The Flathead National Forest, Hockaday Museum of Art, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and the Swan Ecosystem Center are hosting a reception and presentation of “Visions of the Wild,” an exhibition of the Artist-Wilderness-Connection program at the Hockaday Museum of Art on Thursday, Aug. 7. 

A reception with light refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. There will be an opportunity to meet the 2014 artists, Northwest Montana photographer Randy Beacham and Bozeman painter Barbara Rusmore. The reception will be followed by a brief presentation by both artists.

The evening’s event will include a slide presentation by Beacham, “Discovering Wilderness through the Lens,” reflecting on his “discovered images’ that capture the uniqueness of the wilderness around Silvertip Cabin where he spent his 12-day residency. Rusmore will share her experiences and painted images from “On the Divide – a view from on top of the Great Bear Wilderness.”

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Artist-Wilderness-Connection Program and the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, a special exhibit of Artist-Wilderness-Connection artwork will be on display at the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell, July 24 through Sept. 13. The exhibit features artwork created over the last 10 years from 31 participating artists.

Flathead National Forest Conservation Education specialist Teresa Wenum said “This is a great opportunity for the public to learn first-hand how artists are inspired by wild places on Flathead National Forest and how this translates into unique pieces.” 

The Artist-Wilderness-Connection Program is a cooperative artist-in-residence program that connects Montana artists and local communities with local wild lands. Professional working artists of various disciplines, media and styles spend time in a remote forest cabin on the Flathead National Forest to focus on their art. After completing their residency, artists select a format to share their talents and residency experience with the community and donate a representative piece of their art to the program

For additional information please contact Conservation Education Specialist Teresa Wenum at 758-5218.