HIGH GALLERY

Acclaimed Helena artist Richard Notkin, who took the first of his five journeys to China to further study the Yixing teapots in 1991, will give a brief illustrated lecture about the history of Yixing and the development of the teapot.  This will be followed by a tasting of fine Chinese green teas, such as oolongs, pouchongs and high mountain teas, utilizing fine Yixing teapots and other traditional implements.  This tea-tasting is not to be confused with the Japanese tea ceremony, but is more akin to a western wine tasting.  All attendees will have an opportunity to sample and compare different teas brewed by Richard.

Courtesy of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation

Saturday, February 11 @ 10:00 am

BAIR GALLERY

Do you like horses, wide open skies and grasslands that go on forever?  Then join us at the Holter Museum for an informative talk about the art of the Asian steppes – not Montana – including Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Northern China. Popular art historian Dr Ardi Kia from UM-Missoula will give a slide lecture at 10:00 am in the Bair Gallery.

Held in conjuction with Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Steppes from the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation. Sponsored by Scott Mainwaring & Susan Benedict, Central and Southwest Asian Studies Center at The University of Montana, The Montana Arts Council and Holter members.

Fri, January 27, 6:30 p.m.

Please join us for a slide presentation by the Holter Museum’s current Cultural Crossroads Artist-in-Residence, Wanxin Zhang! If you missed Wanxin’s gallery talk last weekend or even if you were there, this presentation is not to be missed. Wanxin will show images of his work beyond the pieces presented in his current exhibition at the Holter, ” A Ten Year Survey” (on view through March 18, 2012) This will be Helena’s last chance to meet and learn more about one of today’s most talented contemporary ceramic artists.

Free for all!

Call 442-6400 ext. 115 with any questions.

Lecture: 5:30-6:45pm, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church: Trudy S. Kawami, PhD, Director of Research, Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, New York

Reception: 7-8:30pm, Holter Museum of Art

Please join us to celebrate a new set of exhibitions to kick off our 25th Anniversary on Friday, January 20th.

Call 442-6400 for more information.

Patrul Rinpoche , a Tibetan Buddhist monk once said “ from time to time invite your demons to tea.”  This idea has intrigued me; having tea a safe and comfortable space to meet and disempower your demons.  I have witnessed the sacred Cham dances of Tibet performed by Buddhist monks to an audience drinking tea, as they watch masked demon dancers . The demons representing ambiguity,confusion, greed and ignorance frighten away negativity and strengthen ones’ courage to self reflect and meet ones’ demons.

In my studio, I drink tea , listen to Buddhist teachings, and invite demons to take form through clay . My hope is they will bring strength and courage to the viewer.

Photographer Dudley Dana and writer Candace Crosby present their written and visual images of southern China where they were invited to travel with six artists. Dana and Crosby are co-owners of the Dana Gallery in Missoula, MT, where both are psychologists. Dudley has been Artist-In-Residence in Glacier Park and the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming. He was also a photographer for the America 24/7 Project. Candace’s astute observations add another perspective to Dudley’s images. Their collaborative gallery exhibitions of text and image include Sixth Cup of Tea, Tres Amigos and Raptors.

Take advantage of a week of Lunar New Year Activities at the Holter Museum and ExplorationWorks!  Families, teens, and interested community members are invited to the Holter Jan 23 – 26 from 3:30-5:45 to take part in constructing a Giant Dragon Puppet to be paraded in celebration of 2012 as part of The Year of the Dragon Family Day at the Holter Museum on Saturday, January 28 and ExplorationWorks on Sunday, January 29.  Beginning at 10:30 am on January 24^th – January 27^th, families of young children can gather in Little Sky Country at ExplorationWorks for a variety of activities designed for the creative, young mind.  Activities will include creating hand-held dragon puppets, paper lanterns, coins inspired by those of the Orient and a tabletop fireworks display—no explosives necessary!  Chinese tradition believes Dragons bring good luck to people, and they reflect qualities that include great power, dignity, wisdom, and good fortune.  The Holter Museum’s Dragon Building Experience is sponsored by North Fork Technical Service and is free to all, materials are provided, including snacks for all who help.  Please call the Holter to let us know you’re coming.  406-442-6400  x115.  All activities at ExplorationWorks are free to members or with paid general admission, $8 for adults, $5.50 for kids.

Ages 3–7 • 10:30–11:45am

Holter Museum docents (volunteer museum educators) teach these popular workshops for children ages 3 to 7 and accompanying adults. The workshops are fun and challenging—and include viewing art, stories, movement, music, and hands-on art activities.

Cost: $5 members per child; $7 non-members per child

Register Online

Intermediate: Students have a good foundation in the fundamentals of art including the principles of design and composition and a level of proficiency in the technical aspects of a given medium. “I’ve taken a few classes…I did a lot of this in college…”

All Levels: Students from experienced beginners to advanced will have individualized instruction within the given structure and definition of the class. A range of student abilities will be represented.