Courtney Blazon, "The 59th Bear," mixed-media drawing, 2019.The artwork draws its title and inspiration from Sylvia Plath's short story, "The 59th Bear," written after her visit to Yellowstone Park with then-husband Ted Hughes in 1959.

Exhibition Reception & Artist Conversation
Thursday, February 20, 5pm–7pm
Conversation with the artist at 5:30pm

Artist Talk, “Courtney Blazon: The Business of My Art”
Friday, February 21, 12pm–1:30pm
LA 116, 1st Floor Liberal Arts Building

Exhibition, reception, & talk free and open to public

Courtney Blazon’s exhibition, “the moon has nothing to be sad about,” is comprised of mixed-media and digital drawings that explore the poetry and biographies of Sylvia Plath, Richard Brautigan, Baudelaire, and other figures seen through the eyes of her unique, inner world. 

Blazon draws intricate narratives layered with symbolism. Focusing on issues facing contemporary women and referencing the complexities of women’s lives throughout history, Blazon derives inspiration from literature, mythology, fairytales, and coming-of-age tales. She leans into humor and irony to create rich visual stories weaving together autobiography, historical reality, and fantasy.

Courtney Blazon is an artist and illustrator living and working in Missoula, MT. She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design (2005) and the past recipient of the Montana Arts Council Innovation Award. In addition to exhibiting her artwork widely throughout Montana and the US, her work has been featured in New American Paintings (Western Edition), Studio Visit Magazine, and juxtapoz.com. Blazon is represented by the Radius Gallery in Missoula. For more information about the artist visit: www.courtneyblazon.com.

The artist will also offer a talk on the evolution of her studio practice at 12pm on Friday, February 21 in LA116 on the 1st floor of the Liberal Arts Building, MSUB campus. 

The Northcutt Steele Gallery is located on the first floor of the Liberal Arts on the Montana State University Billings campus. The gallery is open Monday – Friday from 8am-4pm. For more information visit www.msubillings.edu/gallery or www.facebook.com/northcuttsteelegallery.

For media inquiries and more images contact Leanne Gilbertson, Director of Northcutt Steele Gallery, leanne.gilbertson@msubillings.edu; (406) 657-2903.