'35 Artists Celebrate 35 Years' with Bigfork museum

The Bigfork Museum of Art and History has been displaying and selling the work of Montana artists since its inception in 1977. During the month of July, the gallery will feature the works of 35 individuals who have contributed to the museum’s success with the exhibit, “35 Artists Celebrate 35 Years.”

From Fred Fellows to Sheryl Bodily to Marshall Noice, all of these artists have presented work at the museum in either a solo or small group show. Others, like well-known Kalispell painter Mark Ogle, have exhibited in the gallery and have offered art classes at the museum.

Exhibiting works in the museum has served as a stepping stone for many of the Flathead Valley’s most loved talents.

“In 1999, I began experimenting with acrylic paint techniques I was using as a furniture painter,” artist Shelle Lindholm said. “I entered two of those ‘experiments’ in the annual Members’ Show. Both paintings won awards.

“Those awards were confirmation that I was going in a positive direction and greatly encouraged me to keep going. It was the first step in finding my style and purpose as an artist.”

An opening reception for the show and the artists will be held from 5 to  7 p.m. Friday.

The show will hang through Aug. 5.

The museum is located at 525 Electric Ave. in Bigfork. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 837-6927.