Stephanie Frostad's The Invention of Sorrow and MAM's Contemporary Collectors Circle

The Contemporary Collectors Circle is a group of contributors whose membership dues directly support new acquisitions for MAM's collection. In addition, CCC members share a desire to learn about modern and contemporary art, enhance their knowledge of collecting, and explore issues of connoisseurship and conservation. The group gathers four times a year for exclusive lectures and discussions with visiting artists, curators, art historians and conservators, and to tour of private collections and artist studios. Also, CCC members have the opportunity to select an appropriate work for MAM's growing collection, and last December, presented with three paintings by local Missoula artist Stephanie Frostad, the CCC voted overwhelmingly for The Invention of Sorrow.

MAM's collection mission is to collect art that is relevant to the culture of the American West with an emphasis on contemporary Montana artists, and Stephanie Frostad certainly meets these criteria. Her works were presented to the CCC because she is a disciplined artist who has worked diligently to develop a mature style and to earn a reputation regionally. Moreover, Stephanie's work is accessible but also challenging. Her carefully staged tableaus placed in oddly familiar landscapes and interiors invite the viewer to either dwell on the possible narratives or to simply enjoy the arrangements of form, color, and texture. The Invention of Sorrow is a fine example of Stephanie's skillfully crafted paintings that combine convincing naturalism with provocative symbolism, and draw inspiration from proverbs, folktales, and fables. Her paintings explore the myths that shape our identities as well as our relationships to home, family, labor, and place. CCC members were drawn to the enigmatic imagery of The Invention of Sorrow, a beautiful painting layered with drama, atmosphere, and American mythic memory. 

If you are interested in participating in MAM's Contemporary Collectors Circle, feel free to contact Ted Hughes MAM's Registrar: 728-0447.

 View Past Featured Acquisitions

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.