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Whitefish, Montana: A Hub for Artistic Experiences

Create, Discover, and enjoy a vibrant artistic scene in Whitefish, Montana. Immerse yourself in the world of fine and performance art with our comprehensive guide. Find galleries, exhibitions, theaters, and more, near your vacation rental, enhancing your experience or enriching your local exploration in Whitefish, MT. Explore our suggestions below!

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PERFORMING ARTS

Whitefish, Montana is a charming mountain town with a vibrant arts scene. From art galleries and museums to theaters and performing arts centers, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few of the many artistic experiences you can find in Whitefish:
Whitefish Theatre Company
The Whitefish Theatre Company is a non-profit organization known for its high-quality community theater productions, that produces a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year. The company is located in Whitefish, Montana, a charming town in the Flathead Valley. Established in 1952, Whitefish Theatre Company is committed to providing high-quality entertainment for the community and visitors alike.
O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center
The O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center is a small community theater located in Whitefish. The center occasionally hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, concerts, and dance recitals. The Center was built in 1998 and is named after I.A. O'Shaughnessy, a local businessman and philanthropist. It is a 328-seat theater with a proscenium stage, orchestra pit, and balcony. It also has a lobby, rehearsal space, and costume shop. It is a beautiful and well-equipped theater that hosts a variety of high-quality performances, including tours from around the nation. The Center is also a great place to learn about the arts and to support the local community.
Bigfork Summer Playhouse
Bigfork Summer Playhouse is a professional theater company that produces a variety of plays and musicals each summer. The company is located in Bigfork, Montana, a town on the shores of Flathead Lake, with a charm similar to Whitefish. Bigfork Summer Playhouse was established in 1960 by Dr. Firman 'Bo' Brown and his wife Margery Hunter Brown. The playhouse was originally founded as a place for University of Montana theater students to perform in the summer, and grew into a professional theater company that produces a variety of plays and musicals each summer.
Alpine Theatre Project
Established in 1992, the Alpine Theatre Project is a professional theater company showcases a range of productions, including musicals, dramas, and comedies, featuring both local and visiting artists. ATP produces four mainstage productions each summer, as well as a variety of children's theater productions and educational programming. The company's mainstage productions are typically musicals, but they have also produced plays by Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and other classic playwrights.
Glacier Symphony and Chorale
Experience the thrill of live classical music performances by the Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, which showcase talented musicians and vocalists: over 60 professional musicians and 80 volunteer singers. Established in 1973, the Glacier Symphony and Chorale is a professional orchestra and choir that performs t a variety of venues throughout the Flathead Valley, and the Region. It is dedicated to providing a diverse range of excellent musical experiences in Northwest Montana that inspire, challenge, and educate our musicians, audiences, and students. The symphony and choir perform a variety of classical, jazz and pop music, beloved by both locals and tourists.
The Wachholz Performing Arts Center
The Wachholz Performing Arts Center is a 58,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility located on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) in Kalispell, Montana. The center opened in November 2022 and is named after Paul D. Wachholz, a longtime supporter of FVCC and the arts. It features a variety of performance spaces, including McClaren Hall, a 1,014-seat theater with superb acoustics. Also, Swank Recital Hall, a 200-seat recital hall. O'Shaughnessy Outdoor Amphitheater, a 500-seat amphitheater. And Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery, a gallery that showcases rotating exhibits of artwork by local and regional artists. Throughout the year, they offer Theater productions, Music concerts, Dance performances, Lectures, Workshops, and Community events.
Dennison Theatre (Missoula)
The Dennison Theatre is a 1,100-seat proscenium theatre hosting a wide variety of performances over the years, including plays, musicals, concerts, dance recitals, and lectures. Built in 1935 and located on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, Montana it was part of the University's Student Union Building and is named after George and Jane Dennison, who were major donors to the project. It is a popular venue for both University and community events. The Theatre underwent a major renovation in 1996, which updated the interior and exterior of the building and improved the acoustics and lighting. The renovation also added a new lobby, box office, and concessions area.
Whitefish Theatre Company
O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center
Bigfork Summer Playhouse
Alpine Theatre Project
Glacier Symphony and Chorale
The Wachholz Performing Arts Center
Dennison Theatre (Missoula)

FINE ARTS

browse our community's beautiful fine artwork; if you' like to create some artwork yourself, scroll down; or scroll up to try performance art.
enjoy a performance of acting or music; and if you'd like to try fine arts
Whitefish Gallery Nights
Whitefish Gallery Nights is located in downtown Whitefish, Montana. The participating galleries are all within walking distance of each other, so it's easy to see a variety of art in one evening. The Whitefish Gallery Nights event takes place on the first Thursday of every month from 5pm to 8pm. During this time, participating galleries stay open late and offer refreshments and special events. Known participating galleries are: Cawdrey Gallery, Dick Idol Signature Gallery, Going-To-The-Sun Gallery, Hollman Miller Gallery, Paul Lally Fine Art Nature Photography, Stumptown Art Studio, Walking Man Frame Shop & Gallery, and Underscore Art.
Hockaday Museum of Art
Established in 1954, the Hockaday Museum of Art is a fine art museum in Kalispell, Montana. It is a small, charming museum founded in 1962 by a group of local art lovers, housed in a beautiful 1904 Carnegie Library building, and focuses on American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum features a collection of over 5,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and Native American artifacts. The Hockaday Museum of Art offers a variety of educational programs for all ages, including art classes, workshops, lectures, and tours. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as concerts, film screenings, and festivals.
Art Fusion Gallery
Art Fusion Gallery is a cooperative gallery that features the work of over 30 local artists. The gallery is located in Bigfork, Montana. It was founded in 2006 by a group of local artists who wanted to create a space to showcase their work and to promote the arts in the community, including painters, sculptors, photographers, and jewelers. The gallery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including artist receptions, workshops, and classes. Here you can find unique and original artwork, meet local artists and learn more about local artwork.
Montana Earth Pottery
Montana Earth Pottery is a small, family-owned pottery studio located in Columbia Falls, Montana. It was founded in 1976 by John and Karen Smith, who have been making pottery together for over 40 years. The Smiths are very passionate about their work and are committed to using sustainable practices in their studio, and they donate a portion of their proceeds to local environmental organizations. They use local clays and glazes to create their pottery, which is known for its simple, functional designs and its beautiful, earthy colors. They offer a wide variety of products, including bowls, cups, plates, platters, vases, and more. The studio is open year-round, and visitors are welcome to watch the Smiths at work or to purchase their pottery.
Whitefish Gallery Nights
Hockaday Museum of Art
Art Fusion Gallery
Montana Earth Pottery

MAKE ARTWORK

you don't need to be a Picasso, or a Da Vinci, or even "an artist" to have fun with this one! If you'd rather browse our local artwork or see some performances, scroll up
Art Escape Retreat/Pottery Lessons & Workshops
Art Escape Retreat is owned and operated by Steve and Elisabeth, both experienced potters. It is a fully equipped ceramic/pottery studio located in Whitefish, Montana. It offers a variety of pottery lessons and workshops for all skill levels. They offer a variety of classes, from beginner wheel throwing to advanced hand-building. They also offer workshops on specific topics, such as glazing or carving. In addition to classes, Art Escape Retreat also offers studio time for rent. This is a great option for potters who want to continue their practice outside of class. The studio is also available for private events, such as birthday parties or corporate team-building events.
Stumptown Art Studio
Stumptown Art Studio is a non-profit organization in Whitefish, Montana that provides art classes and workshops for all ages. The studio was founded in 2005 by a group of local artists who wanted to create a space where people could create art together and to learn new skills. Stumptown Art Studio offers a variety of classes and workshops, including drawing, painting, pottery, glass fusing, and more. Classes are offered for all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Stumptown Art Studio also offers a variety of summer camps for kids and teens.
Bigfork Art and Cultural Center
The Bigfork Art and Cultural Center is a vibrant hub for the arts located in the charming town of Bigfork, Montana. It serves as a community gathering place that celebrates and promotes art, culture, and creativity. The BACC offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including art classes and workshops for all ages, and family-friendly events. Experienced instructors provide guidance and support, allowing participants to learn new skills and unleash their creativity, covering different mediums and techniques, such as drawing, painting, pottery, jewelry-making, and fiber arts.
The Art Center (KALICO)
The KALICO Art Center is a contemporary community for all ages and abilities to create, connect and experience art by offering dynamic classes, events, exhibitions, and studio space. They have a variety of classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels, as well as a gallery space that hosts rotating exhibits. They also offer studio space for rent to artists of all levels.
Art Escape Retreat/Pottery Lessons & Workshops
Stumptown Art Studio
Bigfork Art and Cultural Center
The Art Center (KALICO)
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