The Art of Standing AloneFor several years the Tour of the Arts open studio event has been paired with the Seeley Lake Tamarack Festival. The thinking was that the two activities in combination had a better chance of drawing visitors to our valleys than either event alone. Nevertheless, when the Tamarack Festival date was changed, the AAI Cultural Arts Corridor — not without a certain amount of finger crossing — decided that the Alpine Artisans Tour of the Arts would proceed on October 6 – 7, 2012, as a standalone event.

It didn’t take long for the artisan participants to uncross those fingers and reach out to shake hands, because attendance was even better than expected. From 6 to 60+ visitors stopped in at one or more of the seven studios, three galleries, and two museums involved in the Tour. Folks came not only from our surrounding valleys, but also from Missoula, Kalispell, the Bitterroot, Whitefish, Bigfork, Bozeman, and as far away as Alberta, North Carolina, Louisiana, Arizona, Alaska, and Florida! They heard about the event from a variety of sources: the brochure, poster, newspaper ads, the AAI website, highway signage, and by word of mouth. A TOA information booth was set up outside the Grizzly Claw, replacing the one usually available at the Tamarack Festival. John Mercer deserves special recognition for promoting the Tour at various art showings and for specifically inviting a number of people to come.

The various Tour venues reported good to excellent sales, plus a couple of commissions and serious inquiries. Curiously, conversation with visitors revealed that many of them did not realize that buying artwork was actually one of the focuses of the event. As John Mercer put it, “They seemed to be more under the impression that the tour was an open house museum show, with art on display open to the public. They did not walk in seriously looking for art to buy. They were the ones

that bought the cards, like souvenirs.” A quick perusal of TOA promotional materials showed that advertising did indeed emphasize watching artists at work. Colleen Harrington suggested, “Maybe a simple comment on the mkt pieces like ‘pick up an early Holiday gift’ or ‘find something unique for that hard-to-buy-for friend or relative’ could be added in the future.”

Nonetheless, all the artisan participants agreed that TOA worked quite well as a standalone event and should continue in that mode. There was one suggestion that it take place in summer, since that would target a larger out-of-town group, but others felt that timing the Tour to coincide with the fall color changes made folks more willing to drive up and down the valley. As Russ Abolt explained, “The tour seemed to fill a need to visit the country side, particularly for out of town tourists.” Merrily also wanted to remind artisans that the AAI Art Show scheduled for August of next year at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History will make a perfect venue for advertising the 2013 Tour of the Arts.

Russ Abolt explains how he creates art out of found wood

John Mercer’s studio offered a warm welcome

to Tour visitors

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Program Coordinator and 2 Valleys Stage Director Scott Milner ¡ 677-0717scott.milner@alpineartisans.org

Newsletter EditorBetty VanderwielenBox 349, SL 59868 ¡ 677-7474vanderwielen @ blackfoot.net

Web Site CoordinatorSusan Novosel ¡ 754-0064susan.novesel@gmail.com

AAI Officers 2012PresidentCarla Schade ¡ 677-0642gcschade@hotmail.comVice President / Membership CoordinatorLee Boman ¡ 677-8027lboman@aol.com

SecretaryColleen Harrington ¡ 754-2580cnd2580@blackfoot.net

TreasurerKathy Kinzfogl ¡ 754-2461birdfrog@blackfoot.net

2 Valleys Stage LiaisonBob Green ¡ 677-3056bobbycorno@peoplepc.com

CAC LiaisonKen Dvorak ¡ 677-2783kensusanld@blackfoot.net

Loon & Fish Going Wild?The 2012 Loon & Fish Festival added music to the mix, starting Friday evening with an early and enthusiastic “Kick Off” featuring Jack Gladstone, Rob Quist, and David Griffith.

On Saturday the gymnasium was filled with people browsing the ar t and communit y education booths, and watching demonstrations ranging from drawing and painting to leather tooling to yoga. In between, folks grabbed a soup bowl lunch (bowls by Bob Korn, soup donated by area restaurants) and then made their way to the multi-purpose room for presentations on our lakes, on Native American

traditions, on loons, on books about Glacier National Park and the Crown of the Continent, and to hear about the youngsters who had received summer AAI Youth Grants. Some ventured outdoors for the traditional trek to see loon nesting sites, or dropped by the Grizzly Claw in the evening for a book presentation on wildflowers.

Sunday again saw folks browsing the artwork and the community

booths which were supplemented by the Montana Furbearers display of animal skins and dioramas. Bluegrass music echoed around the gym, courtesy of Mark Williams and Trace Stone. The multipurpose room offered reports on wolves a n d e l k s , o n f u e l s mitigation, f i lms on bison and on wilderness o u t f i t te r s ( t h e l a s t accompanied by the filmmakers and a local outfitter, sharing stories about their experiences). Also available on Sunday were the traditional bird and wildf lower walk s outside and a leather sculpting demo inside. The festivities wound to an end with Swan Jazz, featuring Scott Milner and Colleen Harrington, and the drawing of the raffle winner.

Quantitative marks of the success of the 2012 Loon & Fish included strong T-shirt sales; a record number of people on Sunday (usually a low attendance

AAI artists’ booth

Youngsters engaged in the

children’s art project

Montana’s Furbearers Demo

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Volunteers needed now and for the 2013-2014 season. Limited time commitment Cookie Baker: bake a batch of cookies for intermission refreshments

Art in the Lobby: contact artists; set up art before concert

Facility Crew: assist in setting up concert stage, seating, lighting, sound

Announcements: place notices in regional arts calendars (by email/phone) prior to each 2VS concertArticle Writer: write and submit article on performance prior to each concert

Coordinating CounCil MeMbers: the following jobs involve attendance at 6 meetings per season (i.e., prior to each concert)

Refreshment Coordinator: arrange for cookies/coffee/etc during concert intermission

Ticket Sales: sell tickets at the door; document sales and concert attendance

SL Hospitality Coordinator: arrange meals/accommodations for performers.

Volunteer Coordinator: recruit and organize volunteers

Help Wantedfor 2 Valleys Stage

for all positions: contact Scott 667-0717 or email scott.milner@alpineartisans.org

AAI Annual MeetingThe date of the 2013 AAI Annual Meeting will be easy to remember — it’s on the 13th. But don’t think of unlucky Friday the 13th; think of Sunny Sunday, the first day of a new week, the perfect time for potlucks and friendly social gatherings. The month? January, the month named for the two-faced Roman god famous for gazing into both the past and the present at the same time. What does Janus have to do with our Annual Meeting? He’s the perfect visual image of what the meeting is all about. Because after the traditionally delicious potluck meal, we take a look at what we Alpine Artisans have accomplished during the past year, and then we look foward to what we want to accomplish in the future. We re-evaluate, redirect, reaffirm our path for the unfolding new year.

Come at noon for the potluck. The place hasn’t been settled yet, but president Carla Schade says there’s going to be a surprise!

At the end of the meeting we offer a huge thanks to our outgoing Board Members and vote in new ones. There will be two, possibly three, positions to fill this year, so if you would like to be considered, or if there’s someone you would like to suggest, the nominating committee consists of Bob Green (677-3056 • bobbycorno@peoplepc.com), Lee Boman (677-8027 • lboman@aol.com), and Russ Abolt (754-2972 • raabot@blackfoot.net). Give one of them a call, or slip them an email.

day); an average of 50 participants at each of the 10 “Backstage” presentations; and favorable comments about the friendly artists, the children’s art projects, and the music.

So…two and a half days crammed with music and wildlife and natural resources and conservation issues, and – oh yes – art. The question is, is this the direction we want Loon & Fish to be going? When it started, the main focus was on art. Has art now become simply an “oh yes, that too”? This is the question some of our AAI members are asking. And the corollary question: Are those folks who come (in increasing numbers) to hear about wildlife issues, the folks who buy art?

Some suggestions from those who would like to put art back in center place:

- marketing and advertising should include the words “art” and “artist” more often and more prominently

- perhaps the t-shirts should include the name of the artists with booths at L&F

- can we somehow reroute traffic so that visitors pass through the booths on their way to food, films, presentations?

- we need more artists to volunteer to do demonstrations which draw people into the art booth area

Jennifer Dyers’ booth - jewelry and basketweaving

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Connecting the Dot

The newsletter just can’t include it all... Check the AAI website for more information, more photos, and up-to-the-minute news. the Home Page keeps viewers

updated on the latest AAI happenings. the About AAI tab contains our Mission Statement; a listing of all our AAI programs (with hyperlinks to speedily send viewers to more info), an Artists Gallery with photos and info about all our artists; Community Outreach containing such things as Youth Grant Winners, the Artist Grant Program, and the Montana Art Mobile visits to our schools. the Events tab displays an activities calendar; a schedule of upcoming Open Book Club authors and a list of previous author visits; past and upcoming Crown Cinema films; photos of past and news of upcoming Wine & Chocolate and Loon & Fish events . the Tour of the Arts tab has photos and info about touring artist studios, galleries and museums, plus maps and directions to each

Cultural Arts Corridor ReportThe Cultural Arts Corridor(CAC) continues to provide a range of opportunities for the public to engage the arts in the Seeley/Swan, and Blackfoot valleys. CAC assumes responsibility for funding all of its projects. The 2012 operating budget is approximately $7,700, which includes our share of staff expenses, Open Book Club shared expenses, printing and promotional costs for the October Tour of the Arts, and other CAC projects. Grant funding was obtained through the Montana Arts Council from the Montana Cultural Trust and the Council’s Strategic Investment fund. These were supplemented by the TOA participation fee. Cinema and Open Book Club activities are partially funded from donations from event attendees.

In order to offset the rest of the costs, a July Upscale Yard Sale was held in Seeley Lake. AAI members dropped off their gently-used items — clothing, books, art work, candles, furniture, children’s toys — and then came again to find treasure in someone else’s discards. The event raised over $2,000.00.

Since April 2012, Open Book Club has transported a hearty group of armchair voyagers from the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (Pete Fromm

- Indian Creek Chronicles), to a trail-blazing woman’s journey from cattle ranch to academia (Mary Clearman Blew – This Is Not The

Ivy League), to the beauty of Montana’s wildflowers (Sharon Lamar - Mountain Wildflowers For Young Explorers), to tracking grizzly bears across the rugged mountains of Montana and Wyoming (Doug Peacock – Grizzly Years), to the challenges of a young American wife in 1960s Saudi Arabia (Kim Barnes - The Kingdom of Men). There was even a chance to peek at a work-in-progress (Elizabeth Rosner – Electric Light). Still to come is Kate Davis with her marvelous Raptors of the West Captured in Photographs (November 3rd) and Douglas MacDonald – Montana Before History: 11,000 Years of Hunter-Gatherers in the Rockies and Plains (December 1st). Open Book Club — which is open to everyone — meets at 7:00pm at the Grizzly Claw Trading Co.

Many of our author guests drive some distance to get to us, so we want to offer particular thanks to the individuals and businesses in the community who provide them with lodging and/or a meal. Also greatly appreciated are those folks who remember to bring a bottle of wine, a dip, or light finger food to share with the rest of the folks who show up for the readings.

The Crown of the Continent Community Cinema had two screenings of the Montana-produced f i lm, “ Three Miles an Hour,” a documentary about legendary Smoke Elser’s experience outfitting in the Bob Marshall

Wilderness. The first showing came as part of the Loon & Fish Festival and was enhanced by the presence of the filmmakers, John Twiggs and Allison Perkins, who shared delightful tid-bits about the making of the documentary. Jack Rich, who’s family has been outfitting in the Bob for over 50 years, also came to entertain listeners with tales and a little cowboy poetry.

The second showing took place in Condon. Sue Cushman recounts, “It featured a wonderful packing demo by Tom Parker and Rod Bushby with commentary

CROWN

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alpineartisans.org

The username and password is included at the bottom of all email AAI Announcements to current AAI members

. the 2 Valleys Stage tab has information about the season line-up, a season ticket order form, a donor form, photos of the performers working with the kids in our schools; also the names of the Coordinating Council members and a shoutout to the generous contributors who make it all possible. the Opportunities tab connects artists with available grants, with art calls, and with web resources, as well as with volunteer needs within the organization

. and don’t forget the Member Login (on the right hand side of all pages). It gives Members Only access to Board Minutes, the Membership Roster, and Reimbursement Forms (be sure to note the Members Only user name and password below

. AAI also has a Facebook page — don’t forget to

P Like AAI

by Lenard Moore, old time packer and cowboy poet. The demo was outside the Community Hall and preceded the film and was sponsored by the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society. Following the film the 3 packers answered questions, told (tall) tales, and we got some more poetry recital by Lenard. Great fun.”

Stay tuned for word from the CCCC about the next great film. There’s one in the works, but the details aren’t confirmed yet.

Reports from participants at the Summer Market in Seeley Lake indicate that traffic was good and a number of art pieces were sold. The artist booth also served to promote the Tour of the Arts, AAI, and Two Valleys Stage. The market continues to be a good venue for those willing to take advantage of the opportunity.

Roundtable on the CrownFour AAI members — Addrien Marx, Carla Schade, and Steve & Betsey Ellis

— participated in the 3rd Annual Conference on the Crown of the Continent (COTC) held on September 27-28 in Fernie, British Columbia. This year’s theme was “Pathways to Prosperity.” Subtitled “Caring for Communities in the Crown of the Continent,” the 2-day event explored ways to connect peoples and groups in the Crown area so that together they could sustain and strive to enhance our culture, our communities, and conservation efforts.

One specific focus was on the key economic trends and drivers that shape not only watersheds and working lands but also cities and towns. The Conference included several panels addressing a variety of issues that face our communities. Addrien was one of the members of the Perspectives for Public and Private Leaders, which discussed how our communities are adapting to economic, environmental and demographic changes. AAI president, Carla Schade, along with other participants at the “open floor” session, spoke up to emphasize the importance of the arts in carrying and illustrating the message of the COTC.

Holiday Show ‘n’ TellFor the past two fall season, Alpine Artisans has been so busy with a variety of projects that there hasn’t been time to squeeze in our traditional Show ‘n’ Tell event, despite the fact that it’s one of the most enriching and rewarding AAI

events. So the Board is considering combining it with our Holiday Social, thereby making both activities

twice as much fun. Anything you want to bring to talk about and pass around for perusal is welcome — your own artwork, a special holiday decoration, a gift you are giving or have received, a piece of artwork you purchased somewhere, a poem you have written, a new art technique you have just learned — whatever you want to share with your fellow AAI members.

The Board is currently looking for a location to hold the Social. Watch your email blasts for a date, time, and

place.

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AAI Calendar of Events

November 3 -Open Book Club - Kate Davis

Raprtors of the WestGrizzly Claw Trading Co. - 7:00pm

November 4 -2 Valleys Stage

The Cascade QuartetSwan Valley School

3:00pm

December -Holiday Social

TBA

December 1 -Open Book Club

Douglas MacDonaldMontana Before History

Grizzly Claw Trading Co. - 7:00pm

January 13 -Annual Business Meeting

TBAJanuary 20 -

2 Valleys Stage Drum Brothers

Seeley Swan High School7:30pm

February 10 -Wine & Chocolate

TBA

March 10 -2 Valleys Stage Men of Worth

Swan Valley School3:00pm

April 21 -2 Valleys Stage

Repertory Dance Theatre of UtahSeeley Swan High School

3:00pm

AAI Members Learn MAP StrategiesSponsored by Montana Arts Council, the Montana Artrepreneur Program (MAP) aims to teach artists how to make their art profitable. Groups of artists from rural areas of Montana gather in cohorts to learn better business practices. Grants cover most of the cost of the program, but the artists also have to contribute some money.

Making up the S e e l e y / S w a n /Blackfoot cohort were three artists f rom Missoula , along with Alpine Artisans Merrily Dunham and John Mercer of Swan Valley, Jo Ogden and Dona Miller of Seeley Lake, Dona Aitken and Angela Bennett of Ovando. The cohort met once a month for eight months, working on creating a “toolbox” of thirty-five practical business items.

An extra opportunity for MAP artists was a September expense-paid trip to Jackson, Wyoming to visit the Western Design Conference and galleries in Jackson. Forty artists across Montana were selected for this trip — Merrily Dunham among them.

“The trip was wonderful,” said Merrily. “ In spite of being unable to secure a gallery or two in Jackson, I felt it was a great opportunity and I was very happy to be chosen.”

Six months of work culminated with the Artists Gathering 2012 during the last weekend in September. This annual event, sponsored by the Montana Arts Council, allows current and past MAP artist participants to put their skills to work. Ninety artists set up booths to showcase their art work at Flathead Valley Community College Arts and Technology Building. It was a tremendous display of professional art of all mediums and techniques and artists had an opportunity to sell their work to wholesale buyers as well as the general public.

Work shops for the participating artists followed the two-day showing. John and Merrily chose “Internet for Artists,” presented by Creative Capital based in New York City, while Jo and Dona elected other business workshops.

Dona’s booth at Artists Gathering 2012

Merrily Dunham’s booth

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In MemoriamCarolyn Barbieri was an avid and effective “behind the scenes” volunteer for 2 Valleys Stage, taking charge of ticket sales and compiling concert statistics for two seasons until she became seriously ill last year. Her record keeping was notable for its accuracy and completeness; her manner was no nonsense, no fuss, and always gracious. The Barbieri’s also hosted meals for artists at their house in first class style. Carolyn passed away May 9, 2012. We will miss her.

Donations in memory of Carolyn Barbieri, which have accumulated to about $300, will be used toward the purchase of gear or equipment for the 2 Valleys Stage performing arts series. If you wish to make a donation in her name, please send your check to Alpine Artisans, PO Box 841, Seeley Lake, MT 59868. Please put “PA Fund in memory of Carolyn Barbieri” on the check subject line.

Save the DateNo details yet, but the Wine and Chocolate Committee, headed by Ken Dvorak, has already had their first meeting and ideas are percolating. They’ve released a date — February 10th. Beyond that, all they’re willing to reveal is “we are trying something new.” So keep your eyes peeled for upcoming announcements.

The MAP cohort isn’t through yet. Budgets and business plans are next on the agenda. Learning about resumes. cover letters, grant proposal writing, and marketing strategies will round out the course. After completing their 35-item toolbox, artists can apply for Market-Ready certification through Montana Arts Council.

Summing up the experience, Merrily first expressed thanks to AAI member Miriam Hertz for putting together the opportunity for participation in such a great program, and then added, “I recommend any ar t is t who is serious about making a living from their art get involved in the Montana Artrepreneur Program. Next spring there will be new opportunities to sign up. I know there are more AAI artists out there who could benefit from this program. Get involved!”

Jo Ogden’s Booth

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our 2VS Donors

Jeff and Pat ArestyA. Lance Bohlman

Colleen Harrington & John MercerMorris NyquistSusan Novosel

Chris & Catrina StoutBruce Wold

Swan Valley Performing Arts Supporters

2012-2013 Season

Russ & Larrine AboltJune & Gordon Ash

William & Katherine BeersAnne Dahl

Steve & Betsey EllisTom & Mary FitzsimonDavid & Penny JohnsonSteven & Sharon Lamar

Mary Miester & Doug AndersonNina & Dennis Monson

Christopher OwingsDavid & Sandi PoggeGene & Carla Schade

Patricia SinzGeorgina & Walter Staggs

Dan & Susan StoneAlan & Susan Taylor

Cilla Moseley & Doug WillettJill & Rich Wiseman

Jody WolffDodie Wood & Jon Wittrich

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Applause for Our 2 Valleys StageBusiness Supporters

All Decked OutAdvantage Design & Advertising

Blackfoot BakeryBlackfoot Telecommunications

Blue River StationClearwater Montana Properties

D&B Auto PartsDeer Creek Excavating

Deer Country QuiltsDouble Arrow Lodge

The Filling StationFirst Valley Bank

Forest GAPSGlenda's Hair Designs & Tanning

Glen's AutomotiveGrace's Greenhouse

Great Bear PropertiesGrizzly Claw Trading Co.

Heritage Office StopHungry Bear Steak House

Kahnle LawLake Country Builders

Lindey’s Prime Steak HouseLinford Built Construction

The Lodges on Seeley LakeMissoula Electric Cooperative

Montana Public Radio

Youth Being Granted Great OpportunitiesThis summer, Alpine Artisans Youth Grants helped eight eager youngsters explore the arts in a variety of different settings. Some, like Morgan Baker from Lincoln Junior High, had benefitted from previous AAI grants and sought the opportunity to investigate new areas. Morgan took art lessons last summer and produced a wolf drawing which was later published in Signatures from Big Sky, Student Literary/Art Magazine. Says Morgan, “There were about 1000

entries and only 144 were published. Without the art lessons I received last summer, I really don’t think I would have been able to have my artwork published. So, thank you again for this amazing opportunity.” Morgan used her 2012 AAI Grant to learn the art of working with stained glass at Glass Craft in Helena.

Two other youngsters, Rayna Thompson from Lincoln Junior High and Andre Sainsbury from Potomac School, also opted for art classes. Rayna explored 3-D Art and Sculpture through “Kids College” at Flathead Valley Community College. Andre entered two classes at Zootown Arts Community Center. The first class, Stories in Art, focused on “recycled, natural, and found

materials with stories behind them” which in turn become the basis for artists to express their own stories. Andre’s second class involved digital art in the popular computer game Minecraft, which emphasizes creativity and building. Digital citizenship and collaboration were emphasized in the class setting.

Youth Grants for Seeley Swan High School students Adin Kloetzel and Zach Blackburn revolved around music. Adin, who received a previous AAI grant to take piano lessons from Philip Aaberg, this time sought to go to Montana Fiddle Camp “to learn more about playing my second instrument, the mandolin, and to play the music I enjoy with other musicians.” Adin also wanted to “learn more about performing in a band or stage setting.” Zach couldn’t think of anything more wonderful to do with his summer vacation than attend University of Montana Band Camp. Says Zach, “People ask me what I do in my spare time and I just simply say ‘Music.’ Music to me is my way of life, way of expression, and my passion for living.”

Sarai Grace used her grant money for ballet classes. A previous AAI Youth Grant helped introduce her to different types of dance. “ I enjoyed them all thoroughly but the best was ballet,” she reported. Encouraged to continue with ballet, she says, “I had no idea how much I would love it. It was so wonderful.”

stained glass fish created by Morgan

Aidin playing mandolin

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Remember to thank them personally when

you patronize their businesses.

Without these generous donors and supporters

2 Valleys Stage performances

would not be possible.

Passing It OnMerrily Dunham took advantage of an AAI Artist Grant to attend a Frank Francese Watercolor Workshop in Great Falls in May of 2012. Merrily says, “It was very intense. Frank gave two full-sheet watercolor demonstrations a day (a.m. and p.m) for four days. Students were to produce a painting like he had done each time. Frank’s style is very loose, and he uses bright colors and bold shapes. I enjoyed the workshop, and have incorporated some of what I learned into my watercolor process.”

A condition of this AAI Artist Grant is that the recipient subsequently work with our Seeley Swan High School students, either teaching art classes or supervising/assisting with an art project. Merrily and SSHS art instructor Danni Purcell have not worked out a convenient time yet, but Merrily has a project in mind. We might see the results of it around Wine Chocolate time.

Grace demonstrating heaviness of ballet

pointe shoes

Zia receiving award from Miriam Hertz at Loon & Fish Festival

Moose River Bar & GrillPop’s Place

Professional BookkeepingPrudential Montana Real Estate

Pyramid Mountain LumberReMarkable Cleaning Pro

RejuvenateRocky Mountain Adventure Gear

Rovero’sSchwan’s Home Delivery

Seeley Chicken Coop and Lounge Seeley Lake Auto BodySeeley Lake Auto PartsSeeley Lake One Stop

Seeley Swan Medical CenterSeeley Swan PathfinderSeeley Swan VeterinaryStickney Piano Service

Tamaracks ResortValley Bookkeeping & Tax Service

Wold’s Valley Market

Her progress mirrored her enthusiasm and when, having obtained another AAI grant, she again signed up for classes, her teachers recommended she skip from pre-apprentice to intermediate level. She further reports that “halfway through the second semester of the 2011-2012 season I was recommended for pointe shoe evaluations and was declared more than ready!”

Two other grant recipients, Zia Kloetzel from Ovando School and Amber Leetch, sought funds to further their acting aspirations. Amber (you may remember her as a previous recipient and the sole student at Sunset Elementary School) attended the YMCA Theatre Camp. She wrote,

“I love art and would like to do something like acting or singing because I love to sing and act with or without an audience…”

Zia, who went to Summer Theatre Camp, explains, “I like acting because it’s the time you can be someone different, and change your identity. You

can be someone or something that you might not even knew exists: a dragon, a princess, or perhaps a chameleon. I would like this chance to speak through emotions, and someday, be an actress.”

It ’s heartwarming to realize Alpine Artisans has helped open such wonder-ful possibilities to these youngsters. Whether or not they ultimately pursue careers in these fields, it’s gratifying to know that, as Amber so aptly put it, “Art has helped me become a better person.”

2013 Membership FormMembership category: Individual ($30) Family ($40) Business ($45) Youth 18 or under ($10) New

  Sustaining Member* $________/month or … $__________ one time annual donation

Type of membership: Supporter of the Arts Artist (for pleasure, for livelihood, or both)

Brief Description of Art Medium:

Name or Business:

Address/ City, State, Zip:

Phone: E-mail

Payment Method (circle) check Visa MC Credit Card Number

Signature card expiration date

If you would like delayed billing, please indicate: Bill me in the (month) , 2012

The ongoing success of Alpine Artisans is due to its artists and amazing volunteers. May we count on you to help out now and then? Yes, give me a call. No, I’d prefer not.

YES! I want to help AAI achieve its mission and outreach activities with the enclosed donation (you will receive a receipt acknowledging your tax deductible donation) $ Scholarship /Youth Grants $ 2 Valleys Stage Programs

$ Cultural Arts Corridor $ Adult "Starving Artist" Grant $ use my donation where needed

please make your check payable to Alpine Artisans Inc. and mail with this form to P.O. Box 841 ¡ Seeley Lake, MT 59868

Dues ConfusionOops! Our records show a decline in the number of paid members in comparison to last year. This seems to stem from confusion about when the annual dues are actually due. A flyer has been sent to members and supporters to help clear up that dilemma. The front side contains a listing of the important programs and opportunities Alpine Artisans provides to the residents and guests in our valley. It’s quite an impressive list and is intended to...

- make your chest swell with pride because you are a part of bringing such wonderful offerings to our members and our community

- offer thanks to you as a continuing member, because AAI is entirely dependent upon the generous volunteer efforts of its members

- clarify the mission of Alpine Artisans and provide talking points to help you spread the word about AAI and invite new members to join our organization.

The back side of the flyer contains a form where you can renew your membership for 2013. It also has opportunities for you to make an additional contribution to any of your favorite AAI programs (2 Valleys Stage, Cultural Arts Corridor, Scholarship/Youth Grants, Adult Starving Artist Grant). Or, if you prefer, you can use the Membership Form below. For more information on any of the programs, visit www.alpineartisans.org on get in touch with any of the AAI Board members (phone numbers and emails on the Officers sidebar).

New MemberPlease welcome E. L. Predmore as a new member of Alpine Artisans. Our newest member is an artist and painter with a studio in Helena.

Backstageby Scott Milner

11

Our 2 Valleys Stage’s eleventh season is well underway. Our local businesses and restaurants are helping to make the 2012-13 Season brochures available and there’s also an all-season poster that folks can put on the refrigerator for easy date and time reference. We are very proud of the season line-up (the result of many hard choices and the input of several community members) and urge you to attend every concert and school out-reach event you possibly can—these are all wonderful events.

So far we have experienced Shakespeare’s Hamlet on the lawn at the Double Arrow Lodge and a trio of phenomenal young classical artists: Natalie Dungey, trumpet, Rosie Weiss, violin, and Damian Garvey, piano. I have heard many positive comments about both events. Our upcoming concert November 4, 3:00 pm, with the Cascade Quartet from Great Falls, will be the first of two to be held in Condon at Swan Valley School.

The season charges ahead with the amazing Drum Brothers—our only evening concert—7:30 pm, January 20, at SSHS. The delightful Celtic folk duo of James Keigher and Donnie MacDonald, known as Men of Worth, will arrive in Condon March 10, 3:00 pm, bringing their mix of instrumental wizardry, vocal charms and disarming wit. For the season finale we are excited to host Repertory Dance Theatre of Utah, one of the country’s premier modern dance companies, at SSHS gym April 21 at 3:00pm.

Are you thinking that you might be able to contribute something different, new or distinctive, a new idea, or perhaps just quality effort, to help improve and sustain Alpine Artisans’ performing arts series? Then please do get in touch with me, Scott Milner, or Bob Green, or Bill Peabody, or Larrine Abolt or any AAI Board member. There are plenty of opportunities—and plenty of need—for you to make an impact in the operations of this concert and school out-reach program known as 2 Valleys Stage (take a look at the “Help Wanted” sidebar for some specifics).

One great way to get involved is to attend the Montana Performing Arts Consortium (MPAC) Showcase Conference 2013 in Great Falls January 25, 26, 27 (it will soon be time to make hotel reservations and register our AAI attendees). You will get a chance to hear 15-20 professional touring acts that are eager to perform in Seeley Lake/Condon. This conference allows us to reduce costs by scheduling our concerts in juxtaposition with artists’ tours in other parts of Montana. You are also invited to help choose next season’s roster by attending the 2VS Artist Selection meeting (TBA February). or you can email me (scott.milner@alpineartisans.org) with a suggestion or a YouTube link (a CD or DVD that you are willing to lend for a short period is even more ideal).

Keep thinking Arts!

Bonus Value

Remember that buzz word from the last newsletter: “reciprocity concert”? Well we’ve gone from possibility to fait accompli.

Now there is a new bonus benefit to being a 2VS season t icket holder. In reciprocity with Great Falls Community Concerts, being a 2 Valleys Stage season ticket holder now allows you to attend presentations at par ticipating events all around the state for only a $5 admission fee. Enjoy!

www.greatfallscommunityconcert.com

P.O. Box 841Seeley Lake, MT 59868www.alpineartisans.org

AAI Artisans at Work

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