The Hockaday Museum of Art announces the Crown of the Continent Gallery Part Two, which significantly augments art and artifacts on display from the museum’s permanent collection.  

Established in 1968 by local artists as the Hockaday Center for the Arts, the Museum’s mission is “to enrich the cultural life of our community and region, and preserve the artistic legacy of Montana and Glacier National Park.”  

In keeping with that mission, the Hockaday has built a strong core with its permanent collection, which includes works from Montana’s most widely known artists. An art storage rack construction project requires that the museum’s vault be temporarily emptied, resulting in an unprecedented amount of art being exhibited in all seven of the museum’s galleries through Feb. 22.  

The walls are covered with rarely seen works acquired during the museum’s 45-year history, and many of the Hockaday’s artifacts are seen in various displays. World-renowned, regional and local artists are represented in “Part Two,” which is an extension of the museum’s regular “Crown of the Continent Gallery” permanent exhibition.  

Subjects include Glacier National Park, Montana’s indigenous peoples, and the Old West. Artists include C.M. Russell, Joseph Abbrescia, Leonard Lopp, Ralph Earl DeCamp, O.C. Seltzer, John Fery, E.E. Heikka, Adolph Heinze, T.J. Hileman, Ace Powell, Mark Ogle, Nicholas Oberling and others too numerous to list.  

The exhibit is a rare opportunity for the public to see the majority of the Hockaday Museum’s permanent collection in one visit.  

“Even those who frequently visit the Hockaday will be excited to see items they may have not seen in many years —- or may have never seen,” Liz Moss, Hockaday executive director, said. “Instantly recognizable styles and works from favorite artists will delight guests. The display is so vast that one could spend at least a couple of hours enjoying everything on exhibit during this time.” 

For more information, visit www.hockadaymuseum.org or call 755-5268.