Students adorn Plains business windows for holidays

Art students from the Plains School District fanned out across town last week, continuing a three-decade tradition of painting festive Christmas scenes on the windows of local businesses.

The idea began with Plains art teacher Kristen Cole, who first painted holiday windows as a high school student in Belgrade. Cole said the experience was so memorable and enjoyable that, when she later began teaching in Plains, she wanted to bring that same tradition to her new community. More than 30 years later, the project has become a beloved part of the local holiday season.

This past Thursday, 20 student artists — paintbrushes in hand — set to work across Plains. Several businesses requested specific themes for their windows. 

The U.S. Postal Service chose a parachuting-package motif, brought to life by students Aubree Butcher, Bryson Hoyle, Ashley Ferlan and Mauriella Adams. 

EM’s Café requested a moose theme, with ninth-grader Deven Johnson painting the moose and artists Kiara Brown and Reese Meredith adding their own artwork to the remaining windows. 

At Ripples Ice Cream Parlor, students Emmie Tucker and Kylie Silva created an animal-themed display.

The Plains Public Library selected a design inspired by Gingerbread Friends, the popular children’s book by Jan Brett. Twelfth-grade students Jullian Keeney and Lucy Privett returned for their second year, joined by junior Kaylee Warta, who participated for the first time.

The students provide the artwork at no cost to participating businesses as part of the school’s ongoing commitment to community service. This year’s businesses and public entities included McGowan Grocery, EM’s Café, the U.S. Postal Service, Studs, Fabric Pixie, Clark Fork Valley Hospital, The Circle, Ripples Ice Cream Parlor, Stockman Bank and the Plains Public Library.

Once again, Plains’ young artists brightened storefronts throughout the business district, adding color, creativity, and holiday cheer for all to enjoy.

    Plains junior Kaylee Warta paints a gingerbread man at the Plains Public Library. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Plains freshman Emmie Tucker paints an animal theme at Ripples Ice Cream Parlor. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Eleventh grader Aubree Butcher paints a package drifting down on the parachute at the USPS. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)