The Word is Spreading - Loon & Fish 2012Alpine Artisans Vice President, Lee Boman, calls the Annual Loon & Fish Festival a way to “acquaint new people with our valley.” He views the event as “perhaps the single best opportunity for artists and businesses to develop new customers.”

As proof of his vision, the Montana Natural History Center is listing our Festival as one of their Saturday Discovery Days! AAI member, Donna Love, will provide the group with a special loon tour, and they will have plenty of time afterward to participate in all the other Loon & Fish activities.

What’s on their list of fun things to do? The same exciting things available to all of our L&F guests from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday, May 26th:

“Backstage” speakers — Bruce Reiman, Emeritus Fisheries Scientist USFS, “Clearwater Lakes, Past Present

and Future” — Jack Gladstone, interpreter of Native Culture— presentation of the 2012 AAI Summer Scholarship Awards— Ralph Waldt author of Crown of the Continent: The Last Great Wilderness of the Rocky Mountains

— Donna Love, Award Winning Author of Children’s Nature Books with her Totally Out There Guide to Glacier National Park

— Chris Hammond, Kalispell FWP “The Common Loon of Montana”

Educational Booths – US Forest Service; Montana Loon Society; Clearwater Resource Council, Bear Aware, Seeley Lake ROCKS, and others.

And of course, Artist Booths displaying a wide variety of art skillfully created by our own Alpine Artisans

There will also be on-going Demonstrations given both by artisans and by our local students, and the Loon Viewing Walk for the public led by Chris Hammond and Lynn Kelly.

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir T-shirt featuring the 2012 design (by Margo Wilcox); raffle tickets for baskets of goodies; and season tickets to the 2 Valley Stage 2012-2013 concerts.

And for Saturday lunch, our wonderful area restaurants will again donate a variety of specialty soups, and our marvelous —and exceedingly generous—master potter, Bob Korn, will once again provide bowls (decorated with the help of fellow Alpine Artisans). All funds from the Soup Bowl Lunch directly benefit our local Food Bank.

Don’t forget Sunday! Loon & Fish Festival is a two-day event and the fun spills over into Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. If those Saturday Discovery Days folks stay overnight or come up again the next day, they can look forward to

the Wildflower Walk up Holland Falls Trail. The hike proceeds upward at a slow pace—allowing Diann Erickson to point out all the spring flowers— and ends with a closeup view of the falls in one direction and in the other a spectacular panoramic view of Holland Lake and the distant Mission Mountains.

“Backstage” also has more exciting speakers, as well as a film, to offer on Sunday:(continued on bottom of pg. 3)

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W&C - Back to Basics The guiding principal informing this year’s Wine & Chocolate event was the mandate “return it to its origins.” W&C was originally conceived as a social gathering focused on raising money for youth scholarships, and that’s what it became again this year. The 2012 venue, Littlebirds Restaurant, was chosen not only for its coziness, but also because its relatively low rental fee meant less money diverted away from scholarship profits. Striving for frugality, however, in no way meant skimping on the W&C hallmarks: delicious food, good wine (from Missoula’s own 10 Spoons Winery this year), great music (provided by Scott Milner and Colleen Harrington), and wonderful art pieces on display and sold through a silent auction. When all the figures were tallied $2078.98 went to the scholarship fund.

In keeping with the focus of the fundraiser, Chris Stout, Seeley Lake Elementary Superintendent, was the invited speaker. He lauded Alpine Artisans’ commitment to the youth of our community and spoke of what the scholarship program means to students. Also present were Scholarship and Youth Grant recipients and they took a few moments to express their thanks in person. The Ruth Korn Scholarship winner, Chelsea Cahoon, offered a thoughtful explication of what art means to her; Amber Leetch and Isabelle DeLeo charmed the listeners with details of the arts programs they had attended thanks to their AAI Youth Grants; and Morgan Barker showed true artrepeneurial bent by bringing her wares to sell—wallets, coin purses, card holders—all made of duct tape. (She even talked Miriam Hertz into acting as her Seeley Swan sales rep!) And in the spirit of the W&C event, Morgan helped sell raffle tickets and even donated her day’s profits to the scholarship fund.

The eagerly awaited highlight of the day was the announcement of the 2011 Arts Benefactor and, as usual, it went to an extremely involved and perennially busy AAI member: Jenny Rohrer. In between managing her own business, Rohrer Film and Video, and running around to various places to produce terrific documentary films, Jenny has found time to serve terms on the AAI Board as President, Vice President, Secretary, and CAC Liaison. She has written numerous grants to obtain funding for various AAI needs, and has more than once driven to the state capitol in Helena to make the case for greater support of the arts. Her love of film prompted Jenny to inaugurate film viewings as part of the “Backstage”

entertainment at the Fish & Loon Festival, and even impelled her to institute the Crown of the Continent Cinema series which now brings engaging, provocative, entertaining films to the Seeley Swan communities.

In appreciation for all she has done for Alpine Artisans, Jenny was presented with a bouquet of roses and engraved crystal glasses. In addition, she was invited to choose an art piece from among the works of various AAI artists. She finally settled on a barbed wire wreath made by Merrily Dunham.

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 ¡ 754-0064webmaster@alpineartisans.org

AAI Officers 2012PresidentCarla Schade ¡ 677-0642gcshade@hotmail.com

Vice 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

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Loon and Fish Festival is a huge project. Volunteers make it happen — and benefit our entire region.

Greeters: welcome visitors to L&F; answer their questions — Scott 667-0717 scott.milner@alpineartisans.org

Publicity: help spread the word about Loon and Fish through various media — Lee Boman 677-8027 lboman@aol.com

Loon or Fish: don a loon or f ish costume; attend public events promoting our Festival; greet guests at the venue — Pat r icia Bouta 667- 6744 pbouta@blackfoot.net

Sales Booth: take a shift in the booth handling sales for the event — Scott 667-0717 scott.milner@alpineartisans.org

Children’s Art: help with ar t activities either in SLE prior to event or during Festival

— Donna Love 667-3767 tlove@blackfoot.net

Set Up and Take Down:help prepare SLE for hosting the Festival; return it to normal following event — 667-0717 scott.milner@alpineartisans.org

Soup Bowl Decorators: no experience necessary; help Bob decorate bowls to benefit our local Food Bank — Bob Korn 754-2262 kornutopia@blackfoot.net

Help WantedMaking It HappenBob Korn spends a long time alone in his studio fashioning gobs of clay into bowl after bowl after bowl after bowl – all for the sake of the less fortunate people in our community who will find themselves in need of the Food Bank this year. By the time Bob has 125 bowls stacked up around him, he’s thinking how nice it would be to have a bit of help to finish the project. So all you AAI folks out there, come join Bob on Saturday April 28, at 1:00 pm for an afternoon of friendship and bowl painting. If you have art expertise among your credits, wonderful; if not, no problem – you’ll be surprised at how beautiful bowls looked adorned simply with swirls of color. The turn off for Kornutopia, Bob’s studio, is east on Barber Creek road at approximately mile marker 36. Take your first left, and almost immediately turn left again onto Korn’s driveway...drive to the end of it.

We all owe a big thank you to Bob, and to a lot of other generous AAI folks too. Here are a few of the others working hard to make L&F 2012 a spectacular event: Chris and Bud Jewett, Georgina Staggs, Scott Milner, Martha Swanson, Jenny Rohrer, Colleen Nicholson, Kris Gullikson, Miriam Hertz, Donna Love, Patricia Bouta, Carol Brodie, Bill Peabody, Alan Taylor, Littlebird, Lynn Ingham, Lee and Judy Boman, Cathy Harrits, Carla Schade, Colleen Harrington, Bob Green, Ken Dvorak, Georgia Shane, Merrily Dunham, Betty Vanderwielen, Susan Novosel And we still need more volunteers! Check out the Help Wanted column for details.

Snow Sculpting Judging 2012Volunteer Alpine Artisans once again served as Seeley Lake Winterfest Snow Sculpture judges. Along with cash prize awards administered on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce in different categories, the judges also awarded $50 to each of three entries based on artistic merit:

- Trail Blazer 4H in the Big Kids Little Kids category for their very original and professionally executed “Snow Dance Cowboy Style”

- DeLeo Family’s three entries showing artistic talent that must run in the family.

- Doug Richard’s “Ancient Tale of Bear and Raven” which showed sophisticated integration of mythical tale and pure artistic genius

— “Three Miles an Hour” the PBS Documentary on Smoke Elser’s experience outfitting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Filmmakers will be present, as will Jack Rich of Rich Ranch, with tales from his own outfitting experiences.

— Jay Kolbe, FWP Wildlife Biologist, “Elks and Wolves in the Seeley Swan Valleys”

— Megan Brizell, of The Wilderness Society, with “A Colt Creek Update.”

Loon & Fish (cont.)

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Connecting the Dot

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

. latest information on Loon & Fish Festival 2012. color photos of the Wine & Chocolate Social and of Jenny receiving the Arts Benefactor Award (EvEnts tab). schedule of upcoming Open Book Club authors, and review of previous readings (OpEn BOOk CluB under EvEnts). photos and information on the 2 Valleys Stage concerts and informances (2 vallEys stagE tab). particulars on applying for a “Starving Artist” Grant or Youth Grant (FOr Our yOuth on aBOut aaI tab). information on the 2012 Tour of the Arts event (tOur OF thE arts tab). lots of color photos of the Art Mobil e Mon tana vis it (yOuth under aBOut aaI tab -— be sure to click on “continue reading”)

Cultural Arts Corridor ReportThe CAC annual meeting undertook an evaluation of its vision statement, its existing activities, and its finances, pursuing a five to ten year plan. The operating budget for 2012 was set at $7,690.00. A summer fund raiser will be needed in order to balance the budget and the group settled on an upscale yard sale in Seeley Lake, perhaps in late July. A similar event last summer in Condon netted in excess of $3000.00.

The group discussed 2011 art sale marketing, which included two TOA open house events, a booth at Vicki’s Sunday Market, and monthly Saturday open houses offered by some studios. Based on last year’s experiences, the group decided to retain booth space this summer at the Seeley Sunday Market but to forgo monthly attempts and hold a single Tour of the Arts Open House this year in conjunction with the October Tamarack Festival. AAI wishes to encourage as many local artists as possible to participate in the Tour. Those who do not have their own studio have the option of displaying in conjunction with another artist at their site.

Open Book Club held 12 book signings last year. It was a very successful year, with attendance increasing steadily. Doug Chadwick’s event hosted nearly 70 people. In 2012 expenses for Open Book Club will be shared equally by

the grizzly claw and CAC. Efforts will be made to encourage donations for future events in order to meet expenses. OBC upcoming authors

include Pete Fromm on April 21, Mary Clearman Blew on May 19, and Sharon Lamar on May 26.

Last year the Crown of the Continent Community Cinema included 11 screenings in Seeley and Condon, plus 4 hours of films at last year’s Loon and Fish Festival. In 2012 the number of screenings has been reduced to

match the amount of volunteer energy. Jenny Rohrer is seeking volunteers for her CCC working group for 2012. Upcoming: The Montana-produced film, “Three Miles an Hour,” will be screened on Sunday, June 10th at 7pm at the Swan Valley Community Hall.

Co-sponsored with the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society, the evening will also include a panel of ‘old-timer’ Bob Marshall outfitters.

Looking to the future, Merrily Dunham has arranged for a Bigfork Community Art Center AAI Art Show in August of 2013. The Upper Swan Valley Historical Society is planning a gift shop at its museum center, and invites AAI artist participation. It was agreed to allow individual artists to make their own arrangements with the Historical Society.

CAC officer elections were held. Russ Abolt will continue as Chair, with Jenny Rohrer serving as Treasurer and Martha Swanson as Secretary.

CAC members strongly encourage all AAI artists to participate in the summer Sunday Market, the TOA October Open House, and other CAC events. Bring family and friends; serve as our ambassadors to the public. The artists need you and appreciate your support more than you realize.

CROWN

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...of the Continent

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alpineartisans.org

. dates, times, and places for Crown of the Continent Community Cinema showings (EvEnts tab). continually updated AAI events calendar (EvEnts tab). current Opportunities and Art Calls available to our artist members (OppOrtunItIEs tab).website links of interest to our local artists (rEsOurCEs under Opportunities tab). link to our Facebook page (don’t forget to P Like AAI (hOmE tab)

and don’t forget to check out . . .. the online Artists Gallery. the list of 2VS Supporters (2 Valleys Stage tab) - we owe them our gratitude and patronage. forms, reports, and other info for Members Only (Member Login on the right hand side of all pages

AAI Members on the MAPCongratulations to

Alpine Artisans Merrily Dunham, Dona Miller, John Mercer,

Jo Ogden and Angela Bennett. They

have been accepted into the Montana Artrepreneur Program

(MAP) and have already attended their first workshop.

The term “starving artist” may be a clichè, but it’s no joke. MAP, a program of the Montana Arts Council, funded by a USDA grant and

boasting a three-year track record, teaches how to create a framework and develop a sustainable business in art. Participants in a MAP cohort commit to 40 hours of instruction and workshops and create 35 tools for their business toolbox— practical things like creating marketing materials, setting pricing, developing displays for shows, and building a business plan — as they move toward Market-Ready Certification.

In addition to instruction, MAP participants qualify for market-expansion opportunities. The Swan-Seeley Lake-Ovando cohort, which will be led by Claire Emery, a Missoula artist, naturalist, and educator, will attend the September 28-30 Montana Artists Gathering at Flathead Valley Community College. This capstone event will provide our member participants the opportunity to sell work to invited gallerists, store owners, and the general public and will include booth displays by the artists in all ten MAP cohorts around the State (approximately 125 artists in disciplines from horsehair braiding to oil painting). Networking and trainings will be led by Creative Capital of New York City, which will bring successful artists-trainers from New York and Los Angeles to provide top of the line real-world counsel and instruction in funding and career development.

Says MAP coach Claire Emery, “Hands down, MAP has the ability to transform small-scale artists in contemporary and traditional arts into dynamic, creative entrepreneurs who can sell their work within and beyond state borders. This is an incredible opportunity for artists who want to grow into new possibilities and increase their income from their creative work.”

Specifically for visual artists, MAP admits individuals working in every and all media, from oils to glass, from leather to textiles and fibers, from metal to photography. Artist participants need to have developed a body of work and have some computer skills. The size of each cohort group is kept small to insure that participants receive the full benefits of this learning experience. There are also mentorship and internship opportunities. More information about the Montana Artrepreneur Program is available online at the Montana Arts Council web site http://art.mt.gov.

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

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AAI Calendar of Events

April 21 -Open Book Club - Pete Fromm

readingsGrizzly Claw Trading Co. - 7:00pm

April 22 -2 Valleys Stage

Eden Atwood, David MorgenrothSeeley Swan High School

3:00pm – 5:30pm

April 28 -bowl painting for L&F

Bob Korn’s house - 1:00pm

May 1 -application deadlines!Ruth Korn Scholarship

Youth GrantsMay 19 -

2VS Volunteer Appreciation picnic - 2:00pm

May 19 -Open Book Club - Mary Clearman Blew

???Grizzly Claw Trading Co. - 7:00pm

May 25 -Family Concert - AAI benefit

Jack Gladstone, David Griffith, Rob QuistSeeley Swan High School - 7:30pm

May 26-27Loon & Fish Festival

Seeley Lake Elementary SchoolSat. 10 - 5; Sun. 10 - 4

May 26 -Open Book Club - Sharon Lamar

Mountain Wildflowers for Young Explorers

Grizzly Claw Trading Co. - 7:00pm

June 10 -Cinema -"Three Miles an Hour"

plus ‘old timer’ outfittersSwan Valley Community Hall - 7:00pm

Annual Meeting Suggestion BoxGathering at the Condon Community Hall, Alpine Artisans preceded their Annual Meeting with the traditional (and delicious, as always) potluck meal. While folks sat back to let their food settle, President Carla Schade directed an accounting of the year’s efforts and plans.

Of particular note was AAI’s entrance into the world of social media—we have a Facebook page! AAI Program Coordinator Scott Milner explained that, in addition to our alpineartisans.org website, this additional web presence is intended to broaden the reach of Alpine Artisans by increasing awareness of the organization and its artist members as well as serving as an additional avenue for promoting AAI events. “In the Spotlight,” formerly an article in the newsletter touting awards and media recognition of our members, and more recently a feature on the AAI website, will now be handled as postings on our Facebook page. As soon as an artist receives some form of noteworthy recognition, he or she can connect to FB and post it immediately. Others can just as quickly respond with congratulations, or indeed, post any message they wish—comments on a 2VS concert, questions about an upcoming event, notice of an opportunity that would be of interest to their fellow artisans …

The business portion of the Annual Meeting concluded with a sincere thank you to outgoing Board Members Carol Brodie, Georgia Shane, and Merrily Dunham, and approval by acclamation of Colleen Harrington (new Secretary), Kathy Littlebird Kinzfogl (new Treasurer, with assistance from Judy Boman), and Ken Dvorak (new Cultural Arts Corridor Liaison). Both Carla Schade and Lee Boman will retain their positions for another term (President and Vice President/Membership Coordinator respectively) .

The last part of the meeting aimed at soliciting the opinions and desires of the membership. To maximize member input, participants were divided into groups, all given the same four topics to discuss, and tasked with reporting their comments and suggestions to the larger group and ultimately to the Board.

Membership — how to maintain/increase

— issue personal invitations to prospective new members

— develop a packet to be given to interested individuals — have recommending member personally follow up — feature Tour of the Arts in packet — make packets available at all events and printable from website

— provide a “sample speech” and provide talking points to be utilized by current members

— have a new member orientation 2-4 times a year (invite potential members also?)

— allow membership renewal to be handled online (look into credit card payment online)

Communications (2 newsletters/yr; 2 email Blasts/mo.; website; Facebook) – are they effective — what could be improved— upgrade email appearance and provide hyperlinks to additional information

whenever possible

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— send shorter but more frequent email Blasts (4/month)— identify action items in the subject line and give longer lead time on them— have separate email lists for artists, supporters, and non-members (gauge

which information would be of interest to which group or groups)— have a monthly art column in PathfinderNo doubt you have already noticed that Program Coordinator, Scott Milner, has put these email Blast suggestions into effect. Additionally, the Board has decided to make the newsletter available on the AAI website (alpineartisans.org) and encourages members to access it there. This measure will have the added benefit of decreasing printing costs.

Volunteers — how to increase number of engaged members — how to show appreciation

— identify each member’s areas of interest and match with appropriate volunteer opportunities

— continue to recognize outstanding volunteers through Art Benefactor Award

— encourage volunteerism at New Member Orientation — acknowledge member volunteers during Orientation events

— provide an annual dinner banquet to honor volunteers (and provide entertainment)

— use Christmas Social as venue for thanking volunteers (read names and elicit applause)

— ask committee Chairpersons to commit for a specified time (2 years?) and find own successor (to be trained during event preparations ; will therefore feel confident to assume Chairmanship following year)

And speaking of volunteers… AAI needs grant writers and will provide “training” (either by local folks who have previously been trained or at a more formal level if desired). Note: grant writing is a useful skill that also can be applied to your own art business needs.

Programs — which matter most — what needs to be enhancedDrawing the most mentions: 2 Valleys Stage Loon & Fish Open Book Club Shakespeare in the ParkThose which deserve or have opportunities for enhancement:— Art at the Medical Center – this is a worthwhile venue not only for artist

visibility but also as a benefit to the community, yet it is getting harder and harder to find artist who wish to display

— Farmers Market – also good visibility for AAI as well as individual artist, yet there has been difficulty keeping it manned

— Tour of the Arts – attendance by AAI members has been disappointing; visiting is not just about buying, it also provides support and encouragement for our artists

— Scholarship fund – the more money that can be generated, the more opportunities we can offer for advancement in the arts

— Shakespeare in the Park - attendance has been good; there are opportunities for making it a bigger event

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our 2VS Donors

Jeff and Pat ArestyJune Ash

Bonnie Donohue Claudia Kux

Erik & Kris Gullikson Dona Miller

Clark & Sandi RidgewayChris & Catrina Stout

Swan Valley Performing Arts Supporters who

donated Spring of 2012Russ & Larrine Abolt

William & Katherine BeersBob & Sue Cushman

Anne DahlSteve & Betsey Ellis

Tom & Mary FitzsimonDavid & Mary Johnson

Steven LamarThomas & Joan McGuire

Neil & Dixie MeyerJanice Mielke

Mary Miester & Doug AndersonNina & Dennis Monson

Christopher OwingsGene & Carla Schade

Patricia SinzGeorgina & Walter Staggs

Dan & Susan StoneAlan & Susan Taylor

Ado Moseley & Doug WillettJill & Rich Wiseman

Jody Wolff

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Students Enjoy Portable Art GalleryAr t Ins truc tor Jenni fer Thompson drove the Art Mobile of Montana van right up to the doors of our schools — Swan Valley Elementary on February 28th, Seeley Lake Elementary on the 29th, and Seeley Swan High School on March 1st . She unfolded backboards, freed paintings and photographs from their traveling crates, unwrapped sculptures and ceramic pieces, and stood beaming as students meandered through her portable art gallery pointing out discoveries to one another.

By the time the students settled themselves for the presentation, questions were bubbling up. Of particular interest was the mini-installation called “Gloves” consisting of three dirty old work gloves stiff from a heavy resin bath and hanging suspended from rods. Jennifer introduced the concept of installation art, explaining that the complete work used fifty individual gloves, took up one whole wall of a building and involved special lighting that created intriguing shadow effects.

After Jennifer had discussed a number of the art and sculpture works, passed around the touchable art named “Five Spiritual Pieces,” and introduced a variety of new ideas for the students to mull over, smaller groups of youngsters returned for an art lesson. With the elementary groups, Jennifer took a few minutes guiding them to visualize a specific favorite place, then challenged them to recreate that place in a landscape box using sand, dirt, sticks, stones, and a variety of other natural materials she provided. The students surprised themselves and their peers at their inventiveness.

Alpine Artisans has, for a number of years, helped bring Art Mobile Montana to our schools. but this is the first time the opportunity has been extended to the high school students. Jennifer’s presentation to them focused on different works in the display, included more detailed information, and offered a more mature discussion of the works. For the art project with the high school groups, Jennifer challenged them to create an “I Care” collage using magazine photos depicting things that were particularly meaningful to them. After their collage was complete, Jennifer directed them to formulate a single sentence arising out of their art work. It was gratifying to watch the students’ growing involvement with the project and the sense of pride and ownership they displayed as their individual collages became more personal and more expressive of themselves.

Jennifer even found time to fit in an unscheduled pre-school group, briefly sharing with them illustrations from a picture book illustrator, and allowing them to pass around the touchable art.

Applause for Our 2 Valleys StageBusiness Supporters

All Decked OutAdvantage Design & Advertising

Blackfoot BakeryBlackfoot TelecommunicationsClearwater Montana Properties

Deer Creek Excavating Deer Country Quilts

Double Arrow LodgeFarmer's InsuranceThe Filling StationFirst Valley Bank

Gateway Printing - MissoulaGlenda's Hair Designs & Tanning

Glen's AutomotiveGrace's Greenhouse

Great Bear PropertiesGrizzly Claw Trading Co.

Heritage Plumbing & HeatingHeritage Office Stop

Hungry Bear Steak HouseKahnle Law

Lake Country BuildersLindey’s Prime Steak HouseLinford Built ConstructionLisa Holzworth, Nail Tech

The Lodges on Seeley LakeMary Kay

Missoula Electric CooperativeMontana Public RadioMoose River Bar & Grill

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On the Scholarship Front…Spring is the busy season for the Alpine Artisans Scholarship Committee as they begin the process of selecting award winners for the Ruth Korn Scholarship and the Youth Grants. Plus, as the result of the generosity of AAI supporters (both artists and art appreciators), the Scholarship Committee is excited to announce the return of the Starving Artist Grant Program.

Starving Artist ProgramWhO shOuld apply: AAI artists interested in a special arts project or opportunity which is just beyond your financial reachdEadlInE: none – you may apply any time, all year roundamOunt OF aWard: up to $500applICatIOn prOCEss: — write a letter describing your proposed art project or opportunity - include a budget detailing how you would apply the award money - include published or marketing-related materials about your art

opportunity, if any existrEquIrEmEnts: Award artists will be asked to donate their time during one school day at Seeley-Swan High School where you will teach classes in your particular art form and also integrate your art form into other classes that day. JudgIng CrItErIa: the artistic merit of the request; current availability of funds; number of others applying for assistance

Ruth Korn Scholarship ProgramWhO shOuld apply: graduating high school and home-schooled students in the Alpine Artisans region who plan to continue their education in the arts (music, drama, fine & graphic arts, dance, etc.). amOunt OF aWard: $600 to $1,000 dEadlInE: May 1, 2012applICatIOn prOCEss: — submit a 500-750 word typed essay which includes - why you wish to be considered for a Ruth Korn Scholarship - your background in the arts (include mention of people, places and

events that have influenced you to pursue the arts) - where you envision yourself to be five years from now, in relation to your

chosen art— three letters of recommendation, at least one from a current teacher— copy of your high school transcript— portfolio of your workrEquIrEmEnts: Applicants will interview with the AAI Scholarship Committee

Youth Grant ProgramAlpine Artisans is proud to sponsor its Youth Grants again this year. For this program, “art” is defined as music, visual arts (drawing, pottery, etc.), drama or dance.WhO shOuld apply: K-12 and home-schooled students in the Alpine Artisans region wishing to attend summer art workshops and camps or to pay for art lessonsamOunt OF aWard: up to $300 dEadlInE: May 1, 2012applICatIOn prOCEss:— submit a letter telling about themselves and why you wish a grant

(continued on pg. 10)

Pop’s PlaceProfessional Bookkeeping

Prudential Montana Real EstatePyramid Mountain LumberReMarkable Cleaning Pro

RejuvenateRovero’s

Schwan’s Home DeliverySeeley Chicken Coop and Lounge

Seeley Lake Auto BodySeeley Lake Auto PartsSeeley Lake One Stop Seeley Sport Rentals

Seeley-Swan Medical CenterSeeley Swan PathfinderSeeley Swan VeterinaryStickney Piano Service

Swan Ecosystem CenterTamaracks Resort

Timberline Building MaterialsValley Bookkeeping & Tax Service

Wold’s Valley Market

Remember to thank them personally when

you patronize their businesses.

Without these generous donors and supporters

2 Valleys Stage performances

would not be possible.

Membership Update

During 2011 the number of paid members grew

from 76 to 131

— that’s an increase of

55 members or 72%

Our goal is to finish 2012 with 150 members.

Congratulations and thanks to all the AAI members who have helped increase the support and availability of art in our region by introducing new folks to Alpine Artisans. Keep spreading the word.

2012 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

- include amount requested and how the funds will be used - include information about the desired camp, class, workshop, or lessons

(if possible, provide informational brochure or a website address) - include your name, mailing address, and phone number

— submit a letter of recommendation from your teacher or someone else in support of your artistic passion or talent

plEasE sEnd all applICatIOns tO

aaI sChOlarshIp COmmIttEE - p.O. BOx 841 - sEElEy lakE, mt 59868

The programs of the Scholarship Committee are made possible through the contributions of many in the community, all of whom share a deep interest in supporting working and budding artists. Our rich cultural corridor is unique and significant, and our artists in all disciplines, of all ages, are worthy of multi-faceted Alpine Artisans support. For more information about the above programs, contact Miriam Hertz (677-0717 or mhertz@blackfoot.net)

(Scholarship / Youth Grants cont.)

Holiday ThanksSharon and Dan MacQuarrie once again offered their house for that special day in December—The Annual Alpine Artisans Holiday Social—when we forget about business issues and about planning for the next activity, and just come together to enjoy fellowship and great food and look back with satisfaction on the past year. As usual, the MacQuarrie’s were wonderful hosts and we thank them most heartily and sincerely.

Backstageby Scott Milner

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As I am writing this, many “irons are in the fire” for 2 Valleys Stage. This is the crucial planning time for next year’s roster (2VS’s 11th), and already letters of agreement have been signed by several artists. Major grant writing and fund raising pertaining to the 2012-13 season is nearly completed and school contracts have been sent. The goal is to have the season finalized, the new brochure designed and printed, and all fundraising pertaining to next season in place by Loon & Fish Festival, May 26, when season tickets go on sale. A fair number of pieces need to fall into place in the next few weeks, but I am pleased with progress so far and anticipate that we will be in good shape by L&F.

So far we have confirmed residencies with Natalie Dungey, an incredibly gifted young trumpet player; the Cascade String Quartet for the fall; Men of Worth (Celtic folk duo) in March; and the Repertory Dance Theatre of Utah in April. And — exciting news — generous donors have allowed us to restore a fifth residency, plus Shakespeare in the Parks in August of 2013. I will not mention the other prospective artists here except to say they will be fabulous.

This year so far we have been truly blessed with outstanding school outreach and concerts by Foothills Brass, Jack Gladstone and Dolce Canto. Concert attendance has been markedly up, with about 200 persons hearing Jack Gladstone and David Griffith with the Seeley-Swan honors choir.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks this year marks the 40th anniversary of the company with its first ever offering of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, Hamlet, Friday, August 24, 6:00pm at the Double Arrow Lodge grounds. As always the performance will be free to the public. If the raves of the audiences at our past MSIP presentations augers truly, we may look forward to a memorable summer event to end the 2011-12 season.

Before then, please plan to attend a picnic in honor of our volunteers and supporters to be held Saturday, May 19, 2:00pm, tentatively at the Homestead Cabin on the Double Arrow ranch.

All best wishes to the many music lovers who keep us going by purchasing season tickets and who are bringing more and more families to our concerts. Congratulations on a great 10th anniversary season! One final special note: Jack Gladstone and David Griffith return, with Rob Quist, for a family concert to benefit AAI Friday, May 25, 7:30 pm (a kick-off for L&F) at SSHS. Keep thinking Arts!

Jazz ChangeWe are sad to report that Paul Tillotson, who was scheduled as our featured jazz pianist for the final 2011-2012 residency, is gravely ill and will be unable to perform.

But as one door closes another opens.

I have been in contact with David Morgenroth and Eden Atwood and it is our good fortune that, on very short notice, both these outstanding jazz artists out of Missoula have agreed to perform the full residency. Don’t miss the concert Sunday, April 22, 3:00pm at Seeley Swan High School. And don’t forget, children 18 years and under are admitted free.

Stay TunedNew buzz word: “reciprocity concert.” What does it mean? It means if 2 Valleys Stage establishes

“reciprocity” with the Great Falls Community Concert Association, 2VS season ticket holders would be able to attend the concerts of presenters around the state for only five bucks! Your 2VS Director is looking into it.

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

AAI, MAM, and Ansel AdamsAvid supporters of both Alpine Artisans and the Missoula Art Museum, Pat and Jeff Aresty arranged for a special meeting of the two when MAM opened its Ansel Adams: A Legacy exhibit. Making the day trip even more appealing, Pat and Jeff provided a delicious soup-and-salad (and dessert!) lunch to start off the visit. It will come as no surprise that the double invitation enticed a large and enthusiastic group of AAI folks to wend their way to Missoula.

The exhibition consisted of over 130 prints, on loan to MAM courtesy of Thomas and Lynn Meredith. You don’t have to know much about art to know that Ansel Adams is the acclaimed master of black and white photography, or to appreciate his stunning landscapes. But having an artist docent lead our tour intensified our enjoyment and made the event so much more enriching. Another wonderful bonus came from listening to the AAI photographers in our group discussing techniques such as Adams’ “zone system.” We particularly appreciated the insights of Steve Ellis, whose art, like that of Ansel Adams, is primarily centered around

black and white photography and the play of light across landscapes.

The MAM exhibit encompassed more than outdoor landscapes however; it also included a number of portraits. Preferring candid to posed shots, Adams had a knack of capturing the essence of his subjects, and it was delightful to also see this side of his craft.

Thanks again to Pat, Jeff, and MAM for providing us with such a wonderful outing.