Decorating Havre with scenic murals

Havre-local Madison Ruff, now based out of Los Angeles in the winter and living here in the summer, continues to bring color to the town. This spring, she has been painting murals at The Oxford Sports Bar and Valley Furniture, and, later in the summer, will paint at Pepin Park.

She was commissioned in 2022 to paint a "Havre, Montana" mural on the back of the Elks Lodge, visible from U.S. Highway 2, First Street where it passes through Havre.

Hi-Line Arts Council and the Downtown Havre Matters! Arts and Beautification Committee, with the help of funding from the Hill County Community Foundation, commissioned that mural.

She painted the mural at the Oxford last week, finishing it over the weekend, and is painting at Valley Furniture this week.

Ruff was raised in Havre and is a Havre High School graduate. Her website says she received her bachelor's degree in fine art and painting with a minor in English literature from Montana State University in Bozeman.

"I am deeply influenced by the landscape of my childhood. I've been inspired by my love of the outdoors and want to bring awareness and respect to forest and national parks, like we are lucky enough to experience, especially in places like Montana," Ruff said, "Where else can cows thrive at minus 69 Fahrenheit and then survive a heat wave of 120?"

Painting art has become her career.

"Currently, I am most proud and excited about my larger art pieces and projects that are in the process of execution, especially for a future children's community art project," Ruff said.

Ruff reflected back to where her passion began for creating art.

"I began painting when I was about 8 years old. I would paint underwater scenes, landscapes, wildlife and portraits," Ruff said, "I started selling my work in my late teenage years and I started painting murals for local businesses in Montana after graduating high school.

"I love to be outside all day where I feel most at home," Ruff added. "I have learned my strengths and capabilities as well as expanding my potential as an artist. I work to bring art to individuals, communities and neighborhoods."

She said she is happy to be painting back in Havre.

"There is a lot of new work coming your way. Thank you for all your support," Ruff said.

The event held at Pepin Park will also be for any children who wish to contribute to the abstract painting. Details of the event are yet to be determined.