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Artwalk Features Twenty Downtown Galleries

 Twenty galleries in downtown Billings will host receptions featuring local and regional artists and their works, free to the public, Friday evening, February 3, from 5 to 9 p.m.
 Grab your sweetheart for an early Valentine’s treat and enjoy art, music, and refreshments all on one night.
 The Fun Express Bus will offer free bus tours starting at Good Earth Market/Wetzel parking lot at 5 and 7 p.m. and at Level 504 at 6:30 p.m. Follow Billings Artwalk on facebook to see artists’ offerings that will be part of the festive evening.
 Read the stories of the featured artists throughout this issue, and stop by the highlighted galleries to meet the artists, enjoy a beverage, snacks, fine hors d’oeuvres and music.
 It’s the Billings Artwalk Association’s Valentine’s gift to visitors and residents alike.

Highlights include:
 The Billings Gallery of Fine Art will present fourth generation jewelry craftsman, Jack L. Gohn. He received his formal training from the Bradley Horological School in Peoria, Illinois, and from the Gemological Institute of America. His work has been featured in Art Jewelry magazine. More than 25 other local and regional artists are represented in this gallery located in the historic Babcock Theater building. The Billings Youth Orchestra will feature young musicians and their talents during the evening at Billings Gallery in the Arcade Gallery.
 Q’s Art & Frame Shop, 1511 Sixth Ave. North, will feature watercolor painter, John Langeliers. A student of Nels Olsen, Ben Steele, and Tony Couch, he will be demonstrating techniques during the evening. Jayme Mitchell will also demonstrate etching techniques that involve metal, wax and acid. Other artists that will be represented are Elliott Eaton, Tyler Murphy, Mike Capser, Loren Entz, John Armstrong, Tom Mulford, Mike Jennings, Grace Bailey, Joi Ostefjellse and the Knows the Gun family.
 The Good Earth Market presents Rachel Larson Long, a local artist and teacher specializing in printmaking. “Life Lessons” includes acrylic and mixed media. She will present a gallery talk on the exhibit at 6:30 p.m. Live music will be included.
 Global Village hosts Rocky Mountain College student and photographer Benjamin Sherman. The senior has traveled extensively with a camera in his hand.
 US Bank will host a reception at 303 North Broadway for two photographers, Tracy Moore and Warren Dignen, and landscape oil painter, Davi Nelson. The Billings Youth Orchestra will feature young musicians and their talents during the evening at US Bank.
 Other participating galleries include the Billings Food Bank, Cline Fine Art of Montana, CTA, Harry Koyama Fine Art, Level 504, McCormick Café, Navigate Art, Prairie Blossoms, Prodigal Gallery, Purple Sage Gallery, Sandstone Gallery, Susan Germer Studio, Sunrise Studio and Gallery, Toucan Gallery, and the Yellowstone Art Museum.
 Visit artwalkbillings.com to see the map and the location of all the galleries and businesses that are participating. For more information call 259-6563.

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Artwalkers Get Sneak Peek at Koyama Masters Painting

 Artist Harry Koyama of Harry Koyama Fine Art, will be meeting and greeting artwalkers at his studio and gallery at 2509 Montana Avenue during the Artwalk Friday, February 3, from 5-9 p.m. Koyama’s newest works will be on display.
 Artwalkers will get a sneak peek at the Koyama paintings to be shown at the juried Western Masters Art Show and Sale at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls March 14-17. The annual Masters event features artists from across the United States. It is one of the premier art gatherings of the year.
 “Spirit of the Bison,” a 24-x-30-inch oil, is the focus of attention for the Artwalk. It will be sold in the Off the Wall auction at the Western Masters on Friday, March 16. Koyama will also be participating in the Quick Finish artists in action event, which precedes the auction.
 Koyama applauds this Friday’s event as a “double delight,” since it combines the downtown Billings First Fridays event with the Artwalk.
 The Koyama Gallery is always a colorfest. Native American dancers, a favorite of Koyama’s studies, swirl and stop in colorful array in his studio. On display are recent wildlife and landscape paintings along with some newer abstract work. Horses on his canvases stir with action and rich color. Koyama focuses on oil painting as a means of artistic expression, finding an affinity to impressionism.
 His paintings reflect an attraction to the use of interesting texture. Most of his work is done with the painting knife in combination with a bold color scheme.
 Koyama’s style is unmistakable. Walk into a room enhanced by one of his paintings, and his work speaks out to you like an old friend hailing you warmly.
 Paintings range in size from 8-x-10 inches up to 4-x-5 feet.
 Professional memberships include Oil Painters of America and the Oil Pastel Society with gallery representation in Montana and Wyoming.
 The gallery is regularly open Monday through Saturday.
 Visitors are always welcome to Koyama’s working studio.

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Impressionistic Color Leaves Wempner’s Paintings Awash with Passion at Purple Sage Gallery

 The Purple Sage Gallery, 2511 Montana Avenue, is featuring the work of oil painter Shirle Wempner during the February 3 Artwalk. Enjoy wine and snacks at the reception from 5-9 p.m.
 Wempner was raised on a horse ranch in Billings, Montana, and spent most of her childhood out on the land roaming freely on the back of her horse.
 Several years ago, with the encouragement of her family and friends, Wempner began to rediscover, explore, and expand her artistic talents. Predominately a self-taught painter, she has studied with Jack Hines, Jessica Zemsky, Thomas English, and Carolyn Anderson, who have greatly encouraged the spirit of her work.
 Being drawn to images that encompass figurative exploration and wildlife images, she paints with an impressionistic style, incorporating bright colors and bold brush strokes to capture the essence of the subject matter reflected in her final painting.
 Wempner has participated in several quick draw live auctions, instructed painting workshops, and participated in several art shows and fairs around the states of Montana, Washington, California and New Mexico. Her paintings are in private collections around the United States and she is represented in several galleries in Montana.
 “I strive to create a passionate connection with my subject matter ... enjoying the unfolding of the final painting through brush strokes and vibrant colors, encouraging the viewer to join me on my exploration. Emotions are what touch and form our souls, and a churning of emotions is what I strive for in each painting I create.”
 Other gallery artists include Greg Eiselein, Janet Bedford, Thomas English, Dale Marie Muller, Diana Mysse, Berna Loy Ost, Judy Robertus, Carolyn Thayer, and Robert Tompkins. Custom Wood Designs by John Felten, Pottery by Tana Patterson, Fused Glass by Dione Roberts, Scarves by Neck Candy, Jewelry by Buffalo Gals Designs and Mountain Stonewear.
 “Please join us for the February Artwalk,” said Gallery Manager Gayle Tompkins. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 4.

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Santa Clara Pueblo Artist’s Stone Polished Figures at Cline Fine Art

 Wayne Snowbird was born in 1958 and has been making pottery since 1969. He specializes in stone polished spiritual beings, chess sets and animal figures. He digs his clay from the Santa Clara Reservation, uses natural slips, natural paints and fires his pottery outdoors. He is a self-taught artist. He has won First Place at Santa Fe Indian Market and Best Of Show at Jemez Red Rocks Show.
 Cline Fine Art introduces the works of Snowbird at the Friday, February 3 Artwalk from 5-9 p.m. Gallery owner Geoff Cline brings a broad canvas of art to Billings, Montana.
 “We have a total of nine of Wayne Snowbird’s exquisite pieces on display at the gallery for the Artwalk,” said Cline. “He was first known to me when I had my gallery at 526 Canyon Road in Santa Fe in the 90s. He was always a top award winner at the famous Indian Market in Santa Fe. What a pleasant surprise to have him walk into my gallery here in Billings on a recent visit to his relatives who live here. What a great opportunity for our Billings collectors to see his sought-after work. Please come in to get the true perspective of these beautiful pieces.”
 Cline Fine Art is in a unique setting at 120 North Broadway in the Babcock Theater corridor gallery. It is a summit gallery for Billings, offering some of the most renowned brush strokes, sculptures and subject matter on the continent.
 Founded in 1985, Cline Fine Art specializes in 20th century and contemporary art from the Americas, with a focus on early Modernism, Southwest Regionalism and Abstract Expressionism. The gallery maintains a strong inventory of works that include figurative, abstract and landscape painting, works on paper and sculpture. Cline Fine Art is a member of the Fine Art Dealers Association (FADA). Contact the gallery at (406) 696-4672 or clinefineart.com.

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Take the Elevator or a Flight of Stairs to Note Card Heaven ... Then Find the Perfect Jewelry Gift to go With the Card

 Susan Germer (susang) will welcome guests to her studio during the Artwalk Friday, February 3, from 5-9 p.m.
 Original watercolor note cards are the newest addition to her array of artwork. “I sold out of my last two selections and have been working to have many more available,” said Germer.
 Her fine silver jewelry, pastels, bead embroidery art and watercolor paintings will also be shown. susang studio is located in the Carlin Hotel at 2501 Montana Avenue, Second Floor, Suite 8. Take the elevator or the historic stairway at the Carlin.
 Jewelry is Germer’s main focus. She incorporates fine silver (PMC – precious metal clay), vintage beads and semi-precious stones. Each piece is unique and signed by the artist.
 “I love it when people tell me that their favorite pieces are ones that I created,” said Germer. She has been working with PMC since 2004 and has taught adult classes at the Yellowstone Art Museum and enjoys teaching kids at the Summer Art Academy held at Rocky Mountain College. Her jewelry and artwork have found  homes in many places across the country. Contact her at 406 671-7176 or susang@bresnan.net.

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Toucan Features Woodcut Trout by Dell Despain

 For the Artwalk in Downtown Billings on February 3, Toucan Gallery presents the hand-painted woodcut trout of Billings artist Dell Despain.
 As a professional fly-fishing guide, Despain responds to the ebb and flow of Montana’s seasons. He is necessarily busy in the warm, fishing-friendly seasons of spring and summer, and finds himself quite a bit less so during the long stretch of Montana’s winter.
 In this off season, drawing and painting have come to fill the unaccounted-for time in Despain’s schedule. This was not always the case, however. After studying fine art at the University of Utah, Despain found himself pulling away from art and searching for other ways to interact with the world.
 Eventually, his friendship — a friendship born, ironically, of a shared love of fishing — with an artist, Red Lodge watercolorist Dave Vogel, brought Despain back to art.
 Despain was introduced to Vogel’s process of making woodcut trout and, inspired by what he had seen, Despain reached back to call upon his own training as an artist to begin to develop a personal approach to representing in art the famous Montana trout to which he had long dedicated his way of life.
 The result of Despain’s productivity, a powerful combination of life and work and nature and art, will be on display at Toucan Gallery for the Downtown Billings Artwalk on Friday, February 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Toucan is open regularly Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Kennedy Stained Glass Moves to Heart of Downtown

 Kennedy’s Stained Glass is now in a beautiful new location in the heart of downtown Billings. You can’t miss the shop, since its stained glass works fill the windows with the magic of transparent color.
 Tucked away in the back corner of the artist’s haven known as Level 504 for 30 years, Kennedy’s Stained Glass has created the most wonderful eye candy you will see in Billings.
 Transparency in beautiful colors, shapes and themes has been the hallmark of this iconic Billings business for three decades. Join Susan Kennedy Sommerfeld and her staff as they celebrate their 30th birthday year during the Friday, February 3, Artwalk from 5-9 p.m. at their new location, 2923 Second Avenue North, on the corner.
 Always available at Kennedy’s are sparkling stained glass windows, colorful fused glass, unique jewelry, brightly-colored mirrors and other art glass that will bedazzle and inspire the beholder. What makes it more of a treat is that the working studio is attached to the gallery, so you can actually see work in progress. In fact, the artists will be working on a myriad of custom orders that seem to have flooded in at the new location.
 “We’ll have refreshments for Artwalkers and are delighted to show everyone around our new shop,” said gallery owner Kennedy Sommerfeld.
 Leaded glass windows are the mainstay of Kennedy’s Stained Glass because they incorporate the centuries-old tradition of stained glass artistry.
 Restorations and Slab Glass work are also specialized areas of stained glass work that Kennedy’s Stained Glass has worked in extensively.
 Works by Kennedy’s Stained Glass are in private collections and on public display at schools, churches and businesses.
 Kennedy’s Stained Glass is open Monday through Friday, 11-6, but an appointment or phone call (to 245-3788) before stopping by is recommended to ensure time for a tour or consultation.

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Sandstone Presents Annual Nude Art Show

 Barely in time for the Artwalk, Friday, February 3, Sandstone Gallery hosts its “It Figures” show, a collection of art from the community that features the human nude. Guest artists’ works are by Ben Steele, Jessica Zemsky, and many, many others.
 Gallery member Louise Payovich exhibits her first attempt in this subject matter, and she will be joined by several other members of the Sandstone body showing their work, also.
 One thing that is never skimpy at the Sandstone Gallery is the Artwalk reception from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Sandstone Gallery is at 2913 Second Avenue North. See you at the Sandstone!

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Jewelry Artist and Arcade Festivities at Billings Gallery of Fine Art

 The Billings Gallery of Fine Art presents jewelry artist Jack L. Gohn, whose experience and education span four generations of fine jewelry craftsmanship, during the February 3 Artwalk downtown.
 Gohn was educated at Bradley Horological School in Peoria, Illinois, and the Gemological Institute of America. He has owned and operated jewelry and casting shops that deal in custom one-of-a-kind pieces, with each piece of artwork having his own special touch.
His unique hand-engraved silver jewelry is in the permanent collections of patrons around the world,
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and he has been featured in regional and international publications including “Art Jewelry Magazine.”
 From 5 - 9 p.m. Friday in the Babcock Arcade, the Billings Gallery of Fine Art will host the Billings Youth Orchestra and artists. Acrylic painter Teresa Stroebe, collage artist Nikki Tolliver, and calligrapher Kathy Tolliver exhibit their works in the Arcade Gallery with free appetizers by Jimmy John’s and Z Pizza.
 Stroebe studied art in New Mexico and in Bozeman at MSU, and graduated with a K-12 art-education degree from MSU Billings in 1975. She taught art K-8 in Wyola, Montana, in the mid-1970s. She then taught at Growth Thru Art in 1982. She gathered friends together for inspirational art shows in the 90s, combining scriptures, themes and calligraphy. She weaves her life around kids and grandkids in a big old house, raises a few chickens and more than a few llamas. She has volunteered for over a decade on school boards.
 Nikki Tolliver is a Montana native, who is currently working on explorations in collage. While living on the East Coast, her previous work focused on the displacement one feels from migration and the inspiration of the ocean. Her current work reflects the sea of gold that is Montana’s grasslands, massive skies, and the familiarity of not-so-distant childhood. She received her BA from Rocky Mountain College in 2004 and continues her self education through the exploration of technique, Elmer’s glue, and life.
 Kathy Tolliver’s calligraphy is a gift she loves sharing with people. She regularly displays her work anonymously around town, and at places of worship. Seven huge, framed calligraphy works are exhibited in the entryway to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
 Featuring the finest regional artists, working in a variety of styles and mediums including oil, watercolor, pastel, sculpture, ceramics, glass, artography, fine jewelry, basketry, fine art prints and cards, the Billings Gallery of Fine Art includes V. Franck Wetsch Studio of Design, Judy Arledge, Dale Beckman, Phil Bell, Ev Bergeron, Marianne Billingsley, Bunkhouse Pottery/Joanne May, Kari Copland, Mia DeLode, Jack L. Gohn, Johnson Family, Neil Jussila, Mary Knapp, Allen KnowsHisGun, Christine McKay, Adam Moser, Maggi Neal, Nicholas Oberling, Richard Parrish, Peg Christian Rogers, Silver Sage Creations/Julie Karnos, Stillwater Spirits/Cindy Lou Smith, Michael Stanish, Powell Swanser, Lou Taylor, and Clark Wilcox.
 The Billings Gallery is located at 118 North Broadway in the historic Babcock Theater Building. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., or by appointment at 406-598-1418. Please visit. www.BillingsGallery.com.

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Art Auction 44 Exhibit Open to Artwalkers

 Wild in Montana: Art Auction 44 is open at Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM). 
 The Yellowstone Art Museum annual auction is a premier showcase of regional art that draws collectors from across the country and helps launch emerging artists’ careers. The exhibition features a diverse selection of works by some of the region’s most prominent artists.
 “An exciting show awaits,” said YAM Executive Director Robyn Peterson. “Art Auction 44 unveils a wonderful array of new work, each as distinctive as the person who created it.
 “Look closely and you’ll see a common thread in many of the works, a theme alluding to the wild beauty of the Montana area. Whether it’s a direct source of inspiration or a place that supports the
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contemplative solitude necessary for work, Montana and the surrounding region are extraordinary draws for artists,” said Peterson.
 “So, go ‘wild’ and make your selections from among the work of artists who are returning to the auction and those who are new faces. In this way the auction continues a tradition of offering the work of both established and emerging artists,” said Peterson.
 The exhibit is on view to the public through the day before the auction, March 3. YAM is at 401 North 27th Street in downtown Billings. See page 2 for regular

Heirloom Valentine Exhibit and Montana Jewelry at Prairie Blossoms

 The Mondor/Quanbeck 1920s family Heirloom Valentine collection is on exhibit throughout February at Prairie Blossoms, 225 North Broadway downtown.
 The Valentine’s Day theme also is embodied in new glass works by Elaine Green during the Artwalk and First Fridays downtown shopping events this Friday from 5-9 p.m.
 “Green’s Gigglin Grizzly creations are made in Laurel, Montana,” said Gayle Trusler, who co-owns the popular store with her sister, Sharon Miller. “The glass artist incorporates copper with glass beads to craft fascinating necklaces and earrings, which accent dressy or casual outfits.”
 Montana is known for its copper riches and the histories that surround copper mining. Green’s works, therefore, are a perfect Made in Montana item that joins the other state-sanctioned Montana items at Prairie Blossoms. The Gigglin Grizzly line will be available at Prairie Blossoms throughout February.
 Refreshments will be served from 5-9. Browse these great gifts and exhibits. Everyone is welcome.
 Prairie Blossoms also features Native American artwork by Rabbit Knows Gun. Western-themed items include candles, tablecloths, antler creations, and much more. It’s a great store for browsing.
 Prairie Blossoms also carries other official Made in Montana gifts and art, souvenirs, foods such as Martinson’s caramels, huckleberry items, and Becky’s Berries, plus antiques, other fine fashions, jewelry, specialty soaps, antler products, pottery, and lots of children’s items. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30-7.
hours and admission prices.

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Original Wall Art Makes Timeless Valentine Card

 Show your Valentine’s sentiments all year with a framed original on the wall from Sunrise Studio and Gallery, 2923 Montana Avenue.
 Sunrise Studio and Art Gallery is gearing up for the February 3 Artwalk with new paintings by artists Dawn Ness and Lance Johnson.
 Ness, who loves to capture the spirit of the horse in her art, will showcase her latest pieces. Johnson, whose latest focus is on finding the subject within, will also have several new paintings on display.
 Also, the gallery is featuring a private collection of artwork belonging to Ellen Feldman, formerly of Billings. The collection consists of several framed prints by artists Bev Doolittle and Carol Hagan. All framed prints are for sale.
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 Johnson’s traditional watercolors, with his popular style and depiction of Montana scenery, wildlife, and flyfishermen, are also a great gift for someone whose love is as big as all outdoors. Ness takes her playful brush and comes up with merriment and evocative expressions in the critters she creates. Everyone loves them!
 Ness and Johnson, the gallery owners, invite everyone to stop in and enjoy the Artwalk. As always, expect a nice selection of hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
 Regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-3.

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Chuck Holland Jams on Acoustic Guitar at YAM

 A very popular event in Billings is Jam at the YAM. During the Artwalk this Friday, February 3, enjoy the mellow sounds of Chuck Holland on acoustic guitar in the café at the Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM), from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. A selection of wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and appetizers is available. So relax and socialize to great sounds.
 View the YAM Art Auction 44 exhibit at no charge during the Artwalk from 5-9 p.m.
 The Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 North 27th Street, is in downtown Billings. For more information visit  www.artmuseum.org. See page 2 for regular hours and admission prices. The YAM is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 406-256-6804 for more information.