Confluence of Creativity Coming to the MDHC

Local artists Trish Stevenson and Afton Ray have gathered a treasure trove of local and regional artists to the "Confluence of Creativity" at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney. The show, which runs through July 27, will feature about 14 different artists including painters, a book illustrator, a glass artist and more, plus musical acts.

The Roundup will be regularly featuring artists from the show.

Linda Conradsen

A lifetime Montanan, Linda uses the rugged countryside and native creatures of her beautiful home state as the theme of many of her paintings. Although she works most often in oil and acrylics she also creates pencil sketches. Linda enjoys a challenge and is very flexible with clients.

"I've loved art since my early school years," says Linda, "but I only began taking a real interest in painting after I got married and started a family." She took classes from area artists and eventually began teaching her own classes. "After my family grew to 10 grandchildren, I haven't had time to teach, but I'm always willing to give helpful advice if anyone asks.

One of Linda's favorite commissions is a series of five paintings – "Clark on the Yellowstone." Each painting in the series depicts an event that occurred in the region during the Lewis & Clark Expedition. "Interestingly, all of the events were encounters Clark and his crew had in one single day – August 2, 1806," explained Linda.

Linda primarily does commission work and is happy to do "remarks" (original drawing or painting) on matting or paintings, in conjunction with her prints. "I feel very fortunate to have been given this talent by God, and to live in this great country." That sums up how Linda approaches her art.