Contemporary Folk Animals
May 6 2022 - October 8 2022
A selection of large-scale, folk art-inspired sculptures will grace the Art Park this season. Featuring an elk and goat from Drummond rancher Bill Ohrmann (1919–2014), an owl from Bozeman artist Kirsten Kainz, and a horse created by Missoula sculptor George Ybarra, this summer exhibition in the Missoula Art Park is a miscellany—a fun selection of sculptures by several artists dealing with a topic, assembled around the theme of animals. A bison by Kainz and a sandhill crane by Kate Davis are featured in the museum lobby. These sculptures, while contemporary pieces, are gathered under the banner of folk art. Folk art refers to pieces typically made using common materials and practices. The animals depicted in this exhibition are familiar across western Montana and these ambitious artists have presented each in large-scale.
This exhibition is sponsored by Brian and Karen Sippy (in memory of Kevin Gordon), as well as the Good Food Store and Caras Nursery.
Related media:
Missoulian - May 13, 2022 - Missoula Art Park: Metallic Herd on View 24/7
Kirsten Kainz
is a multi-disciplinary artist from Bozeman, Montana. She discovered metalsmithing while in college Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and pursued it as career. Alongside her rigorous and routine studio practice, she works on commission for clients across the United States.
George Ybarra
George Ybarra is a professional metal sculptor who has worked both as an artist and curator in Missoula since 1994. Ybarra’s metal fabrications combine aspects of modern art with the uninhibited landscape to form original sculpture. His installations can be found in Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Bill Ohrmann
Bill Ohrmann was a self-taught artist with an uncanny versatility in both painting and sculpting. Ohrmann drew upon his ranching and animal husbandry roots for influence in his artwork. He was born in Hall, Montana, and lived in Drummond until he passed away in 2014.
Kate Davis
Kate Davis has lived in Missoula since 1978. She received a degree in Zoology from the University of Montana in 1982 and founded the non-profit education organization Raptors of the Rockies in 1988. She keeps a dozen non-releasable and falconry birds at the facility at her home on the banks of the Bitterroot River. She has a welding practice in addition to her wildlife advocacy.