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CULTURE/ARTS The familiar song lyric, “Purple mountain’s majesty above the fruited plain,” takes on new meaning when you live in Lewistown. That’s what you see when you look any direction, a sight that inspires the spirit, sooths the soul and kindles creative expression! Hi, I’m Karen Kuhlmann and my husband, Bill and I are relative newcomers to Lewistown. We moved here in 2000 from the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Like so many others here, we found a welcoming community, teaming with opportunities for the pursuit of special interests, volunteer work and personal growth. The overwhelming beauty and vastness of Montana, is the perfect complement to the energetic vigor and creativity of so many people here. Central Montana has a rich history of cattle, wheat ranching, logging, gold mining, big game hunting and fishing. Overlaying this traditional ‘western heritage’ is a brilliant tapestry of life-time learners, musicians, craft persons and artists. Lewistown is a busy place with a strong sense of community and plenty of activities to keep everyone involved and challenged. Lewistown Public Library
Lewistown Art Center The Lewistown Art Center is located in the historic district, across from the Fergus County Courthouse at the corner of 8th Street and Broadway. The center was created in the 1970’s when the abandoned Lehman Bunkhouse was purchased by a group of artists and the von Tobel carriage house was relocated from Watson Street and joined with the stone bunkhouse. Now, 30-some years later, the Art Center continues to be a hub of creativity and enthusiastic support for art education and enjoyment of the visual arts and performing arts. Fibre Arts Guild Anyone working with any type of fibred, from silk thread to wood, is invited to join the Fibre Arts Guild. The group meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Lewistown Public Library, except July and August. In July, the Fibre Arts Guild has a large exhibit at the Fergus County Fair. In October, the Fibre Arts Guild has an eclectic exhibit in the Wilkins Gallery of the Art Center. They also have a large presence at Spring Fling in March at the Trade Center. Annual membership is $10.00 Membership for those over 70 is $5.00. Jackie Olsen, of Montana Bunkhouse Hunting & Cabin Rental, is the President and would be happy to answer any questions. Jackie cards wool from the sheep on her ranch and creates spectacular area rugs and wall hangings. Interested? Contact Jackie at 1-406-538-5543, Beaver Creek. The Thread Benders The Thread Benders meet every Wednesday at the Episcopal Church from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to do handwork together in an informal, non-denominational setting. Knitting, crocheting, embroidering, quilting, appliquéing, counted cross-stitch, cross-stitch and hardinger are all likely to be found amongst the Thread Benders. There is no fee. If interested, call Charlotte Orr at 1-406-535-2026. |
The Lewistown Public Library, a Carnegie Library was built in 1905 of the local sandstone that first dubbed Lewistown, “City of Stone.” Some of the first settlers in the area were Croatian stonecutters who came to Lewistown in the late 1800’s and cut native sandstone from the surrounding rims, providing Lewistown with a lasting and noble building material. A lower level addition to the library was completed in 1990. Youth reading programs and adult book clubs are offered. The Genealogy Society based at the library focuses on preserving and assembling information about the history of the people of Central Montana. ‘Friends of the Library’ are volunteers who sponsor many cultural and fund raising events throughout the year. In 2006 the library celebrated its 100th Anniversary! 701 W. Main Street, 1-406-538-5212. 
The Art Center also houses a consignment gift shop for over 200 Montana artists and craft people. After School Art during the school year is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00. Weekend art workshops for adults are sponsored throughout the year. Summer Art Camps for youth are sponsored in June, July and August. The Art Center has almost 500 members and is solely financed by memberships, grants and fund raisers. The Wilkins Gallery provides FREE monthly shows and touring exhibits that showcase established as well as emerging inter-mountain area artists. The Central Montana Writer’s Group meets at the Art Center the 2nd Saturday of each month. Writers, published and unpublished, are invited to be part of the group. The Art Center also is “home” to the Central Montana Performing Arts Series and the Community Labyrinth Garden. 
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