Director

When the Lewis and Clark Expedition first encountered the Great Falls of the Missouri in 1805, the travelers were in awe of the power of the seven cataracts they viewed. In less than 100 years, five of the Great Falls of the Missouri were dammed to create hydroelectric power, which fueled the development of the City of Great Falls and the nearby Smelter. Visitors can view the dams from the River's Edge Trail, the North River Road overlook, the Giant Springs Road overlook and by driving to Ryan Dam/Island, northeast of the city. Ryan Dam is the site of the "Great Falls" viewed by Meriwether Lewis.

<blockquote>During Artsfest MONTANA in 2020, with support from NeighborWorks Great Falls and a grant from the American Association of Retired Persons, residents and community members were brought together to create this bright and colorful community mural, "Electric City." The artists involved in ArtsFest MONTANA 2020 each created a portion of the mural, and the community was invited to participate. Individuals ranging in age from 2 to 85 assisting in the installation of the community mural. The artists involved were Sheree Nelson, Fasm, Mister Toledo (mister_toledo), Leaf Argotti (@leafargotti), Wes, Tommy, Pawn and Cameron Moberg. The mural's title refers to a nickname for Great Falls, which refers to the massive electric generation created by the five nearby hydroelectric dams on the Missouri River. It also reflects on the fact that the copper that was smelted at the Boston and Montana and then Anaconda Smelter in Black Eagle created the wiring to literally wire the United States. </blockquote>

Electric City Community Mural

Take a walking tour of many of Downtown Great Falls to discover many of our delightful and whimsical murals, as well as other artworks. This is a work in progress, as we work to catalogue all of the art.   Multiple partners have come together overtime to brighten our downtown and make it more safe, vibrant and livable. In 2018,  NeighborWorks Great Falls brought in Cameron Moberg and Sheree Nelson to start the building murals on 5th Street,  just south of Central and at the Hi-Line Climbing Center.  To sustain the project and broaden that impact, the Business Improvement District created Artsfest Montana. Artsfest has trained local artists over the years, as well as worked with international muralists to create many more. Come discover all that downtown has to offer!

Great Falls founder Paris Gibson envisioned his young city becoming both “a great industrial center” and “a city of unsurpassed beauty.” These twin goals converged in the Railroad Historic District. Like other “City Beautiful” advocates, Gibson believed that parks could help promote civic virtue. They were also good for business. Beauty, according to Gibson, would attract growth. Even more essential to growth, however, were railroads, and in 1887, the city welcomed the Great Northern’s decision to lay its tracks through Gibson’s original Cascade Park Reserve. Soon hydroelectricity from Black Eagle Dam powered large smelters, built to refine the silver and copper ore delivered by rail. The 1890 stone Arvon Block remains a legacy of the city’s first boom. Construction slowed after the Panic of 1893 only to rebound in force when the 1909 Enlarged Homestead Act brought an influx of settlers to the region. The railroad most closely associated with homesteading in Montana—the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul—arrived in Great Falls in 1910. To accommodate the line, the city ceded a right-of-way through Riverside Park and required the removal of businesses in the railroad’s path. The years that followed saw construction of numerous commercial blocks, warehouses, and railroad-related buildings, many designed by the city’s leading architects. The railroads’ rival passenger depots are the era’s best-known landmarks. Private construction slowed after 1929. To create jobs during the Great Depression, the federal Works Progress Administration invested in park improvements, road and bridge repairs, and new construction, including the monumental Civic Center, built in 1939.

For the Great Falls Downtown Mural Walking Tour, park in the City Parking Lots accessible from River Drive South, near the Water Park at 100 River Drive South. Walk to First Avenue North to see the first mural.To start the Great Falls Downtonw Murals Walking Tour, park in the City Parking Lots accessible from River Drive South, near the Water Park at 100 River Dirve South. Walk to First Avenue North to see the first mural On the south side of the First Avenue North underpass (where the road goes under the railroad tracks) is the "Buffalo/Bubbalo" mural, depicting the history of Great Falls by various artists who drew images depicting Great Falls in a buffalo. In 2012, the Great Falls Business Improvement District (BID) went public with a Call to Artists to seek mural designs for this location. The underpass had previously been home to a mural that had been done as an Eagle Scout project that was approaching 20 years of age. As a location frequently targeted by graffiti, the BID, knowing that murals are a graffiti deterrent, decided to fund the installation of new artwork. The art selection committee, led by the BID, chose CMR High School senior Kelsey Staigmiller’s design. Her design depicts a cowgirl on the prairie blowing bubbles, as the bubbles blow away from her they morph into buffalo. This depiction of the plains filled with buffalo reflects the history of the area surrounding Great Falls. Five artists were employed by the BID in the summer of 2012 to install the mural you see depicted here. Look carefully at each buffalo to get a feel for the history of Great Falls. The mural is in the midst of the Great Falls Historic Railroad District, so named because of historic buildings and other structures which are important contributions to Great Falls history.

First Avenue North Underpass Southside Mural

These murals were created in ArtsFest Montana 2021. Artsfest Montana is a program of the Great Falls Business Improvement District, where the BID gathers together funders, artists and building owners to create beautiful murals to make downtown Great Falls even more attractive.

On the east wall of the building at 101 Central, you will see a large mural entitled "Woman/Fox'“. This mural was created by Ryan "Pawn" (@pawnpaint) during ArtsFest MONTANA 2020. Look across the parking lot to see “Kellergeist" on the west wall of the Kellergeist Building. This mural was painted by Darien Fleming (@dafemingo) during ArtsFest MONTANA 2021. Kellergeist is roughly translated “ghost in the basement" in English.

Woman/Fox/Kellergeist Murals

Paris Gibson was born on July 1, 1830, in Brownfield, Maine. He was the son of Abel and Anne (Howard) Gibson. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1851. In 1853 he was elected to the Maine legislature. In August 1858, Gibson married Valeria G. Sweat, who was born in Brownfield, on Nov. 30, 1839. The couple had four children, two of whom died at an early age. The surviving sons, Phillip and Theodore, later helped their father in some of his business activities. In 1859, the new couple moved to St. Anthony Falls, Minnesota, (now Minneapolis). There Gibson and several business partners set up the Cataract Mill, the first flourmill in Minneapolis, and the North Star Woolen Mill. He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Minneapolis and also helped establish the first public library there. Gibson also served on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents from 1871 through 1879. He suffered heavy financial loss in the Panic of 1873. In 1879 Gibson migrated to Montana. He tried sheep ranching at Fort Benton and purchased several acres of land there. In 1885 he had 140 sheep for sale. The next year he and his son, Phillip, organized the Great Falls Sheep Company. In 1883 Gibson was elected the first president of the Montana Wool Growers Association at Fort Benton, and he served in this office for 22 years. Gibson remained involved in the wool industry until 1905. In 1885 Gibson relocated to Great Falls, Montana. Impressed with the natural resources of the Great Falls area, especially the waterpower of the falls, Gibson founded the Great Falls Water Power and Townsite Co. in 1885. Gibson began building the power company there and bought all of the land for the town site. He actively recruited settlers for the new town. In 1885 the population of Great Falls was 100, and by 1890 it was 4,000. In 1885 Gibson built the Park Hotel. In 1887 Gibson helped get the railroad to build a line through Great Falls. That same year he was elected a director of the First National Bank. In 1888 Great Falls was incorporated as a city and Gibson was elected the first mayor.Gibson played a critical role in the expansion of the industry of western Montana. The Great Falls Water and Townsite Co. became the Great Falls Light and Power Co., and expanded its transmission lines throughout the area. Under Gibson's direction, the Great Falls Light and Power Co. built a dam on the Missouri at Black Eagle in 1890. In that same year Gibson co-founded the Boston and Montana Smelter Company in Great Falls, which became the major smelter for Butte copper. This smelter company helped to develop mining in the Great Falls region. In 1912, several power companies including the Great Falls Light and Power Co. were incorporated into the Montana Power Co.Gibson was very active in civic affairs both as a mayor and as a private citizen. He advocated railroad expansion in Montana. He also made several improvements to the city, including the extensive parks system and the expansion of electric power lines to all of the homes in the city. In 1889 he represented Cascade County at the State Constitutional Convention and served as a member of the Montana Senate the same year. In 1901, when he was 71, the state legislative assembly elected him a U.S. Senator. He served until 1905. Gibson, as the town founder and planner, is considered the "father of Great Falls." Paris Gibson died on Dec. 16, 1920. His wife Valeria died in Great Falls on Aug. 20, 1900

The Paris Gibson Mural is located on the south wall of the CHJW Law firm building. Paris Gibson was the founder and long-time community leader in Great Falls. Next to the mural is a "ghost" sign from the old days when the buidling was advertising Owl Cigars.

Paris Gibson Black and White Mural

Great Falls artist Jean Price proposed using the windows for revolving community art displays, borrowing the idea from artist friends in Missoula, who began using vacant downtown stores as temporary art galleries. “As I drove by the parking garage here, I noticed that there were always empty spaces there (in the display windows) and that the filled ones had begun to fall into disrepair for lack of attention,” Price said. “My Missoula friends came to mind and I decided to ask the Downtown Great Falls Association if it would be possible to use the display windows for art installations.”The first 11 art projects were in place on a few months later, and with continuing support from the Business Improvement District, the city of Great Falls Parking Program, Paris Gibson Square Art Museum and a long list of financial sponsors, the UAP has continued unabated for many years. Artists are encouraged to use nontraditional mediums in the creation of their work that can withstand the climate changes expected during the 3-month display period. They are expected to plan carefully, and effectively use the 3D space afforded them in a way that reads well from the sidewalk.“The artists have complete latitude, other than a reminder that the UAP is a public space where they must be respectful and to leave the interpretation of their ideas partially up to the viewer,” Price said. “I also ask that they not simply hang their usual art on the wall, but rather step outside of their usual box of art-making and into this one.”Each of the 11 spaces is sponsored by a business, organization or individual. The displays are changed, and sponsors have the option of underwriting a whole year’s worth of art, or a single three-month exhibit. The money raised is used to pay each artist a stipend to offset the cost of materials and to maintain the planting beds, trees and banners that surround the display windows. Since the UAP began, artists from as far away as New York, California and Texas have contributed their works, but the space is primarily filled by local artists. The project has become so popular that display space is usually booked well in advance.“There are artists who have created several unique exhibits and others who only attempt the complexity of the spaces once,” Price noted. “I do not know what the artists are coming up with until they send publicity materials, and I have rarely been disappointed with the results.”The UAP windows change three times a year, usually in October, January and the April. The Urban Art Project is a highlight of the Art Tours developed by the Downtown Great Falls Association. Each theme of the tour is different and includes a progressive dinner and tours of galleries throughout Great Falls.“Great Falls has a strong history of support for the arts with the CM Russell Museum and Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art,” Price said. “The Urban Art Project is another proud addition to the galleries in the downtown area.”Jean Price passed away in 2019. Her work is displayed at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. Jean held Master's Degrees in both Sculpture and Fiber Arts; was a thirty-five veteran of art education; served four terms on the state legislature; served on the PGSMOA's board and multiple committees; and was a founder of the GFHS Dahl Gallery and Urban Art Project. She was an amazing woman.

<h2>Great Falls Urban Art Project</h2>When the City of Great Falls built the parking garage on the corner of First Avenue South and Fourth Street, they thoughtfully added eleven display windows surrounding the outside walls, but they were rarely filled, until 2005. Now, the Great Falls Urban Art Project (UAP) annually presents three exhibitions of site specific art installation pieces which fill the eleven windows. The Great Falls Urban Art Project makes downtown Great Falls, MT more interesting and lively with its wide variety of art displays. The UAP installations all enhance the downtown and honor the creative spirit of our city. Donations from the Business Improvement District, NeighborWorks Great Falls, the City of Great Falls Parking Project, individuals, local businesses and the Great Falls Downtown Association provide funding for the project.

Urban Art Project

These murals were created during the ArtsFest MONTANA 2022. Artsfest MONTANA is a program launched by the Great Falls Business Improvement District in 2019. ArtsFest MONTANA gathers together donors, sponsors, artists and building owners to create beautiful murals to make downtown Great Falls even more attractive.

One of the many goals of ArtsFest MONTANA is to educate artists in the craft of street art. It is a medium by which artists are able to create large-scale pieces in a very short time frame. ArtsFest MONTANA offers an educational workshop to anyone interested, the workshop is usually held during the first Friday when ArtsFest launches. Attendees learn the history of street art from Cameron Moberg and then venture outside to experience the medium themselves. This piece, “406” was created by the attendees at the ArtsFest MONTANA Artist Workshop held on Friday, August 12, 2022. While the attendees were experiencing their first attempt at street art, artists from around the world were beginning creation of their pieces on multiple buildings throughout Downtown Great Falls.

406 Mural

The Bison, also known as the American buffalo, is iconic in prehistoric, written history and the present in Montana. The Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 was astonished at the number of the majestic animals inhabiting the plains of Montana. The Indigenous people used every part of the bison to fill their everyday needs for food, clothing, cooking, and carrying water (stomach), art and shelter. Be sure to visit the CM Russell Museum Bison exhibit before you leave Great Falls. Cameron, a pastor who paints to give hope, is a self-taught artist who fell in love with the trade as a child. His color deficiency, combined with his love of the 80’s, has influenced Cameron’s use of vivid colors as they are the only colors, he can truly see. Now residing in San Francisco, Cameron paints murals on businesses for a government program throughout the city. Ever since he was a teenager, Cameron has been involved in an organization that helps hard-hit families in the community come together. With no formal training, Cameron is hoping his heart, skill and faith will carry him to the finish line.  These murals were created during the ArtsFest MONTANA 2022. Artsfest MONTANA is a program launched by the Great Falls Business Improvement District in 2019. ArtsFest MONTANA gathers together donors, sponsors, artists and building owners to create beautiful murals to make downtown Great Falls even more attractive.

Just behind the Enbar building on the west side of 5th Street South, you will find the Bison mural in the alley, on the north wall created by Cameron Moberg during Arts Fest MONTANA in 2019. Moberg has been the principal artist for many of the murals created from 2018 to the present. Artsfest MONTANA is sponsored by the Great Falls Business Improvement District, with many collaborating property owners and funders. ArtsFest MONTANA celebrates downtown Great Falls history and arts in many ways. On the south wall, across from the "Bison" mural, is the "See Be Build A New City" mural created by New City Church in 2019. Just a few more feet west in the alley is Straight Dancer. Jack “Senta” Wingo, @artworkbySenta, has been creating artwork since he could hold a pencil, but this was his first large scale piece. Senta joined ArtsFest MONTANA from Oklahoma, he is enrolled in the Cherokee nation. Then cross 5th Street to the east to find four murals created as part of the Artsfest MONTANA in 2020. Starting at 5th Street headed east, the south side of the alley is the beautiful “Hand of God", a Sistine Chapel-like depiction of energy flowing between two hands, by Cameron Moberg. On the north side of the alley, find a series of murals created by multiple artists as a part of the artist training that is held during ArtsFest MONTANA, led by Cameron Moberg, and sponsored by the Great Falls Business Improvement District and NeighborWorks Great Falls. Cameron Moberg’s “Wolf” was installed during ArtFest in 2019, as a demonstration for the students who then began installation of their practice pieces in what has become known as the “Electric City ArtWalk”. Local Great Falls artist, Sheree Nelson, installed her first solo piece using the spray can method, “Sunshine” was installed during ArtsFest MONTANA 2019. On the north side of the alley, from 5th Street, the artist Wes (@wes7svn) has created a stain glass effect mural, entitled "Ram”, also created during ArtsFest MONTANA in 2020. On the east side of that building you can find another hand, called "Love Sign", created by Tommy (@life_is_layers) during ArtsFest MONTANA in 2020.

First Alley South and 5th Street Murals

The first mural, "Dragonfly Wings," is located on the far left of the Dragonfly Dry Goods building, formerly the Grand Hotel. Cameron Moberg painted dragonfly wings to reflect the work of the store and also to allow visitors and residents to become part of the work by centering themselves between the wings. The artists also created the "Welcome to Great Falls" mural which was also painted by Cameron Moberg. Similar to his other murals, Moberg created the work with spray paint, or "rattle can" art as he calls it. The murals are part of a larger project to connect residents and visitors to the history and culture of downtown Great Falls, and has become a popular place for photographs owing to the vibrant colors and design that reflect a postcard.

In September 2018, NeighborWorks Great Falls engaged the services of internationally renowned mural artist Cameron Moberg to create a series of murals in downtown Great Falls that reflect the history and culture of the community. Together with artist Sheree Nelson, the duo created four murals at this location. Nelson also created the 5th panel as part of the new ArtsFest MONTANA in 2019. In response to the success of this project, the community is continuing to secure the services of artists to create new murals throughout the community.

Dragonfly West Wall Murals

The Western Meadowlark is the size of a robin but chunkier and shorter tailed, with a fat head, long, slender bill, and a round-shouldered posture that nearly conceals its neck. The wings are rounded and short for the bird’s size and the tail is short, stiff, and spiky. Western Meadowlarks have yellow underparts with intricately patterned brown, black and buff upperparts. A black “V” crosses the bright yellow breast; it is gray in winter. Contrasting stripes of dark brown and light buff mark the head. The outer tail feathers flash white in fight.

Cameron Moberg created this mural of Montana's state bird, "Meadowlark, as part of NeighborWorks Great Falls Project Reinvest in 2018. The mural was catalyst for more than two dozen murals he either painted or helped curate in the ensuing years.

Meadowlark

In 2022, Sheree Nelson was one of five Great Falls artists to receive a $10,000 grant through the Montana Arts Council and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to complete an art project. Renowned muralist Cameron Moberg, in partnership with NeighborWorks Great Falls, created the first downtown murals as part of ArtsFest in 2018. Moberg reached out to Nelson for help. She became part of the project, which has turned into an annual event, which was the catalyst that got Nelson back into making art. It took her outside her comfort zone, and she said it got her focused less on herself and more on the community.Nelson said she didn’t know which building she’d get but knew as soon as The Living Room came up that she wanted it. She had already painted a mural inside the salon and did similar flowers when she painted the outside. “It just all came together,” she said. Anyone wanting to commission her can reach her through Facebook at www.facebook.com/shereenelsonart or on Instagram at @sartnelson. Her website is currently getting a facelift, too.Born 1980 in San Francisco, California, Ricky Watts' obsession with art began at an early age. As a child, he loved comics, especially doodling his own. Most often involving glorious battles between the U.S. Army and nuclear dinosaurs. In school, he drew his peers' names in exchange for bartered items. By high school, his entrepreneurial efforts were funding his daily lunches. High school was also when Watts discovered the underground world of graffiti art. Fascinated with spray paint as a medium, he became fully engaged in creating elaborate pieces under the cover of night. After graduation, he traveled up and down the west coast, painting large-scale pieces on every surface he could find. His commissions list includes work for well-known technology, fashion and automotive companies. His commissions list includes work for well-known technology, fashion and automotive companies. Ricky Watts currently works out of his Northern California studio and spends his “free time” raising energetic twin boys.

Local Great Falls artist Sheree Nelson, @sartnleson, joined us for her 4th ArtsFest MONTANA mural festival. Located on the back of 614 Central Ave, this may be one of Sheree’s largest pieces yet. Funded by a grant from the Montana Arts Council. Sheree didn’t shy away from the massive blank walls she faced; she completed this beautiful, flowery mural in five days! Ricky Watts created his Fluid Movement Artsfest MONTANA mural in 2021, in back of 618 Central Ave. He flirted with multiple painting styles for a number of years before developing his current abstract style of colors and movement. This came about in 2012, as a deconstruction of the letter shapes he was producing on canvas at the time. It was a lightbulb moment for Ricky and he put everything else on hold to follow the path of this new-formed style.Today, Ricky’s colorful large-scale murals and intricate paintings on canvas can be found throughout the United States.

Flowers and Fluid Movement

Artsfest MONTANA was created by the Great Falls Business Improvement District to bring attention to the historic downtown buildings and contemporary entertainment and dining scene in downtown Great Falls. Since the first ArtsFest MONTANA, held in 2019, more than 36 murals have been created in Downtown Great Falls.

The nearby Sip and Dip Lounge, complete with tropical mermaids, inspired these colorful murals, bringing the viewer right to the sea. Be sure to stop at the Sip and Dip Lounge, located inside the O'Haire Inn next door across the alley for a tropical drink and a look at the real-life mermaids, appearing most evenings along with live music. The "Toucan" mural, by Cameron Moberg, illustrates the precision of a larger-than-life mural artist and was painted specifically to align with the Sip and Dip's tropical theme. As you walk around the building, you will see "Anteater" and "Seahorse" painted by Bamcat (@allisonbamcat) during Artsfest MONTANA in 2020.

Sip and Dip Murals

Mountain Lions: @vizsla_bacon was the first to wrap up a mural during ArtsFest MONTANA 2022. Bacon shared that he’s been creating murals since he was a young teen, with over 30 years of experience it’s no wonder he created this amazing piece so quickly. Little did the artist know that Great Falls has had a mountain lion visit right in this area not so very long ago. A fitting tribute to these beautiful animals! Prayer Meeting: Just a few doors up, @Royyaldog is a graffiti writer and artist from Seoul, Korea created "{rauer Meeting". He is best known for his photorealistic murals of African American women in traditional Korean hanbock dresses and iconic rappers. His paintings carry a message of global harmony and have been recognized for multiculturalism. His work can be seen around the world. Royyal Dog currently resides in Los Angeles. This piece, “Prayer Meeting” was installed during ArtsFest MONTANA 2022.

Mountain Lions and Prayer Meeting 

This mural was created during ArtsFest MONTANA 2022. Artsfest MONTANA is a program launched by the Great Falls Business Improvement District in 2019. ArtsFest MONTANA gathers together donors, sponsors, artists and building owners to create beautiful murals to make downtown Great Falls even more attractive.

Argentinian based muralist, @Cobreart, has said that he loves to paint the eyes that he loves to see. These are the eyes of his girlfriend. He stated, “It’s so easy to get lost in her eyes, because I love her eyes…What I like to paint the most is what I like to see the most.” The detail in this mural is exquisite, it’s as if these eyes follow you.

Eyes

These murals were created during ArtsFest MONTANA 2022. Artsfest MONTANA is a program launched by the Great Falls Business Improvement District in 2019. ArtsFest MONTANA gathers together donors, sponsors, artists and building owners to create beautiful murals to make downtown Great Falls even more attractive.

Located on the back of the 525 building is the lifelike depiction of Miss Blackfeet Nation. Alia Kipp-Heavyrunner allowed artist @Louis.StillSmoking.Art to create this mural using her image. She served as Miss Blackfeet from 2019 to 2022. Louis Still Smoking is a Montana based artist who represents the Blackfeet Nation. Louis resides in Browning. Alongside Miss Blackfeet you will see images of a buffalo and an elk. These pieces were installed by @JohnIsaiahPepion, also of the Blackfeet Nation. John is best known for his ledger art. Ledger art is an art tradition developed as a result of the scarcity of buffalo hides. Plains people were forced to adapt by making artwork on ledger paper from accounting books. John is one artist in a long line of artists, art has been in his family for hundreds of years.

Miss Blackfeet Nation/Buffalo-Elk Murals

Starting at the corner of the building closest to the street, "Leaves", by New York artist Jenna Morello appears. Morello uses lush colors to create the texture of giant leaves growing on the building. "Woman", by Mister Toledo, depicts an Indigenous woman contemplating her natural world. "Freedom Tiger" was created by Fasm, illustrating a close-up of a tiger mouth with the word "Freedom" on the left. On the back of the building, located on one of the two roll-up garage doors are flowers painted by Canadian artist Bacon. On the west side of the building, is "River" by Leaf Argotti, showing a peaceful scene on the Missouri River in Great Falls. Cameron Moberg’s “Homesick” depicts Cameron’s home, his wife and numbers that have a very special meaning to Cameron.

Continue waliking down the alley to the Speaking Socially building at 509 1st Avenue North. You will be delighted by murals created by multiple artists, many themed around Mother Nature. Start in the parking lot just east of the building and continue around to the back and to the west side. "Leaves" was created by New York artist Jenna Morello (@jennamorello) as part of ArtsFest MONTANA in 2019. Sponsored by the Great Falls Improvement District, with many collaborating partners and property owners. "Tiger", "Woman" and "River" were drawn by Fasm, Mister Toledo and Leaf Argotti, respectively, during ArtsFest MONTANA in 2020. During ArtsFest MONTANA 2022, Cameron Moberg installed “Home” and Canadian artist, Bacon (@vizsla_bacon), installed flowers on the back garage door.

Speaking Socially Murals

The mural of Charlie Russell was sparked by a newspaper article about Jim DeStaffany’s Clydesdales mural in Conrad, Montana. Mayor Bob Kelly traveled to Conrad to meet with DeStaffany. Kelly went to the Downtown Development Partnership to make a pitch for the project funding, which was approved. The Russell Museum approved the use of Russell's likeness for the mural, which was installed in 2016. Charles Marion Russell (March 19, 1864 – October 24, 1926), also known as C. M. Russell, Charlie Russell, and "Kid" Russell, was an American artist of the American Old West. He created more than 2,000 paintings of cowboys, Native Americans, and landscapes set in the western United States and in Alberta, Canada, in addition to bronze sculptures. He is known as "the cowboy artist" and was also a storyteller and author. He became an advocate for Native Americans in the west, supporting the bid by landless Chippewa to have a reservation established for them in Montana. In 1916, Congress passed legislation to create the Rocky Boy Reservation. The C. M. Russell Museum Complex in Great Falls, Montana houses more than 2,000 Russell artworks, personal objects, and artifacts. Other major collections are held at the Montana Historical Society in Helena, Montana, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Sid Richardson Museum in Fort Worth. His mural Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians hangs in the state capitol building in Helena, and his 1918 painting "Piegans" sold for $5.6 million at a 2005 auction. In 1955, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

The Charlie Russell Mural is one of three black and white murals in Great Falls, all honoring community leaders. The mural was created by Andrew Fowler and Jim DeStaffany. Charles M. Russell is one of the foremost Western artists of the 20th century and is honored here for making Great Falls his home for many years. You can see Russell's work and that of other western artists at the C. M. Russell Museum at 400 13th Street North.

Charlie Russell Black and White Mural

From the east end of the alley between Central Ave and First Avenue North, the first mural, "Bird" was created by local Great Falls artist, Sheree Nelson. Next is "Never Afraid", in homage to missing Indigenous woman, by Cameron Moberg, the curator of Artsfest MONTANA. "Grizzly, by Fasm, is next in the series, showing the face of the famous Montana grizzly bear. Art Deco "Clouds", by Ricky Watts (@rickywatts) combines colors and shapes to evoke the Montana sky. Last in the series, to the right of the others, is "Great Falls" by local Great Falls artist, Tana Murray (@runningrivercreative), gathering iconic Great Falls figures into a "Welcome to Great Falls" sign. The Macaw Mural was created during the ArtsFest MONTANA 2022. Artsfest MONTANA is a program launched by the Great Falls Business Improvement District in 2019. ArtsFest MONTANA gathers together donors, sponsors, artists and building owners to create beautiful murals to make downtown Great Falls even more attractive.

Five murals were created in 2021 during ArtsFest MONTANA. Located on the rear of the Pennington building at #8 5th St No, across the alley from the Stockman Bank drive thru, the murals display an astonishing array of subjects and styles. Go to the alley behind the address to see the murals in full color. ArtFest is produced annually by the Great Falls Business Improvement District, in collaboration with artists and building owners.Continue west on the alley to the Macaw mural at the read of Kaufman's Store. The artist Fasm hails from Modesto, California. This was his 3rd time joining us for ArtsFest MONTANA, installing this magnificent Macaw during ArtsFest MONTANA 2022. Fasm has many pieces depicting realistic animals throughout downtown Great Falls. Fasm can be found at www.fasmcreative.com.

Pennington Building Murals

Alma Smith was born in 1916 in Lewistown, Montana, to Martin and Emma Riley Smith, members of the wave of African American migrants who had been drawn to the Pacific Northwest between 1865 and 1910. Although Montana now has a reputation for being predominantly white, in the early twentieth century there were sizeable black communities in the state, especially in larger cities like Helena, Butte, Missoula, and Great Falls. The Smith family moved to Great Falls when Alma was a child. After graduating from Great Falls High School, Alma took advantage of scholarships to achieve an impressive education, first at Talladega College in Alabama and then at Columbia University, where she completed a degree in library science. Credentials in hand, and newly married to World War II veteran Marcus Jacobs, she returned to Great Falls, where she found a position at the public library in 1946. Eight years later she became head librarian. From that position, she worked to build the presence of the library throughout the city and central Montana. Jacobs recognized the powerful role that public libraries could play in a community. She believed that a good library was a community center and a place for educational opportunities. The idea of self-education was particularly important to her. She wanted the library to be a place where people could pursue the knowledge they needed to learn a new vocation or advance their career. As she would often say, “The public library is the poor man’s university. “As a member of a minority group in a state with a large white majority, Jacobs’s racial identity was complicated. On the one hand, she was a native of Montana and lived in the state for most of her life. Her tireless effort to better her community through her library work is evidence of her love for her hometown and her state, and she seems to have wanted that work to define her. In a 1967 interview with the Great Falls Tribune, she underplayed the importance of her racial identity to her professional career: “I don’t consider myself the Negro authority in Great Falls or anyplace else. I resent being thought of as a Negro librarian. I would rather concentrate on being a good librarian.” On the other hand, Jacobs’s race was undoubtedly important. She continued to live in Montana after much of the state’s African American population had moved on to larger metropolitan areas, and as a member of this shrinking minority, she worked to advance civil rights and racial justice. She served as president of the Montana Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs and sat on the Montana Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. She spoke out against segregation in Great Falls at a time when it was unpopular to do so. Together with her sister, Lucille Smith Thompson, she also worked to document the history of African Americans in the state, an effort that resulted in the 1970 publication of The Negro in Montana, 1800-1945: A Selective Bibliography. In a way, Jacobs’s professional excellence and prominent stature had the effect she hoped for. As Great Falls architect William Hess once wrote of her, “Her personality is such that after even a one-minute meeting you are no longer aware of a race difference.” Yet the very fact that Hess felt the need to comment on her race indicates the extent to which racial difference still clearly defined the African American experience in twentieth century Montana. Jacobs died in 1997, but her work to build the Great Falls Public Library has not been forgotten. The city officially proclaimed the week of June 16 to 22, 2009, Alma Jacobs Week, and during that week the Alma Jacobs Plaza at the Great Falls library was dedicated in her memory.

On the south wall of the Great Falls Public Library, Alma Smith Jacobs, a community leader, civil rights activist and librarian, is depicted in a large-scale mural. Completed by Andrew Fowler and Jim Destaffany in 2017, the mural honors Jacobs substantial contributions to the Great Falls Community. Alma Smith Jacobs served as the head librarian of the Great Falls Public Library for almost twenty years before becoming the Montana state librarian in 1973. Both achievements were historic firsts for an African American woman. Throughout her life, Jacobs demonstrated a passion for education and for community building and a commitment to working for racial justice in Montana.

Alma Smith Jacobs Black and White Mural

The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Passenger Depot, located in Great Falls, Montana, was built in 1915 by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (also known as The Milwaukee Road). The Milwaukee Road was the last transcontinental railroad that entered Montana in 1907–1908 as a part of its "Pacific Extension”. The depot is a two-story brick building that includes a 135-foot tower. The building is rectangular in shape. The first floor held the waiting rooms, station agent's office and baggage rooms. Railroad offices were located on the second floor. It was designed by architect J. A. Lindstrand, who also designed the Milwaukee Depot in Missoula, Montana. The depot continued to serve the local community until the mid-1960s. The Milwaukee Road then ceased passenger service. After the railroad's bankruptcy, the building sat vacant until it was converted into a retail mall in the 1970s. The mall closed in the early 1980s. In 1988, the building was converted into an office building.

The underpass northside mural was created by multiple artists, funded by the Great Falls Business Improvement District. Entitled "Great Falls History", each artist took a piece of our past and illustrated it for the mural. Building, landscapes, animals, and people populate the mural, located just south of the historic Milwaukee Railroad Station on the underpass wall. As you begin your walk, closer to Park Dr, you’ll see the Vinegar Jones cabin and as you progress in your walk you’ll move forward through the history of Great Falls, note the advancement of the railroad from one of the mural to the other. The BID employed four artists during the summer of 2013 to install this mural. It should be noted that the southside mural depicts the area surrounding Great Falls, while the northside mural depicts the history of the City. Many thanks to the Montana Department of Transportation for their support of the mural, which sits on MDOT property.

First Avenue North Underpass Northside Mural

The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America, with wings long and rounded, bill long and tapered, tail short. Upper parts are gray, fore-neck is streaked with white, black, and rust-brown. Bill yellowish. Legs brownish or greenish. In flight, folds neck in an "S" shape and extends legs along the body axis; wing beats are deep slow wing.The American White Pelican is a large, white bird with black primaries and outer secondaries, an enormous bill with distensible pouch, and webbed feet. It is often seen in flocks, and when in flight it flies with the head withdrawn. In the early breeding season the bill and legs are bright orange, the head has white plumes, and there is a laterally fattened horn on the upper mandible. Later the leg color fades, the head darkens, and the plumes and horn are lost. The rainbow trout is Montana's number one game fish. Rainbow trout fare well under a wide range of habitat conditions from ponds to reservoirs, lakes, and streams. Various strains of rainbow trout, like breeds of cattle, are used for different purposes. The state record for rainbow trout is over 33 pounds, and fish of up to 10 pounds are common in some of our most productive waters. Rainbow are efficient at feeding on plankton, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and occasionally some smaller fishes. They spawn in early spring in running water, usually April or May, and maintain themselves quite nicely if the habitat is not degraded.

Great Falls Artist Rachel Kaiser (@rachelkaiserart) created four distinct murals below the walking bridge near First Avenue North and River Drive. Each depicts in strong colors and imagery of the nature that is all around us. "Heron" is closest to the bridge; while "Big Fish", "Pelican" and "Clouds" are nearer the roadway. After you view these murals you can walk back to your car at the City parking lot off of River Road near the Electric City Swim Park. Be sure to use the crosswalks; this is a busy intersection. "Thick Full Form with Bold Bright Color." Artist Statement, “I have lived on the shores of Lake Michigan; the mountains and high plains of Montana; the beaches of Hawaii; the colorful island of Bali-Indonesia; along the Mississippi River in the Driftless Region in La Crosse Wisconsin; and now in the Mohave Desert of Arizona. These areas have been imperative muses to my art, as I have spent my life making art based on the unsung champions of this world: plants, animals, children, mothers, and the land, sea, and sky. Along with my drive to bring art to the public where all can enjoy it, I also raised a budding young artist who is studying illustration in Portland, Oregon. Being a solo parent to a talented young daughter enabled us both to make even more art, as we both encouraged each other’s creativity, craftsmanship, and work ethic. I am looking forward to the art I will create in the next decade in my new home in the desert.” Rachel Kaiser

Great Falls Downtown Mural Walking Tour

Electric City Community Mural

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context