Art on the Walls show branches out

PLAINS – As the Clark Fork Valley Hospital patients and employees walk through the central hallway, they can experience the beauty of their Montana backyard or the beauty of lands a world away. Their long days can be brightened by the dazzling hues and fantastical painted images. They can see the native bison or eagle staring back at them through space and time.

The grand opening of the second quarter Art on the Walls show took place Thursday, March 27 at 5:00 p.m. As usual, the Sanders County Arts Council members devoted their time and energy to making sure the event was the best it could be.

A good deal of thought and care went into every detail, especially hanging the art submissions. Art Council members Mary McClenahan, Karen Thorson and Joy Nelson were responsible for the wall arrangement.

“[The hanging process] took too long; I think we are too picky,” Nelson said.

The three art council members picked up the submissions at 8:30 am on the Tuesday before the show and finished at around 5:30 that evening. Not only did they want to make sure the art was showcased well, but they also had to return the pieces from the previous show to the rightful owners.

Despite the long day, Nelson said the Art on the Walls event is always fun. She enjoys seeing the new works of art from show to show. Also, the event is very much appreciated by the hospital staff and patients, which makes all of the effort worthwhile.

“This show just brings a new light to the kind of art we have in the county and it is just so enjoyable for all our employees and patients that wander the halls,” CFVH Marketing Director Tonya Revier said.

Revier personally thanked the art council members in her speech at the grand opening.

“Somehow the show keeps getting better and better and I think that has something to do with the art council. This group of ladies really put a lot of hard work into what they do to make this show happen. They do a great job and we really appreciate it,” Revier said.

Some changes made to the show included the guest appearances of some local woodworking artists at the grand opening.

Rick McCollum of Paradise is a custom guitar maker and had a few of his instruments on display. He specializes in guitars made out of Montana wood but customers can specify what they would like. The well-crafted instruments were not just on display, they also supplied the musical entertainment for the evening along with local folk singer Cliff Stephens.

One of the hospital waiting rooms was converted into a showroom for woodworker Joe Ducharme of Plains. His wood turned art includes vases, rollers and bowls that reflect the mosaic style. According to Ducharme, he fashions the shapes of his bowls after the ancient pottery of the Arizona Native Americans.

The woodworking artists could only be featured opening night because there is not a convenient way to display their work in the hospital; however, the additions added more variety to the show.

“We wish we could keep [the featured artists] here but it is wonderful to have them at the opening,” Nelson said. In addition to the two craftsmen, three other new artists submitted work. Earl Cook of Hot Springs submitted an ink piece called “Black Night,” Crystal Kingston of Dixon provided two oil paintings and two photomontages and Cindy Miller of Plains contributed several oil paintings.

The new artists helped make this show one of the largest in the history of Art on the Walls. Sanders County is full of artistic talent and more is still being discovered. The Art on the Walls show is an outlet for the creative to brighten the day of others.

“I think we are meeting a lot of needs that we didn’t even know were there,” Nelson said.

The show will last through June 24 and votes for people’s choice must be in a couple weeks before then.