Big Eddy’s is a picture perfect outdoor location for an art show. Unless it becomes incredibly cold, the winds blow, and rain comes down by the bucket loads. FSPW, Big Eddy’s, and Montana Distillery came together to host the Extreme Plein Air Art Show in Thompson Falls but just as the artists began to arrive so did the rain. Project Ascent came to save the day with additional pop up tents but persistent cold, wet, and wind proved too much and the event nearly needed to be cancelled.
But just when it felt like all was lost the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge #2757 saved the day by offering their indoor (and dry) meeting space. The show must and will go on!
Big Eddy’s provided incredibly crafted appetizers that paired perfectly with cocktails created by Montana Distillery. Carol Maddux, Ed Robinson, Aaron Johnson, and Thompson Falls native Jared Shear we on hand to display their Plein Air paintings and described what it’s like to follow Sandy Compton into the Scotchman Peaks. Each artist addressed the audience with tales of their adventures while images of their completed works were on display. Plein Air painting is meant to inspire and these artists did not disappoint.
Living in a small town has it’s disadvantages. However, this small town rallied to save an art show. That’s big.