It is a rare opportunity to hear artists speak in depth about what inspires them. On Thursday, September 8th, 6:30-7:30 p.m., the public will benefit from an informal conversation between exhibiting artist Catherine Courtenaye of Bozeman and the Yellowstone Art Museum’s Senior Curator, Bob Durden. Ms. Courtenaye’s work is included in the museum’s exhibition Echo: Unspoken Dialects, which remains on view through October 2nd.
Speaking about the “conversation,” 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. This is the second conversation we’ve hosted to echo these honest dialogs and 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 artist, of whose work Durden states “Catherine Courtenaye uses script—real and invented—to modulate the surface of beautiful color-field paintings. Her calligraphic characters dance and travel through time and space—often balanced with bird imagery to reinforce the themes of flight in her paintings.”
Museum visitors will further their knowledge of art and learn about a community that is hidden amongst us when photographer Jill Brody speaks on the topic of her exhibition Hidden in Plain Sight at 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 22nd. The subject of her exhibition and talk are images from the daily life of Hutterite colonies in Liberty County. The exhibition is appropriate for all ages and remains on view September 1 – December 30, 2016. A public reception takes place at 5:30-7:30 p.m. this Thursday, September 1st.
If anything is commonly known about Hutterite colonies, it is the reputation for being self-contained and private. So much more is the privilege, then, to be able to view this selection of photographs by Jill Brody, a photographer who earned the trust and support of the Hutterite colonies in Liberty County, Montana, to the degree that they allowed her to document their daily lives and share her masterful photographs with audiences who wish to build their understanding of the broad diversity of ways of life among people.
Area art lovers will not want to miss an opportunity to meet with and honor the museum’s outgoing Artist-in-Residence, Neil Jussila who has spent nearly a year in the Gary and Melissa Artist-in-Residence Studio at the museum’s Visible Vault, located at 505 North 26th Street. The reception will take place at the Visible Vault at 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 29th. Light refreshments will be served.
Neil Jussila is a beloved local artist and long-serving former faculty of Montana State University, Billings. He is best known for is widely expressive abstract paintings that are inspired by places and memories. Neil’s latest creations will be on view in the studio.
The museum is a barrier-free facility and free parking is available. Members are admitted free, and the general public can visit for a nominal admission fee. For more information, visit the museum’s website www.artmuseum.org.
Yellowstone Art Museum
401 North 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101
406-256-6804
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).
