Bozeman Art Museum
About Bozeman Art Museum
Bozeman Art Museum keeps a lot of art within reach, with free exhibits, lectures, classes, and school programs for people across Bozeman. The draw here is simple, and pretty appealing, too: kids, homeschoolers, adults, and seniors can all find something to learn from without a price tag getting in the way. For donors, that means supporting access now, while the museum continues working toward a permanent fine art home for Bozeman.
What sets Bozeman Art Museum apart is how public it stays. Visitors can walk into free rotating exhibits, while students, homeschoolers, and seniors also get art education built into everyday community spaces. Signature programs like Plein Air Montana give the museum a clear public presence beyond the gallery.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
In-school art program
Free skill-based art classes for students in local schools, homeschool settings, libraries, and community sites in Gallatin and Park counties.
Community art classes and workshops
Free and low-cost classes, courses, camps, and workshops for children, teens, adults, homeschoolers, and creative aging participants.
Free lectures
Year-round lectures featuring local and national artists and experts.
Exhibits
Free rotating fine art exhibits featuring loaned work from private collections, galleries, and museums.
Plein Air Montana
A week-long juried plein air painting competition, with public events, quick draw activities, workshops, and an opening reception.
Creative Aging program
Art programming for seniors in the community, including classes in local nursing homes and other senior-serving settings.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To educate, enrich, and inspire the Bozeman community through high-quality exhibits, programs, classes, and lectures.
Who they serve
Children, students, homeschoolers, adults, seniors, and the broader Bozeman community, especially learners in Gallatin and Park counties.
Their impact
- Recorded 18,432 exhibit attendees in 2024.
- Drew over 400 attendees to the 2025 Fine Art Fair.
How your donation helps
- $25 buys gas for art teachers to reach students
- $50 replenishes art supplies for a 6-week course
- $100 covers museum electric expenses for one month
- $250 sponsors a teacher’s aide for a 6-week course
- $500 sponsors teacher fees for a 6-week course
- $1,000 insures art in the exhibition gallery
- $2,500 covers rent for a month
- $5,000 underwrites an exhibit
Our story
Bozeman Art Museum started in 2012, when Executive Director Linda Williams saw that Bozeman did not have a fine art museum. A small group incorporated the museum and received tax-exempt status in April 2012, then grew its exhibits and educational programming over time. The BAM Youth Program launched in 2017, and the organization later expanded into a gallery space on West Main while still working toward a permanent museum building.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
“The BAM teachers spent almost two hours a week with us and not only did they teach art, they developed a relationship with our students that was overwhelmingly positive.”
“I wholeheartedly recommend the BAM school program and encourage continued support. Quality instruction in art is an ongoing need in rural Montana schools as is cultural awareness and appreciation for art. This program goes far toward meeting those needs and is worthy of your support.”
“Thank you so much. I learned a lot and am still using the elements you taught us…I couldn’t get my apples looking like apples until you came.”
“Art is something that everyone can do/enjoy over and over and always learn/see something new.”
Events
Plein Air Montana
annual, JulyA week-long juried plein air painting competition with public events, a quick draw, workshops, and an opening reception.
Miniature Art Auction at the Baxter
annual, NovemberA fundraising art auction held in November.
Fine Art Fair
annual, first Saturday in JuneA public fine art fair with vendor booths and original work for sale.
Free lecture series
year-roundFree lectures featuring local and national artists and experts.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Bozeman Art Museum has shared.
Current needs
- Land and funding for a standalone permanent building
- Volunteers to help run events, set up and take down exhibits, and assist in classes
- Donations for free school art supplies and teacher support
Volunteer opportunities
- Help run events
- Set up and take down exhibits
- Connect with artists
- Help teachers in classes
- Teach art or serve as a teaching artist
Recognition & press
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What kinds of art education does Bozeman Art Museum offer?
It offers in-school art programs, public classes, workshops, lectures, homeschool classes, adult classes, kids lessons, and creative aging classes for seniors.
Who participates in the in-school art program?
It serves students in local schools and homeschool settings in Gallatin and Park counties, including elementary schools and other community education settings.
Are exhibits free to attend?
Yes. Exhibits have free admission.
What is Plein Air Montana?
Plein Air Montana is a week-long juried painting competition in Bozeman, with public events, an opening reception, and artists painting local views, buildings, mountains, and rivers.
Does the museum offer programming for seniors?
Yes. BAM offers creative aging classes and other art programming for seniors in the community.