Joy Staelens, Great Falls Montana I am an artist born in Hollywood, FL. My relocation to this gorgeous state has allowed me to have a new perspective on art. The mountain air is proving to be an excellent tool for inspiration. The humanity I envision in nature adds to my eclectic views I portray through some of my paintings. Aside from a desire to clean up our glorious planet, the textures of recyclable materials inspire me. My first design used beer bottle caps is of a rose opening. I've come to be known for my bottle cap mermaids. One is hanging at a local Great Falls bar. Both represent my fascination with seeing something creative in everyday objects. 
         Creating art is not simply a gift. This talent is a blessing, but at the same time, an obsession. The need to express emotion through muddling of color or throwing of clay is fierce. The satisfaction of seeing a creation come to completion is vast. The relief of pouring one's passion into color is epic! Art is a necessity, embrace it. Enjoy the show!

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Jean Fleming-Mazur Lady in Green Shawl

Jean Fleming-Mazur, Vaughn, Montana "I am an artist who works in many creative mediums, including oil, acrylic and watercolor paints, drawing media, pen and ink. My subjects are mostly landscapes and figures in impressionistic and abstract styles. I have been a calligrapher since high school and love working in black and white as well as color. I work quite large creating banner size art besides smaller pieces. I'm now experimenting with Gelli Plate printing. Every print is a surprise! The essence of expression through line quality from thin to thick, controlled or freely drawn and color play are when ah-hah moments happen!  
        I have an obsession with denim and leather jackets and use embellishments of all sorts to create unique wearable creations. I've said many times I need five of me to do all that I like to explore!"
        Jean earned a BFA in Graphic Design and worked in the field for 30 years. Jean and her family moved from Michigan eleven years ago to experience the open skies and clouds, mountains and plains, and does not miss high humidity, serious city traffic or the lack of winter sun. She is the vice president and treasurer of the Arts Association of Montana and a member of the Front Range Art Association,, Choteau, Montana and Big Sky Scribes, the Montana state wide calligraphy association. She has shown in the Missouri Falls Fine Arts Show & Sale since 2014