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Tell Me, Tallie: Is Big Sky an artsy area?
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Tallie Lancey EBS Columnist
If the health of a community can be measured by its engagement in the Arts, then Big Sky is fit as a fiddle.
Abraham Maslow’s developmental psychology pyramid teaches us that humans must achieve their basic needs first: food, shelter, clothing. Eventually, as we mature, we ascend his hierarchy. So it goes with the development of Big Sky. As a fledging village, we started with a few bars and condos (and ski runs). By now, we’ve installed sophisticated wastewater infrastructure, a K-12 school, a medical center, a pair of stoplights, three groceries, and our very own resident highway patrol trooper. In the developmental trajectory of Big Sky, we’re ready to attain self-actualization, to borrow Maslow’s notion.
More than 25 years ago, a small group of folks were arguably ahead of their time when they brought a symphony orchestra to perform in Big Sky. That small group evolved into the Arts Council, which is now best known for its weekly outdoor concert series. But Music in the Mountains isn’t their only gig. They’re responsible for the Classical Music Festival, the Auction for the Arts, ArtVenture, the Madrigal Dinner, public art projects, and bringing the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival to Big Sky.
Complementing and enhancing those offerings, the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center inspires audiences to participate in art. WMPAC hatched in more recent history but quickly established itself as Montana’s premier venue and presenter. The center’s namesake, a part-time resident of Big Sky, represents the ultimate union of artistry and outdoor recreation. Within its walls, groundbreaking works are created, community theatre events are heralded, children are inspired to get onstage themselves, and world-class performances consistently sell out.
The two non-profit groups have intentionally complimentary missions, schedules and offerings. Their collaboration elevates the arts for the benefit of the entire community. Their combined efforts to educate Big Sky’s youth will have lasting effects. As the saying goes, two heads are better than one.
In addition, and perhaps less apparent, we are a community of impressive photographers, pianists, ceramicists, jewelers, musicians, poets, actors and dancers. Our local galleries are chock-full of gorgeous pieces. Big Sky contains immense talent. We are well positioned to be a figurative headwaters of cultural creation.
In a place where it’s easy to feel isolated on a cold, dark, wintry night, the arts are all the more important. Art, with a capital A, gives us meaning, understanding and connectivity. If that sounds touch-feely, then keep in mind that only 5 percent of the Big Sky Resort Area District resort tax goes to the arts. Cultural events are a major economic engine, which makes people happy too.
As we kick off a summer of endless recreational adventures, you’ll likely find yourself sitting in the Town Center Park, surrounded by friends and strangers, enjoying a scene curated for you by our various cultural institutions. You’ll see a trash can wrapped with artwork, professional ballerinas dancing unabashedly, kids from summer camp crafting, and Tony-winning actors eating local artisan ice cream from a food truck. You’ll muse on the experience and be grateful that Big Sky’s arts ecosystem is alive and well.
Are you wondering why something is particularly unique to our community? You want to know and I’m eager to learn. This column commits to answering your burning questions about why Big Sky exists the way it does. Ask me at tallie@reallybigsky.com.
Tallie Lancey is a broker with Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty and serves on the boards of Big Sky Community Organization, Top Shelf Toastmasters, and the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
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enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
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the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
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determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
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Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
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Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Cowboy Coffee
25 Town Center Ave. Big Sky, MT 59716