Ninepipes Art Group fundraiser fills Leon Hall
NAG PRESIDENT Caroline Myhre stands at a table centerpiece during last Saturday night’s fundraiser. “I’m very happy NAG has been able to continue to draw young people,” says Myhre.
CENTERPIECE STRUCTURES by Charlo art students, like this detailed owl, adorned every table at the NAG fundraiser. This masterpiece is by Taylor Olsen.
VETERANS OF the Charlo-Dixon art camp, Charlo High School seniors Wills DeGrandpre, Allison Delaney and Jaden Coston enjoy giving back by helping in the kitchen at the annual NAG fundraiser event.
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK T-shirts were created by Charlo-Dixon middle schoolers at last summer’s art camp.
NAG BOARD member Ben Ferenz enlists youthful help drawing for raffle prizes at the annual Valentine fundraiser, with KC of the Valley Cats.
If the Mission Valley has any “glamorous” events, the annual Ninepipes Arts Group (NAG) Valentine Fundraiser at Leon Hall might be one. Glamour, of course, in Montana style. Dressed in finery from red sweatshirts to lace dresses, and braving zero-degree weather, area arts patrons packed the beautifully decorated hall Saturday night. The room was swingin’ to the sounds of KC and the Valley Cats, and “Rappin’ Cowboy” Chris Sand entertained with original songs and cowboy poetry.
A wide array of donated local art was on display for the silent auction, including paintings, sculpture, knitting and services such as painting and music lessons. A live auction of beautiful locally-made desserts added to the fun with generous donations to the cause.
High school students of Charlo arts teacher Sharon Hertz contributed beautiful, unique sculptures for table centerpieces. Seniors Jaden Coston, Allison Delaney and Wills DeGrandpre, alumni of the summer Charlo-Dixon Fine Arts Camp for children (one of NAG’s funding beneficiaries), helped with preparation and serving hors d’oeuvres and fine desserts. Another corner was decorated with T-shirts designed and printed with Montana state symbols by last summer’s camp attendees.
“For me, it’s all about the kids,” said NAG president Caroline Myhre. The group contributes to many youth-oriented activities, including the summer camp, scholarships, Missoula Children’s Theater, and performing arts productions of area schools. They also assist to bring Shakespeare in the Parks to Charlo every year and help fund bus trips to art events in Missoula when requested by the community.