For Immediate Release
For editorial information, contact: Autumn Reagor, 406-454-8500.
Visuals available upon request
Helena Embraces Summer of Clay Activities
Culture, events, education and galleries grace this Rocky Mountain Art Town
April 11, 2006 This year leading ceramic artists from around the world will gather to work together for one month in a distinctive setting designed to encourage artistic interaction. They meet at the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains outside Helena, Montana. Their collaborative work efforts will culminate in the Archie Bray International June 22-25, 2006.
This event hosts artists from Europe, Australia, South America, Africa, Asia and North America and is an ideal destination for visitors, tourists and residents to experience numerous artistic experiences in one place, the capital city of Helena.
The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts was created in 1951 and works to provide an environment that stimulates creative work in ceramics. The Bray is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sits on the site of the former Western Clay Manufacturing Company. Visiting and resident artists help to create a dynamic arts community where ceramics can be viewed, created and enjoyed.
The capital city stays hopping all summer with an abundance of artistic events for everyone from the casual art lover to the educated connoisseur to the individuals who just feel the music in their bones and it makes them want to dance!
The city and its residents are hosting events in collaboration with the festivities occurring at the Bray. One of the large events is the Ceramic Stroll through downtown Helena on June 23. Local merchants are exhibiting ceramic artwork; this event will allow viewers to leisurely walk though downtown. In addition, Wells Fargo is hosting Pottery Northwest from Seattle for a special exhibition that will include the work of 6-8 Seattle-area artists. US Bank is also getting involved by showcasing a local Helena ceramic artist, Chip Clawson.
Or how about viewing contemporary ceramic art on the street? A studio potter from Colorado, Alleghany Meadows, is driving a mobile art gallery to Montana. The gallery sits in a renovated 30-foot 1967 Airstream Sovereign land yacht remodeled into this unique exhibition space.
If wandering through uncrowded art galleries is something you fancy, stop by a few of the many galleries scattered throughout Helena. Holter Museum of Art, founded in 1987, is located in a renovated historic industrial building and showcases the work of regional artists, craftsmen and writers. The Turman Gallery, owned by artist Doug Turman, is home to paintings that represent a unique visual experience for each individual. If “original only” art created by Montana artists attracts you, the Upper Missouri Artist Gallery of Original Art is the place for you. Work includes oil paintings, watercolor, mixed media and pastel, handmade furniture and glass jewelry.
While in Helena, hit one of the West’s finest art shows and sales at the 28th annual Western Rendezvous of Art from August 17 – 20. The Rendezvous showcases 55 of the nation’s leading artists, invited guest artists, members of the Northwest Rendezvous Group of Artists and selected guest artists.
The Montana Shakespeare Company performs through much of the summer with a company of actors gathered from across the nation. The company will celebrate its 10th organization year with full-length productions of many of Shakespeare’s greatest tales under the wide-open starry skies of Western Montana.
For music lovers wanting a taste of everything from jazz to bluegrass to the symphony, there’s no need to travel to the big city! Helena’s got it all! The summer kicks off with the Helena Jazz Jubilee June 14 – 18 containing a wide variety of music, including swing, big band, Mardi Gras sounds, ragtime and pop. Dance the night away as you experience music reaching from the past to today!
One of the best small festivals in the Northwest is the Mount Helena Music Festival. Enjoy numerous activities and two non-stop stages, 25 hours of live music and tons of food, arts and craft vendors. For a romantic and relaxing evening out, sit on the hillside at Carroll College and enjoy “Symphony Under the Stars,” presented by Carroll College and the Helena Symphony.
For mid-week visits, swing by “Alive @ Five” held every Wednesday throughout the summer. A Farmers Market kicks the festivities off each week, followed by good food, great shopping and free music along the most historic mile in Montana.
For additional information, you may also contact the following:
Helena Jazz Jubilee
|
Mount Helena Music Festival July 14 – 16 406-447-1535 www.downtownhelena.com |
Last Chance Bluegrass Festival
|
Montana Shakespeare Company June 22 – August 26; Thur. – Sunday 406-449-4466 www.montanashakespeare.org |
Symphony Under the Stars
|
Western Rendezvous of Art August 17 - 20 406-442-4263 www.westrendart.com |
Alive @ Five Summer Series
|
Archie Bray International June 22 - 25 406-443-3502 www.archiebray.org |
1st Fairy Folk Festival
|
Downtown Helena 406-447-1535 www.downtownhelena.com |
| Helena Chamber of Commerce 1-800-7-HELENA www.helenacvb.visitmt.com |
| Sign Up For Our Email Newsletter |
