The Heritage of Montana

Image size: 20″ x 30″ with 2″ trim on the top and both sides and 3 1/2″ on the bottom.

MFWP Foundation Series print by Gary Carter- Each lithograph is personally signed by Gary Carter, then Montana's Governor Ted Schwinden, and other former governors Thomas L. Judge, Forrest H. Anderson and Tim M. Babcock in pencil.

This limited edition lithograph by Gary Carter is an edition of 1989 reproductions plus artist's and publisher's proofs. This offset lithograph was published on August 4, 1987 on 100% archival paper, pH neutral, number grade with an image size of 20′ X 30″ with 2″ trim on the top and both sides and 3.5″ on the bottom.

This lithograph was sanctioned by the Montana Statehood Centennial Commission as part of the official commemoration of Montana's 100th anniversary in 1989 and was awarded the distinction of "exclusivity for creation of reproductions from any original painting and was further awarded "exclusivity" as "The Governors' Edition".

These lithographs described here were reproduced from copyrighted oil on canvas painting with an image of 40′ X 60″ and were personally inspected by artist Gary Carter. Each and every lithograph was personally signed by artist Gary Carter and (at the 1988 time of signing) then Montana's Governor Ted Schwinden, and other former Montana governors Thomas L. Judge, Forrest H. Anderson and Tim M. Babcock. All signatures are in pencil.

In 1988 artist Gary Carter wrote: "Montana is a precious resource and should be jealously guarded. It is a land of diverse physical beauty, sparsely populated by the most independent individuals on earth. Montanans are here by choice. It would be impossible to pick one physical geographic feature or one industry to aesthetically represent our state on her 100th birthday. So this format - a "montage" - was selected to show the many "faces" of Montana. Montana has the beauty and heritage which Americans find magnetic. Also, we have a high latitude and average elevation which keeps us out of a tropical designation and overpopulation. Just between us friends, let's not divulge what our winters are really like. I came to Montana as a fulfillment of a child's dream; to live and record history past and present, possibly as a cowboy. Once a decision is made to enjoy life rather than be controlled by it, the income doesn't really matter. We have quality, not quantity, and usually the happiness allows one to be creative. This Centennial painting celebrates Montana's heritage and people. From the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Native American population - the mining, railroading, timber, cattle and homesteader traditions - our state is truly blessed."