Mandala CCLIX, The Montana Mandala

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLIX, The Montana Mandala.  Custom framed:  21 1/4" x 21 1/4".  Found objects hand-stitched to a section of a vintage quilt.  Objects include:  A ViewMaster reel; an aluminum faucet handle; eight Grizzly chewing tobacco lids; black, wooden profiles of bears; four bear paw print coasters; blue and green plastic lids; off white backgammon pieces; assorted buttons and beads.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

 Last year I applied for an Open AIR art residency in western Montana and was lucky enough to get a month ... this past October ... in Hamilton, Montana.  I applied with images from my Found Object Mandala Series despite knowing that it would be impossible for me to continue the series while there.  After all, my stash is enormous.  There was no way to transport it all to Montana but that didn't mean I wasn't on the look out for other unique items to add to it!

(Above: Detail of Mandala CCLIX.)

I visited several thrift shops during my month in Montana.  I found all sorts of things though I had no idea how I would put them together once I returned home.  I relied on luck to assist me.  It worked!

 

(Above:  Mandala CCLIX at an angle.)

With any luck, this Found Object Mandala will get to return to Montana for the upcoming 2025 Alumni Group exhibition being arranged by Open AIR!  That show is scheduled from February 6 - 28, 2026 at Bob's Your Uncle Gallery in Missoula with an opening reception on Friday, February 6th from 6 - 9 P.  Although the opening is on Steve's birthday, we cannot travel that far for an opening!  Yet, I do hope to return to Montana myself.  There are several other exciting opportunities for a return art residency with Open AIR.  I might apply!