Dewey Monson’s abstract artwork can fall anywhere between pure visual aesthetic to pure philosophical statement; his works exist at the ends of the continuum that shades into works that some may look at as outside the definition of art.

Some of his paintings are chromatic diversions from reality; others seem to have greater significance. Abstract paintings are obviously much different from landscape art, or still life, or nature art, and Monson’s abstractionist body of work separates itself from other nonrepresentational art styles, by stridently voicing its own spirit, know-how, and fanciful, often dreamlike niche.

“There’s a real fire in these abstracts,” says Monson. “There’s a deep well of feeling, and a deep fire within me, that comes out in my abstract work.”

Abounding in pigment, Monson’s abstract oil paintings have designs, shapes and colors that do not look like specific physical objects, making them a lot harder to understand than representational paintings. Indeed, when you look at the final result of this artist’s abstract work, you’re viewing the impulsive, uncontrived mixing of a puddle of paint on a paper palette, and you often have no idea what it is you are actually seeing.

“It’s funny but I didn’t think much of abstraction until seeing abstract works in 1997. Before then I felt as if abstractionists really didn’t know how to draw. But I saw this one abstract piece in particular and it sang to me. Even now, I’m not interested in drawing but in painting. I get to the painting as rapidly as I can,” says Monson.

In Monson’s paintings, he tries to capture his own vision of life, his own clandestine reality, and he hopes that his paintings will wallop a receptive, impressionable chord within the viewer’s sensibilities. That, to Monson, is the essence of artist to viewer communication, and epitomizes the essence of the aesthetic experience.

“I started painting in high school. Three years of art in high school, and college classes in art history and charcoal drawing were my training. All the rest has been self-taught, and by trial and error. In life, you learn by doing and trying and sometimes failing, more than by anything else,” says Monson.

Monson says that over the years his own artistic flavor has evolved from formal realism – the use of pastels and oil paints to depict people and still lifes – to a more abstract style, combining surrealistic and hypnotic imagery, ruptured geometric forms, and a dizzying array of vivid colors. With still life and landscape art, the beauty is already there, but an abstractionist has to create his own animated beauty – his own dramatic lines, shapes and colors.

One example of this mesmerizing imagery can be found in Monson’s 42x60 in. oil on canvas “Icon,” which blurs the boundaries of space and time, by splashing a radiantly beautiful geometric sun – ornamented to symbolize inner peace and tranquility – against the maniacal backdrop of the hectic skyscraper skyline embodying our overwrought ultramodern cities.

“I like using oil the most because it gives a unique range of techniques. I like the rich texture of oil on the canvas. With oils you can do a lot more blending than with other materials. But by using mixed media, like acrylics, I’ve been able to enhance the visual and textural aspects of my paintings more effectively,” says Monson.

Monson’s artistic sensibilities and love of painting glossy materials jumpstarted his journey into still life painting, a category that he’s shown savant skill in, especially when it comes to the simulation of true life and real objects in interesting, practical and precious ways.

“I do my still life and traditional landscape art from photographs because my method of painting is quite slow; real fruit would be compost by the time I’d be finished with it. So, I photograph items and pick out the images that I feel will make nice paintings. From there, I’ll start slathering the paint and see where it goes.”

Monson shows unflappable confidence when discussing his own work, which is a trait that he says he only acquired after many years of sweat and spiritual bonding in the art world.

“Painters that make it are the ones that have the greatest confidence in their work,” says Monson.

Just because he’s supremely self-assured with the overall quality of his eclectic artistic output doesn’t mean that Monson’s suffering from delusions of grandeur, or that he’s going to overdose on grandiloquence. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Self-confidence has fostered a fastidious eye in Monson, creating an excessively particular, critical, and demanding criteria that he needs to meet for himself as both an artist and as a patron of the arts.

Over the years, Monson has developed a technique, which he’s dubbed the “whip and splash” method, that comprises two layers of paint, each using an oil medium he mixes himself, and topped with a layer using a readymade oil medium that fits these exacting standards.

Most mornings, Monson is in his backyard studio, painting or pondering, undisturbed by sound, unmitigated by silence, often before the sun rises, many days as early as 5 a.m.

Sometimes, calling or summoning the strength to engage in the art of painting can be an inimical contest all by itself:

“Every painting is a challenge. Whether you’re struggling with the way you’re going to put the colors on, or wondering about what colors you’re going to use, every painting is tough.”

One thing that Monson has learned, however, is the ability to suppress restlessness and annoyance when confronted with delay or uncertainty. He understands that you don’t just slop on the paint to get a painting done.

“There’s a school of thought that feels that if you push yourself in the studio, then the painting won’t be good. If you leave the painting while you’re still excited, when you come back that excitement should still exist, and that helps create a much better painting.”

For more of Dewey Monson’s work, visit www.deweymonson.com.

Steve and Carrie Whitson are now in full throttle running their business, The Family Guardian, a child safety program, and are offering to do workshops - free of charge - to educate parents on how to communicate with and educate their children on how to be safe from child predators.

They came into the business after they were introduced to Child Shield USA, and embraced the additional security that protection program offered for their six children. They were so impressed by the program that they became registered agents for Child Shield USA, and became the first (and currently the only) agents in Montana.

Their dynamic workshops provide a wealth of information which is geared to prevent child abduction and to offer fascinating (and sometimes shocking) information from staggering statistics to education and resources.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tracks statistics on missing children. There is a 1 in a 100 chance your child will be missing this year. Every day there are over 2,000 children reported missing in the United States; and every 40 seconds another child becomes lost or missing in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice indicates that 797,500 children younger than 18 were reported missing in a one-year period, with the average of 2,185 reported missing every day. Of those, 203,900 were victims of family abductions, 58,200 were victims of non-family abductions and 115 were victims of the “stereotypical” kidnapping (of someone not known or barely known to the child).

One out of every 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by the time they reach 18. The highest rates of abductions occur with children between the ages of 11 – 18, typically by someone they know.

Locally, according to the National Alert Registry, as of February 19th, there are 498 registered sex offenders in Missoula (combined zip codes of 59801, 59802, 59803, 59804 and 59808 - nothing under post office boxes), 34 in Hamilton, 23 in Corvallis, 32 in Stevensville and 17 in Florence! See: www.RegisteredOffenderslist.com.

It was concerns like the above statistics that drew the Whitsons into purchasing the Child Shield program for their children, and later sharing that information with others via their Family Guardian business. They wanted to prevent something from happening by educating their children (without fear), and implement a program that is activated immediately should something (God forbid) actually occur by way of a missing child.

Parents are the most effective people to educate their children about safety. However, the approach taken may not have the depth necessary for a child’s true safety.

The biggest error many parents make is the standardized “don’t talk to strangers.” This statement seems like good advice, but in itself is much too vague. Kids, like adults, continuously run into strangers throughout their day. Is a stranger someone whom you haven’t given them permission to interact with? Is a stranger the school’s janitor, the substitute teacher, or a clerk at a convenience store? How about a police officer or their Scout master? That rule can be pretty confusing for a child, and difficult to discern what a stranger is.

Rather, the Whitsons recommend teaching kids red flags – situations when it is not appropriate for an adult to be approaching them, for any reason. Adults don’t normally ask kids questions, such as ask for directions, ask for help, etc. Obviously, keep your conversation with your child at a level they can comprehend.

Some red flags include:

· “I need help”

· Lost pet

· Directions

· Authority lures (very dangerous)

· Emergency lures

· Name recognition (keep kid’s IDs from general view!)

· Ego lure

· Bribery lures

· Affection lures

· Playmate lures

· Pornographic lure

· Toy lure

Luring techniques change constantly, but the foregoing remains the mainstay for predators. However, there may be clever ways for predators to contact and interact with your child on the Internet. Parents should always be vigilant when their children are on the Internet.

Should the “unthinkable” occur, and your child becomes missing, it is of extreme importance not to panic and to remain as calm as possible. Re-trace your child’s steps and explore all possibilities. Finally, if necessary, call the police.

The Family Guardian (via the Child Shield USA) provides wonderful tools of protection for children and families to safeguard from such an event, or, if it comes down to it, accelerate the process of finding your child. Child Shield USA offers a lifetime enrollment fee for its program and package, regularly $99 per family (which covers all children in the family), and a nominal $15/month fee. When a registered child becomes missing, Child Care USA immediately posts a reward of up to $50,000, hires a full-time private investigator, produces, duplicates and distributes full-color posters and videos with no waiting time or qualifications.

There is the national statistic that 10,000 in 1 million children become missing, and 40% are never found. Child Shield USA has had three out of 2 million missing, and ALL were recovered safely.

The workshops performed provide mountains of information on what and how to teach your child about safety, and the workshops are free. They are hosted by individuals, or organizations, such as scout organizations, schools, churches, etc. Participants of the workshops are not obligated to purchase anything.

Should you desire to host a workshop or have an inquiry about The Family Guardian, Steve and Carrie Whitson can be contacted at (406) 369-2443. They also have an excellent website: www.familyguardian.info.

Each week for the past 10 years, from December through March, employees of the Bitterroot NF have forsaken their warm offices, bundled up and ventured out onto the high slopes of the Bitterroot National Forest to assess the snow pack for avalanche hazards. This activity is part of a partnership with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center based in Missoula, Montana. The Center is hosted on the Lolo National Forest with support from the Bitterroot and Clearwater National Forests. The West Central Avalanche Center gathers snow pack information from five general areas across these National Forests: Swan Valley, St.Regis Basin, Rattlesnake, Lolo Pass, the Southern Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains. The information gathered is analyzed and a weekly avalanche advisory is issued. The advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass to Lookout Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains north of Missoula and the Southern Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. This information is indispensable for all winter backcountry travelers, whether you are a backcountry snow-mobiler or a skier.

On the Bitterroot NF, seven folks are involved in the program and assist with gathering the weekly snow pack information. They come from all professions and are united through their passion for winter backcountry safety. The individuals on the Forest are Rich Raines-Road Maintenance Coordinator, Ed Snook-Hydrologist, Betsy Ballard-Resource Coordinator, Cole Mayn-Soil and Watershed Program Manager, Bret Lewis-Engine Foreman, Joe Butsick – Resource Assistant and Stu Hoyt- Fire Management Officer. Each Thursday, some of these employees ski or snowmobile into the high country to gather crucial information about snow pack conditions. They try to visit a variety of locations to get the “pulse” of the snow pack basin-wide, and a feel for how the avalanche hazard may differ by aspect, elevation, and exposure to wind and sun.

The employees generally dig a snow pit at least two meters wide and typically down to the ground to inspect the snow pack profile. The density and depths of the snow layers is assessed and the temperature of the snow is taken at various depths in the snow pack. Snow crystal size and form are evaluated, as well as the relationship of these components between the snow layers. Several standardized snow stability tests are done, which measure how much energy it takes to break loose a slab from underlying weak layers. Inconsistencies that might indicate a weakness in the snow pack are noted.

A variety of snow conditions can lead to avalanches. High avalanche hazard generally results when cohesive, heavy surface layers sit upon weaker snow or hard ice layers, but other combinations also produce slides. Avalanches can be minimal such as a small loose snow avalanche, or they can be severe such as a large hard slab avalanche. Backcountry travelers in the Northern Rockies can observe all types of avalanches. Areas of greatest avalanche hazard are on the lee slopes of high alpine terrain where wind piles up the snow that has been “stolen” from windward slopes.

The slopes where people most often get in trouble with avalanches have angles of 33-38 degrees. This describes a lot of the peaks in the Montana-Idaho divide area, which have many accessible alpine slopes on north to northeast aspects.

After examining the snow in the high country, observations & measurements are entered into a computer program that creates a pit profile. The pit profile and a report of the day’s observations are then e-mailed to the West Montana Avalanche Center. There, Steve Karkanen of the Lolo NF evaluates all the pits and reports and writes the weekly Friday morning avalanche advisory.

The advisory can be accessed at www.missoulaavalanche.org and www.avalanche.org. The advisory is also announced on local radio stations each Friday morning. This information is indispensable for all winter backcountry travelers, no matter the mode of travel. Snow and weather conditions may change quickly, so be aware the published advisory may rapidly become obsolete.

From 1996-2002, 19% of the nation’s avalanche fatalities occurred in Montana. As of February 20, five avalanche fatalities have occurred in Montana during the current winter season. All were snowmobilers. Snowmobilers represent a bigger “trigger” on the snow pack than skiers, so they should pay extreme attention to their surroundings in the back country. The best warnings to winter backcountry travelers are:

1. Even before you head out the door, assess your travel route carefully and understand the terrain you will be traveling in. This is the single most important factor for your safety.

2. Be aware of rapid changes in temperature, wind, or snow fall.

3. Be aware of snow loading on lee slopes and snow accumulation due to wind effects.

4. Avoid terrain traps such as ravines/gullies where, if an avalanche did occur you could be buried where the sliding snow piles up the deepest.

5. If you must cross an avalanche path, do so one at a time, with other party members watching from a safe spot outside the path.

According to Raines, “The single most important recommendation that I can give the public about being in the backcountry in winter is to pay attention to your surroundings. Think about what is going on around you; don’t believe you are safe just because you have a bunch of expensive technical gear. This awareness could save your life!” With many avalanche victims dying of trauma, rather than suffocation, you must depend on route selection that will keep you out of avalanches, rather than hoping you can dig a partner out after being buried.

To improve your odds of surviving a burial, carry the following equipment if you are traveling in avalanche terrain during the winter months:

1. Transceiver/avalanche beeper.

2. Collapsible probe.

3. Shovel.

Carry all of these items on your “person”, as there will be no time to grab them off a snowmobile or sled if an avalanche does occur. You must not only have these items on you, but you must also know how to use them as well. If possible attend search and rescue or avalanche safety classes and practice using the equipment regularly.

An individual generally has only 15 – 20 minutes of survival time if buried in an avalanche. So it is crucial that you know how to use the equipment before you venture into the backcountry. When you have only 15 minutes to locate and then dig out your buddy, you do not have time to figure out how that transceiver works, or why your probe won’t stay together. The items listed above can be purchased at outdoor sports, ski or snowmobile shops. Avalanche education and search and rescue training is offered seasonally through the same shops and other organizations.

The time frame for rescue has another importance. If your partner gets caught in an avalanche, YOU have to be the rescuer. If you decide to go for help, rescue may turn into body recovery instead. Self-reliance is the key to successful rescue efforts!

The West Central Montana Avalanche Center web site (www.missoulaavalanche.org) is sponsored by the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

The Foundation is dedicated to promoting avalanche safety education and awareness to all interested user groups. The Center in partnership with the Foundation provides basic avalanche safety classes and transceiver clinics for interested citizens and groups. If you have been in the backcountry and would like to submit a snow pack observation report, please visit the Web site and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a training or lecture please call the Center at 406-329-3752. Enjoy the mountains and travel safely!!

In the Bitterroot Valley, alpacas, domesticated hoofed mammals related to llamas, are no longer an anomaly. In fact, there are at least seven ranches in Ravalli County raising alpacas for their fine and luxurious natural fibers. One such place to spy these soft, silky fleeced alpacas is at the ten-acre Yumedono Alpacas Ranch (you-may-dough-no) in Stevensville.

Yumedono is a Japanese word that means “dreaming place.” So the fact that there’s a bit of a cultural naming theme going on at Yumedono, with all of the animals named after Japanese words, such as Inazuma, Kizoku, Kentaro, Natsuko, and Yojinbo, shouldn’t addle anybody.

“My husband Ted and I both really like Japanese culture, and he suggested Yumedono. It’s also the name of an octagonal temple in Nara, Japan, and also happens to be the name of a terrific bottle of sake that he used to drink,” says Cheryl Tenold, owner of Yumedono Alpacas Ranch.

The Tenolds married in 2000 and moved to the Bitterroot Valley in March 2006. While the alpacas at the ranch are essentially Cheryl’s commodities, they’ve both been involved in the alpaca business since 2001, when they purchased their first maiden female, named Antoinette, from Rolling Thunder Farms in Canada. Since that time, they have sold Antoinette and her son Tipo, and have acquired four more females who have since given birth to another eleven animals. Today, fifteen animals are living at the ranch: nine females and six males.

Cheryl’s straightforward plan to start alpaca ranching has been implemented simply and successfully. She spent a few months building the infrastructure for the animals, including barns, sheds, and fencing, and then brought the first alpacas down from up north. Indeed, Cheryl asserts that these fluffy and inquisitive animals are worth every bit of the abundant attention that she’s been giving to them.

“Alpacas are very environmentally friendly, which makes me like them more because I’m a bit of a tree-hugger myself. They’re sustainable, and they don’t tear up the earth like other and much bigger livestock. Plus, you don’t have to kill them for their product, which is an absolutely wonderful fiber,” says Cheryl.

Prior to purchasing her first alpaca, Cheryl attended every alpaca-related seminar and educational forum that she could, including taking a class a few years ago in Canada about fiber sorting and classing. Indeed, she’s spent enough time around alpacas to clearly apprehend their character, nature, and subtleties.

“Alpacas come to you for affection on their own terms and are very aware of themselves. They definitely each have their own personality: Boys chest-butt and wrestle and girls spit at one another during conflicts over grain,” says Cheryl.

What makes alpacas most exceptional is the beautiful fiber that’s derived from these mild-mannered, gregarious animals. The wool can be clipped from the animal without causing it injury. The fibers of an alpaca – which has an average individual lifespan of around 15 years – are as soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool, and come in more colors than any other fiber producing animal (an alpaca has approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends). This fleece is sheared once a year, yielding roughly five to ten pounds of fiber, sometimes more or less, all depending on the size and density of the alpaca.

“It’s lightweight, hypoallergenic, and water-resistant. It’s long-lasting and creates heirloom-type products. Their fibers last for years and years. It’s a nice, breathable, warm and natural fiber,” says Cheryl.

Additionally, alpacas, says Cheryl, can be managed and maintained by a female rancher much easier than a number of other more bad-tempered and snappish livestock can be, making them the perfect fit for a woman’s ways.

“Women can do this by themselves. I do all the main care. I do need help with giving shots or trimming toenails or doing something that needs special care. Alpacas don’t require a restraining shoot, something you need with bigger livestock. This is something that I can do and that only requires my husband’s help a portion of the time, so he can still devote himself to his business,” says Cheryl.

Ted takes pleasure in the animals, too. He doesn’t mind chipping in his time and carrying out daily ranch chores or offering a helping hand when it’s needed. “My wife is an alpaca rancher and that pretty much makes me an alpaca rancher,” laughs Ted.

“He loves having them here. We spend so much time standing at the windows and just watching them,” says Cheryl.

Alpacas are a ranchers’ dream because they only need modest amounts of food and are generally easy to maintain. Plus, alpacas don’t actually spit all the time, which is the single greatest misconception about them. “They’ll get into little spit fests over food, but that’s usually about it. It’s not so bad,” says Cheryl.

There are seven alpaca ranchers in Ravalli County that the Tenolds know about, and it seems as if all these folks have gotten together to form their own self-supportive industry.

“If you’re having a problem you can call a fellow alpaca rancher and they’ll help you out and share their education.”

Cheryl says that the Bitterroot Valley’s moderate climate is conducive to raising healthy alpacas. Alpacas, indigenous to South America and its generally balanced weather patterns, don’t deal well with the heat or cold stresses brought about by extreme temperature changes. They are most content with a little bit of pastureland and all four seasons.

“The area here supplies a weather that makes it cold enough that the fiber has enough reason to grow, and is not so hot that you have to hose them down to keep them cool. It’s perfect.”

Cheryl says that while the Yumedono Ranch is still a proverbial work in progress, visitors are always welcome, and a simple call in advance will give her and her husband the time to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate them.

“We want more folks to come and meet the alpacas and to learn about the sustainable livestock business of alpaca ranching. Hopefully, things here will continue to grow and change and I’ll continue to learn more about alpacas.”

For more information about Yumedono Alpacas, you may contact Cheryl Tenold at 777-3822. www.yumedono.com. The Yumedono Ranch recently held an open house and a $100 gift certificate was won by Gerri Mason of Stevensville. In the future, Yumedono Alpacas would like to participate in an alpaca 4H project and act as host farm, providing animals for kids to work with. Please contact Cheryl if your school is interested in participating in such a project.