Over the past five years, Cassens Fine Art has made a name for itself and become a sanctuary for western artists and enthusiasts alike. But its impact goes beyond its walls in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Montana.
For the past two years now, the gallery has hosted an artist retreat that is quickly becoming a highly anticipated annual event celebrating art, nature, and the unparalleled spirit of artistic camaraderie.
Over the past five years, Cassens Fine Art has made a name for itself and become a sanctuary for western artists and enthusiasts alike. But its impact goes beyond its walls in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Montana. For the past two years now, the gallery has hosted an artist retreat that is quickly becoming a highly anticipated annual event celebrating art, nature, and the unparalleled spirit of artistic camaraderie.
Last October, scenes from East Glacier created during the inaugural retreat in August 2023 graced the walls of the gallery and stories of soil whispered from beyond the canvas to all who walked through the door. This October, scenes captured during the second annual retreat will once again enchant galley-goers with each stroke of paint.
Last year, the gallery sat down with each of the retreat’s participating artists to hear about their experience. This year, the gallery sat down with the gallery owner, framer, curator, and woman behind the scenes, Michelle Cassens, to share her original vision for the retreat, its guiding philosophy, and how she envisions its evolution over the years.
Honoring the Meaning of “Retreat”
Right off the bat, Michelle described the retreat as “a space where artists can be artists, free from the demands of social media, sales, and deadlines,” - a space that can be hard for most artists to find in today’s world. The idea for the retreat began as a casual conversation around a dinner table in Great Falls, Montana after a long day spent at Western Art Week. Surrounded by artists, Michelle listened as they talked about the various events and retreats they had attended. What she heard between the lines was a need for a gathering that wasn’t tied to galleries, museums, or fundraising organizations; a need for a pressure free retreat designed purely with the artist in mind.
“What would that look like?” she pondered in her head as the conversation continued to swirl around her. Then, artist Ken Yarus pulled Michelle’s focus back to the table teasing, “You know Michelle, if you want artwork for your gallery, give me a date, and set me up somewhere where I can work, put it on my calendar.” While it was meant to be a joke, Michelle gave it some serious consideration and suggested hosting a week-long retreat where artists could create freely and then the gallery could hold an exhibition of the resulting work, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved. The artists wouldn’t have to pay to attend the retreat and Michelle would receive art for the gallery that she could sell to cover the costs.
With that, the seed was planted and when she returned from Western Art Week, Michelle began taking steps to bring such a retreat to life. With family ties to a ranch in East Glacier, she had a location and then worked to set a date that was ideal for both the ranch and the artists. When it came to the structure of the retreat, less was more in Michelle’s mind. She went in with an objection to leave it intentionally uncurated with a free-flowing nature. "I serve them food, and they serve me paintings," she said with humorously.
In reality, she soon came to realize it really was as simple as that.
The retreat kicks off with a welcome dinner, where everyone gets a feel for the ranch, and Michelle lays out a few guidelines - don’t bump into the electric fences. From there, the schedule is loose. The artists are given the freedom to explore the vast landscape of East Glacier inside and outside the park, paint at their leisure, and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow painters.
This freedom, combined with the remote natural beauty of the area fosters an environment where the artists can fully steep themselves in the creative process without distraction. “My aim is there to be no stress whatsoever” explained Michelle. “When you’re finished eating dinner and the sun is beginning to set, you don’t have to do the dishes. It’s sunset—go paint, enjoy.”
In fact, that’s become one of the most memorable moments in Michelle’s mind from this year’s retreat. On the third night of the retreat, the artists collectively decided to hike up a hill on the ranch that overlooks the Rocky Mountain Front, including peaks like Divide, Mad Wolf, and Heavy Runner. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the mountains. When the artists reached the top, they began to fan out across the hill, each selecting their own vantage point.
“As I hiked up the hill, my toddler on my back, I couldn't help but notice that all the artists seemed to be painting in the opposite direction of the breathtaking Rocky Mountain Front. ‘Why aren’t they painting the mountains?’ I wondered. And then it happened. The moon began to rise,” Michelle recalled. “Richie Carter was already poised in the perfect position, his gaze locked on the emerging moon. He had been photographing it on his phone, documenting the breathtaking moment as the moon ascended from the horizon.”
What resulted on his canvas was a moonlit scene named, Mad Wolf Moonrise - a piece so breathtaking that it was quickly claimed by a lucky collector who had spotted it on Instagram before it had the chance to be hung.
This moment on the hilltop is a testament to the way artists see things that most of us might overlook, saying with each brushstroke, “But look what you’re missing over here.” This is why art is important. It opens our eyes to what we might not otherwise notice and, in doing so, calls us to our own attention. For centuries, artists throughout history have shaped our understanding of the world around us by simply pointing out the world around us. Like explorers and documentarians such as Lewis and Clark, or painters like Remington and Russell who immortalized the American West, plein air artists study the natural environment and present it back to us through their own unique perspectives. And it’s these personal interpretations that enrich our culture and allow us to see the world through different lenses. They challenge us to look at the world in new ways and remind us of the beauty that exists all around us.
By the end of this year’s retreat, 96 paintings lined the perimeter of the ranch’s kitchen. While not all of them will be shown, the next stop for these paintings will be the walls of Cassens Fine Art to be viewed by the public. The artists have the freedom to decide what will ultimately be shown and what won’t, choosing only the pieces they feel connected to the most - giving them full ownership over the entire creative process and their body of work.
What to Expect at the Upcoming Exhibition
The second annual Cassens Fine Art Artists Retreat exhibition this October promises to be a vivid celebration of artistic camaraderie and the natural wonder and beauty of ancient lands. Collectors and art enthusiasts alike who come to the gallery to view the exhibition will be greeted by an array of pieces, each reflective of the unique perspective and experiences of the artists involved.
For instance, Jordan Walker will be presenting his first-ever paintings of Glacier National Park. Despite his extensive experience painting national parks, this was his inaugural opportunity to immerse himself in Glacier's breathtaking landscapes. His pieces capture the raw, untamed beauty of the park, with an energy that seems to set the mountains in motion.
Meanwhile, Turner Vinson, a returning participant, has evolved his style significantly since last year. His bold use of impasto, where thick, textured strokes dominate the canvas, reflects his growing confidence. Vinson has even started experimenting with different tools, including his hands, to apply paint, bringing a dynamic and tactile quality to his work.
A friend of the gallery, Joe Guerra, will be showing his first gouache paintings from the retreat, offering a refreshing contrast to his usual style. His works, delicate and beautifully rendered, provide a new dimension to the exhibition, inviting viewers to appreciate the subtleties of this medium.
Then there’s Jake Gaedtke, whose mastery in depicting ponds and bodies of water is evident in this year's collection. A second-year participant, Gaedtke returned to his favorite locations, producing paintings that feel both familiar and new, a testament to his intimate connection with the landscape.
For fans of pastoral scenes, Nate Closson and Tyler Murphy spent much of their time painting horses on the ranch, capturing the essence of rural Montana. Their works exude a sense of calm, offering a quiet, contemplative view of life in the Rocky Mountain West.
Richie Carter ventured into figurative painting, and the results are impressive. One of his pieces depicts a gallery staff member sitting patiently on a horse. This unique moment of collaboration between the gallery and the artists resulted in a work that feels deeply personal and immersive.
Of course, Ken Yarus, known for his exquisite paintings depicting scenes inside Glacier National Park, will present pieces that are both unexpected and striking. Ken painted a standout piece focused on a dilapidated hay bale that most would find unsightly. Yet, through his lens, this decaying object becomes a stunning work of art, a reflection of his ability to find beauty in the mundane.
An Ever-Evolving Experience
The number one piece of feedback Michelle received after the first retreat was to make it longer. So this year, she extended it to span four full days instead of three. Another change implemented this year was introducing a more structured meal schedule with a set breakfast time each morning. This simple change fostered a greeted sense of community as the artists gathered to share meals and conversations, allowing for more intentional moments of connection and a reliable touchpoint with everyone each day. Two more artists were also invited to join the retreat, further building on the creative energy and camaraderie of the group.
Unlike most plein air events, this one isn’t open for public registration. It’s an invitation-only experience, carefully curated by Michelle herself. “It’s a selective process,” she explained. Michelle takes the task of choosing artists very seriously. Each artist is chosen not for their accolades or awards but for their unique artistic perspective and their passion for the land. The goal is to bring together individuals who can push their craft beyond simply depicting a landscape. “Each artist brings something special to the group dynamic,” she adds.
Selecting artists for the retreat is no easy task, but it’s one that Michelle approaches with great thought and care. “The goal is to foster an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and respect for the land. The retreat is about honoring what the artists see and interpreting it in their own, unique ways,” she said. Michelle believes that as the years go by, the selection process will only get harder, but the gallery’s commitment to upholding the retreat’s vision remains steadfast.
A Timeless Tradition and a Lasting Legacy
As the retreat continues to grow in reputation, Michelle is keenly aware of the impact it has on the broader art community. “This isn’t just about Cassens Fine Art or the artists who attend the retreat,” she explains. “It’s about contributing to a larger conversation about the role of art in our lives. It’s about showing that art is not confined to galleries or museums—it’s part of who we are as people.”
For Michelle, the retreat is a reminder of why she began this journey in the first place. “Five years ago, when I took over the gallery, I didn’t know exactly where this path would lead,” she reflects. “But now, seeing what we’ve created with this retreat, it feels like a success. It’s a success because it goes beyond the gallery walls—it’s about building something that lasts, something that matters.”
“As long as we’re hosting it, I want this retreat to be a tradition of gratitude to the artists and their craft,” said Michelle. “Art is more than just a wall and a frame. It’s about the experience, the connection, and the emotions it evokes. And that’s what this retreat celebrates.”
The public is invited to attend the opening reception featuring the works of the second annual Cassens Fine Art Artist’s Retreat on October 4th, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cassens Fine Art, located at 215 West Main St. Hamilton, Montana 59840. This is a unique opportunity to meet the artists behind each of the pieces, see the magic of artistic camaraderie on the canvas, and notice what you might not have seen before.
For more information about the exhibition head here, or contact the gallery at 406-363-4112.