Arts & Entertainment
Click here for to see the 2005 Gallery Guide with listings of all First Friday participants!
Art Galleries & Museums
Festivals
Outdoor Adventure
Summer Entertainment
Theater & Live Productions
Special Events 2003
Art Galleries & Museums
1. Art Museum of Missoula ....... 335 N. Pattee
Lively downtown art museum with changing exhibitions of regional and national contemporary art. Classes, readings, concerts, discussions, tours and special events available year-round. 728-0447. www.artmissoula.org. Open Tues 12-7 pm, Wed-Fri 12-6 pm, Sat 10am-3pm, First Fridays until 8 pm.
2. Art Missoula .................... 219 W. Broadway
Fine arts and crafts by local artists including landscapes of Missoula, spirit paintings by Native Americans Marvin Devereaux and Tony Sandoval, blown glass, sculpture and more. Eclectic, like Missoula. 549-0422. Open Mon-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Summer: open Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm. First Fridays until 8 pm.
3. A Carousel for Missoula ............ Caras Park
One of the first fully hand carved carousels made in the U.S. since the Great Depression and the first to be made entirely by volunteers. Wonderful gift shop. Perfect location for birthday parties and private rentals. Home of the Dragon Hollow Playground. 549-8382. Open every day 11 am-5:30 pm (7 pm June-August).
4. Dana Gallery................... 123 W. Broadway
Featuring original paintings, photographs, sculptures and textiles, plus photographic workshops and tours. 721-3154. Open weekdays 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm. First Fridays until 8 pm.
5. Gallery Saintonge ............... 216 N. Higgins
Gallery Saintonge is dedicated exclusively to photography. It is committed to giving further exposure and accessibility to the art form. New shows will open the first Friday and show through the end of each month. 543-0171. Open Mon-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10 am-4 pm, First Fridays until 8 pm
6. Missoula Artists’ Coop ......... 306 N. Higgins
A collaboration of fine crafts, featuring beautiful and affordable ceramics, jewelry, wood and glass art, fiber art, wooden toys, cards and more in a gallery setting operated by local and regional artists. Monthly artist shows. Web: www.missoulaartistsshop.com. 721-5848. Open Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm.
7. Monte Dolack Gallery ............ 139 W. Front
The place to go for unique art by Missoula natives Monte Dolack and Mary Beth Percival. 549-3248. Open weekdays 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sundays 12-5 pm. First Fridays until 8 pm.
8. Museum of Art & Culture UM PAR-TV Center
The former Museum of Fine Arts at UM collects, exhibits and preserves works of art for the education of UM students, the scholarly study of research professionals and the enjoyment of the public. Located in the PAR-TV Center on the UM campus. 243-2019. Open weekdays 1-5 pm.
9. Montana Natural History Center................120 Hickory
Nonprofit organization that provides educational programs about natural history of the Northern Rockies, including Summer Science Discovery, Nature Adventure Kids Day Camp, RiverFest and self-guided nature trails. 327-0405. www.montananaturalist.org. Open Tues-Fri 10-5 pm, Mon by appointment.
10. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation .. 2291 W. Broadway
Ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. One of Missoula’s most unique attractions, the RMEF has an interactive visitors’ center that features a wildlife panorama, educational displays, art gallery and gift shop with beautiful wildlife art, bronze statues, jewelry, clothing, postcards. 523- 4500. Open weekdays 8 am-5 pm, weekends 10 am-4 pm.
11. Sutton West Gallery ..... 121 W. Broadway
Montana’s leading contemporary fine arts show gallery representing a diverse selection of artists and art, primarily from Montana and the Northwest. 721-7734. Open weekdays 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, First Fridays until 8 pm.
First Friday Gallery Night .......... Every Month
Meet artists and see new and classic art from throughout the community, region and nation at Downtown art galleries. From 5-8 pm on the First Friday of every month.
Festivals
12. First Night Missoula .. December 31, 2003.
Montana’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts! A magical evening filled with theater, dance, poetry, games, ice sculptures, storytelling and a wealth of musical talent. An independent, local, non-profit organization that brings new energy, life and enthusiasm to Missoula. www.firstnightmissoula.org. 549-4755.
13. International Wildlife Film Festival . April 19-26, 2003
One of Missoula’s most unique events, the International Wildlife Film Festival brings art and animals together. Public screenings all week, including matinees at the Historic Wilma Theater. The Festival includes the WildWalk Parade, WildFest in Caras Park, wildlife art, children’s displays downtown and panel discussions on current issues in the wildlife filmmaking industry. Education Outreach year-round. www.wildlifefilms.org. 728-9380.
Outdoor Adventure
14. Adventure Cycling Association 150 E. Pine
Founded in 1973 as Bikecentennial, Adventure Cycling Association is America’s largest organization of recreational cyclists with more than 40,000 members. Promotes and operates tours and events throughout North America, assists in development of routes all over North America, and designs and produces quality bicycle specific maps. 721- 1776. www.adventurecycling.org. Open weekdays 8 am-5 pm.
15. Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures .. 912 E. Broadway
The only Montana outfitter to provide whitewater rafting trips on the Lochsa River (Class IV rapids) in Idaho. Also provides trips on the Alberton Gorge, Salmon and Blackfoot rivers. Specializes in historical hiking and biking trips on the Lewis & Clark Trail. The place to go for whitewater enthusiasts and for those who want to rent rafts or mountain bikes. 728-7609. www.trailadventures.com. Rafting trips available every day April-Sept. Office open weekdays 9 am- 5 pm.
Summer Entertainment
16. Missoula Farmer’s Market . Circle Square
Held Saturday mornings 9 am-12 noon May 10 through Oct. 18 and Tuesday evenings 6-7:30 pm between July 8 and Sep. 2. The Farmer’s Market is the place to go for fresh produce, bakery items, coffee, plants and flowers. Held at Circle Square at the north end of Higgins Avenue. For more information, contact Market Master Mel Parker at 777-2636.
17. Missoula Saturday Market ....... E. Pine St.
Nearly 90 arts & crafts vendors come together to sell their wares in the streets of Downtown Missoula. Fine art, local crafts and unique imports; held Saturday mornings 9 am-1 pm May 3 through Oct 18. For more information, contact Billie Shugart at 549-8608.
18. Missoula Osprey Baseball ..... 137 E. Main
An affiliate of the World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, Missoula’s professional baseball team plays in the eight-team Pioneer League. The 1999 league champion is expected to inaugurate its new downtown stadium in 2003. The Osprey’s downtown office is open year-round for souvenirs, tickets and other services. Season runs mid-June through early September. www.missoulaosprey.com. 543-3300.
19. Out to Lunch ............................ Caras Park
Produced by the Missoula Downtown Association, Out to Lunch takes place Wednesdays June-August from 11 am- 1:30 pm in Caras Park. Montana’s longest-running festival highlights local musicians and countless food vendors. Begins June 4. www.missouladowntown.com. 543-4238.
20. Downtown ToNight .................. Caras Park
Downtown Missoula’s newest summer series! Takes place Thursday nights mid-June to mid-Sept. from 5:30-8:30 pm in Caras Park. Featuring live music, food from local vendors and a beverage garden. Starts June 19. www.missouladowntown.com. 543-4238.
Theatre & Live Productions
21. Missoula Children’s Theatre . 200 N. Adams
MCT is dedicated to the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts. Focused on creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem. The largest touring children’s theater in the U.S., MCT also maintains a local community theater with five productions per year. Featuring gift shop and tours for the public. Open weekdays 10 am-6 pm. www.mctinc.org. 728-1911.
22. Historic Wilma Theatre ..... 131 S. Higgins
Built in 1921, the Historic Wilma Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Renovations continue bringing this beautiful grand dame back to life. The Wilma is Missoula’s hub for live entertainment, movies on the big curved silver screen, and local showcases in the 1,000-seat auditorium. Theatres available for rent. 728-2521. Other
23. Boys & Girls Club ............... 617 S. Higgins
A positive, safe place for kids to gather. Available for teens on a drop-in basis Mon-Sat. Two other sites for children 6- 13 located at the University and Council Grove. Innovative programming includes computers, music, art, film, radio & teen-run food service among others. 542-3116.
24. Crystal Video ..................... 600 S. Higgins
Unique video store specializing in independent and foreign films. Get a slice of pizza and a movie, or pizza and a movie delivered. Pizza from the Bridge! 543-3456. Open 11 am-11 pm Sun-Thurs and 11:30 am-11:30 pm Fri-Sat.
25. Missoula Cultural Council ..... 127 E. Front
Serving as a resource for the coordination, development and support of arts and culture for the benefit of the Missoula community. www.missoulacultural.org. 721-9620.
Special Events 2003
Gallery Night .............................. First Friday of Each Month
IWFF WildWalk Parade & WildFest ...................... Early May
International Wildlife Film Festival ......................... Early May
YMCA Riverbank Run ......................... last Saturday in April 11th
Annual BrewFest .................... second Saturday in May
YWCA Taste of Missoula .......................................... June 15
Garden City River Rod Run Car Show ............. June 27-28
Silver Collector Car Auction ..................................... June 28
Chris Isaak in Concert ............................................. June 29
Hellgate Rendezvous Arts & Crafts Fair ................ July 1-13
International Choral Festival ............................... July 16-20
Lewis & Clark Missoula Festival .................July 25-Sept. 21
Western Montana Fair ......................................... Aug. 5-10
KidsFest .................................................................... Aug. 7
KECI-TV Family Fest .............................................. Aug. 16
Nevile Brothers in Concert ...................................... Aug. 22
International Mustang Meet ............................... Aug. 29-31
HempFest ................................................................ Sept. 6
GermanFest ............................................................. Sept. 7
Missoula Mavericks BrewFest ................................ Sept. 12
Montana Festival of the Book ............................ Sept. 19-20
Alliance for the Wild Rockies Event .................... Sept. 26-27
UM Homecoming & Parade ........................................ Oct. 4
Renaissance Arts & Crafts Fair .......................... Nov. 28-30
Santa’s Arrival & Holiday Stroll .................................. Dec. 7
First Night Missoula ................................................. Dec. 31
