Museum hosts Mardi Gras in Montana
The Hockaday Museum of Art invites Northwest Montana to celebrate Mardi Gras, Montana style.
The Kalispell museum’s second annual tribute to the Big Easy takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 9. The event includes Southern and Creole fare and beverages, music, mask making and face painting and more.
Admission is free and open to the public. Beads will be handed out at the door while supplies last. Proceeds from food and drink sales and split-the-pot drawings will benefit the Hockaday.
Here’s what to expect at Mardi Gras in Montana:
Costume contest
Dress in your most fabulous Mardi Gras-themed ensemble and wear a mask. First place wins a $100 cash prize. Second place wins one year’s individual membership to the Hockaday, a $40 value. Third place takes home a John Fery exhibit catalog, poster and notecard set.
Winners will be announced at 7 p.m. Judges will be announced at a later date.
Mask making
The Hockaday’s classroom hosts a mask-making project for all ages, starting at 5 p.m. All are welcome for as long as supplies last; materials will be provided. Children younger than 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Face painting
Kathleen Francis from Fancy Face Design offers face painting for children and adults from 5 to 9 p.m. For $8, you can get a basic design; $10 will buy a design with jewels and or glitter.
Silent auction
Local artists have created original, one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras masks. Bid on your favorite in a silent auction, which closes at 8:30 p.m. Participating artists include Edie Carhart, Celinda English, Janet Fischer, Jennifer Li, Brian Moore, Lee Proctor, David Scott Smith and Julie Wulf.
Split-the-pot raffle
Tickets are three for $5 and will be sold from 5 to 8 p.m. The winning ticket will be drawn at 8:30 p.m.
Food and drink
North Bay Grille’s Zachary Bernhim will provide Southern-themed delicacies, and Whistling Andy will serve up hurricanes and other specialty cocktails. Nonalcoholic beverages will also be available.
For more information, stop by the museum, 302 Second Ave. E., Kalispell; call 755-5268; or visit www.hockadaymuseum.org.