A heartfelt thank you and congratulations is due Dr. Van Kirke and Helen Nelson and the Hockaday Museum for the presentation of the show “A Journey Through History: Art and Artifacts from the Collection of Dr. Van Kirke and Helen Nelson.

It is an all too rare opportunity for a community to be able to view and appreciate private collections of such depth and quality. Not only are the objects fascinating to look at, the lesson of what inspired, educated and committed collecting can accomplish over time should not be overlooked. 

Whether a lover of fine art and culture of the West or an artist, amateur, aspiring or professional, I strongly recommend you see this show at the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell through July 26.

Rob Akey, Whitefish