(GREAT FALLS) The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art hosted the annual Arts On Fire event on Saturday with arts, crafts, and performances for all ages.
The festival is a fundraiser for the education and curatorial departments.
“This is our outreach to our community,” Nancy Zadick, President of the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art’s Board of Directors, said. “The goal is to keep the building open and all the wonderful educational opportunities going.”
The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is the only contemporary art museum in north-central Montana and Arts on Fire showcases the museum’s importance in the community.
“Education, politics, culture, what’s happening in the times are all reflected in the arts in general,” Education Director Sarah Justice said. “So to be able to come in and study history and contemporary art is just fulfilling. It makes us more well-rounded.”
Paul Blystone is no stranger to the Arts on Fire festival as he’s demonstrated his blacksmithing skills for many years at the event.
Blystone has perfected his craft for about 20 years and often focuses on small decorations such as hooks, candle holders, iron snakes, and more.
He knows there’s more than just one trick to the trade.
“It’s intriguing. The fact that when you get metal hot you can manipulate in just about any way that you want. Actually it’s like working with clay is the best way to describe it and just using basic hand tools, you can reform it,” Blystone said.
If you would like to commission a piece from Blystone, you can contact him at (406)788-8945 or email him at blystoneforge@gmail.com.
The festivities continue into the evening with live and silent auctions set to begin at 5 p.m., including Rob Quist and his band.
For more information about the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, visit its websiteor Facebook page. The museum is located at 1400 1st Avenue North.
