Crown Fundraiser Benefits Both AAI and SECNearly 200 invited guests from the Seeley/Swan and Blackfoot valleys attended a $50 per plate Crown of the Continent Celebration and fundraiser cosponsored by Alpine Artisans and the Swan Ecosystem Center.

The second such collaboration between AAI and SEC took place on July 24 at the Mercer Ranch in the heart of the Swan Valley. The event, dubbed “Boots, Bandanas, and Beautiful Places,” got under way at 5:00pm with hors d’oeuvres as guests browsed the silent art auction items splendidly arranged by Chris Jewett and helpers. By 6:30 the steak pitchfork fondue was in full swing —always fun to watch, as well as delicious to eat. Following dinner Russ Abolt gave a presentation

focused on the magic of the incomparable Crown of the Continent, followed by presentations by Jenny Rohrer, AAI President, and Anne Dahl, President of SEC. Both focused on the respective missions, goals and aspirations of their organizations. Russ then introduced the launch of AAI’s new scholarship endowment campaign to be administered in cooperation with the First Valley Bank of Seeley Lake. The endowment fund was created in order to generate and sustain a permanent fund to provide scholarships for the young people in the Seeley/Swan and Blackfoot valleys who are interested in engaging the arts. Attendees were encouraged to become founding supporters of the scholarship campaign. The AAI Board

members will serve as trustees for the endowment, which will be administrated by the AAI scholarship committee.

Fred Burrows, auctioneer, led a live art auction for bidding on 16 pieces of juried art created by members of Alpine Artisans—including the works of 1st place winner, Rich Morgan; 2nd place Shari Hirst, 3rd Linda Weaver and 4th Steve Ellis. The art was augmented by several locally-sponsored Crown-inspired experiences, including a plane ride over the Mission Mountain and Bob Marshall Wildernesses; dinner and a boat ride at Lindbergh Lake; a day with Tim Manley, Grizzly Bear Specialist; and a day in the Swan with the field experts at Northwest Connections.

The evening was capped off with the very lively music by the popular Drum Brothers.

Our thanks go out to the fifty plus volunteers and the joint working committee that organized and executed a very successful event. Committee members included Anne Dahl, and her staff at SEC, Russ and Larrine Abolt, Bob and Ruth Korn, Merrily Dunham, and Steve Ellis.

AAI Officers 2009

PresidentJenny Rohrer ¡ 754-0034rohrervid@aol.com

Vice PresidentBill Peabody ¡ 754-0191

SecretaryColleen Robinson ¡ 677-7315colleen@blackfoot.net

TreasurerCarol Brodie ¡ 677-6156cgbrodie@gmail.com

Member at Large2 Valleys Stage LiaisonBob Green ¡ 754-3056bobbycorno@peoplepc.com

Member at LargeCultural Arts Corridor’ LiaisonMerrily Dunham ¡ 754-3376merrilyrider@blackfoot.net

Executive DirectorMartha Swanson ¡ 793-5706marthaforaai@blackfoot.net

Newsletter EditorBetty VanderwielenBox 349, SL 59868 ¡ 677-7474vanderwielen @ blackfoot.net

Web Site CoordinatorSusan Novosel ¡ 754-0064webmaster@alpineartisans.org

2 Valleys Stage DirectorPolly Huppert ¡ 549-0933polly@huppertpc.com

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Loon & Fish2009For most of you, the 17th Annual Loon and Fish Festival was an exciting two days filled with browsing a marvelous selection of Alpine Artisans’ art pieces; learning about the new 2 Valleys Stage season offerings and the Crown of the Continent Art Auction; and gathering information (along with freebies and other items) from the tables set up by the Seeley Lake Fire Department, Bear Aware, the Clearwater Resource Council, the US Forest Service, and the Montana Loon Society. You probably looked at the enticing items in the themed baskets and bought a number of raffle tickets in hopes of being a lucky winner. Perhaps you bought a soup bowl—hand thrown and decorated by Bob and Ruth Korn—and enjoyed a delicious lunch break. Perhaps you watched Jeff Brown’s fly tying or fly casting demonstrations, or caught Lynn Kelly’s Loon Talk and then accompanied her to view the loons nesting on Seeley Lake. Or maybe you stayed in the Community Hall and enjoyed the Quick Draw, watching Merrily Dunham, Kris Gullikson, Mary Gravning, and Annie Allen create paintings in a variety of media and techniques. If you had children with you, you probably watched proudly as they created their own art at the children’s table, and maybe you took a picture of them standing with the loon mascot (Patricia Bouta) in front of Donna Love’s habitat backdrop. Perhaps you got up early for a stroll to the Viewing Blind, or went for an early afternoon guided Wildflower Hike to Holland Falls, or ambled over to the Grizzly Claw Trading Co. Saturday evening to participate in Open Book Club with guest author Judy Blunt. Perhaps you bought a Loon and Fish T-shirt to help memorialize the enjoyment of those two fun days and to advertise your renewed support for the wonderful organization that put on such a glorious fest.But for the many AAI volunteers who headed and worked on committees, under the guidance of event co-chairs Martha Swanson and Chris Jewett, involvement in the 2009 Loon and Fish Festival started long before May 23-24. The planning meeting began in late March, and immediately afterwards Kris Gullikson and her team started the process of ordering T-shirts and arranging to merchandise them. Carla Shade, taking charge of the multi-faceted Publicity Committee, arranged for posters, postcards, programs, and press releases to be disseminated. Assisted by Patricia Bouta and her wonderful loon costume, Carla even managed to get notices in the Great Falls Tribune, Missoula Entertainer and the Independent. Georgia Shane and the costumed Patricia Bouta went to the Missoula Farmer’s Market and the Clark Fork Market distributing flyers. Joan McGuire and Shari Hirst sent info to our AAI artists and made arrangements for the appropriate handling of the art pieces, while Heinz and Sandy Eisinger set about soliciting items for the raffle. Chris Jewett contacted the community groups about their booths and Merrily Dunham began contacting folks about indoor demonstrations and outdoor trips. Carol Brodie lined up volunteers to handle sales during the Festival. Donna Love painted the new “photo op” loon habitat backdrop, helped the Seeley Lake Elementary School students create loon and fish themed art destined for the walls of the Community Hall for the event, and collected

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supplies for the Children’s Art table. Once the donated items for the raffle came in, Chris Jewett and Jenny Rohrer created attractive themed baskets. Finally, the afternoon before Festival day, Chris and Bud Jewett and their crew set up tables and artfully arranged the varied pieces which our talented AAI members had submitted for display and sale.And that’s when you came in—on the two days of the Memorial Day weekend—marveling at the art pieces, immersing yourself in the activities, heralding the return of summer, celebrating ar t and wildlife. All those folks who worked so hard on their various committees came too, reveling in their hard work come to fruition. But when the doors closed at 3pm on Sunday, their work still was not finished. There was clean up to do, yes, but more importantly there was evaluation and analysis. One more meeting—a critical look at what worked, what didn’t, what might be made better for L&F 2010.General Observations:

- a number of the major committees were headed by newer members of AAI; in all cases, they did a fantastic job (Be sure to thank all the volunteers when you happen to see them!)

- the decision to return to the format of having the Hall open two days rather than just one was justified in that 1/3 of the sales took place on Sunday

- artists complied with the request to submit smaller pieces, and this resulted in better display for each piece of art

Statistics:- nearly 30 artists exhibited- total art sales: $2,446 — down for the third year in a row- net AAI profit from the event was about $2,000—33% below goal- raffle sales amounted to $1,236, a big contributor to AAI profit- merchandise netted $1,031; pre-sales went well; sales to businesses were

downRecommendations:

- start publicity much earlier to get L&F into magazine event calendars- arrange for more artist demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday- consider transforming the back room into a temporary artist’s studio- post more signage and have it better placed- package raffle baskets earlier and display ahead of event, or advertise them- promote more heavily at Missoula public events (i.e., perhaps a booth at

Farmer’s Markets)- investigate ways to make the Community Hall more inviting (landscaping?)

Soup Bowls Stats- 126 bowls hand thrown and

donated by Bob & Ruth Korn (who also decorated all of them, with help from Alan Taylor)

-117 bowls sold during L&F Festival

- 6 restaurants generously donated soups for the event:

Hungry Bear Steak House Double Arrow Resort Pops Place The Filling Station Chicken Coop

-5 Food Bank volunteers served soup at L&F

- $3,621.16 net profit (including $1,000 from Thrivent)

for our local Food BankA huge thanks to Bob and Ruth— and to all the folks who collaborated in this project to help the needy in our community through the ministrations of the Food Bank. AAI is pleased to be a part of this yearly project initiated by the Korn’s.

T-ShirtsA selection of Loon & Fish 2009 T-shirts are still available for sale. With that striking picture of the loon parent using her long beak to carefully turn over the egg in the nest, these shirts would make lovely gifts. Find them at the Alpine Artisans’ booth every Sunday at the Littlebird’s Marketplace in Seeley Lake.

Opportunities for Artists

- arrange to have your artdisplayed at the SeeleySwanMedicalCenter

- create art related to the GarnetGhostTown or the GarnetRange

- consider the possibility of an art residency at GarnetGhostTown

- get your studio ready for Tourof th e Ar ts 2009 or arrange to display at afriend’sstudio

- contact Martha about being listed in the Artists’Galleryon the AAI website

- n o t i fy Mar tha of any recognition your artwork has received, so we can make special note of it on the AAI website

Individual Donor Campaign - Three Valleys Challenge by Jenny Rohrer, Pres.

Alpine Artisans is unique in Montana; no other organization brings such a broad range of cultural offerings to their community. But the organizational budget required to carry out such a program reaches $70,000 per year! Not surprisingly therefore, the AAI Board has been involved in a series of discussions about how to more effectively raise the monies to meet our extensive needs. Three primary factors are driving these discussions:

1) frustration with the amount of volunteer hours it takes to raise monies through our traditional fundraisers such as the Wine & Chocolate Auction, Loon and Fish Festival, AAI Cookbooks, and other volunteer-intensive projects

2) the on-going need to fund the invaluable coordinating staff position of the AAI Executive Director

3) realization that the 5-year grant donated by a generous benefactor to provide a salary for a 2VS Director will run out in January 2011 and an additional $20,000 (minimum) must be found if the position is to continue to be supported

Understanding the need to broaden our fund raising to prevent volunteer and ‘event’ burnout, secure our Executive Director’s salary, and ensure AAI’s future, your Board is exploring the most efficient and effective ways to raise additional monies.

To date, our grant-writing efforts have been successful:Since 2005, when AAI began actively applying for grants, we have received $26,080 from six foundations and are currently waiting to hear on three more significant grants. Your Board will continue to seek foundation grants for all programs of AAI, and will also seek out corporate grant-giving programs. But not surprisingly, the potential for grants to small rural Montana arts organization is limited. In fact, our best income opportunities lie elsewhere. Fund raising experts tell us that we should realistically expect no more than 20% of our income from an active grant writing effort. National statistics show that of all monies raised by non-profits, a full 80% actually comes from INDIVIDUALS.

Next step—an Individual Donor Campaign:AAI’s strongest asset is our motivated membership base with a strong commitment to the organization—an overriding strength many other organizations lack. The work of AAI has become essential to the fabric of our community, and many potential donors have never even been approached for a gift! The Board decided to move ahead with an individual donor campaign, and formed a core committee of volunteers.

Our volunteer committee titled this effort Three Valleys Challenge, the Alpine Artisan’s Fund Raising Campaign. A Professional Development Grant from the Montana Arts Council enabled the AAI Board to hire a seasoned fundraising consultant, Melissa Bangs, who is training our core group and structuring our campaign. This effort will be an ongoing, multi-year donor campaign to support our activities, and each year the Board will decide which programs should be targeted for financial support based on need. This year’s donor campaign is targeted to support 2 Valleys Stage.

But this campaign is not only about money. As the Three Valleys Challenge

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group works to inform full-time and part-time residents about our organization, they will amplify the positive buzz in the community about AAI. This, in turn, will diversify and create sustainable funding sources, and will build our capacity to further serve our local artists, our community, and our youth. Here’s one example. The AAI Scholarship Committee recommended that we permanently fund our annual scholarship and youth grants by establishing a Scholarship Endowment Fund. Having been approved by the AAI Board, this recommendation has become a part of the Challenge campaign, and was inaugurated at the Crown of the Continent Auction on July 24.

The campaign’s first event was a March ‘09 donor reception hosted by Jeff and Pat Aresty with 2 Valleys Stage performer, Juan Sanchez, as featured guest. Melissa Bang’s training paid off and we reached our goal of $3,000 from several generous new donors. In the next few months, two additional house parties will be held, one sponsored by Dr. Keith and Marilyn Peterson, the other by Russ and Larrine Abolt. Each of these events will focus on reaching out in concentric circles to friends and acquaintances who may not currently be aware of the scope of our work but, once informed, may be willing to support our programs, in particular our work with the area’s youth. We need to reach beyond our immediate members and realize that the Alpine Artisan projects and goals are worth the support of many more of our community full-time and part-time residents.The Three Valleys Challenge is being coordinated by almost a dozen AAI members and staff including Russ Abolt, Pat Aresty, Carol Brodie, Laury Dizengremel, Polly Huppert, Bill Peabody, Colleen Robinson, Jenny Rohrer, Carla Schade, Martha Swanson and Cheri Thompson. Since this is an ongoing effort, please think about offering your energies to this campaign —this year or next.

Would you like to host a donor party for a dozen of your friends? •Can you suggest some local full-time or part-time residents who •should be included on a guest list? Can you yourself increase your support to AAI? We keep membership •dues low to encourage a broad membership base; similarly, the 2 Valleys Stage season tickets are an incredible bargain at $50 for five concerts. You can go a step further by becoming an AAI Sustaining Member, a volunteer or a contributor to the Three Valleys Challenge.

For donor levels, or ideas about how to participate, contact Jenny Rohrer at 754-0034 or rohrervid@aol.com.

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If you wish to become a Three Valleys Challenge donor, join us for

An Evening of Jazz and Friendship on Cygnet Lake Tuesday, August 18 from 5 to 7:30 pm

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, margaritas and the jazz with Seeley Lake’s own Katy Williams and Scott Milner.

RSVP by August 10 to Marilyn Peterson at slk3340@blackfoot.net or 754-3340

AAI Calendar of Events

August18-Three Valleys Challenge

“Evening on Cygnet Lake”Peterson home 5pm – 7:30pm

August23-AAI All Member Picnic

Homestead Cabin, (Double Arrow Ranch)

5pm – 8pm

September4,5,6-Tour of the Arts Weekend

10am -4pm

September13-Show ‘n’ Tell

Petie Luckman’s, Lake Inez —1pm

October3,4-Tour of the Arts Weekend

10am -4pm

October25-2 Valleys Stage Performance

Dennis Straughmatt et l’Esprit CreoleSS High School – 3pm

November22-2 Valleys Stage Performance

UM Percussion EnsembleSwan Valley School – 3pm

Bruce and Kelli Wold bought the Valley Market from locals Dick and Shirley Duncan in 1994. Bruce’s background already included a working history with the Buttrey Food Store chain in other locations in Montana. Since the Wolds took over, many improvements have been made, including updating checkout stands, registers, freezers and coolers.

Wold’s Valley Market carries a full line of grocery products. Complimenting the basics in dry and canned goods, freshly baked bread is available daily. There’s a large variety of fresh meats (red, poultry & fish), fruit and vegetables. Special extras available are Chesterfield fried chicken, deli sandwiches, pastries, a large wine selection, health care products and beauty aids Other amenities include an ATM machine, lottery tickets and postage stamps.

Store hours during the summer extend from 7am to 10pm. and the friendly staff is always ready and willing to assist customers with their shopping needs. Bruce, Kelli and the crew at the market particularly wish to thank those who shop “local.”

The Wolds are proud supporters of both the performing and visual arts branches of Alpine Artisans. They say, “Keep up the good work, AAI!”

Highlighting one of our

SuperSponsors

Wold’sValleyMarket

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Tour the Arts on Two Weekends Have you made arrangements for your summer house guests to visit AAI artists studios? Arrange-Your-Own Tours are available all year round with just a few phone calls.

This year a host of studios will also throw their doors open from 10am–4pm for two special Tour of the Arts Weekends: Labor Day (September 4th, 5th, 6th) and Tamarack Festival (October 3rd and 4th). Two Galleries (Grizzly Claw and Stage Station) plus 10 individual studios*—many of them also housing the wares of fellow Alpine Artisans for the occasion—will have their welcome mats out. Note that 3 new studios are on the list this year: Angie Kimmel’s Blue Yonder Photography; Laury Dizengremel and Joe Caneen’s Sculpture and Rustic Artistic Studio; and James Hewes Sculptures. Brochures detailing the wide variety of mixed media arts, as well as maps showing just how to get to some of those tucked-away art havens are available in Seeley Lake at Grizzly Claw Trading Co, Stage Station and the Chamber of Commerce, and in Condon at the Mission Mountain Mercantile.

Oh, by the way, you don’t really need the excuse of entertaining your house guests. You’re more than welcome to drop by the studios yourself, just for the inspiration and spiritual uplift of it all. Watching creative artists in action can provide that, you know. And the drive up and down the valleys will be autumn-splendiferous.

* Note: Flying Popcorn Ranch will not be open on the Labor Day Weekend.

AAI Board Wants You!Why do AAI members choose to serve on the AAI Board? Believe it or not, it’s not for the free vacations or large annual bonuses. But there are good reasons, and we’d like YOU to consider some of them.

- AAI Board members are thoughtful, dedicated folks—ones you’d like to get to know better.

- AAI is an organization that is thriving, growing, and well-regarded in the community. It is a joy to be involved in guiding it’s path.

- Board meetings don’t occur oppressively often—usually every two months. - You can count on your fellow Board members to be reliable, dependable, and helpful.

- You get to learn nearly everything about the workings of AAI—and often learn new skills.

The AAI membership will be electing at least one new Board Member in January 2010, and will also need to select a new president at that time. This fall, a nominating committee will be appointed to seek people willing to serve, but in the meantime, the Board would like to invite anyone who might be thinking about serving this year, or in the near future, to attend a Board meeting. Our next meeting is scheduled for September 8th at 4pm at the SS High School Library. If you would like to attend please contact Martha Swanson (marthaforaai@blackfoot.net) or Jenny Rohrer (rohrervid@aol.com)—we’d love to see you!

Highlighting one of our

SuperSponsors

Seeley Swan Medical Center

If you are lucky enough to live in the Seeley Swan Valley, you know there are many benefits conveniently located in the area—one is the Seeley Swan Medical Center. Cindy Gallea, A.P.R.N. and F.N.P., and the professional, experienced friendly staff are available to provide health care needs from 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday. They look forward to the opportunity to care for you and your family. To set up an appointment, please call at (406) 677-2277. Same day appointments are often available. The clinic accepts all payment plans from Medicare and Medicaid to private insurance and self pay.

Services include comprehensive health care for adults and children; immunizations; sports, insurance and pre-employment physicals; as well as school and camp physicals. Also available are family planning, pre-marital blood tests, free blood pressure checks and urgent care and emergency services.

Cindy Gallea races in the Alaska Iditarod almost every year. She and her dogs have traveled north nine times to participate in this unique race from the Anchorage area to Nome. Cindy enjoys participating no matter what the outcome.

Seeley Swan Medical Center is a strong supporter of the arts in the Seeley Swan Valley. It commends Alpine Artisans for helping to expose those of all ages in our rural area to all aspects of the arts.

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More on the Cultural Arts Corridor Besides Crown of the Continent and Tour of the Arts activities, here’s what else the CAC folks have been up to lately:

GarnetGhostTown- Laury Dizengremel and Joe Caneen have been working out logistics with the Bureau of Land Management to allow for an AAI presence at historic Garnet Ghost Town. Artists have the option of working at the location for a day, a weekend, or a week or longer (staying overnight in a cabin or not, as they prefer) and interacting with the public who visit. The primary BLM stipulation is that the artwork being created, as well as that for sale in the store, be “relevant to the historical/geographical/topographical background of the Garnet Ghost Town area.” Contact Joe for more information (joe@sculpture-design.com or 244-8008). Joe and Laury filmed some video footage at the Garnet Celebration Day, with a view toward possibly creating a film about the Garnet story. They were pleased to able to interview a woman who had lived in the town during its mining days.

Open Book Club - Dee and Sue Baker of the Grizzly Claw graciously offered their store once again as the venue for presentations by two more authors: Judy Blunt and Seth Kantner. Judy Blunt read an excerpt from Breaking Clean and then delighted the audience with “stories” by way of responding to questions and comments from the audience (“‘I’ve never yet been asked a question I couldn’t answer with a story.”) The audience asked about memoir writing in general, about various experiences Ms. Blunt had recounted in her book, and about her current pursuits in writing. Kantner, both author and photographer, not only discussed his two books, Ordinary Wolves and Shopping for Porcupines, he also brought beautiful slides of Alaska. The audience especially appreciated Kantner’s frank answers to questions ranging from his upbringing and current lifestyle to issues and concerns about changes taking place in Alaska.Every author who has read in Seeley Lake has appreciated the opportunity and praised the level of audience participation. The Open Book Club series will resume in the Fall, so watch for news of upcoming authors.

ArtisttoArtistOpenStudio- Joe Caneen and Laury Dizengremel’s house was a great place to be on May 3rd as several Alpine Artisans gathered for a potluck meal and an opportunity to see the work areas of two fellow artists. Annie Allen, a new member from Lincoln, dropped by to meet folks and everyone had a fun time visiting and talking art. These informal gatherings will be continuing in the fall, so keep an eye out for time and place. Laury and Martha in the new show booth.

HealthCare Plus was established in Polson Montana in 1988. The founder and president, Vickee Siemers, is a pharmacist with a keen interest in helping the consumer achieve the best possible health outcome, with value added service.

Though the Seeley Lake branch closed in July 2009, in keeping with a key element of the mission statement of the company, “to i m p r o v e t h e h e a l t h o f o u r communities,” we will continue to serve our patients with continued medical equipment, oxygen and sleep therapy deliveries along with mail order from our pharmacy at the Hamilton location. HealthCare Plus was recently awarded a 3-year accreditation award from Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation in Polson and Hamilton. Both locations house a Diabetes Shop, provide cholesterol checks, hemoglobin AIC levels, and free blood pressure checks, and sponsor educational seminars to update adults on bio-identical hormone therapy. HealthCare Plus provides free billing for Medicare, Medicaid, and secondary insurance as well as personal charge accounts.

HealthCare Plus will continue to assess community needs and strive to provide the best neighborhood health resource team in the marketplace. Great customer service has been the cornerstone of our growth, with fair prices, free mailing and free delivery.

Highlighting one of our

SuperSponsorsHealth

Care Plus

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Talented Students RewardedNurturing the artistic abilities of our youth is one of Alpine Artisans’ promises to the community. We fulfill that promise in a number of ways, not the least of which is through our annual Scholarship Awards and Youth Grants. And what a wealth of applicants we had this year!

That Jeremiah Rittel, son of Nancy and Guy Rittel received the $1,000 scholarship will come as no surprise to members who have been regularly following AAI happenings. Jeremiah’s musical talent was recognized early and AAI has helped him with grants which allowed him to attend special music camps. Jeremiah began studying the clarinet in 5th grade under the direction of then Seeley Lake Elementary School music teacher Bev Evans. During the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, he was selected as a member of the 5 Valleys Honor Band. At the start of his freshman year, the family moved to Missoula so Jeremiah could study under Mr. John Combs and be closer to more musical opportunities. (Mother, Nancy, who gave up her position as AAI Executive Director at that time, is still an aritst member and avid AAI supporter.) As a Hellgate High School student, Jeremiah was selected to the MENC All-Northwest Band, All-State Band, and All-State Orchestra. He was Drum Major for the Hellgate Marching Band and a member of the prestigious Hellgate High School Jazz Band, which competed in Festival Disney—and won Best in Show. Jeremiah was also selected as the 2007 International Music Camp Male Musician of the Year. Having reviewed Jeremiah’s musical credits, his academic standing, evidence of his leadership ability, and written recommendations, the AAI Scholarship Committee (Russ Abolt, Sue Cushman, Heinz Eisinger, Chris Jewett and Jerry Swanson) considered the interview with Jeremiah to be icing on the cake—he played his clarinet for them. The AAI scholarship will help with tuition this fall when Jeremiah enters the University of Montana—majoring in Music Performance, of course. He’s already busy practicing for tryouts for the UM Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

The 2009 scholarship committee was also impressed by the energy and talent of two other applicants—so impressed that they gave a special award to each of them. Alyssa Campbell and Joey Clemens are seniors graduating from Seeley Swan High School.

Alyssa was awarded $300 to assist her in drama studies at the University of Montana. The committee noted her enthusiasm and dedication and felt that she is a naturally gifted actress. Joey Clemens is interested in pursuing studies in graphic arts, specifically computer animation art for gaming. Alpine Artisans provided a special scholarship to enable Joey to receive private art lessons this summer.

In addition to these awards, AAI wished to acknowledge the dedication of Seeley Swan High School teacher, Sam Tudor. Sam was presented with a gift card for books and coffee to thank him for revitalizing the drama program at the high school.

The Double Arrow Resort offers a unique year-round vacation experience with deluxe overnight accommodations in the Main Lodge or in one of the many cabins spread throughout the spacious resort.

Seasons Restaurant welcomes locals as well as lodge guests. Our fine dining menu changes often (check our web site) , and a sandwich bar menu is also available. Lunch is served daily at the Lodge. On Tues., Wed., and Thurs. our specialty pizza and calzones are featured during lunch and dinner. Wine Spectator recognizes our wine list as one of the most exceptional in the world. On a seasonal basis, lunch is served daily in the Golf Course Pro Shop.

The Double Arrow is fully equipped to handle everything from corporate retreats to weddings or reunions, Romantic Getaways to Stay & Play Golf Packages. Our friendly staff will customize a package to fit your needs and budget.

Warm weather activities include golf, golf lessons, trail rides, wagon rides, hiking, fishing float trips, water activities and more. Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Many of our guests enjoy the Alpine Artisans self-guided Artist’s Studio Tour. They set their own pace and rave about the quality of art in the area. The Double Arrow is proud to be a supporter of Alpine Artisans and all they do to promote the arts.

Highlighting one of our

SuperSponsors

DoubleArrowResort

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Yes to YouthThree talented young people wrote to AAI this summer asking for Youth Grant funding.

Sarai Grace is a 13-year-old student from Seeley Lake who has been taking classical voice training for 3 years. A soprano with “almost a three octave range,” she sings French and Italian opera and Broadway show tunes. She is also interested in acting, and has been encouraged to audition for MCT’s upcoming productions of Greese and Peter Pan. She wrote, ”I am hoping to participate in two of MCT’s summer day camps... However much you could help with, I would greatly appreciate.”

Adin Kloetzel is a 12-year-old student from Ovando who has been taking piano lessons for 6 years and loves to compose music. In conjunction with an opportunity to accompany a friend in a Model T driving tour to Chester, Montana, Adin wanted to fit in a one-hour private lesson with Chester resident and noted pianist, Philip Aaberg (cost: $100). Adin asked AAI’s help with the expenses. As he explained, “I am having this lesson with Philip because I admire his style, and I am a piano player myself.”

Will Clarke is a 12-year-old Salmon Prairie School student who played piano for 4 years and is now studying trumpet. He wrote, “My little school house doesn’t have a music program, so I am always playing by myself at home.” He mentioned being invited by Bob Green to play a Christmas program with the Seeley Lake Community Band: “Afterwards, I really was glad that I did it. I realized how fun and important it is to play with other musicians. Plus, when high school comes, I will hardly have any experience with a band.” Will asked for financial assistance to attend UM Band Camp this summer.

Alpine Artisans was pleased to be able to say “yes” to all three of these budding young musicians.

Traditionally, the money available for the AAI Scholarship and Youth Grants has been dependent on the amount raised at the annual Wine & Chocolate fundraiser. (During the year that W&C took a sabbatical, personal donations were solicited.) In order to assure a more permanent and more reliable funding source, the Alpine Artisans Scholarship Endowment for the Arts Account has now been set up at First Valley Bank. This account provides the additional benefit that those generous folks donating to the AAI Scholarship and Youth Grants will now receive a tax deduction (under some circumstances, up to 40% tax credit). The other benefit is that this account will accrue interest and multiply the donations received, enabling AAI to continue to say yes to the artistic aspirations of talented young people like Jeremiah, Alyssa, Joey, Sarai, Adin, and Will.

Contact Jerry Swanson (793-5706 ) or Jenny Rohrer (754-0034 )if you wish to donate to this fund or if you would like more information about it.

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Highlighting one of our

SuperSponsors

A landmark in the heart of Seeley Lake, the Filling Station has been serving locals and visitors for 62 years, and has been owned and operated by Kris Martin for the past 12. Despite the growth in Seeley Lake and the increased volume of tourism in the area, Kris has ensured that The Filling Station is the same friendly, small-town bar/restaurant that has been the hallmark of the establishment since its inception in 1947.The Filling Station boasts a varied menu that includes huckleberry barbecued pork ribs, burgers, pizza, and much more. The delicious, signature home-made soups are always a big favorite with patrons. Breakfast is available at any time.The full service bar has friendly, knowledgeable bartenders who promise to keep you entertained as well as provide you with all the latest tips on the best fishing and hunting areas in the valley. Karaoke on the weekends is a big attraction and features the singing talents of both locals and visitors alike. The casino has some of the very newest gaming machines in Montana which makes it the perfect place to try your luck.With so much to offer, The Filling Station is the local’s choice for dining, dancing, gaming, or just getting together with friends for a cold one.The Filling Station is a proud sponsor of Alpine Artisans and 2 Valleys Stage.

TheFillingStation

BAR - RESTAURANT - CASINO

Awesome NatureAlpine Artisans continued to partner with the Seeley Lake YMCA in April and May to provide hands-on art and learning experiences for students during the school’s “early-out” days through a program titled Awesome Art.

Diann Erickson, assisted by 3 volunteers from Seeley Swan High School, led the April activities. In connection with a discussion about watershed’s and healthy rivers and forests, the group created landscape scenes using found nature objects. They further explored the relationship between art and nature by examining the tunneling left by beetles burrowing in the wood beneath a tree’s bark and they made rubbings of the unique designs.

In May Donna Love, assisted by five high school students, introduced a group of 38 youngsters to herons—their physiology, natural history, and conservation. The learning experience was made especially fun by the inclusion of art projects which involved making heron masks, fish prints, and heron habitat paintings. Donna extended her study of both herons and loons in two morning YMCA art camps held in the multi-purpose room of Seeley Lake Elementary. “Heron Art Camp” met July 20-24 and “Loon Art Camp” will convene August 17-21. At these camps bird physiology, locomotion, natural history, migration, and conservation will be covered along with lots of art projects to support each lesson.

Artmobile Brings WondersChalk drawings, objects embedded in wax, a horse sculpture, a traditional oil painting, a ceramic teapot, scenes from The Lone Ranger, a fabric collage...these were just some of the unique pieces of art Allison McGee loaded into The Artmobile of Montana van and brought to our students at Swan Valley School and Seeley Lake Elementary. Allison introduced the different art media, shared a little about the various artists, and invited the children to express their own thoughts about the pieces. She then gave them time to inspect the art more closely. Among the favorites were the Indian doll in traditional dress with shell beads and “real hair” and the close-up photograph of bullet holes in the side of a car. Who knew ART could be created from such things! Students at Swan Valley School, where the program was presented earlier in the day, had time to create their own collage masterpieces under Allison’s guidance.

Alpine Artisans each year arranges for this wonderful mobile art gallery to come to our local schools. It is a such a joy to see the children’s interest sparked and their horizons broadened through this outstanding program.

Backstageby Polly Huppert

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The 2008-09 Season was an exciting one for 2 Valleys Stage. Once again, we reached the Seeley-Swan communities with five wonderful performances. Through Informances and workshops, 415 students were exposed to quality performance and educational experiences with some very accomplished, world-renowned performers. The 2009-10 Season will continue in this fine tradition, bringing in some new performance experiences designed to have something for everyone.

Dennis Straughmatt and l’Esprit Creole kick off the new season with a concert on Oct. 25. By a string of chance events, young Dennis Stroughmatt befriended the descendants of the Creole people who had settled in the Midwest. He spent over three years in southeast Missouri studying and learning to speak Illinois French Creole, play the fiddle, and sing many of the traditional songs that have permeated the region for over three hundred years.

Nov. 22 features the UM Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Robert Ledbetter. This ensemble consists primarily of percussion majors, along with a few non-music majors. The group performs a wide variety of music from

contemporary, classical and jazz idioms to indoor marching drumline and unusual “crowd pleasers.” Consisting of the Islanders Steel Drum Band, The Montana Percussion Ensemble and the Montana Grizzly Indoor Drumline, UM’s Percussion groups perform all over the Northwest to standing-room-only crowds.

The Rhythm Angels will present their incredible vocal talent, accompanied by some of the finest musicians to visit our valleys, during Winterfest, Sunday, Jan. 24. The Rhythm Angels are a duet with seamless harmonies and smart lyrics, both earthy and transcendent. The group is soon to be featured on Garrison Keilor’s Prairie Home Companion.

Recently referred to as “a circus that plays music,” the combination of the Mud Bay Jugglers and Tune Stranglers bring a new type of entertainment to the valleys on March 28th. The Mud Bay group mixes astounding but precise juggling with physical comedy, all to the accompaniment of the Tune Stranglers, a group noted for its hot jazz and old-timey music of the 1920’s and 30’s.

Topping off the season will be a musical Summer Celebration, centered around great music and old fashioned family fun! Join the whole community under the big Montana skies for this fun day. Details will be revealed as the event draws closer, but we promise special benefits to our season ticket holders.

As many of you are aware, 2 Valleys Stage is working hard to secure the future of this vital program within our communities. We recently received two grants, from Plum Creek and WESTAF, which will assist us with the school residencies, each of which costs about $8,000 to complete. The impact this program has had in our local schools has been very positive and we are committed to maintaining its quality and presence. Recently Martha and I completed the annual AAI business drive. Despite the poor economy, the positive response we received from business owners was gratifying! These folks are committed, as we are, to maintaining quality educational opportunities through our local schools for our student population. Thank you to our business partners for your continued, extended support during these tough economic times.

Thank you, also, to all of our new and continuing season ticket holders. You will not be disappointed! I hope to see all of you on August 23 at the AAI picnic. Have a great summer.

P.O. Box 841Seeley Lake, MT 59868

www.alpineartisans.org

All Member PicnicWhen: Sunday, August 23, 2009—5-8pm

Where: Homestead Cabin, Double Arrow RanchFrom Hwy. 83 in Seeley Lake, turn east on Whitetail Dr. (the street beside Wold’s Valley Market). Continue on Whitetail until you reach Dolly Varden and make a right- hand turn. You will see a large open field on your left. Take the dirt road into the field (if you cross the bridge, you’ve gone too far). The dirt road will lead you to the Homestead Cabin.Potluck: Bring your favorite dish to share and some beverages. We’ll furnish the tableware.Why: Just for the fun of it! A chance to relax and visit with other AAI members—bring your friends, your neighbors your house guests, and anyone who might be interested in learning more about AAI. Bonus: We’ve invited our ‘09 Youth Grant recipients and their families. Come meet these inspiring young people.Do-It-Yourself Entertainment: We’d love to have folks tune up their musical instruments and bring them along.

Alpine Artisans Mid-Summer Get-Togethers

Show ‘n’ TellWhen: Sunday September 13, 2009—1pm

Where: Petie Luckman’s Garage, Lake Inez. Turn west off Highway 83 at the 22 Mile Marker onto Beargrass Lane. Take every left fork in the road for about 1 ½ miles, traveling over the bridge of the Lake Inez outlet, and then going up the hill where the road turns into Loon Lane. Count the drives on the right starting at the top of the hill. Petie’s is the 4th, at 860 Loon Lane (sign posted on a big tree).Potluck: Bring your favorite dish to share. We’ll supply beverages and tableware.Why: To enrich your soul, broaden your horizons, and share interesting things with interested people. Bring a piece of art that you like —and come tell us about it. Bring something you made, something a friend made, something you bought... tell us about something you learned, something you want to learn... read us a poem, show us a picture of your newborn grandchild. If it’s special to you—and qualifies as art inside or outside the box—we’d love to have you share it with us.

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Meet Our Newest Members . . .Jim StreeterA nature and documentary photographer for over 40 years, Jim started out using medium and large-format cameras, even printing his own color pictures in a home darkroom, but eventually was converted to digital. Jim says, “Whatever type of viewfinder I’m looking through, photography connects me to the natural world in a unique way. I try to convey the sense of peace and serenity I find in the outdoors through my images.” .Jim’s primary photographic interest is mountain landscapes, seasonal colors, and still and moving water. He also enjoys capturing images of wildlife, wildflowers and shapes created by the forces of nature. Jim retired about eight years ago after a 28-year career as a forensic scientist. In addition to photography, he delivers Meals on Wheels for Missoula Aging Services and is on their governing board. He also volunteers in his parish in Missoula, and occasionally shuttles animals for the Humane Society of Western Montana. Jim learned about Alpine Artists at the Loon and Fish Festival, and saw membership as a way to connect with other artists in the Seeley-Swan valley. Though he and his wife live in Missoula, they have a cabin in Seeley Lake and visit as often as possible. Their hobbies include mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and traveling—and Jim’s camera almost always goes along on outings.

Larry & Linda Anderson reside on the Double Arrow Ranch. They joined Alpine Artisans out of a desire to support the arts in the Seeley Lake and surrounding area. They plan on becoming more active in the next couple of years not only by attending the visual art festivals and events sponsored by AAI, the 2 Valleys Stage concerts and other performing arts functions, but also by pitching in and helping with event planning.

Judy Johnson lives in Lincoln where she does wonderful paintings, often with a Montana outdoors theme—sled dogs, pack trains etc. She has been a contributor to Wine & Chocolate.

Geri & Frank Netherton are back in the business of running the Stage Station in Seeley Lake. Geri, who was awarded the Art Benefactor Award in 1995 in recognition of her great support of AAI, does fused glass artwork and Frank enjoys working with wood.

Belinda Rich headed the Scholarship Committee in 2005. Though always busy helping to run the Rich Ranch guest ranch and outfitting business, Belinda has found the time to fit in some art and has re-joined AAI as an artist working in oils and acrylics.

Geanette Cebulski, of Professional Bookkeeping Services, was recruited by Carol Brodie to help manage AAI’s increasingly complex bookkeeping. In the short time she has been with us, she has improved our accounting and tracking systems.

Mary Gravning started as a supporter of 2 Valleys Stage. Then she took a watercolor class with Merrily Dunham in the spring and did so well she offered to paint in the Quick Draw at Loon & Fish 2009!

John Mercer and Colleen Harrington hosted the COTC Celebration at their property on Guest Ranch Road, the site of the former Mission Mountain Girls School. John entered a wonderful photograph in the auction.

Bev Evans recently retired from teaching music at Seeley Lake Elementary School. She enjoys photography, embroidery, and gardening, but her real passion is music. She both conducts and composes (her recent pieces, some written for younger performers, are influenced by bird songs!), has led community choral efforts and is a great supporter of the community music efforts.

Sustaining MembershipFor many years, Alpine Artisans, Inc. has had Individual, Family, and Business membership options. Now we’re adding one more—Sustaining Membership. This option is available for folks who understand the magnitude of running an organization such as AAI with its many, varied and wide-reaching programs. Sustaining Members are those willing to make a regular monthly contribution, either through credit card or bank account transfer withdrawal through First Valley Bank. For further information, please contact Executive Director, Martha Swanson (793-5706, marthaforaii@blackfoot.net) or AAI Treasurer, Carol Brodie, (677-6156, cgbrodie@gmail.com).

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Rich Morgan, our itinerant AAI member presently residing in Florida, will be exhibiting his art in Missoula at the St. Patrick Hospital Health Sciences Center as part of the hospital’s Art Initiative. “Healing Art for Hurting Times: Peaceful Visions from a Painter’s Eyes” will feature Rich’s plein air and oil paintings from August 7th to the 31st, viewing times 8am to 5pm. Rich, Aurora and little Sunny will be in town also in connection with a special Meet the Artist opportunity at the hospital from 3:00 to 5:00 on the August 7th opening day. St. Pat’s Art Initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to create a healing environment through the display of art.

Ken Dvorak’s photograph of spring aspens will be part of the “Celebrating the Swan Range” exhibition at

the Bigfork Museum of Art and History. This juried photography show is hosted by the Swan View Coalition as part of their 25th anniversary celebration and works will be on display from August 25 through September 5th. The museum is located in downtown Bigfork and is open from 10-5 Tuesday through Saturday.

Laury Dizengremel garnered a couple of accolades this last month. First, a photo of her sculptures made it into the June 29th issue of Newsweek Magazine! The article highlights hotels that have created outdoor art galleries on their spacious grounds. Three of Laury’s “Artists of the Silk Road” form part of the artwork at Broomhill Art Hotel in Devon England.

Laury is presently in England but an announcement arrived from the Missoula Arts Committee that she has been selected as one of the finalists for the Fireman Memorial project. No details yet, but check our website for updates.

Angie Kimmel received 1st and 2nd Place awards in the Professional category as well as Grand Prize at the

“Photograph Montana” Photography Contest, a juried show in honor of photographer Ernest Peterson.

Tim Swanberg, the master woodworker who lives and works in Ovando, received a commission from the Seeley Lake Community Foundation to build a “Banks dory,” a 121/2 foot fishing boat designed for maximum stability. The SLCF sent Tim to The Wooden Boat School in Brooklin, Maine to learn boat building and teaching techniques.Tim used Montana cedar for the traditional lapstrake construction on his dory (each longitudinal board overlaps the one below). The Community Foundation intends to auction the boat at its 7th annual fundraiser on August 8th. Beyond that, they hope that this project will lead to the beginning of some boat building classes at Seeley Swan High School.Jenny Rohrer was hired by The Montana Meth Project to co-produce and direct a 27-minute documentary on the largest teen march in Montana history, the February 2009 March Against Meth. The March Against Meth documentary screened on Bresnan TV, and is viewable on the internet at www.MontanaMeth.org. And well worth watching.Jennifer Dyer had one of her basketry sculptures accepted in the “Web & Flow” exhibit at the Textile Center in MinneapolisCheri Thompson was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Lions Club International Humanitarian award.

Our Artists in the Spotlight . . .

In Memoriam On June 20 AAI artist member Sandi Antonich succumbed to cancer at her home in Great Falls. Sandi’s second home was on the west side of Lake Inez, where she not only spent her summers painting, but also conducted a number of 1-day Watercolor Workshops in Petie Luckman’s garage.

Sandi created lovely watercolors of flowers, barns and birds. She displayed her original matted pieces at the Loon & Fish Festival and the Wine and Chocolate Social. At these events, she always gladly donated one of her pieces for the raffles.

Through the years, Sandi participated in the Charlie Russell Show, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Trout Unlimited and other art shows. She also explored ceramics, china painting, pastel painting and became an expert quilter.