Drumroll please! This year's Christmas Stroll poster has been chosen. Our 2026 artist is Dwight Cushman.
"Red Lodge holds a deeply special place in my heart as the town my family chose to raise our daughter. Having my painting, The Ascension, selected for this year’s Red Lodge Christmas Stroll poster (featuring Santa flying over our historic downtown strip) was a wonderful surprise and honor.
Artistically, I have long been inspired by Charlie Russell. While he is famous for capturing the rugged spirit of the American West, he also had a wonderful, playful side, illustrating images of Santa Claus that continue to bring awe, wonder, and chuckles to children and cowboys alike.
Professionally, I work as a local funeral director. Because death care is what I know best, my artwork typically explores mortality, funeral traditions, and how we make meaning from loss. However, after recently losing my own mother, I needed a gentle break from those heavier truths. I needed to create something purely joyful, artwork to bring comfort and emotional support to me and my family as we navigate our first Christmas without her.
Painting Santa felt like having a quiet dialogue with my hero, Russell, while celebrating the town where my wife and I continue to build our fondest memories as parents. For us, Red Lodge represents love, beauty, security, and a simpler way of living, qualities that I believe are the greatest gifts we can give our child."
Explore more of my artwork at www.cushmanfineart.com.