Tag: arts and entertainment

February 19, 2019

2-Day Women’s Self Portrait Workshop

Two Day Women's Self-Portrait Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: Maureen Shaughnessy

WHERE: in the studio at the back of 1+1=1 Gallery, in Helena.

WHEN: Saturday March 16: Evening Intro and Multi-Media Presentation
Sunday March 17 and Sunday March 24 from 10 to 5pm.

WHO: women of any level of experience. You do not need to be a working artist to take this workshop.

COST: $225 per person, includes all supplies for 14 hours of instruction, demos and studio work time. Max 6 students. Scholarships available. Please inquire.

FOOD: Both Sundays we will take a lunch break together as a group. Bring a lunch. The gallery will provide light snacks, coffee, tea and other beverages. For our Friday evening intro meeting the gallery will provide light snacks, wine, coffee or tea.

MORE INFO: Call or text 406.431.9931 and leave a message. We'll call you back. Or email us with any questions: [email protected]

February 5, 2019

Young Voices 2019

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4th Annual Young Voices exhibit opens Friday, February 15th at 5:00pm

Please join us for an exceptionally wonderful event that supports blooming artists and local non-profits

Grab a snack and beverage, listen to youngsters and teens bravely deliver their artist talks, browse their exquisite work and choose a piece of framed, funky or elegant, ready-to-hang art for your home. The art is super affordable — and 75% of all sales go to local charities selected by the young artists themselves. What’s not to love?!

During the winter of 2018/2019, these students have worked with Maureen Shaughnessy in her studio, exploring different printmaking and painting mediums. Now, the gallery walls are theirs for the duration of the show which runs from February 15th- March 13th.

What’s so Special about the Young Voices art exhibit?

In preparation for this exhibit, Maureen’s students personally helped to mount the show; they chose, framed, signed and titled their pieces; helped to clean and paint the gallery walls and pedestals, wrote artist statements and gallery talks and, in return, gained life skills, generosity and confidence as young artists and entrepreneurs.

Artists featured are:

Ema Terry, Rachel Kuntz, Hannah Fleischmann, Adia Terry, Lilly Hamper, Evey Linden and Ciana Williams-Standley. These artists range in age from 9-16 years old.

The artists have generously chosen two local organizations as beneficiaries of the exhibit:

… and the winners are … God’s Love homeless shelter and the Holter’s Art for Survival Program.

As part of the preparation for this exhibit, we ask the students to research a list of a couple dozen local non-profits and to pick their top two or three favorites. They all come together and advocate — to each other — for their choices. This year we had some difficult choices to make. So many great organizations were on their short lists! After discussion and some lobbying, we use a consensus process to settle on two that everyone feels good about donating to. They are working hard to raise these funds, so we want them all to feel heard, and have ownership in the outcome.

As galleries do, artwork sales are split 50/50 with the artists. These seven youth will donate half of their commission and the gallery will donate all of ours. Your purchases encourage young artists in gaining confidence and contribute to these deserving local organizations.

Check out some of the exhibit highlights and behind-the-scenes pics:

For more, go to our Facebook event page or Maureen’s studio Instagram account. We’ve been posting photos throughout the months of preparation.

These classes and wonderful event would not be possible without the support of our community

We would like to thank the individuals who have made these classes and art exhibit possible with their own generosity. Christine Eckel donated all of the frames. Three anonymous donors contributed two full scholarships for students from low-income families. And the Alex Team asked 1+1=1 Gallery to manage an auction of Alexandra Swaney’s personal art collection, with proceeds going to our scholarship fund and to Musikanten Montana, two of her favorite causes. The Alex Team is MJ Williams, Nancy Owens, Melissa Kwasney, Nan Parsons, Bryher Herak and John Sims. It takes a village to raise a child. And a village’s engagement and commitment to each other, to create a great place to live for all.

To everyone who attends openings, purchases art, donates time and funds, comes in on ordinary days to view and appreciate the art of all of our artists: Thank you for your ongoing support.

~ Maureen Shaughnessy and Tim Carney

December 5, 2018

Shop Small Works until December 24th

This year's Small Works Gift Show opened at 1+1=1 Gallery to a big crowd of enthusiastic shoppers and art lovers. Friday night and Saturday saw dozens of small and affordable artworks gift wrapped and heading out the gallery door. We are so happy to feel supported by the Helena community -- and to in turn, give our artists the motivation to keep working in their studios! Read on for photos of selected pieces from the show, and an answer to the question, why buy art for a gift?

October 16, 2018

2nd Annual Wood & Wax Exhibit

October 19 – November 24, 2018

It’s Our 5th Anniversary … Come Celebrate with Us!

Our second annual Wood & Wax exhibit opens Friday evening, October 19th and runs through November 24. Seven artists come together in this exquisite group show that features art made from wood and art made from beeswax, pigments and resins.

Who: anyone who likes art, particularly really cool art
What: opening reception to celebrate Wood & Wax exhibit AND our 5th Anniversary
Where: 1+1=1 Gallery at 434 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana
When: Friday Oct 19 from 5 to 8pm
Why: cuz you like art, good food, and we like you!

Our 5th Anniversary Month — a Perfect Time to Bring Back One of Our Most Exceptional Exhibits: Wood & Wax

Since our beginnings five years ago, we have proudly represented some of the best Montana woodworkers, at 1+1=1 Gallery. Helena artists, Dan McArdle, Tim Carney and John Andrew, are back at the gallery with all new finely crafted carvings, furniture and turned wood vessels. This year we welcome another wood turner, Boyd Carson of Bozeman. This year, we are also introducing encaustic artist, Erika James, from Portland Oregon.

All seven of the artists in Wood & Wax 2018 are talented, mature artists and we are delighted to show their work! Although we show their work year-round at the gallery, seeing it in exhibit and meeting the artists is an experience not to miss!

Boyd Carson Vessel

Joyce Watts Coolidge

Boyd Carson Vessel

John Andrew

Curious about encaustic art?

Come to our opening to find out more about encaustic. What it is. How to care for it, how these three artists have explored the wax medium in their unique ways.

Darla Myers of Bozeman Montana, returns to Wood & Wax with a series of sumptuous yet whimsical forest paintings. Myers’ emotive abstracts are distillations of nature’s colors, light and shadows. She spends many hours outdoors, hiking, sketching, camping and walking her dogs. When you see her encaustic images of forest trails, filtered light and seasonal color, you’ll be reminded of some of your favorite Montana places.

Joyce Watts Coolidge, a former fiber artist from Anchorage, Alaska, joins us for a second year with contemporary encaustic and sculptural mixed media pieces. Coolidge uses hundreds of layers of fused wax and pigment with horsehair, handmade paper and wood to evoke stories any of us might imagine. Joyce will be at the opening all the way from Alaska. Please give her a hearty Helena welcome!

Erika James’ dramatic encaustic landscapes are inspired by the fog, rain, gorges, coasts and crusty mountains of her native Oregon. She seems to have an emotional, even profound connection to gigantic earth forms that dwarf humans, yet the wax and pigment medium she uses give an intimate experience when viewed up close in person. Don’t miss seeing Erika’s work in Helena! We are betting you will love it.

Curious about woodworking and wood carving?

Woodworkers have a saying that they “make sawdust.” Well, I think our woodworkers make “elegance.” Consider the wood objects you live with: wouldn’t your life be more lovely if some of those useful objects were elegantly made by an artist? If your answer is yes, don’t miss this exhibit!

John Andrew, a long-time Helena resident who has been turning gorgeous bowls from local trees for many years and there are hundreds of folks in our town who are proud to own one of his masterpieces. Many of John’s wood bowls are truly functional though they must be given care. Every bowl John turns is a work of art!

Tim J Carney, one of Helena’s masters of fine furniture design and woodworking is displaying a stunning Cherry and Ebony dining table with chairs; a live–edge walnut bistro table with stools; and other fabulous pieces of live edge exotic and local woods. Tim has the reputation of making the most comfortable chairs in Helena. Come try one – you’ll agree!

Boyd Carson’s sensual turned wood vessels drew me in from my very first sighting. Our newest gallery artist, Boyd is a retired furniture maker and building contractor now living in Bozeman. His sculptural vessels are remarkable art pieces — and each one has a fascinating story. Come hear his stories!

Dan McArdle, an incredibly talented artist, makes gorgeous relief carvings on wood and stains them with dyes. His inspiration comes from the many hours Dan spends outdoors, fishing, mountain biking and back country skiing. Our customers have loved Dan’s ravens, wolves, trout streams and prairie scenes since we began showing them three years ago. You have to see what Dan made this time!

September 24, 2018

Studio Art Seshes for kids teens and adults

Studio Art Classes and One-on-Ones Start November 2018
My art classes are kinda un-normal:

I am offering some really fun art seshes this year. I am planning to teach teen one-on-ones; women's workshops and kids' studio seshes along with a couple of guest-artist one and two day workshops. These are not your typical "art classes" to learn a technique such as watercolor painting or drawing, although in the process of making, you will learn some great techniques!

I refer to my teaching as "studio creative seshes" and "expressive arts classes" because I go beyond technique. I encourage students of all ages to dive into a subject, explore unusual ways to express themselves and experience the delight of success no matter what you think you are capable of. I believe creativity exists in everyone and it needs to be awakened then nourished by building confidence, making stuff, playing around, contemplating the results with a critical eye, and actually getting down to it and doing. Stop thinking about making art and get doing!

September 22, 2018

Press Here Printmaking Show Opening

Thank you so very much to everyone who came to the opening of Press Here: a Printmakers Showcase. It was a resounding success; a great crowd; enthusiasm for the gallery talks; delish food and wine … and of course, the art on the walls: fabulous.

July 31, 2018

PRESS HERE: A Printmakers Showcase

“PRESS HERE: Printmakers’ Showcase” starts September 7th with an opening reception

We are truly looking forward to our first exhibit of the fall, PRESS HERE. Opening night will be September 7th, when you can be the first to see the prints coming out of the studios of artists who work at Pratt Institute of Arts, and the local studios of Carol Montgomery and Maureen Shaughnessy. We are excited to introduce our art buyers and art lovers to something different — the printmakers who live and work in Seattle bring a fresh perspective to what we are all used to out here in Montana. Most of the Seattle printmakers work in the print studio at Pratt Fine Arts, and show in one or more Seattle galleries. We are honored to have them at 1+1=1 in Helena! As well, Carol and Maureen have been hard at work creating new linocuts, monoprints and collagraphs for the show. Expect to be surprised, delighted and moved by this collection of printmakers’ artworks.

What: new exhibit, “PRESS HERE”

When: Friday Sep. 7 from 5 to 8pm

Who: Our opening events are for everyone, kids too — and it’s free

Where: 1+1=1 Gallery is located at 434 North Last Chance Gulch in Helena, Montana.

More Info: Call the gallery 406.431.9931 or email us

Artists include:

• Tina Garrick Albro, Walla Walla & Seattle WA

• Abbie Birmingham, Seattle wa

• larry calkins, seattle wa

• eric chamberlain, seattle wa

• annie lewis, seattle wa

• joan mamelok, seattle wa

• Carol Montgomery, Helena MT

• maureen shaughnessy, helena mt

• Becky Street Seattle Wa

• lauren zalewski, seattle wa

All artworks featured in PRESS HERE will be available through our online exhibit catalog beginning the day after the show opens. Watch for a link at the top of our home page here, or to make sure you don’t miss it, subscribe to our love notes and we will send you a link in an email that morning. The catalog goes live on September 8th.

Here’s the magic button to subscribe to our “love notes” to get updates on events and invitations to our opening receptions for new exhibits. (We promise not to spam you or share your private info with anyone — ever.)

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July 18, 2018

RITUAL: Functional Clay in Everyday Life

“RITUAL: Functional Clay in Everyday Life” starts August 3rd with an opening reception

Our next show opens August 3 and runs through September 1, 2018. Please join us on opening night for a reception, to meet the artists and get the best choice of functional pieces for your home, office or gifts.

What: Opening Reception of “Ritual: functional clay in everyday life”

When: Friday Aug. 3 from 5 to 8pm

Who: Our opening events are for everyone, kids too — and it’s free

Where: 1+1=1 Gallery is located at 434 North Last Chance Gulch in Helena, Montana.

More Info: Call the gallery 406.431.9931 or email us

Why Ritual?

Ritual. Isn’t that something we should save for special days? Why not create more meaning in everyday activities? Rituals slow us down, connect us with the origins of things and the underlying beauty of all life. From cooking and eating … to lighting a candle; placing flowers in a vase; drinking coffee, tea, ale or wine; bathing and brushing teeth; meditation and prayer; telling stories and tucking children or ourselves in bed … these are things we may do everyday and — if done with intention — can become wonderful meaningful moments for us.

Nine local and regional ceramic artists submitted a large selection of functional clay objects that can be used in our everyday life. Bowls, plates, cups, cookie jars, mugs, trays, vases and tumblers are just a few. Everything in the exhibit is beautiful enough to be displayed as a work of art … and useful enough to become part of your everyday life.

Artists include:

• Maureen Cole, Helena MT

• sarah magar, sook bc canada

• George McCauley, Helena MT

• Page Kelly Piccolo, Clancy MT

• Carla potter, Helena mt

• andrew rivera, missoula MT

• trudy skari, helena MT

• Sarahjess Swann, Bozeman MT

• Eliza Weber, great falls mt

Just in time for Montana visitors looking for something special to take home, and for Helena residents who want to treat themselves or someone to a one-of-a-kind useful gift. We will have the entire exhibit in our online catalog for anyone who can’t make it to the gallery in person. The catalog goes live on August 4th.

Subscribe to our email love notes so you don’t miss knowing about it!

Maureen Cole

Carla Potter

Sarah Magar

Eliza Weber

Sarahjess Swann

Page Kelly Piccolo

Trudy Skari

Andrew Rivera

George McCauley

Maureen Cole

Sarah Magar

Eliza Weber

Sarahjess Swann

Page Kelly Piccolo

Andrew Rivera

Geroge McCauley

Maureen Cole

Sarah Magar

Eliza Weber

Page Kelly Piccolo

Andrew Rivera

George McCauley

Eliza Weber

Andrew Rivera

George McCauley

Here’s where you can subscribe to our “love notes” to get updates on events and invitations to our opening receptions for new exhibits. (We promise not to spam you or share your private info with anyone — ever.)

May 29, 2018

June First Friday for kids of all ages

Please join us for Downtown Helena's June First Friday, at 1+1=1 Gallery. We're hosting a sidewalk cafe´with chalk games, kid-friendly refreshments and some adult-friendly art inside the gallery. Currently we are showing our annual art jewelry and figurative art invitational exhibit. Gorgeous art -- and lots of choice of one-of-a-kind jewelry in a wide range of prices. Hope to see you!

May 24, 2018

SCULPTURE: Inside, Around and Between Ideas

“SCULPTURE: Inside, Around and Between Ideas” starts June 29th with an opening reception

Our next show opens June 29th and runs through July 28th. It’s a short exhibit but long on diversity and depth. We asked five Helena artists, as well as an artist from Wyoming and a California artist, to contribute a body of sculptural works to this show. These seven artists explore volume, space and ideas using clay, bronze, wood and mixed-media. And whoah – are we excited to see what’s been coming in!

Artists include:

• Mary Jane Edwards, Sheridan, WY
• Nancy Goughnour, Helena, MT
• Paul Guillemette, Los Angeles, CA
• Betsey Hurd, Helena, MT
• Susan Mattson, Helena, MT
• George McCauley, Helena, MT
• Trudy Skari, Helena, MT

Think Sculpture is Just for Tables and Shelves?

Our 2018 Sculpture show promises to astound and delight you with pieces for your walls, floors, ceilings, shelves or tables. Whether you have a small wall space, a coffee table, hearth, mantle, side tables or shelves in need of a statement piece or a tender, quieter piece, we will have something for everyone. Paul Guillemette’s pieces are free-standing, wall-mounted or hanging from the ceiling. Nancy Goughnour again delights us with all-new wall figures of strong bold women. Trudy Skari’s latest free-standing and wall pieces take her bemusing foxes, bears and rabbits to another level of accomplishment. Mary Jane Edwards’s body of 12 “Caged Memories” provoke thought and curiosity. New polymorphic fabulism figures by Betsey Hurd join her masterful bronze equine sculptures.