Finale!

May's First Friday delivered many wonderful 'firsts' for Windows of Youth.  Congratulations to the high school artists, representing all six high schools, who participated in this first (annual?) fundraiser for Youth Homes.  For many, it was their first opportunity to reach out to help fellow youth in Youth Homes.  It was also the first gallery showing for a number of the student artists-and feedback is suggesting it was one of the best showings in town that evening!  This was the first time that the members of the committee (Mary Firth, Ramey Kodadek, JoAnn Steen, Theresa Strauch, Russ Thomas-you guys rock!) came together to make the event possible.  It was our first time working with Home Resources and Charlie Stevenson-without their contribution we could not have raised over $2,500.00!  The media coverage was first rate-thank you to Cherry Creek Radio, Gap Broadcasting, Montana Radio Company, KPAX, and the Missoulian...you all did a stellar job getting the word out.

And the word is out.  Stay tuned to find out what next year holds...

Thank you, Charlie Stevenson, for the use of Studio C-we appreciate you!!!!

Media Coverage!

We have been so blessed with the media coverage of this event!

Yesterday, KPAX News did a spot during their 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. evening broadcast.  You can see the clip here:

http://www.kpax.com/news/windows-of-youth-project-makes-a-difference-for-local-non-profit/#!prettyPhoto/0/

Today we are featured in the Missoulian Entertainer!  Go directly to the online article:

http://missoulian.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/open-to-the-soul-auction-of-student-windows-to-benefit/article_cca54f58-b402-11e2-b91c-0019bb2963f4.html

Make sure to come on out tonight to 420 N. Higgins, Studio C, to support this event!

Studio C - Windows Ready to Display!

Yes we have been very busy setting up the windows to display in Studio C.  You can take a look at them here first!  All of these pieces are available for sale at the silent auction, May 3rd, at 420 N. Higgins in downtown Missoula.  Take a virtual walk through the studio by browsing the pictures below and enjoy the preview!

As you walk in the front door of the studio and look to the left,

you begin to see the variety of artwork that will be shown...

This is an etched window hanging at the entrance...

Some of the artwork ports a Montana theme with tributes to the great outdoors

as well as support for our local Griz teams...

Coming in the entrance, this wall is to the right and gives you an idea

of the various shapes and sizes of the windows...

As you come in the entrance, this is further down the left side wall...

and further down the right side wall...

The right wall continues showing the variety of mediums used 

from tissue paper, magazines, a torn novel, acrylic, etched glass, and more!

This is the front side of the wall that separates the two main spaces in the studio.

You could call this the back wall of the front area...

Continuing down the left side of the wall, you can just peek around the corner

 at the opening into the rear space of the studio...

As you walk around the wall in to the rear space you see

 the reverse side of the separation wall.  

That left side of the small yellow framed window was made into a chalkboard,

while the right side is etched glass.

This wall is to the left of the picture above.

You really need to come down to the studio to see these works of art in person!

Below is the back wall of the rear area in the studio. 

You can see by the variety that there is surely something to suit every artistic taste!

And finally, the last portion of the left side wall.  

We sure hope you have enjoyed this virtual tour and preview of the windows!

The photo images on the web do NOT do these art pieces justice.  So please come on down and take a look at them at Studio C, 420 N. Higgins (corner of Higgins and Pine).  Friday, May 3rd, from 5 - 7 p.m.   There will be a silent auction for all 56 windows.   Starting bid is $25 per item with $5 incremental raises.  After 6:30 p.m. you may buy a window outright for $50 over the highest bid if you don't want to miss out on your favorite window!  We are looking forward to seeing you all there!

Having Fun With a Little Media Spot!

It was an early morning for JoAnn Steen, one of our Windows of Youth committee members, as she got up for a 6:20 a.m. spot on KPAX. Russ Thomas,  famous KPAX weather guy as well as one of our committee members was there to kick things off. Of course, he is a little more used to those early morning shots!

Ashlyn Schatz from Valley Christian School joins JoAnn and Russ and talks about creating her coffee table. It is a great way to get a feel for the project from the student perspective.  Please check out the clip from KPAX by clicking on the link below!

http://www.kpax.com/videos/mtm-live-interview-windows-of-youth/

This is all to promote the First Friday silent auction of the reclaimed windows that local area youth have turned into works of art. We have 56 windows now and they run the full spectrum of creativity.  There is definitely something there to please everyone.  Please go down to 420 North Higgins on Friday, May 3rd and check out Studio C.  You won't regret it!

Sentinel High School Finished Windows - Second Set of 2

Spread the Word!!!  This Friday, May 3rd, 5-7 p.m., silent auction at Studio C, 420 N. Higgins.  Come on out and bid on these amazing works of art!  

Isabel Snyders
Can You See the Sparrows?
Acrylic on Glass
27" x 28"

When presented with this project I thought that the best use of my window would be to work with my window.  I decided to paint sparrows who seemed to be on the other side of the window to give the feeling of looking at the sparrows flying outside of the window, rather than just sparrows painted on the window.

Katriena Maart
Dripping Creativity
Acrylic on Glass
28" x 31"

When our class was first given this assignment, I had no idea how to start.  The first idea that I had for it  was to splatter paint on the glass.  Splattering paint is messy, so I started to drip the paint down the window.  I knew that I wanted my window to have bright and vibrant colors.  The word "Create" was written by my lovely friend, Parker Smith, just as a joke, but I liked the idea so much that I traced over his handwriting with paint.

Devin Day and Josiah Doddema
Astral Phoenix
Etched Glass, Acrylic Paint
31" x 28"

Devin:  The Astral Phoenix design is my dad's design.  When the frosted window idea was presented to us, I thought that this design would look cool.  The cool thing about the design is that the beak of the phoenix is a moon and the flames make up the head.
Josiah:  I chose to partner with my friend Devin and he suggested the Phoenix. My idea was to paint the frame a dark, spacey look to give to the Astral Phoenix.

Allyssa Ruttenbur and Jesse King
Quarrelsome Koi
Acrylic and Tissue Paper on Glass
28" x 27"

We decided to paint a Koi fish together, since it is Alyssa's favorite fish.  After arguing constantly about which color to paint which part and how to make this painting look its very best, we settled our differences and completed this project.  Working together was very difficult, but in the end, we overcame our differences and began to get along.  To us, this painting now resembles friendship.

Payton Randall
Translucent Insanity
Acrylic on Glass
28" x 54"

I decided to express my imagination via abstract art, refraining from the pen and ink I have become accustomed to.  Really, the idea for the artwork just arrived spontaneously, so there is no reason for doing this besides artistic value.

Marcus Bartlett
Marcus's Garden City
Plastic Bottles, Tissue Paper, Permanent Markers, Acrylic Paint
19" x 28"

I like gardens so I made 3D flowers and I like colorful art pieces.  I used tissue paper and plastic bottles to make a transparency effect.  I like being in gardens because everything is unique in its own special way.

Sydney Pasternak

Life Cycle

Acrylic, Magazine clippings, Fabric on Glass

28" x 19"

Biking seems to be the "Life Cycle" for a large percentage of people around the world, and especially the beautiful city of Missoula, Montana.  I consider myself a fan of bikes and cycling, so when we layed our mark on these fun windows, I figured, "Why not something we Missoulians love?"  As a young artist, I have had this amazing opportunity to  help my own kind with expressing myself.  I find this project for the Youth Homes the most rewarding experience.  It is refreshing to see artists giving up their art for such a noble cause.  I hope for the best for the youth and the fascinating artistic works of the students!

Maddie Keast

The Frontier

Maps, Paper, Barbed Wire and Acrylic on Glass

18" x 36"

I used a rustic feel to channel an "Old Montana" feel.  I used old maps, aged paper, and barbed wire to make it seem worn down and give it a unified theme.  This project was really inspiring and nothing beats an opportunity to help others.  Thank you for looking at my window.  I hope you are as inspired by this project as I was.

Parker Smith

Country Time Window

Acrylic/ Chalkboard Paint on Glass

28" x 19"

My window was inspired by functionality.  I didn't just want to paint a window that might only be appealing to one person.  Instead, I wanted to try and appeal to a larger public with it being more "commercial" or something you might expect to find in your own home.  My window was recycled  but it was relatively new for a window, about 20 years old, and in perfect shape, without a scratch on it.  I wanted my window to have the appearance of an aged older window.  So, I had to age the frame quite a bit.  Half of my window is painted with chalk board paint so you can write memos on it and draw pictures if you want to.  The other half of my window as a lacey old design painted on the back of the glass.  I really enjoyed making this window, but I wish I had more time to work on it and add more details. I'm happy about the outcome of my window and I hope it raises a lot of money for local youth homes.

Brittany Finch

Elder Spirit

Etched Glass

34" x 36"

I chose to etch a tree on my window simply because I enjoy the steadfastness and seemingly elder wisdom that the crooked branches hold.  I left the window frame aged just the way it was to tie in the old story book look of the tree.  The bible verse is one of my favorites and it is done in color to accent the light blue original undercoat on the wood frame.  I am very pleased with the end result of this window and I hope it finds a good home.

Taylor Honabach and Kelleigh Sontag

Literature to Reality

Torn Pages of a Novel, Tissue Paper, Decal, Acrylic on Glass

42" x 25.5"

We chose to use an old book to create a landscape because we both love to read.  We chose the window because it was unique and rugged.  The tree was a spur of the moment choice and we ended up loving it.

Sydney A. Diacon 
A Peaceful Scene
Acrylic on Glass
28" x 19"

My painting is of Japanese cherry blossoms.  I just really like how delicate and beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms are.  This painting reminds me of how peaceful things can be, even if you are surrounded by chaos.

Courtney Vitelli
On the Edge
Mixed Media
28" x 54"

My painting is a girl's face with her hair going all crazy.  I painted this because it is supposed to bring out the earthy side of people.  I don't have a story.  My meaning is IDK.

Maddie Dixon

French Curves

Acrylic on Glass

28” x 27”

My piece is colorful shapes within a white background.  It doesn’t really have a story behind it.  I just really wanted to make something different and colorful.  I enjoy the way the French curves look.

Allyssa Ruttenbur
Hang in There
Acrylic on Glass
24" x  23"

I chose to paint a Panda bear on my window because I believe that this is the animal that best resembles my personality: Peace, Love, and Happiness.  However, when things get rough, the only thing you can do is "hang in there."  If I could give this Panda a name, his name would be Harmony.

Julio Carpio
British Invasion
Acrylic on Glass
32" x 33"

This painting shows the symbol of the Rolling Stones, hence the title.  Notice that the background colors are the colors of the British flag.  I used this theme because during the era of the Rolling Stones, they produced some of the greatest music, while paving the way for many other great musicians.

Thank you to Participating Art Teachers!

We just wanted to extend a special thank you to all of the art teachers involved with this project.  Thank you for allowing us into your classrooms and for supporting your students in the work they have done.

Gwen Hoppe - Willard School

Maureen Ammondson - Valley Christian Academy

Tim Nielson - Sentinel High School

Robin Gray - Sentinel High School

Matt Simms - Loyola Sacred Heart

Courtney Christopher - Hellgate High School

Dustin Hoon - Big Sky High School

We wouldn't have been able to do this without your support!

Valley Christian School Finished Windows

Come on out to the First Friday event on May 3rd!  The silent auction will take place from 5 to 7 p.m.  at Studio C, 420 N. Higgins.  (the corner of Higgins and Pine between Axis Physical Therapy and Studio D)  Come bid on these fabulous works of art!

Sarah Horvath

Strong Tower

Etched Glass

50.5" x 28"

Though I was excited about this project from the beginning, finding an idea I could commit to seemed difficult.  When I finally came across a picture of a lighthouse, however, it excited me.  By tying in the words of Psalms 27:1 and Proverbs 18:10, I could use it to illustrate an aspect of God's unfathomable love:  He is refuge for all who seek Him.

Alisha Wiley and Rebecca Smithers
Window to Nature
Acrylic on Glass
28" x 29"

We were inspired when we looked out the window of our art class, and wanted to portray the simplistic beauty we saw.  We liked the thought of recreating a simple, yet elegant scene from nature. We also wanted it to be natural so that it will be complimentary in any room.  We thoroughly enjoyed creating this piece of art!  We are very happy to be able to show God's creation in this window painting.  Psalms 145:5 says "On the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."  We thought this was an inspirational verse and used this as the basis for our window.

Justine Johnson
Infinity
Acrylic on Glass
20" x 31"

I didn't really have an inspiration, I just had an idea and knew what I wanted to do.  I had to paint in reverse, putting the tree first and the halo last.  The final product was my third attempt.  I kept scraping two specific spots off and repainting them until I was happy with it.  The third and final attempt was when Infinity came to be.

Jessica Aplin
God's Detail
Etched Glass
19" x 31"

 "God's Detail" is more than just a piece of art.  It was an inspiration brought to me by God.  The original idea was to create a unique setting that captures people's attention.  I first intended for it to be a simple flower.  However, I wanted to push myself by thinking of a more challenging picture etch. I wanted something that was normally considered small and insignificant.  The one idea that continually came to mind was a hummingbird.  Once the bird was set in the proper place I felt as thought the window was empty.  Until I imagined another creature full of tiny detail.  The bumblebee came into the picture and it was complete.  It was God's Detail that made this a simple masterpiece.

Sarah Kesler
Wonderland
Acrylic on Glass
17" x 35"

I started this piece with the thought that it would be a basic silhouette.  But, much like life, it wasn't turning out as I had planned!  As I was scratching off the paint to start over, I discovered my painting.  It was there all along, I just didn't know it.  So, I continued to scratch off designs in the black paint and thus, Wonderland was born.  Making this piece made me remember that all things work together for good.

Ashlyn Schatz and Lauren Godwin - Valley Christian Academy

A Hidden Promise

Acrylic on Glass and Wood

27.5" x 30" x 25"

We were inspired by God's promise of each time you see a rainbow, never again will God flood the whole earth.  Genesis 9:13 - "I have set my rainbow in the clouds."  We showed the passion and colors of God's creation through the brightness of every color.  The tree represents the tree of life and the perfection of God's Creation.