About Us
The MPA Mission
The mission of the MPA is to promote, preserve and establish excellence in the work of representational outdoor Montana painters, as well as promote recognition of these artists through the means of museum and gallery shows, magazine articles, workshops, paint outs, group advertising and the sharing of ideas among it's members.
Plein Air painting is like boot camp for artists, as one is constantly challenged by the rigors of outdoor painting – the changing light, rain, heat or cold, bugs in your paint, the Montana wind. One must decipher the essence of the subject, simplify and paint quickly – all great exercise and inherent lessons for the working artist.
Let it also be said that there is much camaraderie around the campfire in the evenings, with good food and drink and good music (by our illustrious Chuck Fulcher and sometimes others as well). Of course there are many tall tales shared!
As a result of our paint outs, the MPA then organizes shows in museums and galleries across the state. Individual name recognition is a by-product of these shows, related magazine articles, workshops and group advertising.
Founding Members
From Seated Center Around Left: Laurie Stevens, Tom Gilleon, Tom English (w/hat), Carmine and Dave Hodges (standing), Steven Oiestad (seated), Jeff Walker (standing), Janet Sullivan (standing), Howard Friedland and Susan Blackwood (seated), and Ron Ukrainetz
Not Pictured: Steve Seltzer, Lou Archambault, Diana Brady, Mike Patterson, Greg Scheibel, Jerry Inman, Todd Conner, Bob Phinney, Mark Ogle, Phil Korell, Charles Fulcher, Deb Schmit, Mimi Grant, Rob Akey, Frank Hagel, Shirle Wempner, Diana Mysee, and Marcia Ballowe
Members Emeritus: Sheila Reiman (deceased), Josh Elliott, Nicholas Oberling, Janet Sullivan, Secretary for 14 years
2024 Officers
President | Rob Akey
Vice President | TBD
Secretary | Shirle Wempner
Treasurer | Laurie Stevens