Salish artist Corwin “Corky” Clairmont receives Governor’s Arts Award

By Alyssa Kelly

Salish artist Corwin “Corky” Clairmont has had a life long dedication to visual arts and service to the arts. His hard work was recently recognized by state of Montana as he was honored with the Governor’s Award for the Arts. (Alyssa Kelly photo)

PABLO — If there were a door leading into the sparkling lakes and lush serene forests of the Flathead Reservation, it would be so enticing that a welcome mat might lie in it’s entrance. Without a second thought, people would travel from all over the world to enjoy this plentiful piece of land.

If that same door took an unexpected turn and led into the reservation’s history, maybe the true worth of this paradise would shine through the eyes of those who struggle for it's survival. If there were a door that led even deeper into their struggle, maybe others could see that in the whole world, the Flathead Reservation is the only home for the people of the Salish, Pend d’Orielle, and Kootenai tribes.

Clairmont’s art work is known for portraying an Indian perspective on life as displayed in this piece: “Welcome to Rez.” (Alyssa Kelly photo)

Cleverly titled “Welcome to the Rez,” that door exists and Salish artist Corwin “Corky” Clairmont created it using clippings from documented tribal history, real estate ads from local newspapers, and land maps depicting the reservation before and after the highly criticized homestead act was established. To add minor but significant detail to the piece, Clairmont included a “Welcome” mat and a bold red “SOLD” stamp.

Beginning in 1962 with an award winning design for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Seal of Chief Koostatah(which is still used today), Clairmont has had immense success in using his artistic talent to share an Indian perspective with the rest of the world. “How we use this gift of knowledge is up to each of us. Out of respect, we should use these gifts wisely and humbly. Some of those things given to me, I hope to pass on to others through the art works that I present,” Clairmont has said.

Recently, his ability was recognized by the state as Clairmont was honored with the Governor’s Award for the Arts, which is granted through the Montana Arts Council (MAC) and Montana Ambassadors to four Montanan artists every other year. “Corky is a shining Montana star,” said representative of MAC Jackie Parsons. “When I called to tell him that he was receiving this award he started to cry and so did I. I can’t think of anyone more deserving than this man.”

In honor of his peers, Clairmont arranged for his hometown celebration to coincide with SKC’s Art Show, which displays the work of local Native American artists as well as courses offered through the college. (Alyssa Kelly photo)

Aside from recognition, a hometown celebration was arranged for Clairmont to celebrate his years of dedication in visual arts and service to the arts; it also signified the first time he would wear his Governor’s Arts medal. In honor of his peers, Clairmont chose for his celebration to coincide with the SKC Art show, which showcases the work of local Native American artists and the various courses offered through the college. “It’s an honor to put this medal from the Governor on today. It’s even more of an honor that I can put it on here with all of you,” he said.

With guest speakers like friend and coworker Alec Quequesah, Montana Ambassador Elizabeth Marchi, and SKC President Joe McDonald, guests were given an in-depth perspective of Clairmont, both as an artist as well as a person. “Corky came to us from California and that made me kind of suspicious,” said McDonald. “Throughout his time with SKC he’s done so much. It was especially great seeing his dream come true with the college’s art building. It’s been an honor to work with him.”

From his various roles as the SKC Art Department head, off-campus coordinator, founder of an SKC art program, an instructor, and a Montana Alliance for Arts Education board member, Clairmont has dedicated his many talents to helping others evolve their own. “It’s a shame that there’s not more funding put into the art programs because it helps keep people out of trouble. That’s something I’d like to see change,” he said.

A film documentary was presented on the award-winning artist, which featured interviews from co-workers and Clairmont’s wife Linda King, who is also an SKC instructor. Pamphlets entitled: “Corwin Clairmont Halfway Between Here and There,” were given to guests, which included a biography and timeline of his work.

Appropriately included in the pamphlets were wallet size “treaty cards,” which were actual copies of the 1855 Hellgate Treaty signed between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the U.S. Government. Clairmont helped create the treaty card and admits that he carries it at all times. He urges others to do the same.

Today, Clairmont continues to express himself through his artwork and teaching with SKC. He is working on a series of prints, which examine the impact the Lewis and Clark explorations has had on Native American people and continues to serve as SKC’s Art Director. “I consider it an honor and a privilege to work at SKC because everyone is working in a common goal towards something that is positive,” said Clairmont.

While he takes great pride in being recognized as artist, Clairmont recognizes that his success was made possible through several contributors. “This is really about our community because everyone has inspired or touched a piece of my work in some way. I appreciate all the contributions you’ve all made to me and my work,” he said.

For more information on the Montana Arts Council, visit the website www.art.mt.gov. For more information on SKC visit the website www.skc.edu.