On Monday, I went to Thompson Falls Christian Church for the Piatigorsky Foundation concert. This was the first time I was able to see the concert that the Clark Fork Enrichment Corporation provides free to the community.

Watching the concert on Monday, the crowd could have just as easily been in a large concert hall. But here we were, honored with an intimate presentation by world reknowned artists. It gave me chills to hear Evan Drachman talk but his 302-year-old cello and the history of his musical family.

While there are still a few things that aren't readily available in our rural community, the opportunity to experience the arts is not one of them. We might have to drive a ways to see a performance on stage from the Paradise Players or hear Baroque music at Quinn's, but the variety of talent both locally and who visit local venues is outstanding. Limberlost Brewing features live music and the Wayside will begin their summer concert series soon. Last weekend the Rex featured Music for Moms with various local acts. It's fun to be able to listen to different genres of music and experience different arts close to home without having to drive to Missoula or Kalispell.

This summer, Shakespeare in the Park will be back in Plains and Trout Creek for yet another opporutnity to see the works of Shakespeare performed literally in our back yards.

Even better, our local theaters are back in business. The Llano Theatre in Plains recently re-opened and features new movies on the weekends. The Rex in Thompson Falls has finished the upgrade of digital equipment and will begin showing new movies this weekend.

I appreicate all the unique opportunities we have to experience the arts here in Sanders County.

­— Annie Wooden