Editor’s Note: For those of you who are new to the blog, I’ve been participating in the #Frifotos Photo chat on twitter since it first began two years ago. It’s really a lot of fun. If you’d like to know more about #Frifotos or how to participate, click here. – Jen
This week’s FriFotos theme is chairs, and I was rather excited to use this opportunity to showcase some of the chairs I came across during my recent trip to Helena, Montana.
Montana’s capital of Helena has an unexpected artistic side, and where there is art some how chairs are always is involved. During my few days in Helena, I saw chairs as place for a painters to paint, and art collectors to look on at the Quick Draw Event at Sieben Ranch, part of the Western Rendezvous of Art.
Seats at the Quick Draw event at Sieben Ranch
Sieben Ranch Painting being auctioned off after the quick draw event
At the Holter Museum of Art there was a well placed bench in a gallery, allowing visitors to take in the art from a comfortable distance.
Bench at Holter Museum of Art
Holter Museum of Art Panorama of the Poindexter Collection
The Cathedral of St. Helena is stunning, and while the pews are pretty, it’s really the chair behind the Cathedral’s magnificent organ that blew me away.
Cathedral’s Organ
On the grounds of the Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts, there were loveseats and chair where the artists could take a breather from their studios.
Chairs at the Archie Bray Foundation
A stool belonging to famous Montana painter CM Russell was on display at the Montana Historical Society, in the Mackay Collection.
CM Russell’s Stool
CM Russell’s Paintings
While attending a performance of Othello at by the Montana Shakespeare Company, I had the opportunity to shoot the actors backstage before and during the performance. I also got a chance to sit in the technical booth and watch how the play from there.
Reflection of a Actress using the counter as a chair while getting into costume
Backstage with the actresses, sitting on chairs and counters 10 minutes before curtain
Sitting in a chair in her dressing room, an actress studying her lines
An actor takes a seat in chair in wings backstage before going onstage
In the booth, the chair was often left empty, with the technicians preferring to stand.
Note: My visit to Helena, Montana was sponsored by the Helena Chamber. Much thanks to my amazing guide, Mike Mergenthaler.