MAM is overjoyed to report the acquisition into our permanent collection of thirty works by adored Bozeman artist and grande dame of Montana's modernist movement, Gennie DeWeese. (Below left: Gennie DeWeese, Totem Period, No Date)

Born in Indianapolis, IN in 1921, Gennie received her BFA from Ohio State University in 1942 and a teaching certificate from the University of Michigan in 1943. She and her husband, the late Bob DeWeese, a beloved artist and professor at Montana State University, moved to Bozeman in 1949 and raised five, creative children. Gracefully combining domestic life with an uninterrupted artistic career spanning over 60 years, Gennie made a lasting contribution as a painter and printmaker, teacher and mentor, as well as curator and advocate for the arts.

Formal, playful, and displaying sparkling wit, these works span every era of Gennie's lengthy career, from a simple still life dated 1940, to painterly non-objective works of the 50's and 60's, to deeply personal works completed shortly before here passing. The MAM is privileged to be caretakers of these wonderful paintings which include works in oil and cattle marker on masonite and paper, as well as several of her famous "scroll paintings."

Last August, MAM was invited to Gennie's studio in Bozeman by her children (and fine artists in their own right) Tina and Josh DeWeese to select artworks. Planning on choosing no more than 15 works, but leaving with 30, MAM was honored by both the opportunity to acquire these works as well as sharing a summer's afternoon of exchanging heart warming stories about Gennie with Tina and Josh.

Jason Elliott Clark, 15 prints

Peter Robinson, Strategic Plan 

Patricia Thornton, Teddy

MAM is responsible for nearly 1,000 objects representing the best of this region's contemporary art. The growing significance of the MAM Collection was a major factor in the museum's decision to expand in size and professional capabilities. With increased gallery space, MAM made a commitment to always having an exhibition with rotating collection exhibition on view. Check out our current exhibitions to see what's showing now.