Conversation with Tessa Heck and Zach George
Open AIR 2019 Artists-in-Residence
Flathead Lake Biological Station
"My experience at the FLBS was truly memorable and beneficial to my growth as a creative. I enjoyed the opportunity to be creative in a unique environment that I would otherwise not find myself in."
- Zach George
Open AIR: How was your experience in-residence at the Bio Station?
Tessa: My experience as an Open AIR Artist-in-Residence was quite an adventure! My partner and I were in residence together along with our (then 4 mo. old daughter). We stayed in a 2 room cabin at the Flathead Lake Bio Station.It truly was a wild time, with lots of outdoor time as a family and exploring methods of making art.
Zach: My experience at the FLBS was truly memorable and beneficial to my growth as a creative. I enjoyed the opportunity to be creative in a unique environment that I would otherwise not find myself in.
Open AIR: What was your research process during this time?
Tessa: My research at this time was focused on the founding members of the Flathead Lake Bio Station, specifically Dr. Jessie Berman. I was able to utilize the museum on site to learn more about her as well as view her medicine kit! I was so excited to learn about this visionary woman who grew up in the same valley as me.
Zach: My research included talking with the various scientists at the facility and learning about what they do on a day to day basis.
Tessa Heck, Dr. Jessie Bierman, 2019, flashe, gouache on pape, 30 x 40”, Collection of Open Air Missoula.
Open AIR: What are you up to now, post-residency?
Tessa Heck: I just finished a show with a group of women artists for KALICO Art Center’s inaugural opening this June. We have been getting together for the last year to share our studio practice. This show is curated by Jenny Bevill.
Zach George: I am currently working on various architectural and interior projects with my business Workaday Design.
Zach Georgh, "Dark Room," "Hood Room," and "Microscope Room" in the Fresh Water Research Lab (left to right), 12"x18", Photography print on Metal, 2019
This Residency was made possible by a partnership between Open AIR and the Flathead Lake Biological Station, the second oldest biological field station in the US and the oldest west of the Mississippi River. They have one of the oldest, contiguous lake datasets in the world.