Helena, Montana has been named “The Best Small Arts Town in America.” One visit will make any visitor understand Helena’s strong connection with the art world.
Holter Museum of Art
Opened in 1987, The Holter Museum of Art is noted as having “the very best in regional fine arts and crafts.” Visitors won’t be disappointed with this fine arts gallery. The Holter features contemporary and traditional art, pottery, textiles and more from local and regional artists. New art shows open every six weeks, so the collection is always fresh. Its permanent collection contains over 1,000 pieces.
Contact (406) 442-6400 for more information.
Archie Bray Foundation
The Archie Bray Foundation is a world famous location for those interested in pottery and sculpting. The foundation was founded in 1951 in the Western Clay Manufacturing Company’s brick factory. Today Archie Bray boasts galleries, workshops, a ceramic studio, and residencies for aspiring and professional artists, alike.
Artists who have never dabbled in the clay arts will still find the Archie Bray grounds fascinating. Beautiful, unusual sculptures grace the grounds. Visitors can also tour the old brick factory and view the impressive glass coated building-sized kilns.
Contact (406) 443-3502 for more information.
Ghost Art Gallery
The Ghost Art Gallery is a charming southwestern and wildlife art gallery featuring a variety of art forms, such as sculpture, paintings, and “practical” art (bowls, cups, jewelry) from more than 80 Montana artists.
Established in 1974, the gallery is located in a building once used as a 1920’s brothel owned by the infamous Dorothy “Big Dorothy” Baker, adding to the galleries interest. The name, Ghost Art Gallery, comes from the collection of ghost town art the gallery displayed in its early years.
Contact 406-443-4536 for more information.
Western Rendezvous of Art
Held for four days in August, The Western Rendezvous of Art is a meeting of more than 60 of the best artists in the nation. The Rendezvous features a chance to view fine art, meet the artists, and sample Montana barbeque. The event also includes a Quick Draw, the Last Chance Art Sale, and the Gala Awards Banquet.
Contact 406-499-4466 for more information.
The Montana Museum
The Montana Museum contains the art of some of the most notable fine artists in Montana. For example, the museum contains a permanent collection of artwork from western painter, sculptor, and cartoonist Charles M. Russell. The collection includes a vast sampling of the prolific artist’s oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, cartoons, letters, and drawings.
Extra Attractions for Artists
Helena also boasts fantastic murals. The Helena Walking Mall features a mural celebrating the women of Helena. The mural was painted by local women in 1972 during a community education program. The mural illustrates “ladies of the night,” mothers, Native Americans, a famous female Montana bronc rider, and more influential women.
Helena combines upscale art attractions and breathtaking mountainous beauty that any artist can appreciate. For more information on events, feel free to visit the Helena Chamber of Commerce website.
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