THE BIG TIMBER ARTS ROUNDUP 2011

The Big Timber Arts Roundup will be held on the Hobble Diamond Ranch, near Big Timber, Montana on October 20-23, 2011. This annual celebration of the arts is made possible through the generosity and hospitality of Robert and Susan Burch, Haverford and Agnes Irwin parents, and Stephen and Gretchen Burke, Episcopal parents. Some 30 students from Pennsylvania and 20 students from Montana will meet and learn from professional writers, artists, photographers, and actors, who are important figures in the artistic community of Montana.

Each year, the Big Timber Arts Roundup involves different participants and artistic themes. However, the goals of the Roundup remain constant:

  • To celebrate art in all its forms
  • To fosterfriendships between students of different regions of the country
  • To bridge the gap between those who live on the land and those who benefit from the land
  • To involve the larger Big Timber community in a meaningful public artistic event
  • To celebrate the aesthetic and artistic opportunities in Big Timber, Montana

Students from Pennsylvania will arrive at Robert Burch’s Hobble Diamond Ranch on Thursday afternoon and they will meet the students from Montana regional high schools at a dinner that evening. Students will “camp out” at the Hobble Diamond Ranch under the supervision of teachers from the participating high schools. Over the next three days, students will participate in writing, art, photography, and drama workshops, and they will also enjoy ranch activities and learn more about the region from local ranchers and historians. On Friday night there will be an exhibit of the visiting artists and photographers’ work and the writers will give readings. On Saturday night, The Shakespeare Company will perform. On the final night of the Roundup, Sunday, the students will present what they have created. All of these evening events will be open to the Big Timber community.

The Big Timber Arts Roundup is scheduled to coincide with the Montana teacher convention weekend so that Montana students will not miss school. Pennsylvania students will have to miss three school days, but the opportunity to learn about the world beyond the Philadelphia Main Line will compensate for missed classes.

The bulk of the cost of this event is supported by generous grants from the Burch and Burke families. We are asking Pennsylvania students to pay $600 to cover airfares and miscellaneous expenses.
For more information, please contact:

Dr. Sheryl Forste-Grupp

English Department484-424-1749 or

BIG TIMBER ARTS ROUNDUPAPPLICATION

Due Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 3 p.m.

No late applications will be accepted.

Return this completed form and the typed application essay to Dr. Forste-Grupp.

The Big Timber Arts Roundup will be held on the Hobble Diamond Ranch, near Big Timber, Montana on October 20-23, 2011. The program is a celebration of art, photography, drama, and writing made possible through the generosity and hospitality of Susan and Robert Burch, Haverford and Agnes Irwin parents and Stephen and Gretchen Burke, Episcopal parents. Some thirty students from Pennsylvania and thirty students from Montana stay on Hobble Diamond and learn from distinguished writers, artists, photographers, and actors.
You must be aware of the following:

  • You will miss 3 days of classes and sports – October 20, 21, and 24
  • Travel days are October 20 and October 24
  • Only students in good academic standing will be selected
  • Students who are frequently absent or late may not be selected

NAME: ______CLASS OF: ______

SCHOOL ______

STUDENT’S E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______

CIRCLE INTEREST: WRITING THEATER ART PHOTOGRAPHY

COST--$600 which includes airfare, room, board, and workshops.

Please direct questions to Dr. Forste-Grupp, 484-424-1749 or

Write a 1-page typed essay explaining why you would like to participate in the Big Timber Arts Roundup and what you would contribute to it. You must also explain what steps you will take to make up your missed school work.

Attach the essay to this form and hand both in by the due date.

A list of students attending Big Timber 2011 will be posted on the US bulletin board.