When artist Doug Turman began creating his "Love Notes" several years ago, he had no idea that the small, whimsical paintings would be so passionately embraced by the Helena community.

One hundred and sixty-six Love Notes later and Turman's signature series has got him caught in a love triangle of sorts.

For several years now, the "Love Notes" exhibition -- which has traditionally coincided with Valentine's season -- has been an important moneymaker for the local contemporary gallery. But from an artist's perspective, says Turman, that kind of popularity runs the risk of becoming too much of a good thing.

"As soon as you get to that point, it's time to do something else," he said.

To that end, Turman Larison Contemporary has decided to auction off a limited number of Turman's "Love Notes" to fund a brand new artist's grant. The auction event will take place Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., with auctioneer Mike Casey.

"There's been a lotta good feeling about the Love Notes," said Turman, who plans to put 100 percent of proceeds from the auction toward the grant. "Let's take that good will and apply it to something else."

"Art is essentially an act of generosity," he added. "It's a way of making a graceful exit over time."

The choice to fund an individual artist grant was prompted by a number of things.

"The state doesn't give direct grants to artists," said Turman. "There seems to be a need for that."

The other reason is that, having been the recipient of several of the

Myrna Loy Center's Grants to Artists, Turman knows what it's like to get that kind of support, especially when you're first starting out.

"It's this chance to get a little momentum," said Turman, adding that, although the funds are always a huge boost, having your work validated is maybe even more important.

The gallery hasn't set the exact criteria for the grant, but Turman does know that it will be open to artists of all media.

Turman said making connections with all kinds of artists is in line with the gallery's expanded vision, which is the result of a recent move to a more spacious venue. Turman and his wife and gallery co-owner Mary Lee Larison see the space being used for performances and readings, among other things.

The five "Love Notes" up for auction are currently on display along with the gallery's first Small Works show.

The exhibition is a new twist on an old idea, featuring paintings and sculpture no bigger than 12 inches by 12 inches. Like the Love Notes, the works' smaller size gives them an intimate charm.

Contrary to what you might imagine, Turman says that creating a small work is actually pretty difficult.

"It's a little more like brain surgery," says Turman. "There's not much room for error."

Turman and Larison plan to continue the Small Works show annually and gradually phase out the "Love Notes," just creating enough to fund the new grant as needed.

And although parting may be bittersweet, Turman feels confident that eventually a new love will come along.

"You can't afford not to do it. Putting something positive out always seems to come back," Turman said.

Call 443-0340 for information.