All I Want for Christmas Is Art

Last year, economic researchers were calling art the new Christmas shopping trend. Buying art, according to the data collected, broadens the mind, develops worldview, and opens a person to seeing the world from a different perspective.

Just as owning a rich selection of books or acquiring a diverse music library deepens one's capacity for critical thinking, artwork can function similarly. More than that, it has been documented that art relieves stress, induces relaxation, stimulates creativity and imagination, and provides an overall sense of well-being.

Hoping to be part of that trend and acting in support of local artists, Bonnie Weber invites Hi-Line residents and their guests to join her on Sunday, December 8 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Shores Floral and Gift for their annual All I Want for Christmas Art Event.

The event will feature several local artists, who will exhibit their art for sale, just in time gift-giving. Those scheduled for attendance include T Meyer Art by Terri Meyer, Maddy's Metals by Madison Malsam, Ranchlife Designs by Bobbi and Larry Klingaman, and Western Art and Photos by Tomi Simenson.

While shoppers browse for unique handmade gifts just in time for the holiday season, Tara Hofeldt will serve wine. Hors d'oeuvres will also be available, and all purchases made from Shores Floral will be 20% off as well.

Although Shores carries a wide variety of candle fragrances from Candles by Terri-hand poured, soy wax candles made in small batches in her Hi-Line kitchen-Terri Meyer is not only a candle-maker. She also paints colorful, emotional, and abstract works of art.

"I've always loved art, but it wasn't until recently that I had the opportunity to pick up a paint brush. Now, I don't want to put my brush down! I'm always changing, always listening to that inner voice that is guiding me," Meyer exclaimed.

Born in the Deep South and living most of her life in Texas, Meyer moved to the Hi-Line in 2012 after remarrying. "If anyone had told me ten years ago, that I'd be remarried and living in Montana, I'd have thought that person was nuts! But I love it here; the people are incredible," Meyer said.

Working in acrylic paint, in a style that is both expressive and abstract, she describes herself as an intuitive painter, painting what she feels and letting the canvas do the talking. Her paintings, which have sold from Canada to Florida, reflect her primary influences: nature, color, and emotions.

Although some of her paintings don't get a title, Meyer does try to name most of them. "Painting brings great joy, sanity, and insanity to my life," she mused.

Another of the featured artists creates under the name Maddy's Metals, which is a small side business/hobby owned by welder and craftsman, Madison Malsam. Working predominantly with horseshoes, Malsam makes boot jacks, crosses, earring holders, wine bottle racks, brand wreaths, Christmas trees, and playful critters. Her specialty is hydro dipping the metals to produce unique patterns on her finished art.

Hydro dipping is known by several other names: immersion printing, water transfer printing, hydrographics, camo dipping, and hydro imaging. It is a unique process that allows an artist to apply graphics by transferring an image or pattern to almost any three-dimensional object or surface.

Also constructing functional art through her welding craft, Malsam fabricates entrance signs for ranches or homesteads, builds horse feeders, or fashions benches from wood, horseshoes, and antique wagon wheels.

Malsam plans to have some finished products on display for sale on Sunday, but hopes to take custom orders too. She will showcase a photo album of pieces from which a person can choose or be inspired.

A third artist, Bobbi Klingaman is a designer and craftsman of Ranchlife Designs. Although leather purses are her specialty, she and her husband, Larry both create for the business. In fact, Klingaman attributes her leatherwork skill to her husband.

"Larry actually taught me and knows way more than I do about the craft, but we work together. I do the purses and he does the tack mostly. We use what's important to our customers for inspiration. So, we include names and brands in our designs," Klingaman explained.

The Klingamans especially appreciate clients who send pictures of what they like so that their interests can be incorporated into a piece that is uniquely personalized. For example, they had a customer that wanted handles and a fender made for a motorcycle. Because the individual was partial to Celtic themes, the Klingamans created a custom design that complemented the patron's passions.

Available at the All I Want for Christmas event, Ranchlife Designs will offer some headstalls, spur straps, a pair of chaps, and several purses for purchase.

Finally, Tomi Simenson will have her Western Art and Photos available for sale. Simenson sketches primarily in pencils and charcoal but also enjoys doing some watercolor painting, as well as photography. Her art is typically themed around ranch life, often featuring cowboys and horses.

In September, Simenson was working on a pencil drawing of her horse, Doc. Because she tends to be very detail oriented, pencil is her preferred medium; it allows her to really focus on fleshing out the small details.

"Fun fact about myself, drawing the eyes of a horse is my favorite thing to draw. I feel that if an artist can't get the true personality to come out in those eyes, then it's really not a picture of quality. Besides, the eyes of a horse reveal so much. An old gelding's eyes may tell stories of many years of cow work and other experiences, while a young colt's eyes sparkle with curiosity or eagerness to learn. Then, there's a horse like Doc, whose eyes show that he's a kind soul willing to please those around him. Even when people study my art, the first thing I often hear is about the detail in the eye and how it tells a story. It usually means I get very anxious when it comes to getting the eye drawn; it has to be just right for me to be happy!" Simenson explained.

In addition to marketing prints of a few of her drawings, Simenson will have a new, original charcoal up for sale, as well as canvas prints and cutting boards.

"People really enjoy the cutting boards this time of year because they make great Christmas gifts," Simenson remarked.

Buying a piece of art for Christmas can be the beginning of a lifetime passion and the start of an art collection. Not only something that can give daily pleasure, an art collection with the right purchases is also potentially an investment and a method for leaving a legacy.

Furthermore, purchases at the All I Want for Christmas event will support small businesses and local, Montana-made talent. Consumers can be assured they are getting something unique and not mass-produced.