Crown of the Continent Celebration 2008
- Wrap Up -

Our evening began with a social hour during which guests had an opportunity to view the artwork and bid on silent auction pieces. The Missoula Children’s Theatre Center was a beautiful backdrop for the Crown of the Continent-inspired art. The pieces for the live auction were selected by Missoula gallery owner, Dudley Dana. Chris and Bud Jewett, along with many volunteers, created a stunning display. Guitar music performed by Andy Huppert and delicious hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine were additional ingredients for a fine time.  


We were thrilled to have found a wonderful auctioneer in Fred Burows, Burows Auction Services of Great Falls. Fred and Helen have been auctioneering in Montana for more than 20 years. Their experience and professionalism made for a fast-moving, fun auction. More than $5,000 worth of Crown of the Continent artwork sold.















Meanwhile, the silent auction was going on upstairs on the balcony. More that 50 pieces of art were donated and the range of artwork was awesome. There were paintings, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, woodworking and fiber creations. Before the evening drew to a close, more than $3,000 in bids were received.

It was our great good fortune that Ralph Waldt was able to travel from Arizona back to his Montana home to share an evening with us. Ralph spoke and showed pictures taken during his 10,000 miles of hiking in the Crown of the Continent. He captured the spirit of the wild country in such a way that everyone was uplifted and our shared commitment to preservation of this magnificent ecosystem was renewed. Everyone in attendance left with “new eyes.”

Arts and wilderness trails draw millions of visitors who strengthen the economy for all citizens of Western Montana. According to a 2008 Travel Montana report, anglers, hunters and wildlife watchers spend more than $1 billion each year in Montana, generating more than 8,000 full-time jobs, and Montana's arts organizations bring in a total of $85 million annually.

This evening of collaboration between Swan Ecosystem Center and Alpine Artisans came about as a result of months of work. Without the participation of many wonderful, dedicated volunteers, it would not have been possible.

Silent and Live Auction Artists

Russ Abolt
Judy Arledge
Cindy Betka
Judy Bradley
Patty Corbett
Charles Davis
Monte Dolack
Merrily Dunham
Kenneth Dvorak
Jennifer Dyer
Steve Ellis
Claire Emery
Jane Latus Emmert
Elaine Flood
Pam Forder
Grizzly Claw Trading Co
Craig Hergert
Shari Hirst
Carol Hoffnagle
Chris & Bud Jewett
Peter Keefer
Kathy “Littlebird” Kinzfogel
Bob Korn
Steve Lamar
Sharon Lamar
Beth Layman
Brian Maly
Lucy McCoy
Missoula Textiles
Dianne Mockler
Richard Scott Morgan
Carla Moss
Colleen Nicholson
Mark Ogle
Olivia Lynn Olsen (piece donated by Julia Borden)
Michael Patterson
Pamela Peabody
Mary Beth Percival
Patricia Robinson-Grant
Elaine Snyder
Georgina Staggs
Janet Sullivan
Martha & Jerry Swanson
Roland Taylor
Sally Thomason
Nancy Treib
Ed Wolff
Dodie Wood