CAMPFIRE STORIES: CELEBRATING MONTANA'S WILD PLACES AND COMMUNITY CAMPING STORIES

Exhibition on view June 23rd - July 22nd
Opening Reception June 30th, 5 - 7 PM

Inspired by the Continental Trail Divide Artist Residency with Mandy Mohler, Erin Hawley, & Jeri Rafter: Photography, Film, Metal Works, Poetry, and Campfire Stories from the Community.

The exhibition features Montana artists: photographer Mandy Mohler, jewelry maker Erin Hawley, and filmmaker Jeri Rafter and the artworks they created inspired by their wilderness residency at Mystic Lake. The trio hiked in and stayed at Mystic Lake. They made art there and more art inspired by their experience after they returned.

Mystic Lake is the deepest lake in the Beartooth Mountains. It has the largest sandy beach in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Montana Power Company utilizes the power of this large lake and its dam. Mystic Lake supports a rainbow trout fishery. Hiking the three-mile trail up to Mystic Lake provides views of West Rosebud Valley and other lakes.

The artist trio were mesmerized by the lake's unique landscape and surroundings and their time in the wilderness. Their exhibition chronicles the artists' experiences and questions related to why we venture into the wilderness.

Please join us for this fun, interactive exhibition. Camp out with us. Tell us why you leave the comforts and safety of home to trek into the wilderness. Do you have a bear or wildlife encounter story? Have you ever tried to make a campfire with sticks and no matches? Have you ever been lost in the wilderness? Tell us about your experiences: your joys, your triumphs, your fails, your fears.

Come, sit by our campfire--write your story down. Draw a picture of your favorite campsite or your favorite wild place. Share your drawings and stories on our Campfire Wall and become part of this inspiring exhibition.

During the exhibition join us for:
June 30th, 5 - 7
Opening Reception
Meet the artists. Dress in your camping gear. Bring your stories and photographs. Partake in campfire snacks and drinks. Enjoy local craft beer provided by Flathead Lake Brewing Company.