Ennis galleries & artists invite public to visit Madison Valley this summer
by Elizabeth McCambridge
The famous theologian, Thomas Merton wrote: “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Some folks say art is a luxury. Others believe it is a necessity in our lives. No matter where one falls on the spectrum, maybe we all can agree that art is fun to create, fun to look at and fun to own.
Ennis, Montana
Come to Ennis, Montana this summer to find and lose yourself – and have fun while you do! Ennis is an artist enclave with four of the friendliest and finest art galleries in Montana: Gallery 287, The Cattleman Gallery of Western Art, Artists on Main, and Right Angles. Every category of art that you can name can be found in our galleries. All four have artwork from local and surrounding Montana artists. Some internationally acclaimed and collected artists that live in our community and who are represented in these galleries are: Todd Connor, David Lemon, Ed Totten and Cathy Toot.
Throughout the summer, “An Evening of Art” will be held on four Fridays at Gallery 287 and The Cattleman Gallery of Western Art. Enjoy refreshments and meet the featured artists on June 21st, July 19th, August 16th and September 20th. All start at 5pm and run to 8pm. Free and open to all ages. Bring your guests and friends!
And mark your calendars! Saturday, August 10th is the Ennis Arts Association’s 24th annual Madison Valley Arts Festival. The event features 57 juried artist booths, live music, food, face painting and an art raffle. This fun, family friendly and free event will take place from 10am to 5pm in beautiful Peter T.’s Park on Main Street in Ennis.
The Ennis Arts Association (EAA) was established in 1972 with the mission to promote the arts in Madison Valley. The Ennis Arts Association is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Membership fees, as well as the annual arts festival fundraiser, are used to support art in Madison Valley through programs, scholarships, and events held by the EAA. The proceeds from the EAA arts festival allows the EAA to give back to our community, such as the Madison Valley Public Library, Shakespeare in the Schools, Madison County Fair Art Awards, Ennis School Science Fair Awards, and Madison Farm to Fork: Good Thyme Summer Camp. The Ennis Arts Association awards art-related Tuition Scholarships annually. •
