David Mihalic

Missoula MT

David Mihalic spent a career as a National Park Ranger  and Superintendent preserving and protecting our nation’s
most wild, historic, and treasured places. Throughout his career, he observed, sketched and painted their magic and majesty. “Art and artists have helped to create our national parks” Mihalic shares with us. “When I gaze on these special places, I want to capture their mood and essence. I am struck by the light, the color and how they make us feel. The scene makes me want to convey to others through my brush the beauty I see, and why they are treasures and worthy of protection.” Mihalic believes appreciation of place is key to instilling the desire in people to protect that which brings them pleasure. “I paint to help people see the scenic beauty of parks and special places. While they can’t take home the place, they can take home a tangible reminder of their memories.”
MiIhalic’s first shows and exhibitions were in the 1980s in Kentucky, winning purchase and “best watercolor” awards. The Hockaday Museum of Art hosted a one-man show in Kalispell, Montana in 1996 and his art was selected for the Montana “Governors’ Art Show” in Helena, in 1999. He has also participated in the Glacier Fund (Conservancy) “Spring For Glacier”; the
Montana Land Reliance’s several “Artists for Open Space” shows; the Big Hole Foundation’s 2007 plein-aire show; the Hockaday’s first plein-aire, “Twenty Artists/Three Days” show, and almost all of the Hockaday’s “Plein-Aire Glacier” shows, only missing one! Mihalic was also in the Treasure State Art Shows in 2001 and 2002.