Art House Billings Presents The Makers

Jessica is the Executive Director of the Yellowstone Art Museum.  She is not only a museum director and educator, but she's passionate about creating inclusive, mission-driven cultural spaces where art connects people, ideas, and communities. Through thoughtful leadership and collaborative planning, She works to ensure museums are both creatively inspiring and operationally resilient.  So much good stuff in this episode and Billings is better because of her work!  If you'd like to follow along: https://www.artmuseum.org/ https://www.instagram.com/jessicakayruhle/ 

Brad is an Owner, Principal and Commercial Design Leader at Cushing Terrell.  He's been in Billings for years and making so much happen as we grow and develop as a community.  As an architect, Brad is responsible for working on many different projects and pieces over the years that have made our city (and region) what it is.  Listen in and follow along with all the things happening in Brad's world at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-sperry/  https://www.instagram.com/cushingterrell/

Chris Smith is someone who's been in Billings creating great things for decades, but there's a chance you haven't heard of him and we can't wait to change that.  Chris has had a career of music in churches, but in the midst of regularly singing, playing, and leading bands on the weekends, he's also been writing and creating some great music.  There's a lot to discover (stylistically and content-wise).  Head to his website to discover and experience more! www.chrissmithcreates.com 

Bess Fredlund is a Maker!  If you've been in the arts/dance world at all in Billings, MT, we are sure you've heard of or at least experienced the impact of what Bess has brought to our community.  Whether it's The Yoga Center, Rocky Mountain College, Alberta Bair Theater, The Fringe Festival, or one of the many other things she's created or been a part of, chances are you've have heard of or interacted with her work.  It doesn't appear she's slowing down anytime soon and you can follow more of her work at: https://www.bessfredlund.com https://www.instagram.com/bessfredlund/?hl=en

Morgan is a lawyer in Billings who not only creates beauty through her professional career, but someone who has chosen to spend her time and energy in the world of modern dance as well.  If you don't know...Billings has an incredible modern dance scene and Morgan (with Arc) are foundational for that scene.  Don't miss our discussion of all things dance, community, planning, and more!  Don't miss connecting with this incredible Maker! https://www.instagram.com/arcamontanadancecollective https://www.arcamontanadancecollective.com/ Morgan Dake - Attorney at Crowley Fleck Attorneys PLLPLinkedIn · Morgan Dake260+ followers

Chef Ashley is in the (Art) House!  Ashley is one who's been so supportive and engaged in Art House Billings for years and we are so excited to sit with her, learn more about her, hear what she's got going on, and invite more and more people to engage with her work.  She's got a lot going on, but if you're interested you can always find out what she's up to by following along (links below): kitchenpartyy https://www.instagram.com/kirksgrocery/ https://www.rosehollowcatering.com/

He's a guitarist, a teacher, a record label executive, a husband, a father, and just an all around great guy...Alex Nauman!  Whether you've been super engaged in the Billings music scene in the last decade (plus) or you have causally found yourself in spaces with live music, chances are you have run into and heard Alex.  He continues to push our community forward musically and we couldn't be more excited to sit and chat with this Maker!  Connect with and follow Alex at: https://www.youtube.com/alexnaumanmusic https://www.instagram.com/alexnaumanmusic https://alexnaumanmusic.com/home https://alliedrecords.org/home

Onyx is a local drag queen in Billings who is not only bringing their joy and art to our community through great performances, but making substantial waves in her creation of and leadership in The Brick Haus.  Don't miss this opportunity to not only hear from an incredible artist, but possibly learn something new about an art form you possibly haven't experienced (at least Matt learned a lot)! You can find Onyx at https://www.instagram.com/its_onyx_echo/?hl=en or The Brick Haus at https://www.instagram.com/the.brick.haus/?hl=en 

You know him (hopefully), you love him (if not yet, you will)...it's Brian Oestreich!  Brian is the Creative Director of Art House Billings and is responsible for all programming, booking, theater tech, marketing, design, film knowledge, and hot takes.  He's someone who has become integral to what makes Art House "Art House".  We are so excited to not just have him on the team, but to have the opportunity to hear more of his story and get to know the man behind the movies a little better.  He is truly making our community better with everything he brings in his personality, passion, and profession.

Jake Iverson has been the Arts and Entertainment Reporter at the Billings Gazette the past few years, but has recently moved into the City Editor position.  Whether he's writing about arts and culture or speaking to local news in general, we are fortunate to have the work and art that Jake brings regularly to our community.  He's got a passion for music, film, baseball, history, and helping those around find the same joy and critique of the world around.  Follow Jake at https://www.instagram.com/jakei57/ and don't miss this truly enjoyable conversation and Maker.

Jon Lodge grew up in Red Lodge, Montana, and studied jazz performance and composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the 1960s. After becoming the school’s photographer and art director, he gradually migrated into visual media. Lodge’s work fuses systems and methodologies of music and visual art with idiosyncratic materials and processes to operate in what he calls a planned system of randomness. This episode explores so much, yet at the same time feels like we just scratched the surface.  If you're interested in Jon's work you can find it at www.jonlodge.com or on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jon.lodge/ 

Larry Bean is a local artist/photographer who brings vibrancy and emotion to black and white photos that are sure to move you.  Not only is this skill present it his visual art, but his personality and process behind his work is one that is sure to move you as well.  There's so much to see and explore in this episode or by heading to his website at https://www.larrybeanphotography.com/ 

Ruth has been a consistent force of progress and support for our community and our history for decades now. She's one of the smartest, kindest, and most passionate people we've interacted with on this topic, and it was great to sit down with her. It's an opportunity to hear her story, what she's passionate about, and where she hopes to see things move forward.

Nick Steen is the owner and chef at Walkers Grill.  If you haven't been to Walkers...you're missing out on some incredible food, but more than that, you're missing out on some incredible culture and experiences.  Nick continues to innovate and create through not only his culinary creations, but the way he treats his staff and patrons and Billings is better for it.  Listen in to hear about all the things this Maker is up to and book a table now at www.walkersgrill.com!

We are so excited to sit down with one of Billings most influential and pioneering leaders and makers, Corby Skinner.  As you'll discover in this interview, Corby has been involved in a lot over the years and his choice to continue in creating and investing in so many organizations, artists, and people shows.  While there's a long list of accomplishments for Corby up to this point, there's even more to come as he's as busy as ever making our community into the great place that it is.  If you're interested in Corby, his work or want to reach out to him, you can follow him on instagram or email him at [email protected]

Shane de Leon is an artist, musician, and owner of Kirks’ Grocery. His current work focuses on paper and fabric with glue, acrylic paint, glitter, trash, and watercolor, and is becoming more conceptual and sculptural.Born in Billings, MT. He has worked under many aliases including Starbage Hands, Starbage Can, Olive Analog, Tina Bortions, Shane de leon, Deleon King, Shane de Leon Sauers von Werssowetz, and many more. All that to say, this man has done a lot and is one of Billings' most prominent Makers.  We are so excited to sit with him and hear all about what inspires and drives him along with what he's currently working on!

Matt had the opportunity to sit down with Manette Rene Bradford and boy was it good!  Manette is a local artist doing some incredible work and is currently the artist in residence at the Yellowstone Art Museum. Not only is her work incredible, but what she puts into her pieces (the thought, story, philosophy) is what truly shines through in this conversation.  Don't miss out on all the great work happening with Manette.  Listen in and check out her work at: https://manetterenebradford.com/home.html https://www.artmuseum.org/project/manette-rene-bradford/ https://www.instagram.com/manette_rene_bradford/

Gordon has been a close friend, support, and influencer of all things Art House for years.  He's someone that exudes joy and generosity in all things and we couldn't be more honored to sit with him and hear his thoughts as a maker in our community. Don't miss his work now showing at www.kirksgrocery.com

Welcome to the first episode of "The Makers"! The more we (Art House Billings) work to connect Billings through great film, art, and culture, the more we find great people who are doing similar work. Grant Jones is one of those people. Through his thoughtful and artistic songwriting, Grant helps us see the world, ourselves, and our relationships in a unique, honest, and loving way. It also helps that his songs can be catchy as a softball lob. Take some time to understand who this man is and what's in store for our city! https://www.instagram.com/grantallenjones/