Join us for this bold and beautiful art opening, FLOURISH: Come Hell or High Water. Featuring stunning works by the fabulous and brave artists from the 2020 Open AIR Residency program.

Come hell, high water, or pandemic, we were determined to FLOURISH.

Join us as these works emerge into public view for the first time. From fiber arts and video inspired by the shores at the Flathead Lake Biological Station to sculptural works fabricated by the machines in the new state-of-the-art public library to a dance film, oil paintings, and mixed media inspired by the diverse history of the Historical Fort Missoula, there's something for everyone.

Come meet the artists, ask their stories and contemplate what it means to be connected to creativity, place, and community.

ARTWORKS BY:
Amanda Bielby, Courtney Blazon, Claire Compton, Lisa Flowers-Ross, Alice Hargrave, Jules Lucero, Sandra Marker, Stella Nall, Lauren Norby, Kathy Herlihy-Paoli, Carrie Richer, Cassie Sevigny, Zoe Sykora, Taylor White, Cristina Victor + Salish Old Bull.

BACKGROUND:
In 2020, Open AIR connected these 15 artists (and more!) across unique sites in Western Montana. Come hell or high water, our community partners, hailing from organizations grounded in environmental stewardship to cultural and historical preservation, were committed to fostering creative voices. As buildings shuttered, events dismantled, and life as we knew it took a sharp left turn, our partners said yes to art making during a bleak and disorienting time.

Covid: Please wear a mask while socializing indoors and remain 6 feet from individuals where vaccination status is absent or unknown. Updated instructions will be posted at the event.