Loon & Fish 2011

Back in the beginning, when the newly-formed Alpine Artisans group decided to stage their first major art sales event, members chose Memorial Day weekend and decided on a theme: Fish Festival. According to Jeanne Moon's recollections, the Forest Service heard about the event, expressed a desire to be involved and suggested the emphasis include loons. Bob Korn drew a design featuring both loons and fish; Jeanne used it to on a poster and silk-screened T-shirts; a loon expert was enlisted to give a presentation and lead a walk to view a nesting site-and the first Loon & Fish Festival was born.

Loon and Fish 2011 included so much more than the founders ever envisioned: artist and exhibitor booths galore, art activities for the kids, artist demonstrations, on-going speakers and film showings, and wildflower viewing walks. Special road signage directs folks to the festivities and Patricia Bouta's loon mascot, accompanied this year by a friendly fish, meander around to intrigue and entice visitors. Lunch was offered on Saturday as a fundraiser for the local Food Bank and consisted of delicious soups cooked by our local restaurants, complimented by a pottery bowl hand-thrown by Bob Korn and artistically decorated by Bob and his fellow AAI members.

Dr. Steve Running. 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Co-WinnerCelebrating our 20th Anniversary means not only looking back but also looking forward, and the special focus of Loon & Fish 2011 was "Positive Futures in Our Valley." Thanks to funding provided by the Seeley Lake Community Council and in collaboration with the Clearwater Resource Council, Swan Ecosystem Center and The Blackfoot Challenge, AAI was able to bring University of Montana's own 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Co-Winner, Dr. Steve Running, to speak on the ways in which climate change specifically affects our valleys.