It is a rare opportunity to hear an artist speak in depth about what inspires them. On Thursday, August 18th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. the public will benefit from an informal conversation with three of the four artists included in the Yellowstone Art Museum’s Echo: Unspoken Dialects, which remains on view through October 2nd. The exhibition itself includes inspired works that are grand in scale. Together they form a collective wisdom that has appealed to recent patrons on multiple levels that range from serving visitors’ curiosity to satisfying a desire to be surrounded by beauty. Viewers have derived their own meanings from the echo of sincere and intelligent expressions stirred by these Montana artists.
Speaking about the “conversation,” the museum’s curator, Bob Durden, stated “Curators have the privilege of accessing profound moments when speaking to artists in their studios, witnessing firsthand the surroundings that reflect their ‘creative wells,’ and hearing the backstories to what inspires their artistry. The conversations we are hosting will echo these honest dialogs to provide museum visitors with deeper insights into the creative process and artistic intentions of works included in our current exhibition.” During the evening, visitors will have an opportunity to ask their own questions and converse directly with the artists.
The conversation on the August 18th will include participating artists Kate Hunt, Kalispell; Michael Haykin, Boulder; and Jerry Iverson, Big Timber. A second conversation will occur 6:30 -7:30 p.m. on September 8th when Catherine Courtenaye of Bozeman, Montana, will join the museum’s curator in a similar dialog that allows for interaction with visitors.
Echo: Unspoken Dialects was organized by the Yellowstone Art Museum, curated by Senior Curator Bob Durden. The exhibition includes work by artists who are represented in the museum’s Montana Collection. The exhibition is appropriate for all ages, and the conversations will be informative for anyone who is curious about creativity. Members are admitted free, and the general public can visit for a nominal admission free. For more information, visit the museum’s website www.artmuseum.org.
In collaboration with the YAM, the Billings Public Library is exhibiting Hidden Beauty of the Written Word, rare historic documents that provide another viewpoint on language as expressed in visual form. This exhibition is on view at the Library now through August 31.
Michael Haykin seen with Palimpsest: Air and Space, 2016, oil on canvas, each painting is 60 x 36 inches.
Photo is courtesy of the artist.
Yellowstone Art Museum
401 North 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101
406-256-6804
artmuseum.org
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The YAM is the region’s largest contemporary art museum, nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It offers changing exhibitions, art education, a café, an art sales gallery, the Visible Vault, and a 7,500-piece permanent collection. The Yellowstone Art Museum hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. –8 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission: Members and High Five cardholders free, $6 adults, $3 students with valid ID, $3 children 6 – 18, under 6 free, $12 family (2 adults and 3 children max.) $4 discount price (please inquire).
