past events
Volunteers Needed
ANGEL ORNAMENT MAKING WORKSHOP
AT THE ELLING HOUSE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, 9:30 AM TO 2 PM
2023 Angel Christmas Ornaments for Feast
Volunteers will learn to make delightful angel Christmas Ornaments. The ornaments will be used to decorate the Elling House and as gifts for guests at the annual Elling House Arts & Humanities Center Splendid Feast Dinner*. Each volunteer may also make one to take home.
Only available for a couple hours? You are welcome to attend for part or all of the scheduled time. All materials will be supplied. Please bring scissors, a glue gun, and a ruler to measure the angel pieces.
A hearty soup and beverages will be served to volunteers for lunch. It is always fun spending time together, sharing stories of holidays past, and ushering in the holidays as we put our creativity to work. For more information on the Elling House Arts & Humanities Center see our website at this link.
Please confirm your participation by responding to this email or call Toni James at 406-843-5454 or text or call Ann White at 406-690-5163 or Andrée White Snow at 406-902-9199, and forward the invite to other friends who may like to participate.
*The Splendid Feast Dinner is on December 15th and 16th. For additional details, see below or check out EHAHC Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ellinghouse.
Volunteers Needed to make Wreaths
FOR THE ELLING HOUSE SPLENDID FEAST
SATURDAY DECEMBER 2 AND SUNDAY DECEMBER 3,
9:30AM TO 4PM
The Wreath Making Workshop will be 9:30 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, December 2nd, and Sunday, December 3rd.
Come help prepare wreaths to decorate for the Elling House Splendid Feast! Wreaths will be part of the dinner table decorations and will be auctioned off after dinner as a fundraiser to support the programs offered at the Elling House Arts & Humanities Center throughout the year.
Only available for a couple hours? You are welcome to attend for part or all of the scheduled time. Wreath-making materials will be provided. Please bring pruning shears and work gloves.
A hearty soup and beverages will be served to volunteers for lunch.
It is always fun spending time together, sharing stories of holidays past, and ushering in the holidays as we put our creativity to work. For more information on the Elling House Arts & Humanities Center see our website at this link http://www.ellinghouse.org.
To confirm your participation please call Toni James at 406-843-5454 or text/call Andrée White Snow at 406-902-9199.
*The Splendid Feast Dinner is on December 15th and 16th. For additional details, see below or check out the EHAHC Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ellinghouse.
The Splendid Feast Fund Raiser and Fun!
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY DECEMBER 15 AND 16
6:30PM WASSAIL HOUR
7:00PM SIX COURSE DINNER
By Chefs Janet Marsh and Ruth Hauri
$75 per person
$125 per couple
$550 per table
(Table purchaser receives hand-built wreath.)
Those attending are encouraged to bring your own wine.
Please join us for a magical evening of good food, whimsical ambiance, and holiday cheer to benefit the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center.
cowboy poetry open mike
23 September, 2023
Mo Reynolds, Story Teller
Great Adventures Begin with Once Upon a Time
Saturday, September 16, 6PM
Great adventures begin with, “Once upon a time,” everyone knows that much. But some of the greatest adventures begin with the words “Did I ever tell you about that time . .” Listening to stories and telling our own fosters connection, thought, and real life application of timeless truths. Mo Reynolds is a professional storyteller that weaves folk tales with personal narratives, drawing connections along the way and inviting listeners to be a part of the story. Every performance is a unique experience. The performance can include a workshop element, helping members of the community tap into their own stories and build connections with others through stories. Sharing and listening to stories fosters connection, empathy, and unity. Connecting them to folk tales and fables anchor them in a way that is both unique and universal.
Mo Reynolds has been telling stories for many years, just ask her parents! She has been performing for audiences since 2016. She was a librarian for two years, delighting students weekly with folk tales, myths, stories from literature, and inspiring records from real life. She has performed in schools, festivals, backyards, and living rooms across Montana, Idaho, Washington, Utah, and all the way to Florida. After being a showcase teller for two years, she was invited to be a featured storyteller at the Florida Storytelling Festival in 2020. Mo recently earned the Diamonds in the Dust Diamond Award Scholarship in 2020 to help build her YouTube channel, where she posts storytelling episodes to spread the art to a broad audience around the world.
Admission by Donation
Fairest Isle
Fiddle, Dance, and Courtly Tunes from the British Isles
Friday. August 25, 7:00 PM
Fairest Isle takes some jiggy steps into Folk Baroque and Courtly Tunes from eighteenth century England where folk melodies are blended with new French and Italian forms.
Playing on period instruments will be Cape Breton fiddler David Greenberg, baroque violin; Carrie Krause, baroque violin; Anna O’Connell, harp; Nate Helgeson, baroque bassoon; Annabeth Shirley, cello; and John Lenti, obo.
Admission is free. Donations for this event to the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center help to continue bringing quality musical performances to Madson County and Southwest Montana. They
PAUL BORUFF WITH DARK FIDDLE
Saturday, July 22, 2023, 7:PM
Paul Boruff with Dark Fiddle play an eclectic selection of music that includes original compositions, as well as select contemporary, traditional and classical music. This duo features Paul Boruff on vocals and guitar and Lise Brunhart on viola and flute.
Paul Boruff learned to play guitar and sing under the tutelage of his father. While serving in the United States Navy Paul toured with the Admiral’s Band performing big band music throughout the United States. Following his honorable discharge, he studied music theory and opera at college in Arizona.
Dark Fiddle and Paul Boruff Paul’’s music career has known no borders. As a soloist, he has performed nationally and internationally for audiences of all sizes.
Lise Sorensen Brunhart studied viola performance with Jenny Rudin of Palo Alto, California. In 1976, inspired to form a career combining visual arts with music, Lise came to Salt Lake City to study lutherie with Peter Paul Prier and Paul Hart at the Violin- Making School of America.
Bridger Winds
JULY 11, 7PM
The Bridger Winds, in conjunction with the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center and the Montana Classical Music Society, will perform the Carl Nielsen-Wind Quintet, Op 43, FS 100 (1922).
Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was a Danish composer, conductor and violinist, widely recognized as his country's most prominent composer. Nielsen’s fondness for wind instruments is closely related to his love of nature, his fascination for living, breathing things.
The Bridger Winds quintet consists of Susan Makeever, flute; Sandy Stimson, oboe; David Carter, clarinet; William Scharnberg, horn; and Kathleen Reynolds, bassoon.
Admission is free. Donations are gladly cherished and benefit the continued quality musical performances brought to Virginia City by the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center.
Samantha Robison, Photographer and Film Maker
RECEPTION: SATURDAY, JULY 1, 5-7PM
INITIAL SCREENING OF “108 MAX LANE” 5:30 PM JULY 1.
GALLERY HOURS: 2-5PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THROUGH JULY 30.
The exhibition showcases the photography and cinematography of Samantha Robison and features the landscapes and activities a small-scale cattle rancher in the Madison Valley of Montana. The exhibition, including the film "108 Max Lane," will be on view at the Elling House Saturdays and Sundays, 2-5PM from July 1st - July 30th.
Headed Out
The works center around Max Robison, a fourth-generation rancher and the second in his family to ranch in the Madison River Valley. Max will likely be the last. As land prices soar, the centuries-old tradition of small-scale family-run ranches is fading out, yet still holds relevance for the American way of life. Photographs and film captured over the span of two years reveal the beauty
Samantha Robison Robisonlandscape and lifestyle seemingly untouched by the modern era. The images capture the seasons of ranching life, chronically brandings, cattle drives and the ever changing vistas.
Samantha Robison holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Lewis and Clark College and a Masters in Fine Art from the University of California Santa Cruz. Since 2010 Samantha has worked in the non-profit sector where she develops, organizes, and manages community mural projects and skatepark construction. She documents to the communities and people with whom she works. Her photography has been featured in The BBC, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, VICE, Al-Jazeera, Elle Magazine (photo features) and Beyond Survival: Kilian Kleinschmidt (book cover).
Admission to the exhibition is free, though donations to the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center are appreciated.
MARIE MURDERS ART EXHIBIT
3-24 JUNE 2023
Maria Murders is a 5th generation Montanan. Although she had art classes in high school, it wasn’t until 2022, after her return to Montana from the West Coast, that she was moved to take up painting as a serious vocation. In February of that year, she bought a watercolor set and turned to YouTube for a refresher course on working with them. Then she turned to landscapes of Madison Valley and Southwest Montana and began painting. In June 2022 she began selling her paintings locally. They were an almost instant success.
Her father, from whom she says she got her gift of painting, encouraged her to take up soft pastels and gave her his old supplies. She “fell in love” with the process of applying pastels and the vibrant color and textures she can get with them.
Maria’s paintings are seldom garish or over-colored, but they are vibrant in their capture of the subtle brilliance, color and light of her subject, whether this is a landscape of storm clouds brooding over a golden Montana valley or a still life of red roses in a bronze vase
MIKE DOWLING
Bottleneck blues, vintage swing, ragtime and more played with grace, wit, and dazzling dexterity
SATURDAY, 10 JUNE 2023, 7PM
Mike Dowling’s most recent appearance at the Elling House was standing room only. And the standers and sitters were not disappointed. Mike came through with his usual Piedmont style of acoustic blues.
When the late, great Vassar Clements heard Mike Dowling play guitar back in 1975 he did the sensible thing. He hired him. Mike was the guitarist in Vassar's first touring band and can be heard on his Grammy-nominated "Nashville Jam". Clements called him simply, "One of the finest guitarists there is, anywhere. "Echoing that sentiment is an ever-growing chorus of music critics, guitar students, and acoustic music fans from throughout the world.
Mike can't be pigeonholed as a blues player, or even as a finger stylist. He's far too versatile for that. From bottleneck blues to vintage jazz and much more in between, Mike's musicality, depth, and mastery of the instrument translates fluently to flattop, archtop, and resonator guitars alike.
Mike grew up in central Wisconsin and early in his career in the Midwest caught the ear of jazz violin great Joe Venuti and mandolinist Jethro Burns. In the 1970's, in addition to touring with Clements, he worked and recorded with Burns and Venuti in Chicago and in between jobs took time off to move to California when he had the opportunity to study with the late, great George Barnes. Barnes had been "the" session guy for many years, recording with everyone from Big Bill Broonzy to Tony Bennett. "I was very fortunate to be able to spend some time with him", Mike says. " He was so tasteful, so rhythmic. He set the bar very high for me and he continues to be an inspiration.".
Admission $20.00 per person-Reservations Recommended
For more information, please call 406-843-5454 or 460-843-5507.
Phil Page, Traditional Western Music and Story Telling
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 7PM
Let Phil Page take you on a journey back to the time when early cattle drives from Texas to Montana supplied beef to the gold fields. Join us for a fun night of music, history, and laughter.
Phil is a songwriter, singer, musician, storyteller, as well as a working cowboy and saddle-maker from Dillon, MT. His songs are in the cowboy, country folk genre.
Admission is $15.00 per person.
COME TO THE 2023 ANNUAL ELLING HOUSE CHAUTAUCUA!
A UNIQUE AMERICA EXPERIENCE
January (21st), February (18th), March (18th) and April (15th)
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center invites you to attend this year’s winter Chautauqua on the third Saturday of January (21st), February (18th), March (18th) and April (15th). The monthly event begins at 6:30pm with a meet and greet. Performances will start at 7:30pm and end at 9:00pm.
Come, enjoy a fun evening of entertainment, intellectual or spiritual growth, and local culture. We are located at 404 East Idaho Street, Virginia City, Montana.
Participants can present one or two songs, or a 5-minute reading. Those wishing to be on stage should contact Toni James at (406) 843-5454 or email ranksmerc@yahoo.com to reserve their place in the spotlight.
Student Art Show
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023
CALLING ALL ARTISTS Grades K-12 Youth of MADISON COUNTY Art Show
The Elling House Arts & Humanities Center in Virginia City is hosting a “Youth of Madison County” Art Show and invites all Madison County youth in grades K-12 to submit one piece of artwork.
February 24th is the deadline for all entries, which must be accompanied by an application
The application is available at Ranks Mercantile in Virginia City (open Mon - Fri 9 - 5:30, Sat 9 - 5 and closed Sunday)
or to receive application form by email, call Toni James 406.483.5454 or Sally Schendell 406.925.9422.
Artwork must be flat, unframed, unmated, sized 8.5”x11” to 11”x17
Artwork may be dropped off at Thompson-Hickman Library in Virginia City of Friday February 24th between 2:00-5:30 PM. To make prior drop-off arrangements please contact Toni James at 406.843.5454
Artwork will be displayed at EHAHC March 11th – April 15th and an artists’ reception will be held on Saturday March 11th, 2-5 PM at the Elling House.
Display dates and times are: Saturday March 18, 5-6:30 PM; Saturday March 25, 2-5 PM; Sunday March 26, 2-5 PM; and Saturday April 15, 2-6:30 PM.
For more information or to receive application form via email call Toni at 406.843.5454 or Sally Schendell at 406.925.9494 or co
MONTANA CONVERSATIONS “MONTANA’S POET LAUREATE” WITH MARK GIBBONS
MONTANA POET LAUREATE - FRIDAY 21APRIL 2023 7PM
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center will host the Montana Conversations program, “Montana’s Poet Laureate,” with Mark Gibbons on 21 April 2023. The program will be at the Elling House, 404 E. Idaho St., Virginia City, Montana, starting at 7:00 PM. The presentation is free and open to the public. Funding for Montana Conversations is provided by Humanities Montana through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Montana’s Cultural Trust, and private donations. We are funded in part by coal severance taxes paid, based upon coal mined in Montana, and deposited in Montana’s cultural and aesthetic projects trust fund.
Poet laureate Mark Gibbons; a lifelong resident of the state; began writing poetry in high school, married young, and has worked a variety of jobs to remain in Montana. His presentations explore the power of poetry, and how it reveals through personal experience and human emotion what it's like to be a human being, and how it helps us recognize that all of us have more in common than we think. By sharing his and others' poems, he will discuss his love of poetry, and his belief that it not only matters but is an essential tool for developing empathy and understanding. Poetry is social glue. Every person is a poet whether they know it or not. Everyone thinks, imagines, feels, dreams. Poetry shows us that on paper and in song.
Mark Gibbons is the author of nine books and two chapbooks of poetry-most recently In the Weeds and Mostly Cloudy. He's edited two poetry collections for Drumlummon Institute and is the current editor of the Montana Poets Series for FootHills Publishing. For four decades, Gibbons has taught poetry to a variety of citizens in Montana from one-room schools to colleges to the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. He lives in Missoula with his wife and continues to teach with the Missoula Writing Collaborative.
For more information, please call 406-843-5454 or 460-843-5507.
SPLENDID FEAST
DECEMBER 16 AND 17
CHEF: JANET MARSH
Menu: TBD
As guests arrive, water ice luminaries and hundreds of tiny bulbs light the driveway and entrance to the historical mansion. A grand tree greets the guests in the welcome room. In the parlor, a fire roars warmly from the hearth and favorite holiday songs dance in the air. In the ballroom, wine, wassail and cider flow freely to warm the belly and the soul. As the evening progresses, a Chef Janet Marsh and a small army of festive volunteers prepare and present a splendid feast of wholesome delicacies. The walls are decked with natural decorations and trimmings provided by local artisans. Candlelight and good company grows hearty conversation. Roars of laughter and holiday cheer rise and fall through the evening. As the evening draws to a close, dessert and coffee are served and guests leave with a warm sense of community and bellies full of wonderful food.
TICKETS ARE $60 PER PERSON, $110 FOR TWO. PURCHASED IN ADVANCE BY CALLING 406-843-5454
THE ELLING HOUSE PRESENTS WILLSON AND MCKEE IN
“ECHO IN A WINTER’S HEART”
Friday, December 9 at 7:00 PM
Willson and McKee return to the Elling House with a lively concert of Celtic music celebrating the winter and the holiday season.
K im McKee and her husband Ken Wilson have shared music professionally for 30 years. They have toured full time both in the United States and the U.K. They have produced fourteen professional recordings, and won awards in the U.S. and Ireland for song writing and instrumental interpretation.
Committed to regional educational work in schools, libraries, and extended learning programs; they perform for listening audiences including house concerts, small venues, cultural and special events.
Their bright and lively presence will surely warm the cold December night and Echo in the Winter’s Heart. You are in for a night of fun stories and toe-tapping music. Admission is $20 per person. Reserve your seat now. Call: 406-843-545
Mo Reynolds, Story Teller
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 AT 7PM
HEAR GREAT STORIES AND LEARN HOW THEY ARE MADE.
Great adventures begin with, “Once upon a time,” everyone knows that much. But some of the greatest adventures begin with the words “Did I ever tell you about that time . .” Listening to stories and telling our own fosters connection, thought, and real life application of timeless truths. Mo Reynolds is a professional storyteller that weaves folk tales with personal narratives, drawing connections along the way and inviting listeners to be a part of the story. Every performance is a unique experience. The performance can include a workshop element, helping members of the community tap into their own stories and build connections with others through stories. Sharing and listening to stories fosters connection, empathy, and unity. Connecting them to folk tales and fables anchor them in a way that is both unique and universal.
Mo Reynolds has been telling stories for many years, just ask her parents! She has been performing for audiences since 2016. She was a librarian for two years, delighting students weekly with folk tales, myths, stories from literature, and inspiring records from real life. She has performed in schools, festivals, backyards, and living rooms across Montana, Idaho, Washington, Utah, and all the way to Florida. After being a showcase teller for two years, she was invited to be a featured storyteller at the Florida Storytelling Festival in 2020. Mo recently earned the Diamonds in the Dust Diamond Award Scholarship in 2020 to help build her YouTube channel, where she posts storytelling episodes to spread the art to a broad audience around the world.
Divide: The Montana Jazz Project will be jazzing
at the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center
Sunday October 9, at 7pm.
Loren Stillman on saxophones, Bob Bowman on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums, are internationally-acclaimed musicians who combine jazz tradition with spontaneous arrangements, weaving together melody and improvisation. While jazz can take many forms, there is no substitute for live collaboration.
The music of Brooklyn-based saxophonist and composer, Loren Stillman, has found acclaimed reviews in such publications as The New York Times, Downbeat Magazine, Jazziz, Jazz Times, and National Public Radio, marking him as an innovative voice of modern jazz.
Bob Bowman has performed with numbers of artists including Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Frank Mantooth, Carmen McRae, Pat Coil, Freddie Hubbard, Bud Shank, Ed Soph, Karrin Allyson, Dan Haerle, Steve Houghton, Steve Allee, Bill Mays, Clay Jenkins, Danny Embrey, Todd Strait, Loren Stillman, Bob Sheppard, Matt Otto, Rod Fleeman, John Stowell, Jerry Hahn, Bobby Watson, Josh Nelson, and others. Bob has toured around the world and been on many recordings that have won or been nominated for GRAMMY awards.
Drummer Mark Ferber can be heard on nearly 200 recordings. Ongoing projects include ECM recording artist Ralph Alessi’s ‘This Against That’, the Marc Copland trio, the Brad Shepik Organ Trio, and his twin brother, Alan Ferber’s Grammy nominated big band.
Come hear these Internationally acclaimed Montana jazz artists at the Elling House!
The Montana Jazz Project is touring the State under the sponsorship of National Endowment for the Arts and the Montana Arts Council.
Admission by donation.
Phil Page, Traditional Western Music and Story Telling
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 7PM
Let Phil Page took us on a journey back to the time when early cattle drives from Texas to Montana supplied beef to the gold fields. Join us for a fun night of music, history, and laughter.
Phil is a songwriter, singer, musician, storyteller, as well as a working cowboy and saddle-maker from Dillon, MT. His songs are in the cowboy, country folk genre.
Compton and Newberry Concert CANCELLED
Thursday, September 1, 7PM
Mike Compton and Joe Newberry, masters of old-time mandolin and banjo/guitar, dig deep into early country music and blues. Their duet-singing, two-man string band ranges between traditional songs, instrumentals, ‘mother’ ballads and original tunes. It’s not about the number of notes with Compton and Newberry, but telling the truth and respecting the song.
Mike Compton is a Grammy award winner, IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year nominee, a steady sideman for John Hartford from 1994 until Hartford’s death in 2001, and mandolinist for the Nashville Bluegrass Band. Mike is inarguably the world expert on Bill Monroe-style bluegrass mandolin, and is also steeped in old-time fiddle tunes, early string band music and Delta blues. He’s entertained from Carnegie Hall and the White House to our house, and we couldn’t be happier that he’s back visiting us again in NYC.
Compton & Newberry at RocklinKnown far and wide for his powerful banjo playing, Joe Newberry is a prizewinning guitarist, songwriter, and singer to boot. In addition to his work with Mike, Joe plays with fiddler and step-dancer April Verch. He was a frequent guest on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, and was a featured singer on the Transatlantic Sessions. He won the songwriting prize for “Gospel Recorded Performance” at the 2012 IBMA Awards for his song, Singing As We Rise, and was co-writer, with Eric Gibson, of the 2013 IBMA Song of the Year for They Called It Music.
Admission $20
Willson and McKee Concert
Saturday, August 13, 7PM
Willson and McKee began making music and touring together in 1990. In the decades since that beginning, we have appeared on multiple state Arts Rosters, juried showcases, educational programming and performed in many states on stages ranging from Quonset huts to 1500 seat auditoriums. As artists in residence we have averaged 15,000 contacts per year, reaching students of all ages including pre-schools to universities, mental hospitals to detention centers, senior citizens to residential schools. We have produced fourteen professional recordings, won awards in the U.S. and Ireland for song writing and instrumental work, and amid all that… we are just downright fun and passionate people!
The years of 300 days on the road are winding down, but we still intend on making music nearer to home, performing,, teaching, sharing and never letting go of the wonderful life of music making!
We are committed to regional educational work in schools, libraries, and extended learning programs, performances for listening audiences including house concerts, small venues, cultural and special events.
Admisson $20
Dulcimer Workshop
Registration required. Please register by August 1
Workshop is on August 12, 6PM
Come learn the basics of playing a truly American musical instrument—the Dulcimer.
Anyone between the ages of 12 and infinity may register for this workshop by calling 406-853-5507 before August 5. Class limited to 12 years old and up.
Absolutely NO musical experience needed!
This workshop is FOR non-musicians and those who think they cannot play an instrument!
The teacher, Kim McKee, will be bringing eight dulcimers for use during the workshop. These will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis. So, register early. Anyone brings with their own dulcimer is welcome to join the workshop, but must register by August 1 so Kim knows what to expect.
Registration $10
Everyone is welcome to come watch and enjoy the experience.
Mark Gibbons, Montana Poet Laureate
Saturday, July 30, 7:00 PM
Montana Poet Laureate Mark Gibbons is a lifelong resident of the state who began writing poetry in high school, married young, and has worked a variety of jobs to remain in Montana. His presentations will explore the power of poetry, how it reveals through personal experience and human emotion what it’s like to be a human being, and how it helps us recognize that all of us have more in common than we think. By sharing his and others’ poems, he will discuss his love of poetry, and his belief that it not only matters but is an essential tool for developing empathy and understanding. Poetry is social glue. Every person is a poet whether they know it or not. Everyone thinks, imagines, feels, dreams. Poetry shows us that on paper and in song.
Mark is the author of nine books and two chapbooks of poetry, most recently In the Weeds and mostly cloudy. He’s edited two poetry collections for Drumlummon Institute and is the current editor of the Montana Poets Series for FootHills Publishing. For four decades, Gibbons has taught poetry to a variety of citizens in Montana from one-room schools to colleges to the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. He lives in Missoula with his wife and continues to teach with the Missoula Writing Collaborative.
Mark comes to us courtesy of the Humanities Montana and its Montana Conversations program.
The Bridger Winds Play at the Elling House!
Sunday, July 24 at 2:00 PM
The Bridger Winds is Bozeman Symphony chamber ensemble. This season the Bridger Winds perform works from the group’s rich chamber music repertoire. The music ranges from the playfulness of ragtime to jazz-influenced works to the majesty of the high baroque.
Featured composers are Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764), Adrien Barthe (1828-1898), and Ferenc Farkas (1905-2000). Joining the ensemble is Sue Makeever playing flute. Sandy Stimson on the oboe. Greg Young plays the clarinet, Bill Scharnberg performs on the horn and Kathleen Reynolds plays the bassoon.
Growling Old Men
Friday, July 8, 7:00 PM
Ben Winship (mandolin & vocals) and John Lowell (guitar & vocals) are both veterans of the Northern Rockies’ acoustic music world and have been performing and recording together since 1998. Together the duo presents a tight, yet relaxed set of original and traditional bluegrass songs, ballads and tunes – informed equally by the music of the Appalachian hills and the western plains.
In concert the Growling Old Men are engaging and spontaneous as they make a big sound for two guys. Their shows include a blend of well-rehearsed material and few new songs hot off the press – they like to walk the edge of improvisational risk taking. The duo strives to contrast simplicity with complexity; all with good tone and a warm sense of humor.
Festivals, concerts and workshops have led these fine musicians both near and far – from hometown cafes to A Prairie Home Companion, from Canada to the Shetland Islands. In 1998 the self-titled Growling Old Men was released, followed by Occupational Hazards in 2005. In addition to working as a duo, they occasionally play with their favorite fishing buddy, songwriter and bassist, David Thompson. And when in the UK, they frequently collaborate with Leon Hunt (banjo) with whom they produced (More) Growling Old Men: Shuttle Diplomacy in 2008.
Penny and Ken Hall Reception
Friday, July 8 at 5:30 PM
Penny Hall’s leather sculpts and Ken Hall’s photographs will be on display at the Elling House through most of the month of July.
Working with leather,” says Penny Hall, “Is unpredictable, much like our journey through life. Attempts to force the leather into a specific shape can take lots of time and energy producing less than desirable results. If allowed to take on its own form the result is magnificent. Applications of identical colors and finishes react differently with each piece of leather creating delightful surprises.”
Penny crafted her first leather leather bowl after eye surgery as a therapy project to prove she was not blind. The journey through surgeries and ever changing sight brought many lessons. To Penny the containers she makes hold the good things in life. To her these fine sculpts represent a willingness on her part to receive blessings. They are her “blessing bowls.”
Ken W. Hall was a naturally gifted healer and artist.
He felt a deep spiritual connection to Great Spirit, Mother Earth and all her inhabitants. This connection can be appreciated in the images that he saw through the “eye of the mystic” and that he captured with his camera. The result is an enduring gift he left to anyone blessed to experience his artistic creations.
The Elling House Gallery is open Saturdays 2:00-5:00 PM and Sundays 2:00-4:00 PM while the exhibit is up.
The Dillon Junior Fiddlers
Saturday, June 25 at 7:00PM
The Dillon Junior Fiddlers will be performing at The Elling House Arts & Humanities Center pm Sat, June25th at 7:00 p.m. This unique group of local young musicians plays a variety of music styles Irish and Western swing tunes. Jean and Sandy James were among the founders of The Dillon Junior Fiddlers and have been directors of the group for over thirty-five years. Sandy James will also present some of his original humorous pieces.
Paul Boruff with Dark Fiddle
Saturday, June 18 at 7:00PM
Paul Boruff learned to play guitar and sing under the tutelage of his father. While serving in the United States Navy Paul toured with the Admiral’s Band performing big band music throughout the United States. Following his honorable discharge, he studied music theory and opera at college in Arizona.
Paul’s music career has known no borders. As a soloist, he has performed nationally and internationally for audiences of all sizes. Boruff and Lise Brunhart bring a unique form of Americana combining traditional and jazz influences.
Lise Sorensen Brunhart studied viola performance with Jenny Rudin of Palo Alto, California. In 1976, inspired to form a career combining visual arts with music, Lise came to Salt Lake City to study lutherie with Peter Paul Prier and Paul Hart at the Violin- Making School of America. In the years following graduation and her marriage to Ulrich Brunhart, Lise’s career focus shifted to biology and biotechnology. Today she researches vascular biology and cellular mechanisms of inflammation and cancer at University of Utah’s Program in Molecular Medicine. She performs in classical and eclectic ensembles on a viola of her own making. Lise and Paul Boruff began their musical journey with spontaneous improvisation at a benefit for Save Our Canyons in 2016. They have gone on to perform as a duo, at various venues in the Salt Lake Area and beyond.
No Admission charged but donations are encouraged.
Lodgepole John Art Show and Reception
June 4-June 26
Reception on Saturday, June 4, 5:30PM to 7:00PM
Elling House Gallery Hours, JUne 4-26: Saturdays 2-5PM and Sundays 2-4PM
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center is pleased to present “The Early Works of Lodgepole John – 1992 to 2016, Saturday, June 4th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Lodgepole's art reflects his love of wildlife, the outdoors and intense color. He layers color to make expansive magical statements. While learning to play guitar in later years he noticed the feel of the strings vibrating on his fingertips, and wanted to convey that “sound” in his art, the attempt is visible in his pieces, “Waterfall,” “What a Day,” “Morning Loon,” “Humming and Drying.” and others.
Please join us for the reception on Saturday June 4th. Lodgepole’s paintings will be on exhibit through June 26th. Gallery hours are Saturdays 2PM to 5PM and Sundays 2PM to 4PM while the exhibit is open (until June 26).
The Elling House is located at 404 East Idaho Street (up the hill from the Fire Dept.) in Virginia City. Reception is open to the public and free of charge.
Bill Rossiter: Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
Saturday, april 23, 2022
7:00pm
During the Depression of the 1930s, Hollywood largely ignored the problem at hand. Popular musicians were pushing messages such as “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” or “prosperity is just around the corner”, but rural musicians were playing a different tune.
They embraced the hardship for what it was, using their music to poke fun at Wall Street, The American Dream, and greed.
“Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” is a presentation of songs and stories that showcases the “Laughin’ to Keep from Cryin’” attitude rural folks had at the time.
During the 1960s and early 1970s, Bill Rossiter worked as an actor, club, and coffeehouse entertainer; he then went on to teach literature and folklore for 25 years. He chaired the Humanities Division at Kalispell’s Flathead Valley Community College before retiring in 1999, and in 2015 he received the Governor’s Award for Service to the Humanities in Montana.
Rossiter has a large repertoire of “roots music,” and has performed for western and heritage museums, arts and cultural centers, town festivals, and library series. He has performed and written music for theater and public television.
Bill makes use of his background in folklore and literature to adapt and create presentations for specific groups and themes, and often writes a song for the sponsoring group or occasion.
Admission by Donation
Chautauqua
Saturday, april 16, 2022
potluck 6:30pm, performances 7:30PM
The Chautauqua tradition offers a thoughtful mix of conversation, entertainment, and appreciation of local artistic talent.
A potluck will be held at 6:30pm, followed by a full roster of musicians and writers performing at 7:30pm.
November 30, 2019
“Wintertide” by Willson & McKee
Long-time EHAHC friends, Ken Willson & Kim McKee, return to celebrate the “Wintertide” with a mixture of traditional Celtic & new-veau seasonal songs and tunes, old favorites and a ‘settling in by the fire’ feel for the winter season.
Performing and studying with master musicians, storytellers and dancers in Ireland and Scotland, guarantees sparkle and depth with a Willson & McKee event! Repeated honors at such events as the Walton’s of Dublin International Songwriting Competition at the Milwaukee Irish Festival and instrumental awards such as a National Instrumental Championship guarantee the highest quality performances. The combination of blazing instrumentals, warm harmony vocals, a lot of laughter and a ceilidh dance or two translates into… never a dull moment! A Willson & McKee concert is a curiously untamed moment in time, gathering past and present… a comfortable and engaging musical evening with friends.
This is a free concert, sponsored by Bobby Dirks and her friend Karen from Colorado. They are big Willson & McKee fans and would like everyone to enjoy this performance!
THANK YOU Bobby and Karen!
NOvember 9, 2019
Ornament Making Workshop
The Elling House invited all to assist the Elling Elves in creating our unique handmade ornaments. These ornaments are given to the guests at the Splendid Feast. Each participant was provided lunch and also took one of the wonderful ornaments home to adorn their own tree. A Big Thank you to all who helped!
NOVEMBER 6, 2019
Margaret “Unsinkable Molly” Brown and a Mythmaking Press
One of the American 20th Century’s most enduring myths, the life of Margaret “Unsinkable Molly" Brown, was largely a creation of the press and a society that craved a very specific type of heroine. Historic interpreter and Humanities scholar Mary Jane Bradbury will explore the legend that formed around Margaret Brown, even in her own lifetime, a myth that has been unraveled to reveal a remarkable woman quite different from the popular story. Margaret was the epitome of the reform era’s “New Woman”, and she used her wealth and fame to work for the social, political and labor reform critical during the early decades of the 20th century. Through her life and the lives of others, we will discuss the role of the inaccuracies that have shaped our past and inform our present.
Mary Jane Bradbury is an historic interpreter and scholar who brings history to life for audiences of all ages. She is an artist in residence for the CM Russell Museum in Great Falls and the Montana Historical Society in Helena.
Funds for this program were provided through a grant from Humanities Montana.
OCTOBER 15, 2019
Untold Stories of Montana Minorities by Ellen Baumler
Newly emerging stories about the contributions of minority groups reveal a neglected aspect of Montana’s heritage. These stories open a dialogue about minorities in our communities, both past and present. African American, Chinese, Japanese, and Jewish pioneers helped anchor Montana in myriad ways. Each group made lasting contributions and left significant legacies revealing a state history as diverse and as compelling as its topography. The program offers a survey of all or one of these groups, highlighting the hidden histories of each and the roles they played, and continue to play, in building our communities.
Ellen Baumler, presenter of this program, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in English, classics, and history. She was the Montana Historical Society’s interpretive historian from 1992 until her retirement in 2018. She an award-winning author of numerous books and dozens of articles on diverse Montana topics and a 2011 recipient of the Governor’s Award for the Humanities.
Funds for this program was provided through a grant from Humanities Montana.
september 15, 2019
MAGIC SHOW BY BUTTE MAGIC
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this was your chance to see the spectacle of a lifetime! Magic, juggling, feats of strength, and more! Behold, as the performers of Butte Magic performed in a death-defying, jaw dropping, and plain ol' puzzling show!
PAST APPEARANCES ON EHAHC STAGE:
7/29/18 7/30/17 7/24/16
SEPTEMBER, 14, 2019
Old Fashioned (fund) Raising Barn Dance
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center is renovating a barn on the property to be increase the space available for artist/performers quarters, workshop space, children’s programs, etc. The EHAHC sponsored dinner and barn dance as a fund raiser to help pay for these renovations.
AUGUST 30, 2019
WILLSON & MCKEE CONCERT
Kim McKee received 15 years of classical training before turning to traditional Irish and Scottish music, 28 years ago! She moves effortlessly between her instruments and her pallate includes hammered and mountain dulcimer, folk harp, accordion, guitar and bodhran, and she never passes up an opportunity to teach a Ceili dance! Ken Willson is the pulsing folk drive, with an engaging tenor voice and tasteful guitar and bouzouki foundations to the unique material. A weaver of wit and tales, he can also spin a fine Ceili swing on the dance floor!
Collecting experiences, stories and humor from 20 years of touring together, this pair has focused on educational programming, concert venues, college campuses, master classes, workshops, cultural events and festivals, and they have fine tuned their stage performances to be anything but predictable, traditional, or expected.
PAST APPEARANCES ON EHAHC STAGE:
8/25/18 8/11/17 8/15/15 8/23/13 8/25/12 8/12/11 8/13/10 8/14/09
August 11, 2019
2019 Linderman Lecture Series: The Social City: Virginia City’s Social and Cultural Life Lecture Series: And a Good Time Was Had By All
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their sixth Linderman Series history programs. The general theme of the Linderman Series talks in 2019 was he cultural and social life of 19th Century and early 20th Century Virginia City.
Mark Weber presented an overview of the social life and cultural fabric of the Alder Gulch in the mid-1860’s. From the churches to the saloons, participants learned of the role of the many social options which made Virginia City known as “The Social City.
Mark is a long-time historian, teacher and business owner in Madison County. For several years, he operated the Elling Gold Exchange and the Creamery, and beautifully restored the buildings which housed those businesses. Mark was also a leading force in forming the Virginia City Preservation Alliance which led to the Bovey properties in Virginia and Nevada cities being saved under the care of the Montana Heritage Commission.
August 9, 2019
Montana Raptor Conservation Center Program
This program will provided an overview of what makes raptors unique in the bird world, the raptors of Montana, and the importance of raptors to our ecosystem. This is a hands-on opportunity to explore and experience raptor characteristics and adaptations though bio-facts (animal artifacts).
August 8, 2019
Dancing the night away in the “social city Presented by Janet Allestad, 2019 Linderman Lecture Series: The Social City: Virginia City’s Social and Cultural Life Lecture Series
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their sixth Linderman Series history programs. The general theme of the Linderman Series talks in 2019 are cultural and social life of 19th Century and early 20th Century Virginia City.
In this presentation Janet Allestad provided a brief history of dances, balls, soirees and hops that contributed to Virginia City, Montana Territory being nicknamed the “social city” of the west during the mid 1860’s. Excerpts from Montana Post articles, diaries and written historical materials provided a sense of what it might have been like to live and enjoy being in a town teeming with gold seekers, merchants and families bringing their traditions from the “states”
Janet Allestad grew up in West Virginia near the Mason-Dixon line, which was used to divide the new state from Virginia at the beginning of the Civil War; hence, the beginnings of an avid interest in history. She attended West Virginia University obtaining a BS and a Master’s Degree in Ed.
After a varied career, Janet moved to Virginia City and became immersed in the history and life style of the area. During this time, she became involved in local and state organizations such as the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, Historic Preservation Advisory Committee for Virginia City, Montana Historical Society, Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society, and the Bannack Association.
Janet served as chairman of the VCPA’s Grand Victorian balls in Virginia City for a number of years before residing with her brother in Alto, NM for health reasons. In New Mexico, Janet volunteers at Fort Stanton Historic Site and Lincoln Historic Site, continuing her involvement with history of the west
Friday, July 25, 2019
Plein Air Artist Reception
Local artists showed their art painted “en plein air” at a May workshop. This reception gave the public an opportunity to meet the artists, Ray Campo, Cindy Owings, Dale Tuckee, and Joyce Pearson, and review and discuss their depictions of Virginia City.
According to artistsnetwork.com, plein air painting is about leaving the four walls of your studio behind and experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. The practice goes back for centuries but was truly made into an art form by the French Impressionists. Their desire to paint light and its changing, ephemeral qualities, coupled with the creation of transportable paint tubes and the box easel—the precursor to the plein air easels of today—allowed artists the freedom to paint “en plein air,” which is the French expression for “in the open air.”
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Multitudes, A One Man Show about Walt Whitman
“Multitudes” is a one-man show about Walt Whitman, who is considered the first to write American Poetry divorced from the conventions of Europe. As such he is seen as the father of American poetry. The play, “Multitudes,” addresses death, sexuality, slavery, the Civil War and Whitman’s poetic vision of democratic ideals.
Kim Nuzzo, a resident actor with Zephyr Stage in Fruita, Colorado, performs the role of Walt Whitman. Kim is a visual artist, published poet and an actor. He has performed many roles for Hudson Reed Ensemble, starred in the film Bumps Jackson: The Last American Ski Bum, and played King Hamlet in the Thunder River Theater Company’s production of Hamlet .
Valerie is the Executive Artistic Director of Zephyr Stage. She has written several plays, most recently co-writing and performing in Thunder River Theatre Company's Passionate Collaborators: George Burns & Gracie Allen with Lon Winston.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
With Our Heart and Hands: Some Glories and Some Threads: Reception for Artists Cindy Owings and Alicia Otis
Textile Creator Cindy Owings and Gatherer-Painter Alicia Otis celebrated 40-years of friendship and their love of each other and their love of “making” in an exhibit of their work at the Elling House.
Cindy Owings lives in the Madison Valley in McAllister. She works in her straw bale studio every day making textile expressions of whatever is in her head at the time. She works in several mediums: thread, fabric, watercolors, beads, yarn, and paper. Her work reflects her experiences while traveling to remote places around the world and strolling her garden. The knitted/decorated figures she presents in the show represent women from eight countries, women with whom she worked or met along the way. Each has a stitched bead face of a flower from each woman’s home country representing the idea that most people view ‘women’s work’ as being produced by anonymous, unnamed women, mothers, daughters, aunts, and grandmothers. Cindy says of these figurines, “I wanted to help the viewer appreciate the beauty of women’s work through the work of my own eyes and hands.”
Alicia Otis lives outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has been an artist all of her life, working in a variety of mediums from time to time. She finds exploring different materials and subject matter fun and stimulating to her particular creative process, and when walking her dog, Jack, always keeps an eye out for the flotsam-jetsam desert treasures to take home and make into Migrating Glory Bundles. She adds ribbons, beads, and snippets of fiber optic cable wires, feathers and seeds and whatever else suites the piece as it grows. When assembled and hung on the wall the bundles look as if they could be flying.
Alicia and Cindy are buttonhole cousins, related through long-ago marriage. They have been friends for over forty years, going away, and late in life, rekindling their friendship. Cindy lives in Montana and visits New Mexico where Alicia lives and visits Montana periodically.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Every Brilliant Thing
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center sponsored the Grandstreet Theatre’s “Every Brilliant” as a part of its tour of Montana from June 6th through August 3rd thanks to a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, who have prioritized suicide prevention efforts throughout the state. With their help, Grandstreet Theatre was able to share this beautiful show and its life-affirming message with all of Montana.
Written by award-winning British playwright Duncan Macmillan with UK comedian Jonny Donahoe and alternately starring Helena native Rosie Seitz Ayers and Ryan Eggensperger, this powerful one-actor show explores mental health, families and the ways we love in a hilarious and uplifting production for both adults and teenagers.
Every Brilliant Thing playwright Duncan Macmillan said he aimed to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness by creating new ways to discuss it openly – and by making people laugh. Duncan states:
“I don’t think I’ve laughed as much making a piece of work as I have with this show, and yet we had quite a seriousness of purpose. We wanted to talk about depression in a way that was accurate and which didn’t alienate an audience. Considering how common depression is, it’s surprising how much stigma there still is around it, how reluctant people are to discuss it. We kept reminding ourselves of the aims of the piece – to make people feel OK to talk and think about depression, to talk about it responsibly and accurately, and to provide a few tools with which to think and talk about it. That sounds quite worthy now I say it out loud, but we mean it.”
Grandstreet Managing Director Kal Poole says: "There are many folks who deal with mental health issues across the state and unfortunately we have the highest rate of suicide per capita in the nation. The beauty of Every Brilliant Thing is that it takes the same impulse that people have toward spiraling downward and changes the direction. This show encourages spiraling up and becoming obsessed with gratitude and beauty in everyday moments. We have a feeling that that message will resonate with audiences throughout Montana."
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Doc Losee
Justin Lubke, Ennis Native, and acclaimed documentary film maker presented his a documentary on Doc Losee, physician and energizing force in bringing a hospital to the Madison Valley.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Ireland in Montana: The Fenian Brotherhood Presented by Gary Forney
2019 Linderman Lecture Series: The Social City: Virginia City’s Social and Cultural Life Lecture Series
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their sixth Linderman Series history programs. The general theme of the Linderman Series talks in 2019 is the cultural and social life of 19th Century and early 20th Century Virginia City.
The Linderman presentations are usually held, as was this one, in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman, on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. This presentation examined the history of what was the first, and largest, fraternal organization established in Alder Gulch. This Irish heritage group organized popular dances, founded the first library, and just may have played a role in the invasion of Canada.
Gary Forney is a retired college administrator and local historian. He has been a full-time resident of the Ennis area since 1999, and since then has authored four books, written numerous articles, and made many presentations on the early territorial period of Montana.
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Paul Boruff
Music has been with Paul Boruff his entire life. He just can't help hearing it and playing it and singing it. One of the things that makes Paul unique is his voice and amazing range, however it is his ability to “click” with audiences that sets him apart from other entertainers. As the attendees at this event will attest, Mr. Boruff is more than an accomplished singer and instrumentalist; he brings to the stage warmth and charisma that you will remembers long after the performance is over.
Paul Boruff a native of Phoenix, Arizona enjoys performing for people of all ages. At the age of five or six, he was captured on home movies singing Elvis Presley songs, and doing his best to entertain. Paul began playing the guitar at about the age of ten. The music he was exposed to was quite varied and was rich in diversity: Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Hank Williams, Eddie Arnold, Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan, Nat King Cole and Crosby, Stills and Nash. Paul’s father was the primary music influence in those early years, and his music was mostly country with a mixture of thirties and forties classics thrown in.
During Paul's four years with the United States Navy he performed in the Admiral's Band, out of Memphis, Tennessee. The style was "Big Band.” The Navy gave him opportunity to travel and to experience music of many other cultures.
Paul has traveled and performed all over the world from London to Dover, from Zurich to Gdańsk and from Amsterdam to Paris. In the United States he performs from Alaska to Florida and California to New York.
Paul's acoustic style includes all the influences of his past. His forte is vocals and his singing has been described as "each word is an event." Making music comes as easily to him as breathing; his expansive repertoire transcends the barriers of age and cultural differences. Whether it is an original interpretation of an old standard or a tune of his own creation, Paul sings from the heart and plays from his soul.
June 28, 2019
GROWLING OLD MEN CONCERT
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center welcomed “Growling Old Men” for yet another of the wonderful concerts. It proved to be a full evening, not only in the music played but in the number who came to appreciate it. Someone counted around 62 attendees, to be exact!
Ben Winship (mandolins & vocals) and John Lowell (guitar & vocals) are both veterans of the Northern Rockies acoustic music world. Together the duo presented a tight yet relaxed set of original and traditional bluegrass songs, ballads and tunes. Their CDs are truly a joint effort with the lead singing, songwriting and picking duties shared throughout. Influenced equally by the music of the Appalachian hills and the western plains, their music is at once simple and powerful - furthermore, it reflects the genuine sense of fun these two guys get from playing together. The duo blends each artist’s individual talents as musician, songwriter, and vocalist in a repertoire of original and traditional bluegrass tunes and folk ballads, played on guitar and mandolin. Growling Old Men have performed on A Prairie Home Companion and Garrison Keillor has said, "I've been hearing about these young men for a long time but they do not come around American centers of population to advance their careers. They have isolated themselves out here in Montana and Victor, Idaho on account of their lifelong obsession with fishing. Not so old, not so growly, a real fine bluegrass duo. They're great."
The evening program included a blend of well-rehearsed material and few new songs hot off the press – Ben and John like to keep it fresh with an edge of improvisational risk taking. They strive to contrast simplicity with complexity - all with good tone and a warm sense of humor.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Secrets of the Virginia City Masonic Lodge Presented by Bill Bennett
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, is sponsoring their sixth Linderman Series history programs. The general theme of the Linderman Series talks in 2019 is the cultural and social life of 19th Century and early 20th Century Virginia City.
All except one of the Linderman presentations will be held in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman, on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. However this, the first program this year, “‘Secrets’ of the Virginia City Masonic Lodge,” was held held at the Virginia City Masonic Temple. It explored the history of Montana’s first chartered Masonic Lodge, some of its colorful members, and perhaps, some of the “secrets” of Lodge No. 1.
The Presenter, Lyman Bennett, known to friends as “Bill,” was born in Butte because there was no hospital in Virginia City. He is a fourth generation Montanan (his great grandfather arriving in Virginia City in 1870) and a third generation attorney; his grandfather being the longest serving judge in Madison County.
Bill graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Mathematics, and from the University of Montana School of Law. He practiced law in Bozeman until 2012, when he and his wife, Bonnie, moved back to Virginia City where he maintains his practice. Bill is an active member of the Virginia City Masonic Lodge No. 1, and serves on the Board of Directors (and past President) of the Virginia City Preservation Alliance.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Mike Dowling Concert
Mike Dowling’s most recent appearance at the Elling House was standing room only. And the standers and sitters were not disappointed. Mike came through with his usual Piedmont style of acoustic blues.
When the late, great Vassar Clements heard Mike Dowling play guitar back in 1975 he did the sensible thing. He hired him. Mike was the guitarist in Vassar's first touring band and can be heard on his Grammy-nominated "Nashville Jam". Clements called him simply, "One of the finest guitarists there is, anywhere. "Echoing that sentiment is an ever-growing chorus of music critics, guitar students, and acoustic music fans from throughout the world.
Mike can't be pigeonholed as a blues player, or even as a finger stylist. He's far too versatile for that. From bottleneck blues to vintage jazz and much more in between, Mike's musicality, depth, and mastery of the instrument translates fluently to flattop, archtop, and resonator guitars alike.
Mike grew up in central Wisconsin and early in his career in the midwest caught the ear of jazz violin great Joe Venuti and mandolinist Jethro Burns. In the 1970's, in addition to touring with Clements, he worked and recorded with Burns and Venuti in Chicago and in between jobs took time off to move to California when he had the opportunity to study with the late, great George Barnes. Barnes had been "the" session guy for many years, recording with everyone from Big Bill Broonzy to Tony Bennett. "I was very fortunate to be able to spend some time with him", Mike says. " He was so tasteful, so rhythmic. He set the bar very high for me and he continues to be an inspiration."
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Community Photography Show
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center hosted a show of photographs by community members.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Plein Air Demonstration and Painting Exercise, with Ray Campeau
Ray Campeau opened the Virginia City Plein Air painting workshop with a demonstration at the Elling House. Artists then dispersed to the great outdoors—and the “Great City of Virginia”—to paint and sketch. Paintings created as a result of this exercise may be included (artist’s option) in an exhibit, opening with an artist’s reception July 26.
Ray Campeau is a product of the Butte’s Catholic Schools and, in his words, “the colorful, notorious streets of Butte.” After a tour of duty in the Navy he returned to Montana and in 1954 and earned a BA in Applied Art at Montana State College, and later a Masters Degree in Art from MSU.
June 2, 2019
Bozeman Symphony Far Afield Program: Bel Canto
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center was pleased to have another Bozeman Symphony Far Afield program, and to have our small auditorium ring with the voices of the Bel Canto Ensemble.
The Far Afield program, established in 1992, takes Bozeman Symphony chamber ensembles to rural communities to present free performances and share their musical perspectives. Far Afield enables the audience to see, hear and feel the music being created live instead of through the media of television or radio.
The Bel Canto ensemble is comprised of eight women from the Bozeman Symphonic Choir, accompanied by Alison Todd. With the versatility of voice and numerous personnel combinations this group offers a wide variety of repertoire, from Baroque and Popular Favorites.
Sunday, May 5, 2019
Favorite Friends, Famous Poems
The Elling House Arts Humanities Center hosted their annual special event of readings by some of our favorite friends. Each friend was invited to read his/her favorite famous poem.
May 11, 2019
Ennis Junior Fiddlers Spring Recital
The Ennis Junior Fiddlers came to the Elling House for their Spring Recital. The theme of the evening, was 'Bluegrass.' Proceeds for this event help students attend Montana Fiddle Camp this June.
May 19, 2019
Painting Workshop
Local Ennis artist and EHAHC board member, Cathy Toot, will host a painting workshop at the historic Elling House. Cathy will guide workshop participants through creating an original piece of art.
Friday, May 3, 2019
Book Reading by Roger Dunsmore
Former EHAHC board member, Roger Dunsmore's read poems new book of poems, On the Chinese Wall: New & Selected Poems, 1966-2018, which was recently released by Drumlummon Institute in Helena, Montana. Dunsmore’s poetry is informed by the lyric past of ancient Greece and the visionary traditions of ancient America as expressed by the Lakota visionary and Catholic, Nickolaus Black Elk. His book include a poem for a loose ram, a poem for a woman kissing all the icons in the Byzantine Museum in Athens, a poem for a Montana trapper whose pet wolverine loved Oreo Cookies, a poem about wildness for the convicts at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge.
Roger is a very knowledgeable and entertaining reader and the Elling House audience enjoyed hearing this “outcropping of the Great Subculture which reaches back beyond the stone-age cave paintings of Europe and before the time of Jonah in the belly of the whale.”
Saturday April 27
The Thompson-Hickman Library Drama Club Presented “Dooby Doo Moo!”
The EHAHC was pleased to host the Thompson-Hickman Library Drama Club, which is open to Madison County children ages 4-12. The Library Drama Club performed their 1st ever production, a musical play based Doreen Cronin’s Children’s Book entitled Dooby Dooby Moo.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Montana’s Poet Laureate, Lowell Jaeger
An audience at Jaeger's readings, can expect humor, serious reflection, and an examination of the "human condition" in all its marvelous complexity. His enjoyment of interacting with audiences was apparent, asking them for comments and for interpretation of poems he read.
Lowell Jaeger (Montana Poet Laureate 2017-2019) is founding editor of Many Voices Press and recently edited New Poets of the American West, an anthology of poets from eleven western states. Lowell has taught writing classes at numerous conferences and workshops and is currently Professor of English/Creative Writing at Flathead Valley Community College (Kalispell, Montana), where he also serves as Humanities Division Chair. He is a graduate of the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, winner of the Grolier Poetry Peace Prize, and recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Montana Arts Council. Lowell was awarded the Montana Governor’s Humanities Award for his work in promoting civil civic discourse. He is the author of eight collections of poems, the most recent of which are Or Maybe I Drift Off Alone (Shabda Press 2016) and Earth-blood & Star-shine (Shabda Press 2018)
Additional financial support for this program was provided by Humanities Montana and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Sunday, April 14th event
Furs and Skulls and Porcupines...Oh My!
Is that a Porcupine he is cuddling there!? Jim DeBoer of Sheridan, a retired Montana Game Warden, told us during his presentation on the fur-bearing animals of our area on. And, yes, it was. The participants, in a hands-on experience, learned a bit about the furs, skulls and behavior of these common, but not often seen, critters. Jim also shared a short video on porcupines will also be shown.
Saturday March 30, 2019
Montana Notable Women
Local Montana women presented on women of Montana.
The actress Myrna Loy was presented and discussed by Christina Koch. Ms. Loy was born in Helena in 1905 and spent her early childhood in Radersburg, MT. She appeared in many silent films and continued to appear in “talkies” into the 1980s.
Christina Koch is the Assistant Librarian at Thompson-Hickman Madison County Library where she has worked for the last 8 years. Originally from Denver, Christina is happy to call Virginia City home. She worked tirelessly for five years, making the dream of building an addition onto the Thompson-Hickman Madison County Library in Virginia City a reality, that compliments the original structure. During the summer months, Christina can also be found running the Virginia City Opera House with her husband, Bill Koch.
Dr. Kristin Ruppel, Associate Professor of Native American Studies at Montana State University is making her mark on Women's History now with history in the making to be told as the years go by. Ruppel is author of Unearthing Indian Land, a comprehensive examination of the consequences of more than a century of questionable public policies. Her profile was spoken to by Pat Bradley of Twin Bridges.
Pat Bradly and her husband Rand have lived in Twin Bridges for 29 years. She is a retired Justice of the Peace, having served in Roosevelt County and as a substitute judged for Madison County. Pat served ten years on the board of the Thompson Hickman Library and counts as a great pride the building of the addition to that historic building. She also served ten years as a Twin Bridges Library Board and is currently a Madison County Planning Board member.
She is an appreciative fan and helpmate of the Elling House's superb contributions to Virginia City and Madison County and their wonderful Arts and Humanities offerings.
Dr. Mollie Atwater, who worked against the grain of 19th century ideas of womanhood to become a physician, was presented and discussed by Clair Leonard. Dr. Atwater had difficulties finding work as a doctor in a time when women in professions were not accepted. She eventually found work as a physician in the mining town of Bannack Montana.
Claire Leonard is a member of the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center. Most of her adult years were spent working as a pediatric geneticist at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Utah and the University of New Mexico. Now retired, she enjoys doing activities that support a vibrant lifestyle in a rural community. She has served on the Board of Directors of several organizations from the American Society of Human Genetics to the Border Area Mental Health Center in Silver City, New Mexico.
In retirement, Claire has been active in advocacy for individuals challenged by mental illness and is a member of the Madison County Mental Health Local Advisory Council. Claire's interest in the EHAHC programs began when she attended the Splendid Feast in 2008. When she moved to Virginia City, she began helping at EHAHC events and is committed to supporting and expanding programs and the unique venue that Elling House provides.
FEBRUARY 2, 2019
Montana Raptor Conservation Center program
The MRCC’s Great horned owl, Bu
This program provided an overview of what makes raptors unique in the bird world, the raptors of Montana, and the importance of raptors to our ecosystem. This was a hands-on opportunity to explore and experience raptor characteristics and adaptations though bio-facts (animal artifacts). Three of the MRCC avian ambassadors were in attendance for an up close look at these amazing birds.
January 26, 2019
The Lucky Valentines concert
The Lucky Valentines are Montana native songwriters Shaun and Jamie Carrier. Their music has been described as "stirring" Americana, "straight from the heart." Married on February 14, 2010 they have been playing music for the whole of their life together. Crafting songs rooted in honest, raw emotion and blending sounds from alt-country, rock-n-roll, indie, and folk; they span themes of joy and pain in the face of life's trials. They borrow inspiration from their own experience, observation, and the beautiful, lonesome landscape and history of north-central Montana. Their 2016 independent release "Lion in the Garden" is a collection of songs that explore betrayal, loss, and joy. The Lucky Valentines have a set list with over 2 hours of original music, both upbeat and slow tunes. The two use guitars, vocals and violin to create a unique, yet familiar sound.
Past appearances on EHAHC stage:
8/3/2018
DECEMBER 8, 2018
An evening with Willson & McKee (POTLUCK, CONCERT, JAM SESSION)
Our beloved Willson & McKee returned! This time with an evening full of community, music and participation! Ken & Kim switched it up, just a bit! They invited all to join them for a casual potluck, to sit and enjoy a concert followed by a fun-filled jam session! All who attended had a great night!
November 10, 2018
Baroque Montana Music concert
The Mystical Violin and Courteous Lute: 17th Century Sonatas
In an age of extravagant opulence abreast a constant threat of disease and war appear stained-glass visions, of shadow and light.
This program spun historic tales and sublime tunes including Greensleeves, the metric shifting Pandolfi Romanesca, and the Brade Chorale Variations - the earliest piece written for violin in England.
Baroque Music Montana specializes in chamber music inspired by history. The musician roster rotates based on desired instrumentation for repertoire. Concerts are in intimate spaces, for which the music was originally intended, and often on period instruments. Using historical instruments and referencing original manuscripts, iconography, and historical writing fuels our commitment to the music and inspires fresh interpretation. Rather than recreating something old, our aim is to make each performance of this day, of this space, existing because of these musicians and this audience.
Baroque Music Montana performs works by celebrated composers of the Baroque, as well as many pieces rarely or not heard since the eighteenth century. Some manuscripts are readily available in digital archives, and some require a great deal of sleuthing to unearth.
The Baroque Period in music was from 1600-1750, beginning with the dawn of opera in northern Italy and concluding with the death of Bach. The purpose of the music was to move the passions, an idea known as Affeckt. Stylistic conventions of musical forms, ornamentation, and pitch, to name a few, varied greatly from region to region and decade to decade throughout Europe.
This event was sponsored by the Montana Chamber Music Society. The concert at the EHAHC featured Carrie Krause on baroque violin and John Lenti on theorbo.
November 10, 2018
Ornament Making Workshop
The Elling House invited all to assist the Elling Elves in creating our unique handmade ornaments. These ornaments are given to the guests at the Splendid Feast. Each participant was provided lunch and was also able to take one of the wonderful ornaments home to adorn their own tree. Thank you to all who attended!
October 27, 2018
Felting Workshop by BJ Radell
This class was open to all skill levels – even beginners and first-timers. Participants created both a snowperson and stick horse.
BJ Radell was born and grew up in upstate NY along the Hudson River. She received a BFA degree in 2-dimensional design from the College of New Rochelle and spent several years living and teaching in Maine.
Back in NY she and her husband owned a commercial construction company and BJ had a small fiber farm that kept her busy with llamas and a sheep. She began felting about 10 years ago and has since studied with artists at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and the Adirondack Folk School in Lake Luzerne, New York. She has shown and sold her work at the New York State Sheep and Wool Show as well as in other juried and non-juried shows in the Hudson Valley area.
September 29, 2018
Paul Boruff concert
Music has been with Paul Boruff his entire life. He just can't help hearing it and playing it and singing it. One of the things that makes Paul unique is his voice and amazing range, however it is his ability to “click” with audiences that sets him apart from other entertainers. Mr. Boruff is more than an accomplished singer and instrumentalist; he brings to the stage warmth and charisma that you will remembers long after the performance is over.
Paul Boruff a native of Phoenix, Arizona enjoys performing for people of all ages. At the age of five or six, he was captured on home movies singing Elvis Presley songs, and doing his best to entertain. Paul began playing the guitar at about the age of ten. The music he was exposed to was quite varied and was rich in diversity: Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Hank Williams, Eddie Arnold, Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan, Nat King Cole and Crosby, Stills and Nash. Paul’s father was the primary music influence in those early years, and his music was mostly country with a mixture of thirties and forties classics thrown in.
During Paul's four years with the United States Navy he performed in the Admiral's Band, out of Memphis, Tennessee. The style was "Big Band.” The Navy gave him opportunity to travel and to experience music of many other cultures.
Paul has traveled and performed all over the world from London to Dover, from Zurich to Gdańsk and from Amsterdam to Paris. In the United States he performs from Alaska to Florida and California to New York.
Paul's acoustic style includes all the influences of his past. His forte is vocals and his singing has been described as "each word is an event." Making music comes as easily to him as breathing; his expansive repertoire transcends the barriers of age and cultural differences. Whether it is an original interpretation of an old standard or a tune of his own creation, Paul sings from the heart and plays from his soul.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Bozeman Symphony Far Afield program featuring Bobcat Brass
photo credit: Adrian Sanchez Gonzales-MSU
The Far Afield program, established in 1992, takes Bozeman Symphony chamber ensembles to rural communities to present free performances and share their musical perspectives. Far Afield enables the audience to see, hear and feel the music being created live instead of through the media of television or radio.
The Bobcat Brass Trio, Sarah Stoneback (trumpet), Mike Nelson (horn), and Jeannie Little (trombone), are three of the principal brass musicians in the Bozeman Symphony. They are also the trumpet, horn and trombone professors at the Montana State University School of Music. This newly formed chamber ensemble presented a wide range of repertoire, from new music to the classics, works written specifically for the unique trio instrumentation, as well as works adapted from other settings. These consummate musicians bring to brass trio music a fantastic and innovative perspective in performance. But, equally important to the Bobcat Brass Trio are their outreach educational performances, where they emphasize music as a lifestyle. With each presentation, the trio entertained, educated and inspired.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Artist reception for Paul Tunkis
In 2011 Paul Tunkis revived his interest in painting and drawing after 27 years of living in Montana. Combining his artistic skills with his years of experience as a hunting and fishing guide in Montana and the West, Paul paints Montana’s landscape and wildlife in his chosen media of transparent watercolor and graphite pencil on Arches cotton hot press paper.
Paul grew up on a ranch in Northern California. After studying art and architecture at the University of Oregon, Paul went on to study drawing and painting at Leighton Studios in San Francisco, California with Thomas Leighton & Marjorie Lester Leighton. Thomas Leighton was an expatriate Englishmen trained at England’s Royal Academy of Arts. He taught for more than 25 years in art schools and colleges in Canada and the U.S. Marjorie Lester Leighton was an illustrator for National Geographic and other international publications.
September 9, 2018
Notable historic Montana Millionaires lecture series at the Linderman Cabin, Laurin, MT
William Boyce Thompson: From Copper Mines to Arboretums, the Virginia City Born Magnate
presented by Christina Koch
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their fifth series of history programs in 2018. Once again, the programs were held in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman; on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. The general theme of the 2018 series focused upon historic Montana millionaires.
Born in Virginia City, Montana on May 13, 1869, William Boyce Thompson, revolutionized Western American mining and influenced the mining business from Canada to Africa. He used his immense wealth to help the world in many philanthropic endeavors, ranging from his work with the American Red Cross in Russia, to spending millions of dollars promoting the study and exploration of science at various Universities, to creating an arboretum state park in Arizona, to building a library in his hometown of Virginia City, Montana. This presentation will focus on the highlights of William Boyce Thompson’s dense life and the legacy he left behind.
Christina Koch is the Assistant Librarian at Thompson-Hickman Madison County Library where she has worked for the last 8 years. Originally from Denver, Christina is happy to call Virginia City home. She worked tirelessly for five years, making the dream of building an addition onto the Thompson-Hickman Madison County Library in Virginia City a reality, that compliments the original structure. During the summer months, Christina can also be found running the Virginia City Opera House with her husband, Bill Koch.
August 25, 2018
artist reception for jean james
Jean began her art career in her early 20's studying watercolor with the late Hilton Leech. In 1981, she took a stained glass class and fell in love with the medium. After years of designing and fabricating glass, she has now returned to her painting by firing traditional glass paint on glass and by working in the ancient art of egg tempera.
Raised on a ranch and married to rancher, Sandy James Jean has a passion for Montana History, Geology and the landscape of her native state. "I love the miracle of art production when raw materials, such as sand, minerals and organic matter are combined to make a visual representation of an idea. My subject matter may be varied, but it is always rooted in a concept that speaks to movement or change.
august 16, 2018
Notable historic Montana Millionaires lecture series at the Linderman Cabin, Laurin, MT
William Andrews Clark: A Most Disgusting Creature
presented by Gary FOrney
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their fifth series of history programs in 2018. Once again, the programs were held in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman; on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. The general theme of the 2018 series focused upon historic Montana millionaires.
William Andrews Clark (1839-1925) arrived in the Montana Territory with little more than the clothes on his back and his “library” of three books…and a hard and ruthless ambition to succeed. By the time he left Montana he was one of the richest men in the world, and is still ranked as one of the 50 richest Americans of all time. He was also arguably one of the most despised. This program will profile Mr. Clark’s phenomenal rise in riches and power—economically and politically.
Gary Forney is a retired college administrator and local historian. He has been a full-time resident of the Ennis area since 1999, and since then has authored four books, written numerous articles, and made many presentations on the early territorial period of Montana.
august 9, 2018
Pluck and Stamina: The Life of Pioneer Photographer Evelyn Cameron
(portrayal by Mary Jane Bradbury)
Evelyn Flower Cameron traded a life of English wealth and privilege for a tiny homestead cabin in the austere, rugged badlands of eastern Montana. She soon learned the art of glass-plate photography as a way to support the Cameron’s struggling pioneer homestead. For the rest of her life, she rode horseback many miles, carrying her camera around her waist and her wooden tripod in a gun scabbard, documenting expansive and beautiful Western landscapes along with the homesteaders, sheepherders, ranch families and immigrants who lived there. Evelyn produced some of the first photographs of North American birds, and was an early proponent of prairie and wildlife conservation. Historic interpreter Mary Jane Bradbury brings Evelyn to life through living history as well as a look at some of her outstanding photographs.
July 26, 2018
"Sacred Dog: the Journey" by Thomas Savage book reading
The Lakota word, Sunka Wakan, means horse. The English translation is Sacred Dog. This story is about the epic life of one such sacred dog whose fight for survival in the brutal high deserts of Nevada leads him on an unbelievable journey. Live the incredible experiences of Son of Banshee, as he leads his herd of wild mustangs through the unforgiving wilds of Nevada. At every turn, his life is a battle against not only the brutal land in which he and his herd lives, but a relentless struggle also to elude the capture of man. Though his life is one of constant strife, the stallion finds freedom in the darkness of night. In his dream world, he is the warhorse of the great Sioux war chief, Talking Bear. Their passage creates a bond between them that is timeless.
Author bio:
I am Tom Savage. I have lived nearly all my years in the rugged mountains of southwestern Montana. In rural homes near the towering mountains that form the Continental Divide, my love for the wildness of nature was born. By my father’s strong example and under his watchful eye, I took my first tentative steps as a young boy on the path that I walk still today. My growing hunger to understand the sometimes mysterious ways of nature grew in to a journey of untold miles walking my beloved mountains along the great divide. I grew to appreciate the great force at work in these wild and unchanged places. My chosen path in life has led me to a beautiful earth-based spirituality. Native American friends I came to know along the way, generously shared their most revered ceremonies with me. Knowledge learned from these ceremonies, I realized after much introspection, has given me the words to write this, and other stories.
July 19, 2018
Notable historic Montana Millionaires lecture series at the Linderman Cabin, Laurin, MT
Andrew Jackson Davis - Montana's First Millionaire
presented by Jim Jarvis
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their fifth series of history programs in 2018. Once again, the programs were held in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman; on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. The general theme of the 2018 series focused upon historic Montana millionaires.
A.J. Davis (1819-1890), a successful banker, was a lesser known contemporary of Butte's notorious copper kings. This presentation will explore the life and legacy of this important figure in Montana history.
James (Jim) R. Jarvis has worked in the historic preservation field for the past 18 years, serving as the preservation officers for the City-County of Butte-Silver Bow and the Town of Virginia City, Montana. In these roles, he administered local historic preservation programs for these National Historic Landmark communities, including design review of new development within historic districts, restoration and rehabilitation of various publicly owned historic properties, and general historical research and interpretation. Currently, he works as an independent consultant, providing community development planning, project management, and fund raising services for various communities and projects.
Special research interests include the study of Montana’s frontier settlements, their origins and often colorful inhabitants. Jim has contributed to several publications and conferences on these subjects.
Jim resides in Virginia City, Montana with his wife Sheri, a professional multi-media artist and native of Glasgow, Montana. He can be reached at historysmith@mail.com.
JULY 11, 2018
"Hollowtop Smoke Signals" by Art Kehler book reading
Author of more than two hundred essays, Kehler writes from his home in the small, rural town of Harrison, Montana. His essays, both humorous and poignant, have been published in regional newspapers and journals, online magazines, and nationally recognized literary magazines.
This book of humorous essays takes you down home to the ‘tri-cities’ of Harrison, Pony and Norris, Montana, (combined populations of 382), and the charms, challenges, and various misadventures of living in such a rustic but beautiful place, nestled on the northeastern fringe of the Tobacco Root Mountains. In an age of political controversy, chaos, and negative news, author Art Kehler gives us a refreshing look at small town antics and a chance to laugh at ourselves as we relate to our shared human condition. This compilation of more than 80 humorous anecdotes from real life, poke fun at the wildlife, the residents, the tourists, the weather, and most of all, the author himself. Many of the essays have appeared in various periodicals, and have drawn much praise from readers. Art’s essays include a harrowing tale of a climb to the top of Hollowtop Mountain, for which the book is named. From rattlesnake hunting to elk bugling, to bench sitting, to helpful suggestions for coping with a one-sided town and its frequent four-legged visitors, there is much to a reader can either relate to, laugh at, or both. Readers have called it hilarious, and compared it to that of James Thurber, Mark Twain, Garrison Keilor, and other humorists as he writes about his experiences in the tri-cities of Pony, Harrison, and Norris, Montana, whose combined population is fewer than 500 people. Are his true stories slightly embellished? You be the judge as you treat yourself to some health-producing belly laughs by reading his book and hearing him speak. Stop worrying and relax with the best medicine you can find: laughter.
JUne 22, 2018
GROWLING OLD MEN CONCERT
The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center presented “Growling Old Men” in concert. Ben Winship (mandolins & vocals) and John Lowell (guitar & vocals) are both veterans of the Northern Rockies acoustic music world. Together the duo presents a tight yet relaxed set of original and traditional bluegrass songs, ballads and tunes. Their CDs are truly a joint effort with the lead singing, songwriting and picking duties shared throughout. Influenced equally by the music of the Appalachian hills and the western plains, their music is at once simple and powerful - furthermore, it reflects the genuine sense of fun these two guys get from playing together. The duo blends each artist’s individual talents as musician, songwriter, and vocalist in a repertoire of original and traditional bluegrass tunes and folk ballads, played on guitar and mandolin. Growling Old Men have performed on A Prairie Home Companion and Garrison Keillor has said, "I've been hearing about these young men for a long time but they do not come around American centers of population to advance their careers. They have isolated themselves out here in Montana and Victor, Idaho on account of their lifelong obsession with fishing. Not so old, not so growly, a real fine bluegrass duo. They're great."
The evening program, ideally suited for an intimate venue such as the Elling House, included a blend of well-rehearsed material and few new songs hot off the press – Ben and John like to keep it fresh with an edge of improvisational risk taking. They strive to contrast simplicity with complexity - all with good tone and a warm sense of humor.
PAST APPEARANCES ON EHAHC STAGE:
7/16/17 7/30/16 7/31/15 7/25/14 8/2/13 7/8/12 10/15/10
JUNE 14, 2018
Notable historic Montana Millionaires lecture series at the Linderman Cabin, Laurin, MT
The Life & Times of Henry Elling
presented by Amy Grice
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their fifth series of history programs in 2018. Once again, the programs were held in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman; on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. The general theme of the 2018 series focused upon historic Montana millionaires.
Henry Elling (1842-1900) was a banker in Virginia City, Montana, with extensive mercantile, mining, and ranching interests. Orphaned at the age of 15, Elling made his way from Germany to the United States with great hope…and little knowledge of English. After a few years in Missouri, where he learned the mercantile business—and English—he began his westward trek; arriving in Virginia City, Montana, in the summer of 1864. During the next 36 years, Henry was extraordinarily successful with his wide ranging investments which included banking, mining, ranching, and properties. By the time of his death, Henry was well established as one of the wealthiest men in Montana. Join us as we learn more of the life journey of this man who lived the “American Dream” from one his ancestors.
Amy practiced as an equine veterinarian for 25 years, and served as the managing partner of her equine referral practice in upstate New York until 2015, when she opened a business consulting firm, and moved her residence to Virginia City.
Amy is the daughter of the late Mary and George Grice, who retired to Virginia City in 2001. She grew up in Connecticut, received her BA in Biology from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and then completed her veterinary education at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her MBA with a concentration in Ethical Leadership from Marist College School of Management in 2014.
Dr. Grice has strong family ties to Virginia City and the Elling House. Henry and Mary (Cooley) Elling were uncle and aunt of her great Aunt Mary Anna Elling, who was raised in the Elling House in Virginia City for a number of years in the 1880’s. In turn, Mary Anna Elling raised Dr. Grice’s grandmother, Anne Case Drummond, sharing with her many stories of her time in Montana.
After many years of being a summer visitor, Amy is thrilled to finally be a fulltime resident. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Montana’s back country on her horse.
In addition to serving as treasurer to the Elling House Arts & Humanities Center, the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Amy is a Virginia City city council member. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Saturday, June 9, 2018
In Good Faith Documentary Sneak Preview
IN GOOD FAITH is a documentary that centers around the work of Dr. Orlan Svingen, professor of history at Washington State University (WSU), and his ongoing work with the Mixed Bands of Shoshone, Bannock and Sheepeater Indians at the Fort Hall reservation in Pocatello, Idaho. Through his decades of work with Indian tribes across the U.S., Dr. Svingen has developed strong relationships at Fort Hall and forged the creation of Indian history field schools that are conducted in Central Idaho and Southwestern Montana. Since 2010, Dr. Svingen and his students have researched The Virginia City Treaty of 1868, negotiated and signed almost 150 years ago by Chief Tendoy. It was signed, in good faith, by the US government and tribal members, but never ratified. Though never ratified, the US took all that was promised to them and, in return, granted the tribe an Executive Order reservation, a far cry from the terms of the treaty. Dr. Svingen, researching National Archives microfilm, found the “Holy Grail.” It was the signed and sealed Cession Document that clearly laid out the parameters of the treaty and the boundaries of the lands the tribe was gave up - over 12,000 square miles of territory in Wyoming and Montana. With these findings, the Mixed Bands have started the legal process to right the wrong and proceed IN GOOD FAITH.
Project Highlights:
• Narrated by Forrest Goodluck, Native American actor seen in The Revenant.
• Original music score by Emmy winning composers Jason Hausman (Hot Sake) and Fred Story (Concentrix Music & Sound Design)
• Featuring original artwork by Derek NoSun Brown (War Medicine Art)
• Post show Q&A with Dr. Svingen & the filmmakers, Beverly Penninger & Alyson Young
June 8, 2018
Mike Dowling concert
When the late, great Vassar Clements heard Mike Dowling play guitar back in 1975 he did the sensible thing. He hired him. Mike was the guitarist in Vassar's first touring band and can be heard on his Grammy-nominated "Nashville Jam". Clements called him simply, "One of the finest guitarists there is, anywhere."Echoing that sentiment is an ever-growing chorus of music critics, guitar students, and acoustic music fans from throughout the world.
Mike digs deep into the musical bag of American roots guitar, favoring the melodic Piedmont style of acoustic blues masters like Mississippi John Hurt and slide great Tampa Red. But Mike can't be pigeonholed as a blues player, or even as a fingerstylist. He's far too versatile for that. From bottleneck blues to vintage jazz and much more in between, Mike's musicality, depth, and mastery of the instrument translates fluently to flattop, archtop, and resonator guitars alike.
Mike grew up in central Wisconsin and early in his career in the midwest caught the ear of jazz violin great Joe Venuti and mandolinist Jethro Burns. In the 1970's, in addition to touring with Clements, he worked and recorded with Burns and Venuti in Chicago and in between jobs took time off to move to California when he had the opportunity to study with the late, great George Barnes. Barnes had been "the" session guy for many years, recording with everyone from Big Bill Broonzy to Tony Bennett. "I was very fortunate to be able to spend some time with him", Mike says. " He was so tasteful, so rhythmic. He set the bar very high for me and he continues to be an inspiration."
PAST APPEARANCES ON EHAHC STAGE:
6/9/17 6/3/16 6/13/15 10/5/13 6/15/12 6/18/11 6/19/10
Friday, June 8, 2018
Artist-of-the-Month Reception
Ken Carlson
Ken Carlson of Twin Bridges is a self-taught artist who has worked with many media. Early in his career he braided copper baskets, which were featured in the Washington Post and Connoisseur Magazine. Carlson's baskets are in the permanent collection of the American Craft Museum in New York City, the collection of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, as well as various corporate collections. Carlson began his art career in 1974, and soon was showing his basketry in intricately braided copper or leather at, among others, the Philadelphia Museum of Art show, the Smithsonian show and the American Craft Council shows. One of his braided copper baskets is on permanent display at the White House. In 1995, Carlson decided that he needed a major change, and for both creative and health reasons, returned to his first love, oil painting. His rich landscapes, featuring lush Montana streams, meadows and byways, are shown at outdoor shows in such resorts as Aspen, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole, but as he has grown older, he prefers to travel to go painting or fishing, so he typically leaves the showing and selling of his work to others.
sunday, May 20, 2018
Painting Workshop with Cathy Toot
Local Ennis artist and EHAHC board member, Cathy Toot, hosted a painting workshop, Participants spent a lovely Sunday afternoon in the historic Elling House creating an original piece of art!
Friday, May 18, 2018
Ridge to Ridge: The Watershed Approach
The lifeblood of our area is our land and our water, and the way it is managed is a topic of extraordinary priority. By working with community members and partners, an unique approach is used to protect the high quality resources that we have, and restore areas where problems might exist. The local Watershed Coordinator, Sunni Heikes-Knapton, shared stories about pistols, leeches, and homemade cookies (and how each of them are featured in her job).
Photo by Emily Numrich.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Me and Martha: Intimate Reflections of Dora DuFran about the Real Life of Calamity Jane
(portrayal by Mary Jane Bradbury)
The name Calamity Jane brings to mind an iconic character of the American West. Accounts of Calamity-whose real name was Martha Canary-are legion and she has achieved mythical status in the lore of the frontier. She lived and traveled throughout Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas from 1867 to 1903, during some of the West's wildest days. The voracious Victorian press sensationalized her activities, and as a flamboyant character in popular dime novels, Calamity Jane's legend grew until the person behind the character all but disappeared.
Who better to give us insights about the real story than madam Dora DuFran, a Black Hills pioneer, entrepreneur and close friend of Calamity's. Ms. DuFran built a successful red light business during the rambunctious early days of the western frontier in Deadwood, South Dakota, and has a unique perspective about how wild it really was. Ms. DuFran knows better than anyone the life of Martha Canary and Calamity Jane, two quite different women, one legendary, one all but forgotten.
Additional financial support was provided by Humanities Montana and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Favorite Friends, Famous Poems
"Next to being a great poet, is the power of understanding one;” H.W Longfellow.
The Elling House Arts Humanities Center hosted our annual special event of readings by some of our favorite friends. Each friend was invited to read his/her favorite famous poem. Our favorite friends for the 2018 event were Creed Allen, Pattie Henry, Sophia Perea, Allyson Adams, Karl Marcus, Angela Mueller, Chris Harris, Amy Grice and Dave Walker.
saturday, April 21, 2018
A Reading with Montana's Poet Laureate, Lowell Jaeger
At Jaeger's readings, expect humor, expect serious reflection, expect to examine the "human condition" in all its marvelous complexity. He enjoys interacting with audiences. He enjoys sharing the stage with other Montana poets. In between reading from his own work, he enjoys reciting from memory the poems of Robert Frost, Donald Hall, Richard Wilbur, and others. Let's light up the evening with the splendid magic of the spoken word!
Lowell Jaeger (Montana Poet Laureate 2017-2019) is founding editor of Many Voices Press and recently edited New Poets of the American West, an anthology of poets from eleven western states. Lowell has taught writing classes at numerous conferences and workshops and is currently Professor of English/Creative Writing at Flathead Valley Community College (Kalispell, Montana), where he also serves as Humanities Division Chair. He is a graduate of the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, winner of the Grolier Poetry Peace Prize, and recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Montana Arts Council. Lowell was awarded the Montana Governor’s Humanities Award for his work in promoting civil civic discourse. He is the author of eight collections of poems, the most recent of which are Or Maybe I Drift Off Alone (Shabda Press 2016) and Earth-blood & Star-shine (Shabda Press 2018)
Additional financial support was provided by Humanities Montana and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
sunday, April 15, 2018
Painting Workshop with Cathy Toot
Local Ennis artist and EHAHC board member, Cathy Toot, hosted a painting workshop, Participants spent a lovely Sunday afternoon in the historic Elling House creating an original piece of art! This event sold out!
March 10, 2018
“Climbing Mountains in Skirts” presents Dorothy Eck, Martha Edgerton Rolfe Plassman and Mildred Walker
Eck
In recognition of March as Women’s History Month, this program profiles three women who courageously made their mark upon Montana history:
Dorothy Eck 1924-2017 (social activist and long-time MT legislator)
Plassman
Martha Edgerton Rolfe Plassman 1850-1936 (first woman editor/publisher of a MT newspaper)
Mildred Walker 1905-1998 (author of several books, including Winter Wheat which was a One Book Montana selection).
Walker
Presenting the stories of these women were Doris Fischer of Sheridan, MT, Erin Leonard of Virginia City, MT and Ann White of McAllister, MT.
DECEMBER 10, 2017
"Wintertide" by Willson & McKee
Long-time EHAHC friends, Ken Willson & Kim McKee returned for the... well, they've been sharing music in Virginia City and the Elling House countless times over the past 18 years! This visit was a bit different than their summer concerts. Ken & Kim celebrated the "Wintertide" with a mixture of traditional Celtic, and new-veau seasonal songs and tunes, old favorites and a 'settling in by the fire' feel for the winter season. The historic Elling House offered a spectacular setting for this holiday event, walls decked with natural trimmings and decorations handmade by local volunteers.
november 11, 2017
Ornament Making workshop
The Elling House invited all to assist the Elling Elves in creating our unique handmade ornaments. These ornaments are given to the guests at the Splendid Feast. Each participant was provided lunch and was also able to take one of the wonderful ornaments home to adorn their own tree. Thank you to all who attended!
October 7, 2017
Felt United - felting workshop
The EHAHC celebrated the annual International Day of Felt – “Felt United”. The goal of Felt United is to connect felt makers around the world to help raise awareness of felt and the properties of wool and other fibers. Felt is mans oldest known textile, made from natural fibers, water, soap and agitation. This process has produced non-woven fabrics for shelter, personal warmth, and creative expression. A group participated in the global event and created a whimsical felted angel. Fiber artist Elizabeth “BJ” Raddel joined others to let imaginations flow. To learn more you can visit Felt United at www.feltunited.com.
September 16, 2017
Bozeman Symphony Far Afield program featuring Absaroka Winds
The Far Afield program, established in 1992, takes Bozeman Symphony chamber ensembles to rural communities to present free performances and share their musical perspectives. Far Afield enables the audience to see, hear and feel the music being created live instead of through the media of television or radio.
Absaroka Winds is an ensemble made up of four professional woodwind players and educators who perform on flute, oboe, English horn, and bassoon. The group’s repertoire is far ranging, consisting of traditional woodwind quartets, and music in a variety of styles arranged especially for this unique ensemble.
The members of Absaroka Winds are: Patricia Gates, flute; Sandra Stimson, oboe; Beth Antonopulos, oboe and English horn, and Paul Gates, bassoon.
September 16, 2017
Artist of the Month reception
~ Barbara Swan, fine art photographer
Art is the window to the creative soul. It makes us think; it makes us feel; it makes us respond; whether it be positive or negative. Each viewer sees the image in her/his own way, bringing a personal perspective and life-experience to the process.My initial inspiration to record the world around me through photography was a month-long trip through Greece, Israel & Egypt in 1992. I enjoy observing cultures different from my own, and being awed by ancient ruins and sites previously glimpsed only in books. The images I create are both color and black & white, and may incorporate hand-coloring.The focus of my art is capturing people and natural scenes in a way that honors the uniqueness of each subject. I aim to share the variety of culture and beauty I have observed in my travels and in my home states of California and Montana. The goal of my images is to leave the observer with a sense of wonder and a new connection to the surrounding world.I enjoy the magic of bringing images to life through photography, and the camaraderie and inspiration shared with fellow photographers and artists.
September 14, 2017
Notable authors lecture series at the Linderman Cabin, Laurin, MT
The Legacy of A River Runs through It: An Evening with John N. Maclean
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their fourth series of history programs in 2017. Once again, the programs were held in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman; on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. The general theme of the 2017 series focused upon notable Montana authors.
The book and movie of A River Runs Through It have had a deep and lasting effect on Montana, its rivers, and its literary legacy. But what exactly is the nature of the book? In a way, it’s one-time flash of brilliance at the end of a long life, an argument for creativity in old age. The author, Norman Maclean, tried all his life to be an author, but only came into his own in his 70s. But A River wasn’t Maclean’s last book. Part of his ongoing legacy is his contribution to the literature of wildland fire, Young Men and Fire. His son, John N., continued the tradition with his own book, Fire On The Mountain, and subsequent books chronicling fatal wildland fires and their implications. A quarter century ago, books about wildland fire were few and far between: today, there are shelves full, and more to come as fire in the wild becomes a greater concern to more people each year.
About John Maclean:
John Norman Maclean, an award-winning author and journalist, has written about wildland fire for more than two decades. Before turning to fire, Maclean was for 30 years a journalist with The Chicago Tribune, most of that time as diplomatic correspondent in Washington, DC. He was one of the “Kissinger 14,” the group of media who regularly traveled with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during the era of shuttle diplomacy. Maclean resigned from The Tribune in 1995 to write Fire On The Mountain, an acclaimed account of the 1994 fire on Storm King Mountain in Colorado that took the lives of fourteen firefighters. Maclean divides his time between Washington, D.C., and the West.
Financial support for this series was provided by Humanities Montana and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
August 31, 2017
Notable authors lecture series at the Linderman Cabin, Laurin, MT
Ivan Doig and the Historical Novel with Dr. O. Alan Weltzien
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their fourth series of history programs in 2017. Once again, the programs were held in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman; on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. The general theme of the 2017 series focused upon notable Montana authors.
Ivan Doig (1939-2015) was born in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, and grew up along the Rocky Mountain Front where much of his writing takes place. His first book, the highly acclaimed memoir This House of Sky, was a finalist for the National Book Award. A former ranch hand, newspaperman, and magazine editor, Doig is a graduate of Northwestern University where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism. He also held a PhD in history from the University of Washington. He was widely known for his sixteen fiction and non-fiction books set mostly in his Montana, celebrating the landscape and people of the post-war American West.
O. Alan Weltzien, longtime Montana Wilderness Association member (incl. State Council) and
Professor of English at UMW (Dillon), has published dozens or articles and ten books, most
recently Exceptional Mountains: A Cultural History of the Pacific Northwest Volcanoes (Univ.
Nebraska Press, 2016), and Rembrandt in the Stairwell (FootHills Publishing, 2016), his third
book of poetry. Weltzien still skis in winter and scrambles peaks in summer. He never tires of
the endless diversity of Montana mountainscapes and loves to hike above timberline.
Financial support for this series was provided by Humanities Montana and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
August 11, 2017
Artist of the Month reception
~ Shirley Anderson Sylvester, painter
Born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana, Shirley and her family have always lived on a farm east of Corvallis. Shirley began painting with oils in 1984 and watercolor in 1995. She enjoys plein aire painting along the rivers and in the mountains of the Bitterroot Valley as well as different areas of Montana. She likes to create small paintings. This gives her the ability to capture a moment and a place, a snapshot in time. Painting miniatures gives her the liberty to experiment with light, color and compositions. Old homesteads and barns have great interest to Shirley, she says, “I like to imagine the lives of the folks that lived there. They represent a disappearing heritage of our country’s past.” Shirley is also involved with archaeology. She is on the board of the Montana Archaeological Society. She has visited nearly 100 pictograph and petroglyph sites in the northwest. She incorporates these interests and images in her paintings on occasion. She also paints tepees to represent the different tribal cultures of the northwest. Shirley believes an artist should paint what they love and what inspires them; this is what breathes life and spark into a piece.
July 16, 2017
Artist of the Month reception
~ Zach Babat, painter
Zach was taken from us too soon, but his legacy will live on forever in his art. Zach was a professional artist and Alaskan Bush Pilot. He split his time between Montana and Alaska, the two states with the best fish and wildlife in the world. Zach spent over 20 year years as an outdoor guide and professional bush pilot. These experiences gave Zach his inspiration for his artwork. Zach had the opportunity to get face to face with the wildlife species of the west. Zach said, “It is the close interaction with the animals, their personalities I try to capture not just the horns, claws and teeth.” Zach used watercolor paint, both transparent and opaque, exclusively to bring the animals and fish to life. Zach perfected the use of canvas board for his paintings, which eliminated the need for glass. Most people viewing his original artwork don’t realize they are watercolor because of the vividness of the colors and lack of glass. Zach’s wife, Kerry, will continue his legacy by continuing to offer prints and select originals for sale. In addition, multiple books are in the process of being written using Zach’s artwork. A Zach Babat Scholarship fund is also in the process of being created.
July 18, 2017
Notable authors lecture series at the Linderman Cabin, Laurin, MT
Bob Brown presented a program on Dorothy Johnson
The EHAHC, in partnership with the Virginia City Preservation Alliance, sponsored their fourth series of history programs in 2017. Once again, the programs were held in the beautifully restored cabin of Frank Bird Linderman; on the grounds of the historic Robber’s Roost near Laurin, MT. The general theme of the 2017 series focused upon notable Montana authors.
Dorothy Johnson (1905 - 1984) was the author of numerous articles and books on western history and fiction. She is Montana's foremost writer of western fiction. Her three most notable works, The Hanging Tree, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and A Man Called Horse, were made into movies. She grew up in Whitefish, where her talents as a writer quickly became apparent in her first jobs with the Whitefish and Kalispell newspapers. She sold her first article in the 1930's to the Saturday Evening Post for $400.00. She wrote prolifically for the rest of her life. Her nonfiction books include The Bloody Bozeman and the Bedside Book of Bastards. During the course of her career she was a researcher at the Montana Historical Society, Manager of the Montana Press Association, and taught creative writing at the University of Montana.
Bob Brown is a native Montanan and a “shirt-tail” relative of the Linderman family. He is a Navy veteran, earned a degree in history from MSU, was a high school history teacher, and served for 26 years in the Montana Legislature; as Secretary of State and concluding as President of the State Senate. Although officially retired, he is a visiting lecturer on the American Civil War at the University of Montana, a contributing columnist to several Montana newspapers, and on the Board of Directors for the Montana Historical Society.
Financial support for this series was provided by Humanities Montana and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
June 30, 2017
Ken Egan book reading
Montana 1864, Hope and Dread in Montana Literature, and Writers Under the Rims: A Yellowstone County Anthology.
Ken Egan has served as the executive director of Humanities Montana since 2009. He earned his B.A. in English at the University of Montana, his M.A. and Ph.D. in American Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He taught English at Middlebury College, Rocky Mountain College, and Drury University. He served as department and divisional chair at Rocky and Drury and sat on the board of Humanities Montana (then Montana Committee for the Humanities) from 1989 to 1992. Egan is a member of the Leadership Montana Class of 2013. His books include Montana 1864, Hope and Dread in Montana Literature, and Writers Under the Rims: A Yellowstone County Anthology.
Financial support for this series was provided by Humanities Montana and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
June 25, 2017
Jack Horner : Why Dinosaurs had Horns, Shields, Spikes,and other Accoutrements
Paleontologist Jack Horner discovered the first dinosaur eggs in the Western Hemisphere, the first evidence of dinosaur colonial nesting, the first evidence of parental care among dinosaurs, and the first dinosaur embryos.
Horner's research covers a wide range of topics about dinosaurs, including their behavior, physiology, ecology and evolution. Due to struggles with the learning disability, dyslexia, Horner does not hold a formal college degree but was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Montana in 1986. Also in 1986 he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship.
He's the retired Curator of Paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana, and is widely acknowledged to be the inspiration for the main character in the book and film Jurassic Park.
June 9, 2017
Artist of the Month reception
~ Richard Flager, sculptor/painter/photographer
Richard Flager was born and raised in Sheridan Montana and has resided in this great state his whole life. Richard has always been interested in all forms of art and the intricate detail of nature. Detail is what you will see in all forms of his art including the beautiful curves and smoothness of his sculpture capturing a statement in each art piece. Richard moves into the exquisite colors of natural flora of Montana down to the most delicate dewdrop. View the numerous photographs that this artist has taken while in the back hills of Montana so prevalent of the beautiful valleys and mountains of the Sheridan and Dillon Montana countryside. Totem Poles are the most current artwork being constructed by Mr. Flager and at times you will see him with a double hood jacket and sweatshirt outside in the cold working on his lates Totem Pole. This wonderful Montana artist has a variety of ways expressing his artistic talent.