2015 Great Chief to be awarded original watercolor at Kalispell Chamber’s 43rd Banquet

Karen Leigh commissioned to create unique piece for Great Chief

Kalispell, Mont. (Nov. 6, 2014)–The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce http://www.kalispellchamber.com/ announced today that renowned artist Karen Leigh will present an original watercolor painting to the Great Chief Award recipient. Leigh’s one of a kind painting will be awarded at the Kalispell Chamber’s annual banquet on November 13.

Leigh, who has more than 30 years of teaching experience, finds that the beauty and spirit of Montana serves as her artistic inspiration. Recently, she was selected for inclusion in the 2008 and 2009 C.M. Russell "Masters in Miniature" invitational. Additionally, Leigh was selected to design an ornament for the White House Christmas tree and was honored at a reception hosted by the First Lady. She also received the President’s Award in 2008.

Leigh’s work has been featured in Beringer Wineries, ConAgra Industries, and the Smithsonian. Her work was also included in the Fall 2004 issue of WATERCOLOR magazine and was selected in the 2003 Yearbook Issue of WATERCOLOR MAGIC as "Ones to Watch."

"Karen’s artwork reflects the spirit of the Great Chief Award," explained Kalispell Chamber president Joe Unterreiner. "The Chamber is pleased to honor the recipient with this singular piece that demonstrates our gratitude to someone who has had such an impact on the community."

The Great Chief Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Chamber, given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional civic and volunteerism over a lifetime. The Chamber will also award the Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year awards. Nominated by the community, award recipients are individuals who have cultivated success and provided a lasting legacy for the Flathead Valley.

Award announcements will be held at the Chamber’s annual banquet and auction on November 13.

About the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau

Since 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice in strengthening our community and the business climate in order to make Kalispell and the Flathead Valley an ideal location to live and work. The Chamber consists of 700 businesses and organizations that employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, Montana. http://www.kalispellchamber.com/