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Visitors’ Directory
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Attractions:
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Billings Tour Loops
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Useful Information
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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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.
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
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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