EXPLORING IMAGINATION • ENCOURAGING CURIOSITY • CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Resolutions are commitments made by a decision to choose a specific course of action. With thoughtful planning resolutions made in the new year are typically focused on the desire to inten-tionally change our behavior to produce favora-ble consequences. What resolution do you make for yourself this year? Did it include broadening your creative talents? Feed your artistic spirit? Meeting new friends? Spending time on you? Buy-ing local? Resolutions have built the Square and they continue to make cultural opportunities abound in our electric city. In our city’s infancy, it was resolved to build a hallmark to our desire for growth and our focus on education. In 1895, the cornerstone was laid to build the first high-school in Great Falls, now known as Paris Gibson Square. For the past 120 years our build-ing has been host to a variety of cultural, educa-tional, artistic and cross-disciplinary enrichment opportunities for both children and adults. The Square will be celebrating our longevity and res-olutions on Founders Day on April 2, 2015 at our annual Hip to Be Square event. Chefs and Champagne will be back at the Square on February 7th, 2015 starting at 6:00 p.m. This Montana Classy event is $75 per person and is raising money to support the Square’s cultural and curatorial programming. Six local chefs are com-peting for the top award and Great Harvest Bread is bring the desert. Page 6 has more info. In the early 70’s another group came together and resolved to bring into existence a cultural center that would foster collaboration and focus on contemporary arts including visual & perfor-mance as well as interactive events and education. The Square continues to offer 15-20 unique art exhibitions per year, school tours with hand-on art activities, workshops and classes for all ages and abilities, outreach programs to underserved popu-lations, professional lectures, panel discussions, events and so much more. Just like other nonprofit

organizations, we struggle to fund all of our pro-grams and maintain this beautiful historic building. In the last four years the Square has cut staffing and expenses while working hard to not sacrifice our programing or the arts but we can no longer drastically cut back. This year we have set an annual fund goal of $22,000 to help us upgrade our west entry doors with working handicap ac-cessible hardware, match grant funds to publish a catalogue featuring the 2014-2015 exhibits (including our upcoming Val Knight show), and purchase art supplies- including paint, clay, glazes and equipment. Your support will help us continue to be a cultural treasure and educational keystone in your community. We thrive with your support. Paris Gibson Square is the quintessential symbol of learning and community involvement. Since our doors opened, the building has always fostered education. This past year the Square has seen the blossoming of our ceramics department. A wood fire kiln has recently been donated, dually serving clay classes and allowing our local artists an op-portunity to build their repertoire and further their ability to be a working artist in our community. The artists of Montana have a substantial econom-ic impact on the state of over $233 million annu-ally. There are over 5,800 artists in Montana (per the 2000 US Census), equaling one out of every 80 people in Montana's labor market. Art promotes creativity, confidence, problem solv-ing, perseverance, focus, non-verbal communica-tion, receiving constructive feedback, collabora-tion, dedication, and accountability. Paris Gibson Square aspires to support you and many of your resolutions. We hope you will stop in and experience many of the wonderful oppor-tunities we offer the community this year. To keep up on our events, classes and exhibits, please check out our webpage www.the-square.org or like our Facebook page. ~ Tracy Houck, Executive Director

EXHIBITIONS Upcoming Exhibit: The Warrior Art of John Isaiah Pepion

(January 15 - April 13, 2015) Free Opening Reception: Thursday, January 15, 2015 – 5:30-7:30 P.M.

The Warrior Art of John Isaiah Pepion features eighteen powerful drawings in The Square's Dufrense/Cobb Gallery. Using ink and colored pencil to draw traditional figures and scenes, on antique ledger paper, Pepion evokes the past through his artwork. Ledger art first appears in the historical record in the late1800s and has made a return in the contemporary Native American art scene. Pepion's pieces in this show focus on the warrior’s history in Blackfeet culture and include horse and rider, buffalo, warrior symbols and more.

Pepion is an enrolled Blackfeet tribal member who resides on the Blackfeet Reservation in northern Montana. His interest in art began in grade school with the drawing of tipis and mountains and was nurtured during his high school years when he was selected to travel to the Institute of American Indian Art (IAIA) in Santa Fe New Mexico.

Pepion was selected last spring as one of several artists to participate in the group exhibition co-curated by The Square and Monte Yellowbird: “Conflict, Courtship, Ceremony and the Chase.”

Pictured right to left: Monte Yellowbird, Terrance Guardipee, Alana Buffalo Spirit and John Isaiah Pepion

Current Exhibitions

Arts Association of Montana Group Exhibition (November 20-April 8, 2015)

Julia Galloway: The Place it is That We Call Home

(December 18-March 13, 2015)

Mary Ann Bonjorni: Legends Are History (December 1-March 13, 2015)

Colleen Fuhringer: All Things Left Unsaid

(December 18-March 13, 2015)

Lee Steen: A Montana Original (ongoing)

Jean Price: Three Thousand and Counting

(ongoing)

A recent donation from US Bank Charitable Foundation for $1300 kicks off our 2015-16 exhibition fundraising drive. Be a part of why Art is For Everyone in Great Falls and contribute Today! Contact Kristi@the-square or call 406-727-8255 for more information!

WESTERN ART WEEK at THE SQUARE

Friday, March 20th from 1‐5pm John I. Pepion welcomes

the public to an ar st demonstra on in the Dufrense/Cobb

Gallery.

Wolf Trail’s Medicine, Pepion, 2014

On view through March 13th, The Place it is that We Call Home was installed in December. Julia Galloway & her team of six student assistants transformed two galleries at the Square. The walls of the Thayer Gallery feature a chalked background, (shown in progress here), and are now lined with cups featuring the birds of North America. The Mungus/Volk Gallery was transformed into the Sky Vault as shown to the right. This exhibition explores concepts of home that range from the world that surrounds us outdoors to the world we surround ourselves with in our homes.

Artist Julia Galloway poses with interim curator of art, Kristi Scott, and curator of education, Jeff Kuratinick during the opening reception

EXHIBITIONS SPECIAL FEATURE: JULIA GALLOWAY’S INSTALLATION

Installation of over 300 porcelain plates that are shaped like clouds (and have drawings of clouds in glaze) was a major un-der taking for Galloway and her team. The plates hang from the ceiling of the Mungus/Volk Gallery, emulating the Big Sky.

DID YOU KNOW? Art that is showcased on the gallery walls at The Square is for sale to the general public. By purchasing a piece of unique art a buyer duly supports local artists while helping the Museum build exhibition funds. Our Gift Shop features a large array of art that includes local artists: Ruth Franklin, Liisa Nelson, Judy Erickson, Dan Price and more. The Gift Shop is open 10-5 Monday-Friday & 12 –5 on Saturdays.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

The Education Department is pleased to announce the highlights of the Fall 2014 season. Four major donations have been secured to ensure The Square is a premier destination for Ceramic Arts Education for generations to come.

Jerry Gunderson A retired art educator in the GFPS District, Mr. Gunderson recently gifted The Square with several pallets of kiln brick and an extensive supply of glaze chemicals. This past December, Jeff Kuratnick and Judy Ericksen made their first of several trips to Conrad to bring supplies back to the museum for use.

Kay Feist & Ryan La Bar Both donors have agreed to jointly gift The Square with a high-fire gas kiln. Despite it’s excellent condition, the Helena kiln has been in use for years. Feist will be on hand to train students to use the kiln at The Square. Both are excited to see students of all levels learn from their gift.

Major Gifts Announcement Andrew & Courtney Nagengast The couple recently gifted the wood/ soda kiln to our museum. Generously loaned to The Square for some time, the kiln has been symbolic of the synergy behind facets of the e d u c a t i o n d e p a r t m e n t including both the ceramics program and Arts on Fire Festival. The Nagengasts’ gift is in memory of Andrew’s parents: Richard & G. Angela Nagengast - for their love of education and the arts.

Shirley Rothwell The gift of a top-of-the-line Brent manual Kick Wheel will give students the opportunity to throw on a more traditional pieces of equipment. The Education Department plans to put the unit in the Kiln Yard, once funds are raised to install fencing and a pavilion.

A heart felt THANK YOU to these generous individuals, and their foresight to help enhance the education of current and future museum students!

Top Left: Jerry Gunderson (donor) on his farm in Conrad, MT with one of his pieces. Top Right: Gas Kiln donated by Kay Feist & Ryan LaBar

Bottom Left: Andrew Nagengast (donor) & Ryan Kakalecik pulling a piece out of The Square’s Wood Kiln. Bottom Right: Shirley Rothwell’s donated wheel.

WINTER 2014 WORKSHOP

BJ Buckley - Rice, Tea, Ink: Japanese Paper Arts

Friday, January 30th 6:30 - 9:30pm Fees: $40/ student

(materials included), please RSVP in advance.

Sumi Nagashi paper marbling, Oragami & Simple Handmade

Books. Those in attendance will learn both ancient & contempo-

rary methods of working with paper in Japan. Students will

leave with a finished project.

Snacks Included:

Rice, sauces & tea.

WINTER 2014 CLASSES

For Tai Chi Program, class descriptions, & registration policy www.the-square.org

Thank You to the following who support us by renewing their

membership. (Oct. - Dec. *Joined)

Gary Abel & Nancy Speer Arts Association of Montana

Richard Bennett Sally Berntsen

Daniel Biehl, Julia Becker and Eula Viva Becker Biehl

Bill & Lynn Bloemendaal Jeanette Bridgeford

Helen Cherry City Motor Company, Inc.

Dennis & Jan Conner Verna Copeland

Duane & Lois Dockter Paula Evitts

Frank & Kay Feist Pat & Lynn Galvas

Mark Good & Carol Haverlandt Pat & Joelene Goodover

Randy & Nora Flaherty Gray Kathleen Gray-Zuelke

Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Gusto Distributing

Mitch & Colleen Higgins Michael & Marjorie Holland

Terri Jacobson* Bob & Cindy James

Chuck & Gerry Jennings Mark & Carrie Jensen

Alan R. & Donna L. Johnson Jan Kallestad

Bob & Pam Kampfer Russ & Nona Jane Kendall

Julie A. Korb* Dirk & Connie Larsen

Nancy Lewis Bob & Deloris Mau

Sally McGregor Charlotte McIver

Tavie McKay Stan & Jane Meyer

Arlene O'Day Harlan & Pat Orham Sarah & Pat Ozment

Ron & Mary Lou Paulick Nathan J. Paulus

Molly Person Jean Price

Arlyne Reichert Ev Rukavina

Gregory & Debra Schwandt Steve & Carol Seltzer

J. David Slovak Nancy A. Stephens

Eleanor Tesch Shirlee Thiebes

Steve & Brenda Tilleraas Lonnie & Ruth Yingst

Marianne Zadra

Adult Classes Pottery 1 Taught by Don Marberg This 8-week class will teach you the basics of how to make and glaze (decorate) functional pottery. Dates: Tuesdays 1/27 – 3/17 Time: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Fees: $125 class/ $30 supplies

Pottery 2 Taught by Judy Ericksen Expanded knowledge of clay, glazes & firing techniques. Some experience preferred. Dates: Mondays, 2/9 – 3/30 (Class held off-site 2/16) Time: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Fees: $125 class/ $30 supplies

Creative Photography Taught by Aaron Kueffler Night photography, creative portraiture, light & shadow photography & more! Dates: Tuesdays, 1/27 – 3/3 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM Fees: $30 class/ $10 supplies

Drawing for Seniors (60+ Adults) Taught by Dan Price Explore drawing using various media. Students are welcome to attend once or on a weekly basis. Dates: Tuesdays (ongoing) Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM Fees: Free w/ pre-registration

Paper Arts (60 + Adults) Taught by B.J. Buckley Sumi Nagashi, Paper Marbling, Book Making All levels welcome. Dates: Wednesdays, 1/20– 2/17 Time: 1:30 - 3:00 PM Fees: Free w/ pre-registration

Children’s Classes Early Explorers (Ages 2-5) Explore a variety of art materials & hands-on gallery activities designed for pre-school age children & an accompanying adult. Dates: Mondays, 1/29 – 3/19 Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM Fees: $5.00/ class ($3.00 members)

Drawing & Painting (Grades 2-5) Taught by Rachel Kaiser Dates: Mondays, 1/26 – 3/9 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM Fees: $25/ student

Comic Creations (Grades 5-8) Taught by Tess Jacobs Dates: Mondays 1/26 – 3/9 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM Fees: $25/ student

Pottery (Grades 2-4) Taught by Danielle O’Malley Dates: Mondays, 1/26 – 3/9 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM Fees: $45/ student

Parent & Child Pottery (Grades K-1) Taught by Danielle O’Malley Dates: Tuesdays, 1/27 – 3/3 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM Fees: $45/ per parent & child

Messing Around with Art (Grades K-2) Taught by B.J. Buckley Dates: Tuesdays, 1/20 – 2/17 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM Fees: $30/ student

Pottery (Grades 5-8) Taught by Danielle O’Malley Dates: Wednesdays, 1/28 – 3/4 Time: 4:00 – 5:30PM Fees: $45/student

Drawing & Printmaking (Grades 5-8) Taught by Tess Jacobs Dates: Wednesdays 1/28 – 3/4 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM Fees: $25/student

Sculpture Vultures (Grades 2-5) Taught by Rachel Kaiser Dates: Thursdays 1/29 – 3/5 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM Fees: $30/student

Little Big Planet Club (Grades 4-8) Taught by Josh & Trevor Hughes Learn the art of video game design. Dates: Saturdays 1/31 – 3/7 Time: 12:30 – 2:30 PM Fees: $125/ student

Art Sampler (Grades 2-5) Taught by Rachel Kaiser Dates: Saturdays 1/31 – 3/7 Time: 12:30 – 2:00 PM Fees: $25/student

No Classes on President’s Day: 2/16

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Anita Fisher Kevin Eckhardt

Sue Ferrin Trina Knoche Doris Boyle

Dani Cloutier Tim Culliton Lyn Galvas

Jordan Husted Heather Palermo

Brian Patrick Barb Gwynn Dean Boyle

Nicole Wiegland Shannon Newth Susan Thomas Nancy Zadick

Rebecca Bogden-Richards

STAFF

Tracy Houck Executive Director

Kristi Scott

Development Director & Interim Curator of Art

Jeff Kuratnick Curator of Education

Aaron Kueffler Administration

Toni Abbas Matt Bronson

Evening / Weekend Receptionists

HOURS

MONDAY - FRIDAY - 10AM TO 5PM TUESDAY EVENINGS - 7PM TO 9PM

SATURDAY - NOON TO 5PM CLOSED SUNDAYS

Paris Gibson Square MUSEUM OF ART

PLAY STATION, YOU TUBE AND THE SQUARE

 

CHEFS AND CHAMPAGNE 2015 The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is bring-ing back last year’s successful & well received culinary event Chefs and Champagne.

This black tie affair (or Montana dressy) will square four chefs against one another with hopes of being named the Chef Champion of Great Falls. Each chef will create three hors d’oeuvres for tast-ing; one of the hors d’oeuvres must use cham-pagne as one of the ingredients.

Chefs will be judged on best use of champagne, presentation and taste and you can help vote for the People’s Choice award; guests will each be given a cork to vote for the chef’s hors d’oeuvres that they find the most delectable. The official judging for the Chef Champ will be a panel of judges to include Sharon Hansen, culinary expert and food writ-er for the Great Falls Tribune, Veronica Ronnau, owner of the kitchen store Pizazz and the cooking school Bella Cucina and the discernable palate of Rhonda Adkins, food pho-tographer/instructor at Pizazz.

The six chef’s competing for the title are: Janet Neil, owner/chef Bert and Ernie’s Restau-rant, Chef David Heffner, Celtic Cowboy, Chef Jim Mintsiveris, Dimitris and Chef Richard Schafer, Meadowlark Country Club, Kevin with Bowser Brewery and the Chef from Grandview at Benefis. In addition to the six chef’s hors d’oeuvres the Desperate House-wives’ will be demonstrating and offering samplings of entre’s and champagne cupcakes from Great Harvest Bread. Included in the evenings activities are, wine, beer and natural-ly champagne. Live music will be playing throughout the evening. PGS will be hosting a silent auction; some of the items to be featured include artwork from local artists, restau-rant gift certificates and more.

The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 7th at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, 1400 1st Ave N, Great Falls at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $75 per person, only 150 tickets will be available. All proceeds go to the Paris Gibson Square. Call 406-727-8255 or stop by the museum to purchase your tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Guests will receive a cork to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Celebrity judges will

select the Best Chef Overall and the Best Use of Champagne.

Li le Big Planet Club (one of our many educa onal programs) students with instruc‐

tor John Hughes on screen in Vegas at the E3 Expo. Sony was so impressed by Josh

and Trevor, as well as the Square’s LBP Campers that they donated 10 . Yep, that is

what we said, 10 PS3 units, 10 TVs and 10 so ware copies so more youth in Great

Falls can come learn and play. Are You Signed Up? Scholarships are available and

more info can be found at www.the‐square.org A full version of the video can be found at: h ps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWzv7XMZiSE

URBAN ART PROJECT!

The Winter 2015 Urban Art Project Exhibit will open on February 5th with another unique collection of art installations in the win-dows surrounding the Parking Garage at 315 First Ave. South in Great Falls. The East side of the building will feature four pieces by returning artist Alma Winber-ry. Around the corner on the South side the first installation will show a Hobson, MT favorite, Sarah Ozment in the first space, followed by Bo-zeman artist D.G. House who will also be showing her work at one of the venues during the Russell Auc-tion. New to the UAP, one of my past students, Garri Mauch will cre-ate her installation in window #7. We have seen Betsy Rogstad’s work other times at the UAP, but this time she will be teaming up with her daughter Anna Johnson. Windows #9 and #10 will present the Warn-er siblings, John (also on display during the Russell), and Mary, GFPS Art teacher. Finally, window #11 will again feature the design man from Kelly Signs, Ray Kelly. This exhibit will be in place until May 5th, and can be viewed any time 24/7. Be sure to visit our website f o r m o r e d e t a i l s : g r e a t -fallsurbanart.weebly.com

RENTALS AVAILABLE!

The Square has many rooms of varying sizes for private parties, birthdays, retirements and weddings! We are now accepting contracts for the 2015 calendar year.

Inquire about renting the Great Falls Historic Trolley for your wedding party, as well as having the Square’s Executive Director officiate!

SAVE the DATE!!!!

Join us Saturday,

April 11, 2015 for our 18th Annual Art Auction!

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art 1400 First Avenue North Great Falls, Montana 59401 www.the-square.org

Museum Admission is FREE Courtesy of

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Great Falls, MT Permit # 106

Museum programming is made possible by the generosity of museum members and supporters, with ongoing assistance from the Montana Arts Council, a state agency funded by the State of Montana, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the citizens of Cascade County.

COVER PHOTO: All Things Left Unsaid, Colleen Fuhringer, Sculptural Instillation, 2014

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art

2015 WINTER NEWSLETTER