Local artists abound in and around the Great Falls Community Library last Saturday, May 12. Among the group were painters, a photographer, a potter, a jewelry-maker and a wood sculptor — the vast majority of whom gave live demonstrations of their craft for anyone who was interested.
The community art festival was organized by the members of Great Falls Studios, a consortium of 67 artists who live or work in Great Falls. The network has been growing rapidly since it was first founded in 2003 by potter Laura Nichols. A long-time resident of Great Falls, Nichols had been considering a move to New England because she felt that her beloved farm community was morphing into something else entirely, and she was not convinced that she still belonged. Fortunately, Nichols decided to give her hometown one last chance before packing up her belongings and leaving. She began searching for like-minded artists in the area and was stunned to discover a virtual goldmine of talented artists and craftsman.
The May 12 art festival and demonstration was held in association with the all-member Great Falls Studios art show that is currently hanging in the Great Falls Library. The multi-artist exhibit is open during regular library hours, and will be on display in the library through the end of May. Each artist participant was allowed to submit up to two pieces for the show, and all of the pieces are available for sale.
ACCORDING TO GREAT FALLS Studios member and wood sculptor Jonathan Fisher, the consortium is designed to meet the needs of its various members, but it is also committed to serving as an “active and energetic service organization dedicated to making Great Falls a ‘more artful’ community.”
“One way it accomplishes its goal is to sponsor art-education events,” said Fisher. “The art demo was one such activity.”
Visitors trickled in and out of the art festival and demo throughout the day
“This was our main event for this particular exhibit,” said painter and Great Falls Studio member Jill Banks. “It was a lot of fun; we had lots of interest from kids — they’re always the ones that are going to come up to you, while the adults usually stand back quietly.”
Banks helped to organize the exhibit and demo event, and said that it drew a nice mix of those who knew about it in advance, and those who just happened to stumble upon it during a visit to the library.
“The easels were set up outside, so we were along the path going up into the library,” said Banks. “Mainly, it was just a lot of fun for the artists to get together and enjoy the day.”