Visitors and residents of Ennis are often impressed by both the quantity and quality of artistic offerings. From the unique galleries lining historic Main Street to the prized collection of larger-than-life statues scattered throughout town, some of the region’s most celebrated artists have helped make Ennis a walking palette of artistic expression.
With six operating galleries, art enthusiasts can experience works created by dozens of artists from throughout the United States, many of which draw inspiration from the picturesque Madison Valley. From emerging new talents and celebrated local artisans to the nationally renowned, Main Street Ennis offers something for everyone.
- Showcasing Montana Art Gallery. Located at 111 W. Main, this is the first gallery coming off highway junction 287. Established in October 2003, Showcasing Montana offers an eclectic balance of works from Montana artists or artists who have a connection to Montana. Featured are Madison Valley artists Trudi Gilliam, Steve Grube, Erich Vogeli and Bonnie Holmes. Other consigned artists include Jim Dolan, Barbara Coppock, Reid Galey, Karen Boylan, Betty Staley and Karen Snedecker. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Showcasing’s many offerings include original bronzes, oils, watercolors, paper castings, log furnishings, pottery and a popular collection of jewelry by artist Jeanne Fagen.
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- Hole in the Wall Art Gallery.
Just a few doors down from Showcasing at 123 E. Main lies Ennis’ oldest operating gallery, Hole in the Wall Art Gallery. An artistic mainstay for 25 years in Ennis, the gallery features the art of more than 40 recognized artists. Legendary Western artists Gary Carter and Larry Zabel along with Nancy Glazier, Howard Terpning, Martin Grelle, G. Harvey, Gloria D’ and Rocky Hawkins are among the featured artists. Local artists Patsy Eckert and Margie Reck round out the list. Hole in the Wall is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting in July the gallery will also open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Riverstone Gallery.
At 219 E. Main, Riverstone represents the work of more than a dozen artists from across Montana and the western United States including gallery owners Bern and Lexi Sundell. The gallery also doubles as a studio for the Sundells, both of which have gained regional acclaim for their pieces. Visitors to the gallery can often see the duo at work — Bern on his vivid, realistic fish paintings and Lexi on her bold and colorful floral paintings. Limited, leather bound editions of the Sundell’s newly released fine art books will be available throughout the summer — “Bern Sundell, Artist/Fly Fisherman” and “Flowers of the Dawn: Paintings and Poetry by Lexi Sundell.” Other featured artists include Ott Jones, Robert Highsmith, Dennis Boyd, and David Holloway. Riverstone is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- Otter Banks Gallery. Across the street from Riverstone, at 222 E. Main, the Otter Banks Gallery is relatively new to the Ennis art scene. The gallery offers distinctive home furnishing, jewelry, framed prints, and original art by Montana artists. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday.
- Depot Gallery. Ennis’ newest art spot, Depot Gallery, is located at 114 E. Main. Opened in May 2006 by Vicki Lubke, the gallery is open seven days a week through the summer season. Featuring nationally recognized See ART, Page 6 and talented, emerging artists, the gallery offers contemporary, impressionist, and wearable art. Featured artists include Ed Totten, Madina Croce, Malau Fato, Ted Long, Jessie MacKay, A.L. Swanson, Cynthia Out West, and Carol Zirkle. The gallery also offers a collection of custom-made solid hardwood furniture crafted by Helena artist A.L. Swanson.
In its new location at 100 E. Main, Right Angles continues its reputation for fine custom framing with the addition of Gary Carter and Larry Zabel prints at its expanded location. Open from 9-5 Tuesday through Friday, Right Angles specializes in custom framing of all types. Several of Gary Carter’s giclee on canvas prints are available at the shop, which can be accessed through the West of the Madison clothing store’s Main Street entrance.
Many of Ennis’ galleries will offer extended hours on Fridays during this summer’s edition of “Friday Night Art Walks.” Every other Friday starting June 23 and running though Sept. 1, select galleries will celebrate their artists from 5-8 p.m. with special receptions, demonstrations, and signings. Participating galleries include Showcasing Montana, Hole in the Wall, Riverstone, Depot, and Right Angles.
Summer Art Events in Ennis June 23-Artists Karen Snedecker (pottery) and Erich Vogeli (log furniture) will be featured at Showcasing Montana. Hole in the Wall will host “The In Between” with artists Susan A. Christie and W.B. Brown. Depot Gallery will feature “Veils and Light” with local artist Ed Totten through July 6. 5-8 p.m.
June 30-Artist Todd Daniels will visit Showcasing Montana from 5-8 p.m.
July 1-Showcasing Montana will host its third annual Beans, BBQ, Beer, and Best of the West event. Ennis artist Steve Grube, winning designer of the 2005 and 2006 Ennis 4th of July T-Shirts, will be the featured guest from 6-8 p.m.
July 7-Bonnie Holmes and Tom Schauwecker will visit Showcasing Montana. Hole in the Wall will host artist Dave Hall and Depot Gallery will feature A.L. Swanson and his collection of solid hardwood furniture from 5-8 p.m.
July 21-Award winning Bozeman artist and cattle rancher Karen Boylan and Ennis artist Trudi Gilliam will visit Showcasing Montana. Ennis artist Patsy Eckert will showcase her collection of Madison Valley landscapes, wildflowers, and Sumi-E at Hole in the Wall. Carol Zirkle and her collection of pastels will be featured at Depot Gallery from 5-8 p.m.
August 4-Gary Carle and Paul Marsh will visit Showcasing Montana. Hole in the Wall and Depot Gallery will also have visiting artists TBA, from 5-8 p.m.
August 12-Ennis Art Festival. Artists from throughout North America gather at Lion’s Club Park in this annual juried event sponsored by the Ennis Arts Association.
August 18-Carmen Stanislao and Allison Wentzel will be featured at Showcasing Montana in a meet and greet artist reception. Other downtown galleries will also host special events TBA from 5-8 p.m.
August 31-Sept. 3-Ennis Fly-Fishing Festival. Several art and music related events headline the festival, which draws hundreds of fly-fishing enthusiasts from around the world to the banks of the famed Madison River and its blue-ribbon tributaries.
Sept. 1-Showcasing Montana will host Reid Galey and Sheridan, MT sculpture and paper cast artist Betty Staley. Jerolyn Dirks will show her collection of clocks and whimsical antique ceiling tins at Hole in the Wall. Depot Gallery will host a featured artist TBA in the final Art Walk of the summer, held in conjunction with the Ennis Fly-Fishing Festival from 5-8 p.m.
