inn, 400 10th Avenue South, Great Falls, Montana. For more
information – See page 35
CHAMBER of COMMERCE
The Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce – 100 1st Avenue
North, Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-4434
www.greatfallschamber.org – See page 4
43
FINANCE PLANNING
Consumer Credit Counseling Service • 1-877-ASK-CCCS
www.CCCSMT.org
Great Falls, Helena, Billings, Butte, Bozeman, Kalispell &
Missoula – See back page.
Stifel Nicolaus – 300 Park Drive, Suite 101
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-3500 • www.stifel.com
Knowledge, Service and expertise! – See page 9.
FUNERAL HOME
Croxford Funeral Hone and Crematory- 1307 Central Avenue
Great Falls, Montana • 406-453-0315
• www.croxfordfuneralhome.com
Where Friendship Dwells & Proves Itself – See page 31.
HEALTH
Benefis Quick Care – 500 15th Avenue South
Great Falls, Montana • 406-455-2130
Location Benefis West Campus – See page 19.
Gold’s Gym – 715 13th Avenue South
Great Falls, Montana • 406-727-8888
It’s all about you! – See page 42..
Park Place Health Care Center – 1500 32nd Street South
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-4300 • 800-231-5544
www.parkplacehealthcare.com
Your #1 Choice for 24 hour skilled nursing – See page 23.
INSURANCE
Humana – Linda Duncan • cell: 406-799-3259
Guidance when you need it most – See page 23.
Kuszmaul Insurance Inc. – 1601 2nd Avenue North, Suite 124
Great Falls, Montana • 1-800-388-7840
Medicare Supplements – See page 19.
LODGING
Best Western Heritage Inn – 1700 Fox Farm Road
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-1900
The Largest and Finest Resort & Convention Center – See page 17.
The Collins Mansion – 1003 2nd Avenue NW
Great Falls, Montana • 406-452-4444
Bed & Breakfast and Events Center – See page 9.
MUSEUMS
C.M. Russell Museum – 400 13th Street North
Great Falls, Montana • 406-727-8787 – See page 19
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art – 1400 First Avenue North
Great Falls, Montana • 406-727-8255 – See page 37

RESTAURANTS
3D International Restaurant & Lounge
1825 Smelter Avenue, Black Eagle, Montana – 406-453-6561
The 3D International Supper Club open in July 1946. In 1996, the
3D Club introduced the Mongolian grill (the first in Montana).
The Mongolian Grill, with lunch menu is open Monday - Saturday,
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Open for Dinner 5 p.m. to closing every day,
they have Casual Dining at its best, excellent appetizers, signature
beef dinners, fresh seafood selection, and home made Italian
dishes. Offering Crab special every night, Prime Rib every Friday,
Saturday and Sunday, children’s menu, and full service bar.
Serving Black Eagle and Great Falls for more than sixty years.
The Grasseschi family welcomes you to a classic Italian/American
experience.
Borrie’s – 1800 Smelter Avenue
Black Eagle, Montana • 406-761-0300
3rd Generation Proudly Serving You! See page 33.
City Bar & Casino – 709 Central Avenue
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-9432
Serving Lunch 11 a.m - 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On the
menu Homemade Soups, Hefty Meat Sandwiches, Salads, &
Daily Specials. They also, have the widest variety of machines in
town. Your favorite beer or cocktail is also available from the bar,
open daily at 8 a.m.
Dimitris Greek Restaurant – 3rd Street NW
Great Falls, Montana • 406-452-5774
Authentic Greek Cuisine – See page 33.
Howard’s Pizza – 713 1st Avenue North
Great Falls, Montana • 406-453-1212
Dine In - Take Out - Delivery, open 4 p.m. Daily – See page 32.
Taco del Sol – 16 6th Street South,
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-2139.
Located in the heart of downtown Great Falls, Taco del Sol
serves up healthy Mission and Mission Supreme burritos, delicious
fish, meat and veggie tacos, taco salads and our very
own salsa fresca prepared fresh daily! Experience our open-air
dining, fun atmosphere, free WiFi and parking.
PET RESORT
Weona Pet Resort – 6125 2nd Avenue North
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-2000
The only indoor-outdoor heated kennel in Great Falls. Your dog
doesn’t have to wait to go outside. We provide doggie day care,
grooming, boarding and a great resort for your pets. Military
discounts available. Visit: www.weonapetresort.com.
SHOPPING
2J’s Fresh Market – 105 Smelter Avenue NE
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-0134
Your store for the Holiday’s – See page 28.
A.T. Klemens – 814 12th Street North
Great Falls, Montana • 406-452-9541
One Company, One Solution – See page 37.
Amazing Toys – 515 Central Avenue
Great Falls, MT • 406-727-5557 • davec@amazingtoys.net
For a neat shopping experience, be sure to visit Amazing Toys in
Downtown Great Falls. They offer a large selection of toys, games,
puzzles, and collectibles for funsters of any age. Amazing Toys has
the classic toys that every child needs as well as some of the newest.
Bennett Imports – 2720 10th Avenue South
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-3305 • 800-625-2090
www.bennettimports.com – See page 15.
Big R Stores – 4400 10th Avenue South
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-7441 • www.bigrstore.com
Almost Anything, Big R’s Got It!! – See page 41.
Bighorn Outdoor Specialists – 206 5th Street South
Great Falls, Montana • 406-453-2841
For over 30 years, Bighorn Outdoor Specialists has combined
award winning products with local knowledge and service to
become the hub of Central Montana’s outdoor community. Stop
in to learn about a great hike, bike, ski or paddle—and check out
the award winning gear, clothing and footwear. Bighorn is located
Downtown on the corner of 2nd Avenue South and 5th Street
South.
REAL ESTATE
Great Falls Realty, Great Falls, Montana
www.greatfallsrealty.com
Great Falls Realty since 1958 specializing in buyer agency.
Kelly Parks Broker/Owner cell: 406-788-6925
kelly@greatfallsrealty.com
Russ Eustance Realtor cell: 406-788-3363
russ@greatfallsrealty.com
Chuck Galloway Realtor cell: 406-788-3586
chuck@greatfallsrealty.com
Larry Hannah Realtor cell: 406-788-1250
hannah@greatfallsrealty.com
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-3518
44
Coach Stop Trading Post – 1807 3rd Street NW, Suite 15
Great Falls, MT 59404 • 406-761-8916
Where Everything Native Meets the World
Native American Arts and Crafts, beadwork, pow-wow regalia,
moccasins and much more.
Great Falls Upholstery – 807 2nd Street South
Great Falls, Montana • 406-727-2363
www.gfuphol@qwestoffice.net – See page 19.
Homestead Treasures – 320 Central Avenue
Great Falls, Montana • 406-452-2019.
Antiques & Collectibles – See page 9.
Innovative Postal Services – 920 2nd Street South
Great Falls, Montana • 406-761-8965 • 800-362-8845
One stop for all your mailing needs. See page 15.

SHOPPING Cont’d
Nobles Westside Liquor – 623 First Avenue NW
Great Falls, Montana • 406-454-3612 – See page 37.
Pepsi Cola Bottling Co of Great Falls – 1212 15th Street North
Great Falls, Montana • 727-8112 – See page 7.
The Popcorn Colonel – 900 9th Street South, Suite 2
Great Falls, Montana • 406-727-KORN (5676)
www.popcorncolonel.net
The Popcorn Colonel is a locally owned and operated gourmet
popcorn store. Providing the highest quality flavored popcorn
using only nugget quality ingredients. We produce the finest in
caramel, huckleberry, butter pecan, a variety of cheese popcorn and
many other flavors, also popcorn balls and a slice of popcorn cake.
For the holiday’s Gift Baskets, Gift Canisters and Gift Certificates
are available. Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 10
a.m. - 4 p.m.
Portage Cashe Store – 4201 Giant Spring Road
Great Falls, Montana • 406-453-6248
At the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center – See page 41.
Great Falls Symphony – 11 3rd Street North
Great Falls, Montana •406-453-4102 – See page 28.
TOURS/SHUTTLES
Great Falls Historic Trolley/Tour de Great Falls,
406-771-1100 or 888-707-1100 (Outside MT)
www.GreatFallsHistoricTrolley.com.
FREE Trolley Shuttle to Art Shows – “Western Art Week”
Thursday - Saturday, March 17, 18, 19, 2011. Great Falls Historic
Trolley provides FREE hourly shuttles to several art locations.
Enjoy door-to-door delivery aboard the fun and unique climatecontrolled
trolley. No hassles with parking or weather. Shuttles
begin daily at 9:50 a.m. - 7:50 p.m. at Montana ExpoPark (Fairgrounds)
where parking space is plentiful and FREE. Find trolley
schedules at participating art venues and Visitor Center. Call
406-771-1100. www.GreatFallsHistoricTrolley.com.
Climate-controlled fun trolley. Weddings, birthdays, reunions, 4-H,
Anniversaries, Church/School Groups, Conferences, Scouts,
Christmas Luminaria, Special Occasions. In-town or out-of-town
bus charters, Step-on Guide services, custom tours, shuttle service
year round by reservation. Glacier Park, Hutterite Colony,
Dinosaur Digs, Buffalo Jump. Gift Certificates. Group rates.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center –
4201 Giant Spring Road, Great Falls, Montana • 406-727-8733
Life’s an Adventure! – See page 39.
Prizewinner Russian pianist
Ilya Yakushev performs on
Thursday, March 24, 2011. This
extraordinary performer features,
among other pieces, a
video presentation of the
beautiful and moving Pictures
of an Exhibition by
Mussorgsky.
On Monday, April 18,
2011, features Romanza’s
Tenorissimo, three gifted
tenors performing with a
piano, violin and bass accompaniment.
Their repertoire
includes opera arias,
musical theater and, of
course, love ballads. These
Ilya Yakushev, courtesy GFCCA three young musicians
have been thrilling audiences
all over the country in recent years.
The final show of the season, on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, features
the premier college dance troupe, the Duquesne University
Tamburitzans. A troupe of more than 30 singers, dancers and musicians
are dedicated to the performance and preservation of
music, song and dances of Eastern Europe and neighboring folk
cultures. It is America’s longest-running such troupe. Just watching
this performance will leave you tired but enthralled.
All performances start at 7:30 p.m. at the Mansfield Theater in
the Great Falls Civic Center. Tickets are available at the Mansfield
Box Office at the Great Falls Civic Center, by calling 455-
8514 or on line at http://ticketing@greatfallsmt.net
Native American Artists Join
Jay Contway & Friends for the
Western Art Week.
Native American art is an important part of culture of
this city during the Western Art Week each March and it
would be a shame to loose the opportunity to view and/or
acquire art from gifted people. Jay Contway is welcoming
the native artists to join him at the Exhibition Hall, Expo
Park as part of his show.
The Contway Show has always been a Cowboy and Indian
Show. Jay bridges both communities. His own native
ancestry, Sioux, and his cowboy skills as a champion calf
roper, are ever present in his own sculpture. Over the
years he has included Native friends from Alberta to Texas
in his show. It is exciting this year to include a entire
group of new artists to the show which already includes
saddle makers, rawhide artists along with traditional
painters, sculptors, and woodworkers.
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Calendar of Events
Art Exhibits at Library
In March and April the Great Falls Public Library will host an
art exhibit by digital photographer Susan Kinney and pottery
by Augusta resident Cathy Dombrovske.
In May and June the Great Falls Public Library will host an art
exhibit by the Thursday Morning Artists, which will feature a
wide variety of paintings and drawings. It will also host an
historical photography exhibit sponsored by the Overholser
Historical Research Center in Fort Benton. For more information
on the art exhibits call 453-0349.
First Friday Art Walk
Visit Downtown Great Falls on the First Friday Art Walk of
every month to view the works of local artists, as well as to shop
downtown’s finest stores that stay open late. For more information
call: Sue Ferrin, Marketing Director DGFA • 406-453-6151 or
406-788-0770.
Urban Art Project
The Winter, 2011 Urban Art Project will be available for viewing
24/7 from February 5 - May 5, 2011, and will be honored with a
celebration reception which is open to the public on Monday,
February 28, 5 - 7 p.m., will take place at the Urban Art Project
and across the street at Bert and Ernie's.
The World In Which We Live Film Series
The Great Falls Public Library is hosting a free, three-part documentary
film series, The World in Which We Live, on Thursdays at
7 p.m. in February. This event is collaboration with the Great
Falls Public Library Foundation and P.O.V., the award-winning
documentary series. The schedule is as follows:
February 10, 7 p.m. Edge of Dreaming;
February 17, 7 p.m. Inheritance;
February 24, 7 p.m. The Oath.
For more information on the film series call 453-0349.
Mardi Gras
The Downtown Great Falls Association will have a Mardi Gras
celebration on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Elks Lodge, 8 p.m. -
Midnight. There will be dancing provided by DJ Eddie Ingman,
food by Goode’s Q, and a costume contest. For more information
call 453-6151.
Foreign and Independent Film Series
The Great Falls Public Library’s Foreign and Independent Film
Series continues. This series is free and open to the public.
March’s selection (screened Wednesday, March 2, 7 p.m. & Saturday,
March 5, 2 p.m.) is Only When I Dance. The featured short is LIL’A.
April’s selection (screened Wednesday, April 6, 7 p.m., & Saturday,
April 9, 2 p.m.) is Gigante. The featured short is Dennis.
May’s selection (screened Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m. & Saturday,
May 7, 2 .p.m) tells the story of Tarek. The featured short is Ali &
the Ball. For more information on the film series call 453-0349.
11th Annual Great Falls Festival of the Book
The Great Falls Public Library is hosting the 11th annual Great
Falls Festival of the Book in March. This year’s festival will include
events over a three-week span. All events are free and
open to the public. The writing workshops, however, do require
pre-registration, with participation capped at 10 per workshop.
This festival is sponsored by the Great Falls Public Library
Foundation, Friends of the Great Falls Public Library, Humanities
Montana, and the Great Falls Tribune. For more information on
the festival call 453-0349 or go online to www.greatfalls
library.org.
Great Falls Community Concert Association
Prizewinner Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev performs on
Thursday, March 24, 2011. Monday, April 18, 2011, features
Romanza’s Tenorissimo, three gifted tenors and on
Tuesday, May 10, 2011, features the premier college dance
troupe, the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. All performance
are at the Mansfield Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Mansfield Box Office at the Great
Falls Civic Center, by calling 455-8514 or on line at http://ticketing@greatfallsmt.net
Friends of the Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Great Falls Public Library will hold its fourth
annual used book sale Thursday, May 12, 4-7 p.m., Saturday,
May 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, May 15, 1-4 p.m. on the
third floor of the Public Library. Individuals who would like to
attend the “pre-sale” on Thursday will be asked to join the
“Friends” group at reduced dues of $5, instead of the regular annual
dues of $15. There will be no cost to attend the sale on Saturday
or Sunday, and Sunday also will be the $1 sack sale.
Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
The Great Falls Youth Orchestra presents its spring concert. As
part of a special year-long residency, renowned composer and
jazz pianist John Harmon will create a new work to be premiered
at this concert. Sunday, March 20, 2011 2 p.m., Mansfield
Theater, $10 per person. For tickets: ticketing.greatfallsmt.net
Made in Montana Marketplace
Come shop the largest assortment of Made in Montana Products!.
Friday, March 25, 2011, Mansfield Convention Center,
Wholesale Buyers' Day, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. open exclusively to
wholesale buyers and special guests. Saturday, March 26, 2011,
Public Retail Day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open to the general public,
$3/person Children 11 and under free. For more information
see: www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana/
Cruisin’ the Drag 2011
Looking for a Family Fun Day in May? Then you have to join
the festivities in downtown Great Falls on Saturday, May 7.
It’s the annual Cruisin’ the Drag auto show which brings
about 600 of the coolest cars, trucks and motorcycles of Montana
out on our streets
To have your event listed, e-mail: production@destinationgreatfalls.com
or call 406-870-0122,
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