Brushstrokes and Beats

The Connection between Visual Arts and Music 

The Livingston Center for Art and Culture is proud to present Brushstrokes and Beats, The Connection Between Visual Arts and Music. Art can serve as a direct transmutation of music onto canvas or other forms of visual art. Through the interplay of art and music, artists invoke the essence of imagination, crafting works that deeply resonate with viewers. On display until June 14th, Brushstrokes and Beats features artists that were inspired by listening to music or watching musicians perform. A number of the invited artists were provided with Livingston singer-songwriter John Lowell’s album Snow on the Wineglass and asked to interpret one or more of his songs through their art. 

Park County artist Hannah Call was one of the artists asked to interpret John’s music, “When I was asked to create an interpretation of John Lowell’s music, I immediately felt at home. His classic cowboy melodies carry a feeling of worn-in honesty that I know so well from my time living on a ranch here in the valley. Interpreting that through painting was a unique adventure. Songs have the gift of time—they build, and breathe, and allow the space of several minutes to capture an idea, while a painting has to hold everything all at once. I aimed to capture how gesture, light, and texture could carry the same emotional weight as melody and verse. Instead of the obvious (and more literal) choice of the cowboy on the open range that John sings about, I chose to show the archetypal cowboy featured throughout the album in a quiet moment at rest, perhaps between his never-ending tasks on the ranch. I leaned into warm tones and softened edges, hoping to echo the way Lowell’s music feels earth-worn, grounded, and perfectly nostalgic.”

The public will have the opportunity to meet participating artists and listen to John Lowell’s music at an artist reception from 6 to 8 pm on May 30th. During the evening of June 12th, music will be provided by the Conleys between 7 and 8:30 pm. The Center is located at 119 South Main Street in historic downtown Livingston. 

For more information contact the Center at (406) 222-5222 or visit LivingstonCenter.org.