About Monte Dolack :
A native of Great Falls, Monte Dolack grew up surrounded by the same sweeping vistas and big sky that inspired Charlie Russell. His love of Montana and passion for the West's diverse landscapes and wildlife are evident in the images he creates and the commissions he undertakes.
After studying art at Montana State University and The University of Montana, Monte opened his first studio in 1974, beginning a successful career in fine art and graphics. His best known early works - wild animals wreaking havoc in human homes - comprise his "Invaders Series," exploring the myths of the West and how we view our relationship with our environment. The irresistible appeal of these images helped build Monte's national reputation and continues to attract collectors.
Monte has been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards in the course of his career, and his work is part of the collection of the Library of Congress, the American Association of Museums, the National Wildfire Foundation and numerous other museums and corporations. Recent exhibitions include The Montana Exhibition, Manawatu Art Museum, New Zealand; Artists of the American West, Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, Dublin, Ireland, and The Kumamoto Prefectural Art Museum, Kumamoto, Japan. Monte's work was chosen to be included in The North American Print Biennial, Boston, MA and New American Paintings, a Western States competition sponsored by the Open Studio Press. He was selected at the turn of the century by the Missoulian as one of the 100 most influential Montanans of the twentieth century.
A love of the natural world, combined with his exuberant curiosity and travel experiences, has shaped the content of Monte's imagery. Blending mythology, technology and elements from nature, his work is infused with a sense of humor and irony. Monte's keen interest in environmental issues has lead to commissions for the Nature Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife and Trout Unlimited as well as over 200 posters and prints for various organizations.
In addition to his acrylic, oil and watercolor painting, Monte continues to pursue his interest in traditional printmaking, having created numerous original lithographs. With his wife, Mary Beth Percival and staff, he operates a flourishing gallery in downtown Missoula. Monte and Mary Beth have traveled extensively in the US, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand and Japan, visiting important cultural sites and museums.
