Billings Arts Association Inc
About Billings Arts Association Inc
Billings Arts Association gives artists in Billings a place to gather, show work, and keep building their practice, whether they are just starting out or have been making art for years. The monthly ArtShop gatherings, member exhibits, and community projects give donors a direct way to support local creativity in a way that feels hands-on and public. Its Images Art Grants and student scholarship support also help art education reach into local schools. If you want to back art that stays rooted in the community, this is a straightforward place to do it.
What stands out here is the way the association makes room for both fellowship and practical support. Artists can meet, exhibit, mentor, and contribute to community projects, while students and schools can access grant support for art education. That makes the organization feel present in everyday art life, not just on paper.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Images Art Grant
Provides materials grants for art education in schools, includes educator and parent application forms, and supports individual student art scholarship opportunities.
ArtShop gatherings
Monthly meetings where members connect with other artists for education, collaboration, inspiration, and community.
Annual Members Exhibit and Sale
An annual members exhibit and sale held at Gainan's Garden Center.
Sandstone Gallery Wall
Offers members spaces on the Sandstone Gallery wall during the ArtWalk season on a first come, first served basis.
Random Acts of Art
An ongoing project in which members create small works of art to build a reserve for future community opportunities.
The Journal Project
A traveling landscape watercolor journal project that invites BAA artists to add two-page visual memoir spreads and pass the journal along to another artist.
Artist demonstrations and mentoring
Members can talk with classes, demonstrate, or mentor students interested in a specific art medium or technique.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To provide a supportive environment for artists of all skill levels to explore and enjoy their creativity. To support art in the community through collaboration, education, and financial assistance. To provide a platform for local artists to add to the beauty of the communities where we live and work.
Who they serve
Artists of all skill levels, visual artists, art enthusiasts, educators, and students involved in art education and community arts activities.
How your donation helps
- Funding Images Art Grants for art education in schools
- Supporting individual student art scholarship forms
- Providing materials grants of up to $500 for art education
- Helping fund community art education and financial assistance efforts
Our story
Billings Arts Association started in 1954 with artists, actors, writers, musicians, and interested observers. Among its early members were artists like Isabelle Johnson, Ben Steele, Ted Waddell, and Donna Forbes. One of its early efforts helped organize and fund the drive to turn a former county jail into an art center, which is now the Yellowstone Art Museum.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Billings Arts Association Inc’s services.
Educators can find grant application forms on the Images Art Grant page, and parents can find forms for the individual student art scholarship program. Artists and art enthusiasts can contact the association with questions about membership or ongoing events.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
To provide a supportive environment for artists of all skill levels to explore and enjoy their creativity.
To support Art in our community through collaboration, education, and financial assistance
To provide a platform for local artists to add to the beauty of the communities where we live and work.
Events
ArtShop
monthlyMonthly gatherings for artists to share work, connect, and learn from one another.
Annual Members Exhibit and Sale
annualA members exhibit and sale at Gainan's Garden Center.
Annual Members Meeting
annualA meeting where board and committee positions are elected and art updates are shared.
Sandstone Gallery Wall season
seasonalMember exhibition spaces are reserved on the Sandstone Gallery wall during the ArtWalk season.
Yellowstone Valley Plein Air
annualA BAA event with sign-up information shared for members and artists.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Billings Arts Association Inc has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Helping with ArtShop
- Helping staff a show
- Artist demonstrations
- Serving as a Board or Committee Member
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can join Billings Arts Association?
Membership is open to artists high school age and older. If someone cannot afford it, free membership without limitation is available.
What does the Images Art Grant support?
It supports art education in schools with materials grants, and it includes application forms for educators and parents.
What is ArtShop?
ArtShop is the monthly gathering where members come together for education, collaboration, inspiration, and community.
What kinds of artists are part of the association?
The association includes visual artists across many disciplines, including painters, sculptors, weavers, textile artists, sketchers, photographers, and fabric artists.
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