Community Outreach

Mondays, Twice a Month 1:30-3:30 pm

This program provides therapeutic benefits for elders experiencing memory loss by processing emotions and sparking memories through art. It creates a comforting space for those in early-stage dementia and their caregivers, fostering a dementia-friendly community in a creative, relaxed environment. Participants view artwork in small groups guided by MAM Teaching Artists, education staff, and volunteers, then create original art in the education classroom. MAM developed this program to address our community's growing geriatrics population in partnership with Dementia-Friendly Missoula, The Springs and Village Memory Care Facilities, Missoula Aging Services, the Library's Memory Café, and the Montana Geriatrics Education Foundation. This program is offered two Mondays per month, with a break in February and March The front entrance is ADA-accessible. 

MAM engages under-resourced populations through the ARTreach program each summer. ARTreach is modeled after the successful Fifth Grade Art Experience, which runs during the school year. A dozen nonprofit summer camps, serving approximately 700 low-income children, visit MAM for an interactive tour and hands-on art-making experience. The program provides an opportunity for a diverse cross-section of Missoula’s youth from surrounding rural and Tribal communities and the Flathead Nation to experience contemporary art in an interactive and creative way, through open-ended interpretation and a hands-on art project led by professional artists. Since 2015, ARTreach has served over 5,000 youth and broadens MAM’s partnerships with a diverse array of social service and educational organizations in Missoula. 

MAM on the Move: MAM on the Move! is a pop-up artmaking station that travels to events around town. Participants create an original artwork while learning about current exhibitions, programs, workshops, classes and events for all ages and abilities. Our art project is always connected with a work of art from MAM's Collection. Look for our red tent and banner at the Western Montana Fair, Clark Fork Market, Sunday Streets, the Roots Festival, and other events around Missoula. 

The Inquiry Method is a dynamic, viewer‑led approach that invites learners to look closely, listen deeply, and build meaning together. Drawing on tenets of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Art Heals, it helps participants feel seen, heard, and engaged—while learning more deeply. When viewers of all ages explore contemporary society through art, they’re discovering how people understand themselves, their communities, and their place in the world—then and now. We believe engaging with art is a life skill—one that can be practiced, strengthened, and enjoyed by everyone.

Art Access Now promotes the power of curiosity and wonder by centering the Inquiry Method in mentoring and multigenerational programming for teens, young adults, and adults with training and monetary stipends! Facilitators will guide conversations around original collection works with carefully crafted open-ended questions that draw out multiple perspectives, foster empowerment, and support inclusive learning. Research shows this approach bolsters belonging, connection, cognitive function, and help mitigate depression, anxiety, and other physical and mental health challenges —all in the spirit of healing.