Works of Art

Helena, Montana has been listed as one of the “100 best small art towns in America.” The Holter Museum, Archie Bray Foundation, the Ghost Art Gallery and many local artists have helped to earn this reputation.

Every December, the Holter Museum hosts a week-long event, called the HO HO Holter Holiday Gift Sale, at which the work of local artists is displayed and sold. I have found some wonderful gifts for friends and family at this event. This past year, the gift I found was for ... me!  As I was browsing through the art for sale, I noticed a table with an assortment of little ceramic horses.  They were a variety of colors and markings, and were made to hold candles, with indentations at the spot on their backs where a saddle is usually placed.

handmade ceramic horses

It was love at first sight.  I oohed and aahed over them. However, not being one to give in to impulse purchases of impractical items, I moved on. 

My heart stayed at the table with the whimsical little horses.  I circled back to them several times, and exclaimed over them to my husband. He finally overruled my protests, that they were not practical and I really didn't need them. “You like them - so just buy them.”

He was right. Our lives are made richer by the arts. Everyone's tastes are different, and it is important to select pieces because of how they make you feel, not simply because they are valuable or well thought of by others. Buying a piece of artwork that gives us pleasure and feeds our soul is a good investment. 

It did not take me long to choose the two horses I wanted.  The horse with the black mane and socks and the one with the white nose had both drawn me in with their cheerful, friendly appearances. I felt gleeful as the museum worker carefully wrapped them for me to take home.  She asked if they were a gift; I said, “Yes - for myself.” 

These two little horses have graced both our table and our mantle since December. They have been bareback at times and have carried various colors of candles at others.  At Christmas time they held some Santa Claus shaped candles, and it actually looked as though Santa Claus was mounted on horseback!

Santa on horseback

I have never tired of my purchase, and they often make me smile when I look at them. They were a want, not a need - but I am very glad that I have them.

Do you have a favorite piece of art that brings you joy?

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