The Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Map Collection is Here!
Together, we can bring it back.
Own a Piece of History
Your Purchase Supports Restoring Passenger Rail to Southern Montana and Beyond!
Xplorer Maps celebrates their 10th anniversary with a “Greater Northwest Passenger Rail” map collection, aiding efforts to restore passenger rail to the Northwest.
Xplorer Maps (XM) journey began more than a decade ago with two brothers-a talented, globe-trotting artist and entrepreneurial geography buff-who had a mission to create hand-drawn, antique-style maps of national parks and travel destinations that would make lasting and meaningful connections between people and place worldwide.
But Chris and Greg Robitaille were looking for more. The family-owned business wanted to form partnerships with organizations whose missions are aligned with connecting people and place, and where their fine art lends itself naturally. Xplorer Maps dedicates at least one of the six maps it releases each year to working and collaborating with Montana non-profits. And the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) was fortunate for its chance encounter at the Missoula-Made Fair which led to its selection.
As creators of the world’s finest hand-drawn maps, XM’s artistic process usually takes 12-18 months from “concept to completion”. XM and BSPRA spent months massaging content, discussing details, and making sure the contents for the rail map were exactly what the Authority wanted.
“Never before has XM turned a discussion into a map in this short of a time frame, seven months. Actual artwork takes about six weeks once everything has been decided upon; scale, scope, design, layout.” - Chris Robitaille
Throughout the collaborative process, our intent was to ensure that the RAIL LINES were the major focus and that the supporting illustrations simply augmented the story and highlighted the regional differences bringing everyone together toward a common goal.
The end result is a unique piece of art that effectively "tells the story" of the Greater Northwest Passenger Rail project, generates enthusiasm, and supports the passion of everyone involved.
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BSPRA's Dan Bucks attended the Fair in December. “Dan stumbled upon our booth and started speaking with my wife, Julie, who immediately knew I would want to meet him, " said owner Greg Robitaille. "I'm always interested in unique Montana-based stories and Julie knows a compelling story when she hears one! I quickly learned how passionate and earnest Dan was in his enthusiasm for rail, the project... and quite frankly, Xplorer Maps. The map is the result of a rewarding collaboration; combining original artwork, unique story-telling, and philanthropy with a shared vision for passenger rail in the greater northwest."
“This collaborative partnership with the Big Sky Rail Passenger Authority is a "first of its kind" for Xplorer Maps and a custom collaborative partnership we are very excited to be a part of.” - Greg Robitaille
The signed original artwork was rendered using the finest pen and ink brushes and finished with multiple watercolor washes layered throughout the process. From conception to completion, the artwork took approximately 3-4 months. Every line, letter, icon, and detail is drawn entirely by hand and is unique and original to this new map.
“We believe that this original fine art piece beautifully reflects the great expanse and significance of the greater northwest and will generate public interest in expanding passenger rail in Southern Montana, the greater northwest, and beyond. We are so grateful for the generosity of Xplorer Maps and its founders, Chris and Greg Robitaille." - Dave Strohmaier, Chairman of the BSPRA
Thank you to our partner for your generosity and commitment to this important work.
Xplorer Maps is a registered Made in Montana business that uses exclusively 100% post-consumer content paper produced with 100% green energy and chlorine-free soy-based inks. Since they began 10 years ago, Xplorer Maps has donated more than $100,000 to 37 different organizations dedicated to the education and conservation of our Public Lands. The original artwork has been donated to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority.