Wheatgrass Arts and Gallery Moves and Expands

Wheatgrass Arts and Gallery has found a new home on 2nd Ave S, in downtown Glasgow, only a few doors down from their previous location inside of Little Campers. This move allows owner and local artist Mary Fahlgren the opportunity to have a bigger space, which will allow for a studio space, the ability to organize and put on classes for all ages and a bigger platform for local and regional artists to showcase their work. "It happened for the best for everyone involved. Little Campers now can expand their offerings and I can expand what the gallery offers," stated Fahlgren in response to moving out of the previous space.

The gallery is host to a number of permanent artists, whose work will occupy the new space and is available for purchase, including Bridget Stiverson with her fused glass, Carol Ann Oster with her wheat straw castings, Katie Busch with her acrylics and raku pottery, Jamie Hanson with her collages and pottery, Leith DeWeese with her watercolors and jewelry and Madelyn House with ceramic and paper art, of which her work can be seen in the downtown display window next to Pehlke's Furniture. The gallery's own Fahlgren also showcases her oils and pottery. There are also commissioned artists including John Roberts and Bob Strand with their woodwork, Jack Cornwell with his leather bracelets, Netty McIntyre with her jewelry, Duke Pederson with reclaimed furniture, Jonnie Buerman with her fabric art, and Fahlgren's son, Andy Fahlgren, with oils.

In addition to showcasing local talent, Fahlgren also wants to provide an "expansion of art for Valley County." In the near future, art classes will be available including a fused glass course provided by Stiverson, a clay course provided by Fahlgren and courses will also be extended to kids. "I'm now able to do more on a regular basis now I have a bigger space," stated Fahlgren. One event that will continue in the new space is open studio, which is every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The doors are open to anyone and everyone who would like an area to work on their own projects. "Come, sit, chat and do art," said Fahlgren.

For the past five years, the gallery has hosted an Artist of the Month, which will be another tradition that will continue in the new space. The event allows the ability for new artists to exhibit their work during an open house one evening and then the work is showcased in the gallery. After the month ends, the work is showcased in the hallways of the Glasgow Clinic. "The gift of art allows people to go to a different place. When they are on their way to the lab or x-rays, they can look at a piece and in that moment in time can forget where they are, and where they are at in life," stated Fahlgren.

March's Artist of the Month is Jason Myers, who will be exhibiting his sugar eggs. There will be over 50 eggs showcased, decorated with fondant, pearls, flowers and other materials. The reception will be held on Friday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Some of the sugar eggs will be available for purchase as well as will be handed out as door prizes. The event will also act as the grand opening of the gallery at their new location.

The gallery does host a few fundraisers a year including Art in the Park, which this year will be on Saturday, June 29 in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Fort Peck Summer Theatre. "It [Art in the Park] just adds to the culture. It gives Valley County and Northeast Montana another opportunity for the people who live here. We are trying to make the event as big as we possibly can," stated Fahlgren. Another fundraising effort is the Art Square Fundraiser where people have the opportunity to bid on six-inch canvases that were created by local artists as well as artists throughout the country.

Now that the possibilities are endless with a bigger space, Fahlgren is looking forward to bringing more art opportunities into the area. She is open to suggestions on what type of classes to offer and looking forward to showcasing different artists from the area.

Wheatgrass Arts and Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Mary Fahlgren at 406-230-0148.