Julia Becker, a Great Falls, Montana artist, opened her studio to members for AAM's April general meeting. She have a tour of her very large studio showing her work from college days to current pieces and to some of her students as well. Some of her paintings are in different stages of evolution. "My life work is about honoring, nourishing and living within the imagination. My personal philosophy is that art and artmaking are (hopefully) dynamic living entities that require, and activate, exploration. Art is also communication; a catalyst or venue for exchange of meaning. Art and artmaking may serve as a sounding apparatus among diverse realities. For me, art serves as a process and venue for seeking truth... and often raises the question of truth; ...what is truth? Art has the potential of being a catalytic experience;  of increasing awareness and causing a shift or transformation within the maker and possibly the viewer (I can only speak from my own experience)." Before we left Julia gave us some of her many figure sketches to take home. We walked out with gifts of Julia's talent, energy, and generosity! Please visit Julia's website to enjoy more of her works. juliabecker.com

This past year has been so challenging for all of us! Thankfully many of us are now able to enjoy more of the things we missed. AAM has not met for general meetings since last February. We missed having the 2020 annual Western Art Week show. We just held our March general meeting and have planned April and May. So we wanted to make it easy for members- current and new to join in on the fun!
       ​The AAM board voted this year by offering a free membership as well as no membership fee for the current members. We hope you'll find AAM fun and want to be a member in 2022!

AAM will be busy the spring and summer! Let's start with the four shows. 
     First, the Meadowlark Country Club show changes four times a year. Currently "Color Therapy" is up until May. The next show is "Bursts of Light."
      The Great Falls, Montana Farmer's Market will start again in June. Come join in or just come by to visit. Our tent has room for three artists and their work. 
       Plein air painting is our summer outdoor plans. We'll be at ten different locations around Great Falls. And the best thing is the AAM Plein Air exhibit at the Paris Gibson Square museum in Great Falls! Join us! All are Welcome! More information to come!
         Our annual Great Falls Public Library show will run May and June. This gives the public the opportunity to enjoy most of our members' artwork. This year's theme is "3 Dimensions."
          August 18-20 brings the 2021 Western Art Week Special Edition alive again! We will be at The History Museum again for our Seventh Missouri Falls Fine Arts Show & Sale. Many other events and shows are planned for the week. Don't miss them!
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