A New Chapter for the Lewistown Art Center

Imagine this. You step through the doors of the new Lewistown Art Center and are greeted by a warm, welcoming face at the front desk. From here, you’re invited into two unique spaces—each a reflection of creativity, community, and possibility.

Behind the desk, a vibrant classroom hums with energy. Light dances on paint-splattered floors, and the walls are alive with colorful artwork created by local children and students. It’s a joyful space—designed for learning, connection, and exploration.

To your left, a stunning gallery showcases the talent of local artists, celebrating Montana’s rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. It’s a place of reflection, inspiration, and pride.

This is the vision we hold for the future of the Lewistown Art Center as we prepare to move into a new, sustainable home. A space where art, education, and community come together in meaningful, lasting ways.

The Lewistown Art Center is preparing to sell the 323 W Main Street building. This decision comes after nearly two years of thoughtful reflection, sparked by the lasting changes brought on by the post-COVID era. Through this process, we’ve taken a hard look at our mission, our capacity, and the most meaningful ways we can serve our community moving forward.

We’ve determined that our top priority is Art Education—with a renewed focus on youth engagement. Our goal is to create sustainable programming that inspires, educates, and nurtures the next generation of artists in Central Montana.

The 323 W Main building has served us well, but it now costs nearly $100 a day just to maintain—even when it’s not actively in use. When we host events or exhibitions, those costs increase further. With that in mind, we are seeking a space better aligned with our current needs—one that allows us to invest our resources directly into educational programming while keeping gallery opportunities on the horizon.

At this time, the LAC is guided by our dedicated Board of Directors rather than a full-time Executive Director. While we’ve long relied on the energy of our volunteers, we also recognize that people’s capacity to give their time has changed. As a result, we’re making intentional choices to reduce the strain on our board, staff, and volunteers, ensuring a sustainable path forward for everyone involved.

We understand this announcement may raise questions or concerns among our members, and we want you to know: we hear you, and we care deeply about your connection to this space.

About 323 W Main: A Place Full of Meaning

There’s no denying that 323 W Main is a beautiful, vibrant location. It played a vital role in our history—especially during the 2010s, when we had the resources to fully activate the space with exhibitions, classes, and events. Many of those still involved with the Art Center began their journeys here, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

As we look to the future, we are presently exploring other downtown locations that offer similar advantages with lower overhead and fewer logistical demands. This shift will allow us to focus more fully on what matters most: providing meaningful, accessible, and high-quality art education for our community.

What About the Clay Studio?
We know the clay studio has been a beloved part of the LAC community, and we share in your disappointment that it hasn’t been able to reopen in its current location. Unfortunately, due to significant challenges with ventilation and the ability to properly clean and maintain the basement studio, it has not been a safe or functional space for use.

That said, there is hope. The buildings we are currently considering for our new location offer real potential for a future revival of the clay studio. We hope to still house a space respectful of Ken Edwards’ memory and the deep legacy he left within our clay community. His impact continues to inspire us as we plan for the future.

What About the Permanent Collection?
Our Permanent Collection remains a cornerstone of the LAC, and we are taking active steps to preserve and protect it. The Board is currently working to update and organize the collection’s records to ensure we have accurate and complete information for each piece in our care.

Looking ahead, we’re exploring partnerships with local businesses and community spaces to exhibit selections from the collection—allowing more people to engage with this rich artistic legacy, as we transition to a new vibrant space.

The Future
As we look ahead, the dedication of our Board of Directors, volunteers, and teaching artists has brought us back to an essential truth: the Lewistown Art Center is not defined by walls—it's defined by people, vision, and community.

This new chapter will require effort, collaboration, and imagination. But what we will gain in return is invaluable: a dynamic space where creativity flourishes, where students of all ages are nurtured, and where the artists who have long shaped the cultural fabric of Central Montana are celebrated and supported.

We are excited for what lies ahead and deeply hopeful that you will join us on this journey. Together, we can build not just a new space, but a lasting legacy for the arts in our region.

As we turn the page, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the past few years—our current and former Board Members, our dedicated staff, generous volunteers, and, most importantly, our members. Your continued commitment and involvement have been essential to navigating the challenges we’ve faced, and we truly could not have done it without you.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would simply like to learn more, we welcome you to reach out to us at LewistownArtCenterBoard@gmail.com or stop by the Center on any Saturday through the Chokecherry Festival to speak with a Board Member in person.