State of the Art: Montana

T he state of Montana is known for many things: the astonishing national parks, the rich diversity in landscapes, Native American history and the mining of precious metals and gems, which have earned it the nickname of “The Treasure State” and also “Oro y Plata,” Spanish for gold and silver. Yet another crucial fact about Montana is its heavy influence on the creative mind, especially for those in awe of the West, its historical significance and the ranching way of life.

Setting the path for many artists in the Western genre was none other than the famous Charles M. Russell. Struck by the excitement of life on the range, Russell left his life in St. Louis at only 16 years old, and first landed on a sheep ranch in the Judith Basin in central Montana.Glacier National Park. Courtesy Glacier Country Tourism.

“In 1882, Russell finally secured a job as a night herder with several cattle outfits operating in the Judith Basin,” reads the C.M. Russell Museum website. “This was the perfect job for the young artist because it gave him the opportunity during the day to observe, sketch and document the activities and excitement of the cow camps. He worked as a cowboy and wrangler for 11 years before retiring in 1893 to become a full-time artist.”

Russell developed an extensive knowledge of ranch life, the Northern Plains Indians and Montana wilderness, inspiring around 4,000 works of art—all with an emphasis on stories of the region. The artist’s many achievements in preserving the history of the West led to even greater success influencing the modern artist, therefore, carrying on the deeper meaning behind his body of work and keeping the spirit of Montana alive. Prominent groups like the Cowboy Artists of America create authentic Western works in honor and in promotion of what Russell put into motion centuries ago.

Today, art institutions like the C.M. Russell Museum also carry on the Russell legacy and exemplify the beauty and history of Montana. The museum hosts The Russell auction every year and also supports and uplifts artist groups like the Russell Riders and the Russell Skull Society, including other institutions and exhibitions that center around Russell’s life and work, of which there are many.

Learn more about Montana in this destination feature, as well as in our coverage of The Russell in this same issue. Countless collectors and artists have been bewildered by everything Montana has to offer. Maybe you will be next.

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C.M. Russell Museum
400 13th Street North
Great Falls, MT 49401
(406) 727-8787
cmrussell.org

The award-winning C.M. Russell Museum contains more than 3,000 pieces of Western art in a complex that covers an entire city block and encompasses 16 exhibition galleries, educational programming spaces, a dedicated research center and an impressive outdoor sculpture garden.C.M. Russell Museum main entrance.

With nearly 1,000 Charles M. Russell creations in their collection, the museum presents Russell’s comprehensive, very personal and authentic reflection on Western history. Also showcased are Russell contemporaries who have captured the traditions of North Plains Indian life, Montana wildlife and landscapes and cowboy culture. You will discover important work by O.C. Seltzer, Winold Reiss, Joseph Henry Sharp, Earle Heikka, Maynard Dixon, Eanger Irving Couse, Olaf Wieghorst, Henry Farny, Frank Tenney Johnson and more.C.M. Russell Museum, Fireboat,1918, oil on board, by Charles M. Russell (1864-1926). Collection of the C.M. Russell Museum; Gift of Mrs. Wade George in memory of Wade Hampton George.

C.M. Russell Museum, Beauty Parlor, 1907, watercolor and gouache on paper, by Charles M. Russell (1864-1926). Collection of the C.M. Russell Museum; The Josephine Trigg Collection.“We invite you to immerse yourself in Russell’s West at the museum and our onsite crown jewel of the Russell legacy—the original Russell House and Studio, a National Historic Landmark,” says museum representatives.

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Lisa Gleim
(770) 919-7719
lisa@lisagleimfineart.com
www.lisagleimfineart.com

Artist Lisa Gleim and her family made Montana their second home on their very first visit.Lisa Gleim, Puma-donna, pastel on maps, 36 x 36”

“I call it my happy place,” she says. “Visually experiencing the West firsthand is as if one has turned up the volume of one’s surroundings. It has the elements of the fabulous landscapes and wildlife I’ve known growing up on the eastern seaboard, yet with a certain pioneering spirit.”Lisa Gleim, All Wet, pastel on Montana map, 20 x 22”

Lisa Gleim, Only in America, pastel on Yellowstone maps, 36 x 48”

As a narrative realism artist, Montana drew Gleim in immediately, and naturally, she wanted to paint all she was seeing. “In my current work,” she explains. “I’m using the substrates of vintage western maps to signify the landscape and historic elements of the Western wildlife represented in my pastels.”

Gleim is participating in the C.M. Russell Museum’s annual event in Great Falls this month. In the West she is represented by McLarry Fine Art, Montana Trails Gallery and Paderewski Fine Art. —