Show Them What We've Got

I’m ordering a latte in downtown Missoula. Behind me in line a young man has a yoga mat slung over his shoulder. Behind him, a woman in a suit dress. My barista is young and cheerful; I tip my change plus a buck. The only thing wrong with this picture are the walls. They are decorated with ugly, mass produced images.

Not art. Not even paintings. Purchased, boring frame filler.

In Missoula, arguably the Montana city with the most local artists, this is inexcusable. There and in other cities where I’ve lived, local businesses not supporting local artists by displaying their work has always irked me. It is inexcusable to have boring, mass produced art hanging in a business in a city with so many struggling (and talented!) artists.

Recently I realized, why just the cities? Why not Glasgow and surrounding areas?

In fact, our local business owners already do really well. McDonald’s hangs photos by Sean Heavey and The Durum displays Cat Sugg’s work. Both artists are displayed in many other places around town, as well. Thank you!  But why stop there?

What if Glasgow was known across the Hi-Line as the town proud of their abundance of local artists?

Here is my challenge to all local business owners: Display local art.

It’s simple. I’ll help. On a small sheet of paper, write the words: “Would you like to display your artwork? Ask for (ownder/manager) or leave a message at the counter.” Hang up the sign somewhere visible.

Designate a wall for a monthly artist. Even designating a space of just a couple feet for a single drawing or painting would be wonderful. Let them put a little price tag under their work. If a customer purchases the work, keep it in an envelope beneath the cash box.

You don’t need to worry about hanging up the art or taking it down. After a month, or your allotted time, the artist will be responsible for retrieving the work from your wall.

Friends and family of the artist will want to stop by to see the work, promoting business during these slow winter months. You would not only be supporting the artist, but also our local schools whose art teachers (like myself) are dedicated to cultivating artistic ability. Often our students are only able to show their work within the school walls. Perhaps the goal of public eyes on their art would spur the energy needed to create a larger body of work.

Imagine if all of our businesses - restaurants, clothing shops, coffee shops, office buildings - all displayed local artwork. If you believe in Valley County’s art and culture (which I think is undeniable at this point) give our artists the opportunity to display their artwork, making our community beautiful and letting the rest of the state know that we are proud of our artists.