'Odyssey' honors artistic couple April 18

TOP: "Taurus" by Monte Dolack. ABOVE: "Mountain Sanctuary" by Mary Beth Percival.

For a boy growing up in Great Falls, Monte Dolack’s first piece of art was an unlikely creation — a small sculpture of two figures on a surf board. His kindergarten teacher commended his imagination; there was a foot of snow outside the classroom.

Less than 200 miles south, Mary Beth Percival, Dolack’s future wife and fellow artist, painted her first picture in Wise River, when her forest ranger father led their best horse, Brownie, into the corral and sat his daughter down with a set of oils.

From these mod est beginnings emerged two remarkable artists. UM's School of Fine Arts will celebrate the achievements of these two alumni and Montana icons at the ninth annual “Odyssey of the Stars — A Celebration of Artistic Journeys,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, in the University Theatre.

“They’re both tremendous artists, and I think they really represent Montana and its many virtues on canvas,” said Stephen Kalm, interim dean of UM’s School of Fine Arts. “As far as alumni of the School of Fine Arts at this University, we couldn’t be prouder.”

The School of Fine Arts honors two selected alumni at each year’s “Odyssey of the Stars,” a “town and gown” event held to honor alumni, encourage current students and exhibit the school’s achievements to the Missoula community. A benefit for the School of Fine Arts Scholarship Fund, the evening brings together earlier generations of UM-mentored artists with current students, faculty and the community to assist those students just embarking on their own artistic journeys.

This year’s event features student music, dance and film, along with art by Dolack and Percival. Special guests include the legendary Rob Quist, a UM alumnus and past “Odyssey” honoree.

The paintings and posters of Dolack and Percival have caught the attention of the state, the country and the world for more than 30 years. Dolack pursued his initial artistic affinity through his childhood and into his teenage years, when he designed posters for his high school band. As a UM student, he worked art-related jobs around campus, drawing cartoons for the Montana Kaimin and creating posters for Aber Day keggers. In the summers, he would return to Great Falls to work long, sometimes dangerous days at the copper refinery to pay for his schooling.

“There’s a stage when you know you want to be an artist, but you don’t know if you can,” Dolack said. This was the quandary he faced when he left UM. People said his idea of being a professional artist was absurd and urged him to keep his day job. Dolack took the plunge anyway. “I printed a business card, and I made the decision to rent a space and call it my art studio. I also lived in that place,” he said.

The gamble paid off. Dolack started working for an alternative printing shop and was soon receiving commissions for posters and logos. He painted his own works on the side. “I thought, if I can have a brush in my hand painting signs, posters and logos, I can keep that brush in my hands to do my own work,” he said.

In the intervening years, Dolack has become one of the most recognizable artists in Montana. “I’m living proof that you can merge your interests and passion into a life’s vocation,” he said.

Growing up in the Big Hole and Boulder valleys, Percival never thought she would study art at a university. That changed when a UM art professor saw her work and encouraged her to come study in Missoula. She came to UM, the alma mater of both of her parents, in 1963. She took an immediate liking to the town and its vibrant community. “Missoula was becoming a neat place,” she said.

When Percival graduated from UM, after also studying at San Francisco State College, she taught art at Belgrade High School. She met Dolack in 1975, and the pair began their partnership in life and art. Today they live in Missoula and share a gallery on Front Street.

“There are a lot of people doing creative things here,” Percival said. “I’m just flattered to be a part of the whole thing.”
Kalm said he is honored to have Percival and Dolack be the featured guests of this year’s “Odyssey of the Stars” — an important occasion for his school. “It’s an event people look forward to all year,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for both to have a lot of fun and support the arts here at the University.”

For ticket and sponsorship information, call the School of Fine Arts dean’s office at 406-243-4971.