Flathead Valley artist Rob Akey has been selected by the Montana Arts Council's Percent for Art Program to create a large-scale original oil painting for the recently completed Montana Department of Natural Resources, Northwestern Land Office, and Montana Department of Environmental Quality building in Kalispell. The 96"x72"landscape painting, the artist's largest work to date, will be permanently installed in the lobby. Akey was chosen from over twenty applicants to complete the project. 

     According to Akey, "I applaud the Montana Arts Council, the Percent for Art Program, and the DNRC/DEQ's commitment to creating opportunities for the purchase and placement of art in the public sphere. I am truly honored to be selected for the commission." He says, "As a Flathead Valley native, I have a deep appreciation for the quality of life and natural amenities we enjoy here, and I am honored to aid in the furtherance of the DNRC/DEQ mission; 'To help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations' and 'To protect, sustain, and improve a clean and healthful environment to benefit present and future .' "

     The work, entitled ""Lifestreams, will depict a scene of the basic elements of our natural landscape; lush forest, moving water, and bright clear atmosphere.

     Akey has other large scale landscape paintings on permanent display locally at Glacier Bank of Whitefish, Whitefish Public Library and North Valley Hospital.