Travel Support for Native Artists

New England Foundation for the Arts: National Native Artist Exchange
The National Native Artist Exchange, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts, is designed to support the exchange of artistic skills and knowledge among Native artists. American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian artists throughout the United States may apply to teach, learn, and collaborate in traditional and/or contemporary Native art forms through travel from one region to another across the nation. Grants of up to $1,500 will be awarded based on budgets appropriate to the scope of travel. Requests must be received at least two calendar months prior to the departure date of the proposed trip. Visit the New England Foundation for the Arts website to review the program guidelines.

Website: http://www.nefa.org/grants_services/national_native_artist_exchange

Build A Bridge

This year, BuildaBridge International will return for a second year to collaborate with local artists in Pablo, Montana working with the Salish and Kootenai confederated tribes. In addition, we will be adding a second week on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. On these reservations, visiting and local artists will collaborate to teach and encourage hope and healing with children and youth in communities that have experienced high rates of suicide, poverty, and drug and alcohol abuse. A certification in art therapy is desired but not required.

· Northern Cheyenne: July 31th - August 6th

· Flathead: August 8th- August 13^th

Diaspora of Hope Arts Camp:

A standard curriculum teaches about the will-power and way-power of hope through creative art-making in visual, drama, music, dance and other art forms. Pre-trip orientation is required, with on-line training options.

BuildaBridge is a non-profit arts education and intervention organization that engages the transformative power of the arts to bring hope and healing to children, families, and communities in the tough places of the world. BuildaBridge motivates, enlists, trains, and connects those with artistic gifts with those in greatest need. BuildaBridge's mission is twofold:

Bring hope and healing through the arts and Engage artists in service to others.

1. Build healthy and mentoring relationships with children and youth

2. Teach creative arts as a method for engaging children and youth in healthy, creative play and learning

3. Recognize the worth and gifting of each child and speak encouragement about these gifts for their future

4. Look for teachable moments by listening and observing

5. Use art as a metaphor in teaching lessons of wisdom, correction, and life skills

6. Go beyond arts teaching to meet the needs of the whole child through other resources

www.buildabridge.org

DG House's Open House

Contemporary native artist DG House, an associate of the Women Artists of the West, announces her open house and sale, Saturday, June 5, 2010 at the Big Medicine Art Studio, Bozeman. The World Domination Art Tour kick off Open House welcomes everyone to view new art and visit with the artist. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During this event, DG House unveils new limited edition reproduction and lino cut prints. All work is matted and bagged and visitors get a first look at the work created for the summer 2010 art festival season. Free 2010 World Domination Art Tour posters are available during the open house.

DG House’s art will be seen this summer at art venues including: the Under the Big Sky Art Festival, Missoula; The Festival of Arts, Livingston; the National Folk Festival in Butte and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

House’s work is represented in Montana by Betsy Swartz Fine Art Consulting in Bozeman; Latigo and Lace in Augusta; Montana Gallery, Butte; Ghost Art Gallery, Helena and A Horse of a Different Color Gallery on the square in Jackson, WY.

DG House recently signed with Bentley Art Publishing who will publish and represent her work worldwide.

The Big Medicine Art Studio is located just west of Four Corners at 97 Shepherd Trail, #10. Watch for signs. For more information contact DG House at dg_house@hotmail.com, 406.595.0113, www.facebook.com/dghousestudio.

Native American Made in Montana

If you are interested in learning more about the Native American Made in Montana labeling program, visit http://www.madeinmontanausa.com/

Native art and products should be reflected in the products made and grown here from fine arts, crafts, foods, agricultural and wood products to tools, machinery, software, and high-tech materials.

American Indian Artists Residency Deadline

American Indian Artists Residency
DEADLINE: June 15th, 2010
FULLY -FUNDED RESIDENCY September 1st - 30th, 2010
*If you miss the deadline, we encourage you to apply just in case there are cancellations.

The American Indian Artists Residency is dedicated to supporting the creativity of established and emerging Native artists, generating a beneficial dialogue in support of the self-defining movement in the Native American arts.

For the ninth year, the Montana Artists Refuge presents the American Indian Artists Residency. In September, this unique program will host five Native American artists for 30-day art making residencies in Basin, Montana. Each artist will be given their own live/work space with independent kitchens and bathrooms. They will also receive stipends for travel, food and art materials. Resident artists will be selected by a committee of Native American artists and arts professionals.

In 2010, an inspiring collective of celebrated Native American artists inhabited the the American Indian Artists Residency (AIAR) working committee. Co-chairs Bently Spang and Corwin Clairmont, along with Jeneese Hilton, Vic Charlo, Molly Murphy, Dyani Bingham of the Montana Arts Council and MAR's Melissa Bangs, are breathing new life into the vision and potential impact of the residency and two-day symposium. The program will work to foster a sense of community and to break down the isolation that many Native artists experience, creating a bond that can be relied on - a sustainable community of Native artists.


TO APPLY...
visit www.montanaartistsrefuge.org or call Debbie Sheehan, Residency Coordinator, with inquiries @ 406-225-3500.

2010 Made in Montana Marketplace Exhibitor and Buyer Registration NOW OPEN

(HELENA) - Registration is now open for exhibitor space in the 2010 Made in Montana Marketplace - the premier venue where producers of Made in Montana products and wholesale buyers do business.

The 2010 Made in Montana Marketplace, presented by the City of Great Falls and the Montana Department of Commerce, and held in the Mansfield Convention Center and Missouri Room of the Great Falls Civic Center, offers 127 exhibitor booths for the annual two-day trade show. On Friday, March 26, wholesale buyers from across the region connect with the people who produce items that qualify for the Made in Montana label. The Marketplace is strategically timed to connect exhibitors with wholesale buyers looking to purchase for the spring and summer seasons.

The trade show is open to the general public Saturday, March 27.

"The Made in Montana Marketplace is a great opportunity for Montana entrepreneurs to share their goods with retailers and network with other businesses," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "Last year's show featured 127 exhibitors - the largest number of exhibitors in show history. It was so popular several exhibitors were on a waiting list. The buzz for this year is already starting. Register early to make sure your business shares some of the spotlight."

Exhibitors throughout the trade show showcase dozens of creations, from handcrafted furniture to gourmet snacks. Wholesale buyers represent department stores, grocery stores, gift shops and state and national park stores across the region.

"Made in Montana products are synonymous with high quality. The Made in Montana label provides piece of mind to people watching every dollar. When they buy a Montana-made product, they know they're getting something exceptional," said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. "Promoting and purchasing Montana made products supports our local economies and local businesses. It's supporting your community, your neighbor, your friend."

"Building on the 2009 success of the new Artisans' Gallery, we're offering it again as a spot where Montana artisans, microbrewers and vintners showcase their products," said Paul Lloyd-Davies, marketplace coordinator. "Because the 2009 trade show sold out and had a waiting list, exhibitors need to register now, while early-bird discounts and booths are available."

The early-bird discounts on booths expire November 14, 2009. The selection jury will meet the following week to select qualified exhibitors, based on complete applications.

Application forms are available online at www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana