BadLand's "The Art's" Belief Statement
BadLand’s Management and Team Members believe in supporting local artists, musical groups and soloists along with local art programs. Our live entertainment for music, DJ’s, Karaoke, etc. all local groups and individuals, some known, some unknown. When we look at adding art to our collection of murals, tiles, posters, etc. we always look locally for an artist first. Some of our art comes to us through people living lives that intersect with our facility, these are our ceiling tiles in the Saloon.
When we opened the Grill in July of 2012, we reached out to the local High School Art program and displayed several pieces from the MV High School. As we have grown, we’ve added murals along the lanes, outdoor advertising, front door seasonal art, all work by “at the time” local artists.
We then started to support local artists that have a desire to teach painting or crafting classes, offering our seating area in the lanes as a studio on Monday and Tuesday nights with no expectation of a fee for the space. This program continues today. Less often because of artists open their own studio’s etc.
Seven or eight years ago, a friend, former employee, local artist, reached out to us to try a new technique of painting that he wants to explore and asked for a couple of the tiles to practice on. When he returned with a couple of cosmic space scenes, and during the process of placing them in the ceiling, our conversation discussed the technique, supplies used, how the process was helping with fighting an addiction by providing a lengthy time block, old cars, favorite vacations, childhood tv shows, etc. He gathered up a couple more tiles and after some time returned with a cosmic scene, beach scene and this rendition of the decal on the roof of the General Lee, from “The Dukes of Hazard.” The last two being gifts from him to us tying back to our conversation, a personal connection to us and a thank you for supporting him. You may discover his tile art elsewhere in the Bridger Valley.
Social warriors have noticed our display of the art from this artist, reached out and even after explaining the story of the art, feel it is necessary to label us with a social term. Get to know us, learn the history, art has a story to tell if you only listen.
Walter Jones, Proprietor.