Geese in flight, "Wild Missouri" by Annie Allen artist

December 2nd, 2024 Newsletter

Winter is settling in here in Lincoln, Montana. With winter’s arrival I’m currently reading “Gathering Moss” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. At times it is difficult to wrap your head around the variation of living organisms on this planet. I have long been consumed by rocks and plant life, along with my fascination for humans and other life on this wonderful planet. I don’t subscribe to cynical airs but have long held the standing of optimism to my core. Ms Kimmerer shares with the reader that there are 22,000 species of moss worldwide! Incredible.
Now I turn to a fact that we just discovered in Lincoln Montana. There are around 650 Veterans that live in our tiny rural location. This was verified by our local Veteran’s Association that opened on Main St. in October. Just as a biologist studies the mosses the association studies veterans life to further lifespan and aid in a quality life. We know that Mother Nature provides serenity and calm. I know why we all gravitate to quiet areas (including the moss life). We are survivors.
So to further my own need of helping others, providing art to encourage creativity, imagination and peace I’m creating a space here at the cabin that will provide opportunity for connection and collaboration with other like minded souls that need solace in the woods through the field of arts. This will include visual, fibers and sculptural. I will keep everyone in the loop next year as we move forward with our ideas.

Geese in flight and bear, North Wind by artist Annie Allen

We are having a Jingle and Mingle Christmas show at my studio in the woods. Join Sally Bogaert, Lisa Gibson, Laura Allen and myself for Christmas cheer December 14 from 10 till 5pm at Blackfoot Valley Ranch Rd. Signs will be out on Highway 200. Gifts of art, jewelry, and natural wreaths will be available. But more importantly a bonfire, hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will be here! Come join us to celebrate our time on Earth during this contemplative, beautiful holiday.
I send out love and energy this holiday season. I’m “attempting” to concentrate on the power of change through teaching and creating, letting regrets drift through the open window. Attempting being the key word. Keep using your talents and gifts to deepen the world with your energy. Remember we are all on this planet together connected as one. All races, minorities and opinions. Let us sit quietly together reflecting on our time here.
Looking forward to 2025 as we navigate new waters. I hope to see you in my studio/gallery anytime you feel the need to escape from regular life.

“I hold tight to the vision that someday soon we will find the courage of self-restraint, the humility to live like mosses. On that day, when we rise to give thanks to the forest, we may hear the echo in return, the forest giving thanks to the people.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer robinwallkimmerer.com

“I think one task as an artist is to create music with absolutely no expectation. It’s hard because we live in the capitalistic society and we want people to buy our art so we can feed our families so sometimes we create our sound catered to a “customer”. – Supaman Crow Agency, Montana www.supamanhiphop.net