OCTOBER’S HANDS-ON ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKENDS UNDER THE “BIG SKY”

 OCTOBER’S HANDS-ON ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKENDS AT TRIPLE CREEK RANCH INVITE GUESTS TO STRENGTHEN SKILLS UNDER THE “BIG SKY”

Darby, Montana – August 2010 – A favorite destination of artists and photographers, Triple Creek Ranch has a long history of nurturing the creative arts.  Its setting in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, as well as its art-filled Lodge and private log cabins and immersive guest programs, create an environment that inspires and encourages both the aspiring and accomplished artist. This fall, arts-loving guests will have an opportunity to fine-tune their skills alongside some of the West’s most accomplished professionals when the ranch once again hosts its highly regarded Artists’ Workshop Weekends (Oct. 7-10, Oct. 14-17, Oct. 21-24) and David Stoecklein Photography Weekend¸ (Oct. 28-31).

The participatory weekends further demonstrate the Relais & Châteaux property’s appreciation for art, as captured in its extensive private collection of original Western art found both in the Lodge and throughout the recently refreshed private log cabins, which now also feature new fireplaces, fabrics and furnishings.  Original works by grand masters such as Charles Russell, Frederick Remington, Joseph Henry Sharp and Eanger Irving Couse and contemporary artists such as Carol Hagan, Brent Cotton and Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey and photographer David Stoecklein create an atmosphere infused with the spirit of the West.  Many of the works are from the private collection of the ranch’s owners, devoted collectors Barbara and Craig Barrett.

Scheduled October 7 – 10, October 14 – 17 and October 21 – 24, 2010, the series of four-day/three-night Artists’ Workshop Weekends each feature three celebrated artists leading a full program of morning and afternoon hands-on workshops.  Additional sessions include Painting; Artists at Work, featuring artists demonstrating and displaying their work; and the World of Art, an introduction to how, when and where to buy art.  In addition to the workshops, the all-inclusive weekends include luxurious accommodations in a mountain cabin with wood-burning fireplace and hot tub (in cabin or nearby), gourmet meals and complimentary house wine and spirits, ranch activities, artists’ welcome reception, a guided tour of the Ranch’s art collection and farewell art exhibit.  The three-night/four-day weekends are priced from $2,100 to $3,435 per couple, inclusive of all meals, beverages and on-ranch activities.

The nine artists include the aforementioned Hagan and Cotton, as well as Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey (October 7 – 10), Julie Jeppsen, Joe Kronenberg and Graham Flatt (October 14 – 17) and Greg Kelsey, H. Steve Oiestad and Jean Richardson (October 21 – 24).

Award-winning photographer Stoecklein, whose work is hailed for its authenticity in capturing the spirit of the American West, will lead the David Stoecklein Photography Weekend scheduled October 28 – 31, 2010.  Alongside the world-famous photographer, guests will refine their technique, trade ideas and opinions and gain inspiration from new subject matter and the scenic surroundings of the Bitterroot Valley.  Stoecklein has authored or co-authored numerous books, including Cowboy Gear, The Montana Cowboy and Cowgirls in Heaven.  An engaging and educational program, the two-day workshop is priced $1,500 per person.  Luxurious mountain cabin accommodations start at $650 per couple, per night, and include all meals, beverages and ranch activities.

It’s hard to imagine a more inspiring setting for focusing on and fine-tuning one’s craft.  Nestled in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies, Triple Creek Ranch is situated on the wooded slopes of Trapper Peak amidst the expansive Bitterroot National Forest.  This spring, a resort-wide renovation added new fabrics, appointments and original Western art to all cabins, including works from the owners' personal collection.  Cabins feature wood-burning fireplaces and a private or nearby hot tub, and come with a fully stocked and complimentary wet bar, freshly baked cookies and trail mix.  All cabins are equipped with direct-dial phones, satellite television, WiFi, and CD and DVD players.

Whether guests are exploring the ranch on horseback, hiking, birding or fly-fishing, they will enjoy the natural beauty of the setting and abundant wildlife. For relaxation, a massage in the privacy of the guest cabin and a hot tub soak among the Ponderosa pines make inviting options. When curling up with a good book is the preference, a crackling log fire in the cabin is especially cozy.

Well-known for its culinary superiority, the ranch features an expansive dining room and bar, a chef’s table with views of the Bitterroot Mountains, and a climate-controlled wine cellar with an extensive collection of more than 500 wines from the world's premier winemaking regions.  A series of vintner weekends is held each spring, featuring wine dinners and seminars with premier West Coast vintners.  Triple Creek Ranch is a repeat recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the Wine Enthusiast Award of Distinction.

About Triple Creek Ranch

Voted the #1 inn in the US and the #2 hotel worldwide in Travel + Leisure’s&nb
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