GREAT FALLS — Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art hosted its first-ever drive-through Arts on Fire on Saturday morning, in an attempt to make art accessible to the community while putting safety first during the pandemic.
This year's festivities were also drive-in themed. The Great Falls storytellers welcomed cars while dressed up as famous artists. From there, participants drove past booths picking up free take-home art kits and watching art in action along the way, from pottery making to belly dancing.
The museum’s education director, William Harning, explained how this year’s event allowed participants to experience the same traditions in a unique way.
“There’s a vintage aspect that kind of comes with it — a sense of nostalgia," Harning said. "And people are able to come through, still experience our giveback to the community, and take these projects home to make."
He added that holding Arts on Fire in this way might be more advantageous to those participating this year.
“I think the aspect of these take-and-makes is allowing people to realize what makes up art, what you can do with art, and the possibilities of being able to do it at home,” Harning said.
Community support makes the event free to the public.
“We hit such a diverse group of people here in the community…And we want to be able to show our appreciation to them by giving them these free take-home projects,” Harning said.
The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art holds other art classes and events throughout the year. You can find more information about those here.
