For Artists

Montana's Circle of American Masters

"Montana's Circle of American Masters in Visual Folk and Traditional Arts" celebrates the contributions of Montana's master artists in visual traditional and folk arts. Throughout their lifetime, a member of Montana's Circle of American Masters has created a notable body of work. Of significant cultural and artistic stature, their work represents the historic, traditional, and innovative arts and handcrafts distinctive to the State.

Download the complete Guidelines and Nomination Form for Montana's Circle of American Masters in Visual Folk and Traditional Arts:

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CONTENTS

  1. What are visual folk and traditional arts?
  2. What are the program's guiding principles?
  3. What are the benefits of this honor?
  4. Who is eligible to be selected for this honor?
  5. How is a member of Montana's Circle of American Masters selected?
  6. What is the deadline for submitting materials?

What are visual folk and traditional arts?

The visual folk and traditional arts include fine handcraft and decorative arts that are indigenous to a community (ethnic, geographic, linguistic, religious, occupational) or family. They reflect the aesthetics and values of the community in which they arise and are often symbols of a group's identity. Examples include (but aren't limited to) quilting, beading, saddlemaking, tole painting, ledger art, or calligraphy. Dance, songs, poetry, instrumental music, storytelling, and local architecture are forms of traditional arts not designated as visual.

Traditional arts are learned informally, through careful observation and practice, usually from elders and masters and often passed on from one generation to the next. They can be self-taught within a tradition.

What are the program's guiding principles?

Montana American Masters:

  • Are recognized as exemplary practitioners of visual traditional art forms, and their work reflects the highest quality of craftsmanship, design, and authenticity.
  • Have listened to the heartbeat of their community, learning their art form through informal study and by carefully watching, listening, and doing.
  • Create works in depth and brilliance that deepen our awareness of the rich and diverse cultural and artistic traditions of the people of Montana.
  • Actively participate in their art form, as a practitioner, a mentor, or teacher, in order to promote public awareness regarding the eminence of the creative sector.
  • Adhere to cultural artistic traditions to preserve their art form, in the process contributing to the public visibility of traditional arts, crafts, and artists.
  • Understand that as a reflection of their culture, their art is a living form that continues to be shaped by creativity and innovation.
  • Act as a model for excellence and a conduit for process and inspiration, influencing other generations of artists working within the region and beyond.

What are the benefits of this honor?

  • Induction into Montana's Circle of American Masters in a Capitol Rotunda ceremony
  • A professional photographic record their work taken free of charge
  • The chance to share their knowledge and work on the Montana Arts Council website
  • State and regional exposure through a catalogue and potential exhibition
  • Showcase opportunity in web gallery space on the Made in Montana site
  • A video interview
  • Chance to share information about their art form to a wider public
  • Opportunity to participate in events such as the National Folk Festival in Butte, MT
  • Recognition at public events and through state, local and national publications

Who is eligible to be selected for this honor?

  • Awards are made to individuals, not to groups.
  • No posthumous awards are given.
  • An individual must be a practicing artist in traditional arts.
  • The individual must have a valid Montana address as a permanent resident of the state.

How is a member of Montana's Circle of American Masters selected?

  1. Any Montanan may recommend an individual who meets the eligibility criteria. The selection process begins with filling out the Nomination Form.
  2. Gather supporting information requested in the Nomination Form.
  3. Gather the requested photographs of the artist and their work.
  4. Submit the materials gathered.
    Electronically is preferred, to: mac@mt.gov.
    Hard copies can be submitted to:
    Montana's American Masters
    Montana Arts Council
    PO Box 202201
    830 N. Warren St. 1st Floor
    Helena, MT 59620-202201
  5. The MAC Folk Arts Specialist reviews the materials received and contacts the artist to gather additional information necessary to prepare the information packet for review by a recognized expert in the medium in which nominee works.
  6. The recognized expert examines the nomination and supporting materials using the guiding principles and the review criteria.
  7. The expert makes a recommendation to the Montana Arts Council for Circle of American Masters recognition. The Council will make all final decisions.

What is the deadline for submitting materials?

Nomination forms are accepted year-round and are submitted for review when they are deemed complete and all supporting information has been gathered. The Council receives recommendations for the Circle at its regular meetings held twice to three times a year.

For more information about the program or the nomination process, contact the Montana Arts Council at (406) 444-6430 or Cindy Kittredge directly by phone at (406) 468-4078 or by email elkittredge@dishmail.net.

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