The Real West: Farming and Ranching Families of the Yellowstone River Valley: Excerpts of oral histories and copies of family snapshots from farming and ranching families who settled in the Yellowstone River Valley prior to World War II.  The selection of fifty-two quotes and photographs for this traveling exhibit derive from an oral history project of the Western Heritage Center, of Billings, Montana.   The people interviewed include Gil Aller of Big Timber (a dude ranch operator), C.R.Bokma of Columbus (a cattle rancher), Joe Medicine Crow of Lodge Grass (a Crow historian), William and Ruth Kebschull of Boyd (dryland farmers), Claribel Bonine of Hysham (a ranch homemaker), Red Killen of Miles City (a sheep rancher), and Santos Carranza of Sidney (a sugar beet farmer).   A video, presenting live oral history interviews with three of the participants, is  included with the exhibit.  The research and production of this Western Heritage Center traveling exhibit was made possible by a grant from the Montana Cultural Trust.

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This exhibit was developed at the height of the COVID-19 quarantine and was launched in May 2020.

 

Quarantine life is unsettling. Unable to make plans for the future, uncertainty is normal. Many are turning to artistic expression to cope. As a community-centered institution, the Western Heritage Center works to create a space of interaction and community engagement. This exhibit features a variety of artworks and styles from quarantined Montanans of all ages.

Art in Isolation: Response to COVID-19 illustrates Montanan’s response to the COVID-19 Crisis. During the Self-Isolation directive, community artists ranging in age from 5 months to 91 years directed their time into creative outlets to help process the emotions of this unprecedented time in human history.

The exhibit includes photography, poetry, paintings, sculptures, collages, fabric, and more.

 

Painting link to Kids Gallery
Kid’s Gallery
Painting from "Art in Isolation: Response to COVID-19"
Paintings & 2D Pieces
Photograph sample from "Art in Isolation: REsponse to COVID-19"
Photographs
Drawing Sample from "Art in Isolation: Response to COVID-19"
Drawings & Sketches
Samples from "Art in Isolation: Response to COVID-19"
3D Pieces
Poster sample from "Art in Isolation: COVID-19"
Words & Music

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views and opinions expressed in this online exhibit do not represent those of the Western Heritage Center.

If you enjoyed this exhibit, please consider supporting the Western Heritage Center as we continue to serve our community.

James Kenneth (J.K.) Ralston (1896-1987) was a noted western artist who lived in Billings for many years. In 1946, Ralston and his son built a log cabin to serve as the artist’s studio. In 2005, the cabin was moved to the Western Heritage Center and the cabin’s interior was restored to reflect his working environment. Ralston’s oil paintings and sketchbooks include scenes depicting his early years growing up on ranches and riding the range in Montana. The Western Heritage Center merged with the J.K. Ralston Studio and now houses a significant repository of the famed artist’s letters, memorabilia and artwork. Please ask at the Front Desk for a private tour of the studio cabin.

Hazel Hunkins Hallinan, Billings Suffragist (WHC Traveling Display) – On view at the Western Heritage Center for August of 2020.  A 1908 graduate of Billings High School, Hazel Hunkins Hallinan was one of the most influential feminist leaders of the 20th century.  This exhibit will travel throughout Montana beginning in May of 2020.

C&A Grant from the Montana Arts Council sponsored:  “We are funded in part by coal severance taxes paid based upon coal mined in Montana and deposited in Montana’s cultural and aesthetic projects trust fund.”