Lady S strikes again

 A pretty full house to bring an end to our August sessions.  Thanks to the always great Lady S for taking care of the modeling chores. 

Hey, hey... it's Miss P

Another good group.  We are now back on the regular weekly schedule so drop in and scratch your drawing itch.  Thanks to Miss P and her excellent work on the stand for us.  Hope to see you next week.

Back with Lady S

 Starting to get a good crew back in tow.  A big welcome back to Candace and a shout out to our friend Cecil.  Get better soon.  Also, thanks to our fantabulous model, Lady S.  A great night of drawing was had by all.

DAVID B. TORRENCE 1938 - 2022

A long time member of The Black Hand Group (and official time keeper) has passed away.  We are sorry he is gone but are all the better for having known him.  Our condolences go out to his wife and family and to all of the students he helped in his quarter century of teaching.  Rest well, Dave.

David Barnum Torrence

BILLINGS - David Barnum Torrence, 83, passed peacefully on July 20, 2022, after an extensive battle with Alzheimer's Disease. We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Midtown neighbors who may only know Dave as "Calico's Dad."

David was born to Barnum and Ruth Torrence in 1938. He graduated from Eastern Montana College in 1961. He was a protege of Ben Steele, and studied with Irving Shapiro. He married Ruth Stanton in 1963, and they settled in Sidney, MT in 1968. He completed graduate art education at the University in Denver.

Dave was the Sidney HS Art Teacher for 25 years. He won many awards for his own work, and was the founding director of the MonDak Heritage Center. He and Ruth had three children: Tanya, Heather, and Ben. He was highly supportive of Ruth's work to expand the rights of children with disabilities. He was also involved with Migrant Council Summer School, Fort Union and its Rendezvous, numerous arts organizations. He was also a beloved teacher. He created innovative student projects, including the Eagle, ground-to-kiln ceramics, miniature functional hot air balloons, early computer-assisted art, and the award-winning "Day in the Life of Sidney" photography program. He was especially devoted to students who, like him, could not spell or write perfectly, and were creative and brilliant in many other areas.

After retiring, he, Ruth, and Ben moved to Billings. He was a devoted member of the Yellowstone Woodturners, the Roaring 20s Auto Club, Yellowstone Audubon, and many other activities. He and his brother, Ralph, shared a passion for wood arts. Over his lifetime, Dave created thousands of beautiful pieces in dozens of media.

He is predeceased by his parents; his brothers: Paul and Charles; his daughter, Tanya; and his beloved dog, Naka. He is survived by many friends and students, his wife Ruth, his children Heather and Ben, his sister Joyce, his brothers Ralph and Stanley, his dear grandson Maxwell, and his darling dog, Calico. Special thanks to Dr. Severa's team, Daniel & Synergy, Compassus, and Highgate Living.

I say DRAW, pahdner

 Okay, I'm feeling a bit punchy after three weeks off.  Regardless, we are meeting tonight and I hope to see you there.