Helena is home to many professional and amateur artists and thus it's home to a nice arts scene. Unlike some art scenes, where you might have to wear a black turtleneck, drink martinis with an extended pinky, and spend lots of money, Helena’s is low-key, down to earth, and friendly. To get in on the local art action, check out these places:
The Myrna Loy Center for the Performing Arts
The Myrna Loy (15 North Ewing / 406-443-0287) is named after one of Helena’s famous residents and it brings a little bit of the big city to this small town. The Myrna hosts all sorts of performing, literary, and visual arts, as well as cultural programs that would not otherwise appear in the Helena area or anywhere in Montana. It is also home to a movie theater that screens independent and (what else) art house flicks. Housed in the old city jail, it’s worth visiting for the architecture alone.
The Holter Museum of Art
The Holter (12 E Lawrence / 406-442-6400) is a contemporary art museum that shows off local, national, and international artists. Its exhibitions include all types of visual media and, as a museum, it also collects and preserves significant local and regional art. Best of all, admission is free (donations requested).
The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
The Archie Bray (2915 Country Club Ave / 406-443-3502) is a nationally recognized institution for ceramics and pottery. It’s home to a free pottery gallery and offers workshops by some of the most talented people in the pottery world.
