Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

FAMED WESTERN artist Charlie Russell was a lousy student with a talent for drawing. Born in St. Louis, he didn't like school much. He would become one of the world's best known western artists.

HOLLYWOOD came to Montana in 1969 to film a movie that would change the way the world views indigenous people. The film was "Little Big Man."

A troupe of actors makes its way across the U.S., as silent movies give way to the talkies. Side trips to Paris and London, with a stop in rural Montana, plus a love triangle, drug addiction, show biz flair, loyalty tested, gunslingers, jealousies and dreams. Critics praised the tone, detail, intricate relationships and colorful rendering of place, period and interesting people.

Tippet Rise nature and music converge

Step into Montana history at the Grand Hotel in Big Timber. This beautifully restored landmark blends Old West charm with modern comfort, making it an ideal stop for travelers exploring the Yellowstone River Valley, the Crazy Mountains, and nearby outdoor adventures. Enjoy historic architecture, welcoming hospitality, and a true taste of small-town Montana.

MONTANA SHAKESPEARE in the Parks has been happily persevering for 54 years. That's how long a dedicated company of talented actors and technical wizards has been sharing Shakespeare's magic with rural communities in an impressive five-state region. Through rain, wind, heat, cold and occasional hail, the show goes on.

HOW DOES ONE make Shakespeare palatable to groups of fidgety youngsters? Montana Shakespeare in the Schools has the answer and is sharing it with thousands of kids in small towns across two states. Make it lively! Dress the actors in eye-catching costumes and have them speak distinctly so kids can understand the lines. Throw in physical humor and dance steps to keep things moving.

Rick Cosgriffe's decades long fascination with Oriental brush stroke painting shows in his graceful and detailed work. These jars are inspired by the wildflowers of his native Montana. Sumi brush painting influenced Montana born artist's unique pottery style PORCELAIN COLLECTION GOES FOR SALE AS ARTIST MARKETS COLLECTION OF VINTAGE SHOW PIECES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Artist Cosgriffe's fine porcelain pottery caught the eye of New York Times art critic

A "bonus concert" arranged just days before, capped a weekend opening as world class musicians performed at Tippet Rise' Art Center....

TRAVELING TROUPE BRINGS SHAKESPEARE TO THE MASSES IN AMBITIOUS MONTANA PROGRAM STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER As "Hamlet," Riley O'Toole delivers the famous "alas poor Yorick" speech. It is one of the Bard's most famous speeches, reflecting on the brevity of life. The skull is his jester's. A wide-ranging group of several hundred people watched a spectacular "Hamlet" in Fishtail Family Park. All ages make up the audience which offered a standing ovation

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Tippet Rise Art Center in south-central Montana, where monumental outdoor sculptures, world-class music, and sweeping mountain landscapes create an unforgettable experience. Wander scenic trails, admire internationally acclaimed artwork, and enjoy one of Montana's most unique cultural destinations, blending art, architecture, and nature in perfect harmony.

Gratitude comes in family size for Christene "Cookie" Meyers, in center, surrounded by her clan of siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, adopted family and the next generation. GATHER TOGETHER, ROLL MERRILY ALONG, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, BE GRATEFUL FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY Editor's Note: Our annual Thanksgiving essay is dedicated to our American friends and family and extended clan and pals abroad who celebrate their thanks on other days. Cookie and Grandpa Gus on Thanksgiving Day

Artist Mark di Suvero's "Beethoven's Quartet" is a stunning work. An art tour participant in the left of the photo gives a sense of the...

The clan gathered for a birthday party for Christene "Cookie" Meyers, but she didn't know it was also a wedding. Her longtime partner, photographer Bruce Keller, had arranged the ceremony with the couple's niece and nephew, Amarylla and Steve Ganner. "Father Steve" officiated. "Father Steve," a San Francisco lay minister, has officiated at other weddings. He and his wife, Cookie's niece Amarylla, secretly arranged with Keller to add a wedding to the birthday bash. GROOM P

More than five decades after Little Big Man transformed the Western movie genre, Christine "Cookie" Myers returned to celebrate the film's enduring legacy. As a 20-year-old cast member during production and a featured speaker at the Little Big Man Symposium, she shared behind-the-scenes memories of one of Montana's most influential films.

One of Big Sky Country's treasured institutions is Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, beloved by thousands for its energy, dedication and rich history. Grab your lawn chair and enjoy the Bard in Big Sky Country! Since 1973, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) has brought free, professional theater to rural communities. Originating as a small outreach program, this beloved tradition has blossomed into a cherished regional phenomenon.

Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, is a must-visit destination for its unparalleled concentration of geothermal wonders, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. As a premier wildlife sanctuary, visitors can see bison herds, bears, and wolves in their natural habitat while exploring stunning mountain scenery, alpine rivers, and the massive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Nestled in the heart of Big Sky Country, the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or just looking for a unique day out, this museum offers an unforgettable experience.

Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, is a must-visit destination for its unparalleled concentration of geothermal wonders, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. As a premier wildlife sanctuary, visitors can see bison herds, bears, and wolves in their natural habitat while exploring stunning mountain scenery, alpine rivers, and the massive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

One hundred fifty years ago, Yellowstone was created, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant. Happy Birthday, wonderful Yellowstone.