John B. Fery: Philanthropist, grandson of historic painter

3 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

If you know the story behind YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, then you know the name John B. Fery. But what you may not know is that Mr. Fery is the grandson of the historic painter John Fery.

After appearing at Saturday's grand opening of Horsethief Reservoir, Mr. Fery — who chaired the campaign to raise $22 million to build the first YMCA Camp west of the Mississippi in more than 60 years — will head to Montana for the opening reception of John Fery: Artist of the Rockies June 17 at Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell, Montana.

The exhibit is part of the museum's celebration of Glacier National Park's centennial year. Mr. Fery's grandfather studied in Europe under Peter Jansen at the Dusseldorf Academy in Germany. His first experience with America was bringing European nobility on hunting trips through the Northwest between 1892 and 1893, when he painted the landscape of the American West.

Fery made an important contribution in the creation of Glacier National Park through his work.   He was commissioned by the Great Northern Railroad to paint the scenery along its route and in Glacier National Park in order to attract people to the area. The Hockaday is presenting this collection of historic paintings in cooperation with the Fery family, BNSF Railway and private collectors.

John B. Fery will speak about his grandfather at the opening reception on June 17. For more information on the reception and exhibit, click HERE.