'Alpine Artisans' exhibit planned in Bigfork

Montana is an inspiration to many artists, and the Seeley Swan area is the motivation for artists’ work in the next show at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History.

"Alpine Artisans" will display works from its member artists beginning Aug. 16 and continuing until Sept. 21.

Alpine Artists was formerly the Seeley Lake Arts and Crafts Club, which was known for its annual Fourth of July art show and sale. By 1990, however, waning interest and membership led to the club’s disbanding.

A few of its members envisioned another kind of group, one driven by a sense of art, dedicated to encouraging artistic creativity in one another and committed to sharing their talents with the community; from that vision, Alpine Artisans was born.

Sixteen artists will share their work with the Flathead Valley in the Bigfork show. The works featured are in a variety of media including raku pottery, wooden vessels, jewelry, oil and watercolor paintings and even didgeridoos.

A reception, open to the public, is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 16. For more information, call the museum at 837-6927.