Reception to feature local author and illustrator

The Paint, Metal & Mud gallery in downtown Kalispell will hold a reception and book signing featuring the work of author and illustrator Vernon Anderson from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8.

Anderson, of Columbia Falls, recently joined the Paint, Metal & Mud artists cooperative and has his work on display and for sale at the gallery. He has been exploring the art of oil painting during his retirement years. Most of his paintings are landscapes of the Montana outdoors and Glacier National Park. His detailed paintings are the illustrations for a series of “A Year in the Life” books he has written that tell the stories of some of Montana’s most popular animals.

Anderson’s latest book is “A Year in the Life of a Grizzly Bear.” Subsequent stories include the Western robin, mountain goat, grey wolf and wolverine.

“In my youth, I recall reading a series of books with titles such as ‘The Biography of a Bear,” he said. “Many years later I tried but was unable to find these books, so I thought I would write my own.”

Anderson grew up exploring the countryside around Lewistown. He served in the Navy and paid for his college education working as a photographer.

“I now spend much of my time on the never-ending quest to learn and improve my artwork,” Anderson said.

Light appetizers and refreshments will be served at the reception. Paint, Metal & Mud is located at 8 First St. E., Suite 104 in Kalispell.