Artsy gatherings, Chris Cunningham & more at the Library
The Bozeman Public Library offers more than just a vast selection of books, periodicals, and movies to its many pass-holders — it also hosts a number of musical and other events open to the public. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
Bozeman artist LeeAnn Ramey will exhibit her recent paintings in the Atrium Gallery at the Bozeman Public Library May 1st through June 30th. The Bozeman Public Library Foundation, sponsors of the exhibit, will host an artist’s reception on Friday, May 5th from 6–7:30pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Ramey combines bold energetic brushstrokes and colors to create fresh, whimsical and abstract qualities to her florals, landscapes, and wildly popular, brightly colored pet portraits. “I love the prospect of discovering something new when I paint — whether it’s experimenting with different mediums, textures or subjects, I want to have fun and explore!” A native Nashvillian, LeeAnn worked as a graphic designer in the country music industry for over 25 years before relocating to Bozeman in 2014.
The next Wonderlust Friday Forum is set for May 12th with Jim Madden, Dede Taylor, and Mary Ellen Strom presenting at the Library from 12–1:30pm.
Madden and Taylor visit from Mountain Time Arts, a public art initiative in Bozeman, introducing their 2017 Summer series of art events: three compelling and significant art events to engage the public around water issues and conservation. Strom, a local artist, will talk about public art, creative place-making, and join the discussion of the trio’s experiences producing place-based temporal art works.
Mountain Time Arts presented WaterWorks pilot project, FLOW, in August of 2016. The outdoor exhibit was a sound and video installation projected onto three Story Mill grain buildings that brought the site to life as it narrated its history and present, in 90’ tall moving images.
Mountain Time Arts was formed to illuminate the cultural and natural environment of Montana’s Gallatin Valley and is dedicated to interpreting potent sites in the landscape in terms of our deep history and vital present, and to inspiring our community to imagine a sustainable future. Mountain Time Arts believe in collaborative processes, in engaging diverse audiences, and in moving minds.
Dede Taylor is an art historian who taught many years in the MSU Departments of History. In recent years she has taught popular Wonderlust classes focusing on the art, culture and the history of Spain. Her new venture with Madden is with Mountain Time Arts.
Jim Madden is an artist and long time area resident. He is well known for his imaginative art that ushers kids and their families into the children’s section of the library.
Friday Forum is a monthly speaker series sponsored by Wonderlust, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Montana State University’s Extended University. The Wonderlust Friday Forum is hosted by the Bozeman Public Library. It is open to the public.
Join in on Monday, May 22nd at 7pm for the next edition of Exploring the Arts featuring Chris Cunningham & Friends. Chris is a singer/songwriter who writes about family, travelers, snowplow drivers, spiritual growth, volcanoes, old flames, and the natural beauty of Montana. Joining Chris will be Tom Murphy on mandolin and vocal harmonies and Mike Parsons with fiddle and banjo. Both musicians joined Chris to film an episode of PBS’ 11th & Grant with Eric Funk which aired in February.
In addition to performing and answering questions from the audience, Tom will talk about the mandolin as an accompanying instrument, and Mike will discuss his old-time style of fiddle playing. Chris is a member of the acoustic-folk duo Storyhill and a native of Bozeman. He’s been making and releasing albums for 25 years, most recently the self-produced EP If You Knew All Along. He is also the owner of Basecamp Recording where he produces high quality and customized recordings for singers, songwriters, and bands. Exploring the Arts is sponsored by the Bozeman Public Library Foundation.
Yoga for All abilities continues into spring, held every Tuesday from 11–11:45am and 12–12:45pm in the Large Community Room. Starting in May, the morning class will be taught by certified yoga instructor Brooke Russell, owner of You Are Here Yoga. The noon class continues to be taught by local mom and yoga instructor Jen DuCharme. The morning class tends to have more kids following Books & Babies, but all are welcome to either class. Open to all ages and abilities, instructors focus on the basics of yoga, breathing, and mind/body connections. Please bring your own mat and any props you choose to use, blocks or straps.
The Bozeman Public Library is located at 626 E. Main St. For more information on these and other events, please visit www.bozemanlibrary.org. •