"Montana Fabric" Oil Paintings by Pat Olding
The exhibition "Montana Fabric" is on view August 1-25, 2025. Join us for the Opening Reception from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This event is free and open to the public.
Pat Olding is palette knife painter and outdoor enthusiast. She lives south of Red Lodge where she can often be found painting in her studio with her long hair dachshund, Reese at her feet.
PAT OLDING'S STATEMENT ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION:
Montana Fabric, like all my painting, is designed to create a path to discovery for me the viewer. The twenty-plus paintings are primarily comprised of two unlikely compositional elements, majestic Montana animals and precise quilt or fabric designs. The purpose of the juxtaposition of these two elements is to demonstrate that the inclusion of both these elements, even though not dependent on each other, they both benefit and are enriched by each other.
On the surface we can appreciate the majestic animals with simple pattern’s, existing in the same time, contributing to the same painting. They are threads crossing each other being fastened into the painting like the interlocking strokes and layers of paint.
Without each thread fabric becomes unwoven. Without each element the society fabric as we know it does not exist. This show is about the celebration of each and every thread that makes Montana whole. With an understanding of the multiple elements, we acknowledge everyone’s good talents and contributions. This is what makes our community enjoyable, profitable and supportive.
The concept for this show came about after reading that Sidney, Montana women (like many other American women) created quilts for auction during WWII. The proceeds were used to buy cigarettes and candies for the soldiers. These unsung talents were used to support the war effort. I thought if I recognized these efforts with some of the most majestic elements of Montana, they would be seen as equal threads of the fabric. By doing this I am also hoping viewers will recognize all the talents, all the efforts and all the treads that make the Montana Fabric.
The combination of animals and quilts is sometimes bold and other times subtle. The beauty of each element and their relationship on my canvas are meant to provide visual beauty and provoke thoughtfulness. Please accept the show as appreciation for Montana.
