Kalispell, MT –May 1, 2017 – The Flathead National Forest, Hockaday Museum of Art, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and Swan Valley Connections selected three Montana artists to participate in the 2017 Artist-Wilderness-Connection (AWC) program. The Artist-Wilderness-Connection Program offers an opportunity to share and help protect the legacy of clean air and water, wildlife habitat, unequaled settings for recreation, reflection and solitude offered by wilderness areas. Art, literature and music have always played an important role in sharing the unique qualities of wild places, inspiring people to protect these special places.
This summer, calligrapher and oil painter Gini Ogle from Kalispell, pastel painter Francesca Droll from Bigfork and writer/poet Morgan Gemay Marks from Helena will spend time in a remote forest cabin in the Great Bear Wilderness on Flathead National Forest. The remote setting offers artists an opportunity to focus on their art, and after completing their residency each artist selects a format to share their talents and residency experience with the local community.
Gini and Francesca are doing their residency together, and creating a future community presentation titled, “Two Sides of Every Story”. Through their work, the two artists want to celebrate the wilderness landscape, raising appreciation for the value of wild lands as seen through an artist’s eyes, especially for those that may not have the opportunity to travel to remote settings.
Through poetry, Morgan hopes to connect people to wild places, encouraging their exploration and appreciation.
Painter Wanda Mumm is showcasing her 2016 residency experience at the Hockaday Museum of Art, through her “Wild Impressions” exhibit, on display now through June 24. Photographer Marilyn Feather, another 2016 AWC artist, speaks about her residency experience on May 30 at the museum.
Art pieces created from past residency experiences over eleven years, are on display at the Hungry Horse Ranger Station.
For more information about the Artist-Wilderness-Connection Program and how to apply, visit http://www.hockadaymuseum.org/ under Artist Opportunities.
