Please join us for our next Whitefish Gallery Nights event on Thursday, July 11th, 5-8PM, featuring Mark and Shannon Baumbach, a duo of abstract expressionist artistry from Lakeside, MT. Fine art, light refreshments & live music with Lauren and Karl Crittenden. For more information, call 406-863-2787 (ARTS). The exhibit will be on display beginning July 1st. Go to http://www.whitefishgallerynights.org for more information about gallery nights in general.

Shannon and Mark Baumbach met in 2005 while working toward their Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees at the University of Montana in Missoula. They soon fell in love and began a path of pursuing shared dreams together. 

The journey since then has been a medley of joy, hardship, fun and challenges, all encompassed in beauty. What Shannon and Mark have come to realize over time, is that the “struggle” is an essential part of growth and transformation. It can feel so hard, just living life, even when blessings abound, but in giving reverence to the place of now, rich beauty can be discovered. Even when we are in the midst of messy, painful, hard transformations, the beauty is there. 

Reverence and Transformation showcases paintings from each artist that are inspired by these concepts and the relationships we have with place. Our connection with the landscapes and environments that surround us have great significance both literally and metaphorically and offer inspiration and encouragement as we navigate our journeys forward. We can look to the land to see how it endures transition with such grace.

Currently Mark and Shannon reside in Lakeside Montana with their five children, dog and three cats. As a family, they are grateful for the fresh mountain air, the majestic Montana landscapes, the raw kindness of genuine people and God’s gift of beauty.

Lauren Crittenden