Whitefish Review Hosts Ceramic Artist Stephen Braun on May 3 for Book Release Event

WHITEFISH, MONT. (April 15, 2024) – Whitefish Review will host ceramic artist Stephen Braun for a slideshow and conversation about his newly released large-format art book, Hindsight & Foresight is 20/20, on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 101 Central in downtown Whitefish.

“We’re honored to have published this groundbreaking book by a true artist of our time,” said Whitefish Review founding editor Brian Schott. “Stephen’s art provides a deep commentary on the times we are living in as a society and can be a guidepost for the future as we wrestle with environmental, social, and political issues.”

“We lost our power when we stopped being citizens and became consumers,” says Braun. “This change has empowered corporation rights over human rights.”

Stephen Braun has been making environmental, social and politically-themed ceramic sculptures for over 40 years. While studying at the University of Montana in the late 1970s he became smitten with ceramics. UM was a ceramics powerhouse with Rudy Autio and Ken Little teaching. Museums and galleries throughout the US and world have displayed his work and hosted his lectures and workshops. 

In addition to commentary by the artist, the 142-page book contains essays by Michael Jamison, Lucy R. Lippard, Peter Koch, and Cory Walsh. Chris Autio was the lead photographer on the project and Ian S. Griffiths served as art director for the book. Leading up to the event, selections of Braun’s work will be displayed at Underscore Art Gallery in downtown Whitefish, owned by Monica Pastor, a lead art editor on the publication.

Doors open at 6 pm with live music from 6:30-7:30 pm by Blue Avenue, a 3-piece jazz combo featuring Jordan Reese on keys, Zach Ronish on the drum kit, and Matt Carper on bass.

The main event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with a slide show of Braun’s art and commentary from the artist. Braun will also have a conversation with Montana Quarterly editor and author Scott McMillion, writer and conservationist Michael Jamison, and Underscore Art gallery owner Monica Pastor, followed by audience questions. Personally signed copies of the new book will be available for purchase.

The evening is sponsored by The Whitefish Community Foundation and 101 Central.

For more information and to purchase copies of the book online, visit www.whitefishreview.org.

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Whitefish Review and Explore Whitefish present “Powder Days” by Heather Hansman Literary event also features songs on the Montana Project guitar WHITEFISH, MONT. (Jan. 8, 2024) – Whitefish Review and Explore Whitefish present author Heather Hansman at 101 Central on Friday, January 19, 2024. The event will include live music, an interview with the author, a reading from her book “Powder Days,” as well as a conversation with audience members.  “I’m so excited to come to Whitefish and have a conversation with the community about the past and future of skiing and ski towns,” said Hansman. In her new book, Powder Days, veteran ski journalist and former ski bum Heather Hansman takes readers on an exhilarating journey into the hidden history of American skiing, offering a glimpse into an underexplored subculture from the perspective of a true insider. Along the way, she reckons with skiing’s problematic elements and investigates how the sport is evolving in the face of the existential threat of climate change. “Explore Whitefish is proud to partner with Whitefish Review in hosting Heather,” said Julie Mullins, executive director for Explore Whitefish. “Her visit is timely as our community faces the reality of the COVID economic bubble bursting, remote workers returning to the office, and unprecedented low snow levels resulting in a slow start to our winter season. Heather’s research on inherent issues found in ski town life will be of interest to our business members and residents as we work together to protect our way of life.” The event will also include the magical “Montana Project” guitar conceived by author Rick Bass, made from a 300-year-old spruce. The old-growth tree was felled by a storm at the edge of a logging road on the proposed Black Ram logging project in the Yaak Valley. The musicians who play the fabled instrument seek to raise awareness and support efforts to save old-growth forests, as they are some of the most effective tools for combatting human-caused climate change.  The featured musician for the evening is Deidre Corson, executive director of the North Valley Music School, joined by musician Ryan Wickland. Rick Bass will also speak about the Montana Project and his quest for the designation of the nation’s first climate refuge in the Yaak Valley. Local journalist Maggie Neal Doherty will also present questions during the live interview. “We are honored to present this event which combines art, science, journalism, music, and literature, along with a discussion about relevant cultural issues in our ski town and beyond,” said Brian Schott, founding editor of Whitefish Review. Doors open at 6:30 pm with live music from 7-8 pm. The featured author and more magic on the guitar begin at 8 pm. ###

Read the Whitefish Review interview by Maggie Neal Doherty with Heather Hansman.