Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 41 In just a few short years, the Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild has been drawing international artists and attention. Responding to a newspaper article about the park, my husband and I drove up the marvelous Blackfoot River Valley in the spring of 2015 to see for ourselves. I was enthralled. I had seen nothing like it. I appreciated both the fine details and craftsmanship, as well as the placements and interactions with the larger space. Each piece spoke of Lincoln's relationship with its landscape and showcased the endeavors of local craftsmen and craftswomen. I returned home inspired, wondering what it would be like to have such art in my own space. My wonder turned into action in the fall of 2015. I decided to experiment with an artist-in-residence program at Dunrovin Ranch. I had no idea of how or where to begin. Fortunately, one of our equestrian club members was an art student at the University of Montana who encouraged us to consider artist, Tyler Nansen. With a small budget and even less direction from us, Tyler agreed to come to Dunrovin in January of 2016 to spend six weeks living part-time at Dunrovin to develop an artistic expression of his view of our land. Tyler's "Finding Dunrovin" sculpture installation was most pro- vocative. His golden "In Search of " sentinels, his elevated "Seven Bird Houses in a Grid", and his greenish yellow "Window No. 4" frame elicited a wide range of reactions from me, from our ranch guests, and even from our animals. I kept coming back to them as the seasons changed, as the snow fell, and the grass grew. My ani- mals roamed among them with curiosity, eventually acknowledging these new strange objects as part of their environment. Each visit was different, at times giving rise to contradictory feelings. Was the Dunrovin that Tyler had found a reflection of my Dunrovin? Visitors' comments were most revealing. e sculptures prompted questions and ignited conversations that would not otherwise have occurred. e art was totally unexpected and seemed a juxtaposition, as they silently proclaimed that Dunrovin was unlike other guest ranches. People sensed an openness, a sense of exploration, a penchant for fun and folly, and an invitation to self-expression. Tyler's public recognition for his "Finding Dunrovin" boosted his confidence and prompted him to submit a proposal to the Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture Park. His "Bat Beacons" proposal was accepted and realized this past September. Echoes of his Dunrovin "Seven Bird Houses in a Grid" can be seen, only this time the bat boxes are real, permanent, and intended to attract occupants. After study- CHECK OUT THE ARTISTS MENTIONED KEVIN O'DWYER, www.milleniumsilver2000.com. RICK DUNKERLEY, www.dunkerleyhandmadeknives.com. TYLER NANSEN, www.tylernansen.com Window No. 4 in winter Blessing the House of the Sky by Alan Counihan ROGER DAY, BLACKFOOT VALLEY DISPATCH SUZANNE MILLER CONTINUED

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