Collections

MAM's Contemporary American Indian Art Collection (CAIAC) includes nearly 250 works by the country's most celebrated Native artists. MAM holds the largest collection of contemporary Native art in the region and the most comprehensive collection of Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's (citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation, 1940-2025) work worldwide. Established in 2006, the dedicated Lynda M. Frost Contemporary American Indian Art Gallery has, as of 2025, presented over 41 exhibitions featuring 80 Native American artists representing more than 60 Tribal affiliations from across the country.

As a living, evolving artistic expression, celebrated artist Corwin Clairmont (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) observed, "The real Indians did not die out sometime in the 1850s. By exhibiting contemporary Indian Art, you have to recognize that Indians are alive and active participants in life today."  

Artists such as Frances Senska (1914–2009), Rudy (1926–2007) and Lela Autio (1927–2016), Robert (1920–1990) and Gennie DeWeese (1921–2007) were the state’s post-WWII modernists who experimented with form, color, and scale, encouraging creative exchanges that allowed the arts to flourish in an otherwise expansive, rural region—two factors that help define their approach. MAM’s commitment to celebrating and preserving the legacy of modernism is evident in holdings by these artists and others, including Aden Arnold (1901–1973), Maxine Blackmer (1915–2005), Freeman Butts (1928–1998), James Dew (1922–2012), Walter Hook (1919–1989), Branson Stevenson (1901–1989), and Jessie Wilber (1912–1989). 

The Volkersz’s are artists and collectors and their self-taught, or folk art, the collection is truly a collaborative, life-long endeavor.   

The Volkersz gift to MAM includes drawings, paintings, constructions, and sculptures, as well as letters and photographs and ranges from works by Alva Gene Dexhimer (1931–1984) to the Reverend Howard Finster (1916–2001). Almost all of the artists are self-taught, or more specifically have a passion for their practice which functions without the support of instruction or academia. The Volkersz’s visited, corresponded with, and documented the environments of many of these artists. Many significant collections of self-taught and folk art are represented in museums nationwide, including the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, who has other artworks and archival materials donated by the Volkersz. 

MAM is honored to hold over 300 pieces of art created by members of the Hmong community. Beginning in 1979, hundreds of Hmong refugees resettled in Missoula after being persecuted in Laos because of their loyalty to the anti-communist U.S. government and CIA operations. In refugee camps, flower cloth techniques evolved, and artists began creating story cloths—embroidered picture textiles that illustrate Hmong experiences of agriculture, war, exile, and immigration. Sales of flower cloths and story cloths, both in the camps and later more broadly, generated important income for families and introduced Hmong culture to the region. These piece feature embroidery and reverse appliqué techniques which showcase symbolic geometric and organic designs that reflect a deep animist spirituality. 

All requests for reproductions from MAM's Collection, exhibitions, and public programs are considered and approved based on educational relevance and copyright control. MAM's priority is to protect artists' rights and the integrity of the original artworks in its care. A pdf application form detailing MAM's policy and fees may be downloaded. A completed, signed application form must accompany each request for reproductions. If MAM is unable to provide a reproduction, MAM will facilitatedirect contact between interested publishers and artists or artists' representatives. 

‍ Montana History Portal

MAM's Art in Public Places program makes original contemporary art more accessible to western Montanans. In partnership with Missoula County — which owns approximately 200 works in the Missoula County Art Collection housed at MAM — we collaborate with city-county department heads to display artwork in public office spaces such as reception areas and waiting rooms.

Works are rotated annually. MAM staff, trained volunteers, and interns handle all packing, delivery, and installation to ensure the long-term care of each piece. City-county employees provide security and agree to abide by loan terms.

Interested in joining the program? Contact MAM to schedule a site visit, artwork selection, and installation.