Montana Arts Council
An Agency of State Government
Artists in Schools and Communities Registry
MAC’s Artists in Schools and Communities Registry is a listing of professional teaching artists at work across Montana, and provides a resource to find an artist that matches the needs of your group of learners. The Registry includes teaching artists in Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Literary Arts available to provide arts learning opportunities for youth or life-long learners.
Tips for using the Registry
- Contact the teaching artists directly to begin a conversation with them about their specific programming, schedule availability and fees.
- Do your homework! MAC’s Registry is a helpful resource, but we encourage all schools and community organizations to get to know the artist through email and phone conversation, reference checks, and background checks your setting necessitates, before you engage a teaching artist.
- Remember, our AISC Registry artists are professionals, and professionals get paid! Negotiate a fee for services with the artist, and put it in writing before they arrive.
- MAC offers grant funding to bring AISC Registry artists, and other Montana teaching artists or organizations, to your school or community.
Questions about the AISC Registry or any of the artists listed? Contact Monica Grable, Arts Education Director, at (406) 444-6522 or monica.grable@mt.gov.
AISC Registry | All Artists
Annie Allen
Visual Art
I offer students the chance to express themselves, to open their creative vein, to work in a variety of manner using mixed media and/or mediums. A calling I relish and take quite seriously. Art is a true gift for young and old alike. It is a way to release emotions, feelings, and thoughts without uttering a single word. It is a blessing to teach and share knowledge about art.PO Box 113 | Stevensville, MT 59870
(406) 431-9479 | sunnybunny60@gmail.com www.annieallenart.com
Cheryl Bannes
Visual Art
Art is in all we see and do. It is important for students to experience art processes, styles and materials so they are comfortable expressing themselves. I teach real art concepts, styles, and bring a variety of materials to all grade levels which helps students to find their individual artistic voice while learning how art connects the world.PO Box 47 | Lewistown, MT 59457
(406) 366-0704 | fifthhouse@midrivers.com www.cherylbannes.com
Monica Bauer
Visual Art
My work is an experiment with light and color, in an attempt to convey the spatial beauty and drama of the world around us. My work involves a daily practice of drawing, in a variety of media, to enhance observation and compositional strategy. Painting uses drawing skills, as well as creative vision, to allow viewers to experience light and color, form and space, in the world around them, in an entirely new way.3204 Wild Rose Lane | Great Falls, MT 59401
(646) 460-5013 | mmbauer@gmail.com
B.J. Buckley
Creative Writing
Humans are natural tale-tellers and poets. Our ongoing narratives weave us into the shared fabric of the world and forge intricate, intimate connections with each other. As a teacher my task is to provide a resource-rich space which calls out and supports each student's innate gifts to make and share unique poems and stories.10 10th Lane NE | Power, MT 59468
(406) 467-2986 | bjbuckley@earthlink.net
The CoMotion Dance Project
Dance
The CoMotion Dance Project provides highly-qualified dance teaching artists for K-5 classrooms. Elementary students are skillfully guided to create, perform, respond and connect to the curriculum (i.e. fractions, water cycle, parts of speech) using dance. In addition to learning artistic thinking skills in creative dance, our workshops foster emotional and social skills (listening, communication, collaboration, respect and diversity).School of Theatre and Dance | University of Montana | Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-2870 | karen.kaufmann@umontana.edu
Jordan Dehline Burt
Dance
My belief is that all children should have the opportunity to express their creativity through movement. Integrating dance with the curriculum provides an alternate method of learning standards-based content, using the kinesthetic intelligence. I seek to create an enthusiasm for learning and movement, and to support the academic curriculum.400 W. Broadway Street Ste. 101-303 | Missoula, MT 59802
(253) 632-7008 | jordan_dehline@yahoo.com www.dehlineburt.wix.com/dance
Claire Emery
Visual Art
I create a lively, structured, inclusive, warm and engaging learning environment that invigorates, strengthens and awakens learners' personal skills, their community connections and their creative confidence. My approach is cooperative, inquiry-based, locally relevant, hands-on, and accommodates a variety of learning styles. Goal: to learn joyfully together and to cultivate personal and community resilience.PO Box 8656 | Missoula, MT 59807
(406) 317-1012 | claire.emery.art@gmail.com www.emeryart.com
Lisa Ernst
Clay
Art is a form of communication; each medium has its own vocabulary. Each student will respond differently to each, it is the task of the teacher to give students enough understanding of medium's vocabulary to tap a creative idea and cultivate their own vocabulary.PO Box 244 | Jefferson City, MT 59638
(406) 461-1186 | lisaernst343@gmail.com
Fred Haefele
Creative Writing
I like to introduce idea that as humans, we all possess a common story, but we also have our own story, which is inviolable and unique. The success of telling depends on the writers ability to identify those qualities that make it unique and at the same time, connect to the greater story of us all.304 South Fifth St. East | Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 546-7280 | fhaefele@yahoo.com www.fredhaefele.com
Michelle Karcher
Dance
Michelle Karcher and The Beet Tops bring traditional old-time music and dance to social gatherings or groups in an accessible and enjoyable way. All dances are taught step by step -- no experience required. The lively dance music and engaging nature of square dancing is perfect for learners of all ages.324 Woodford Street | Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 544-5068 | thebeettops@gmail.com or chellekarcher@gmail.com
Susann Lavold
Visual Art
As a child, I was always drawing and was frustrated with art class projects that didn't hone my skills. As a teaching artist, I focus on classic techniques for realism. I encourage children's natural creativity by showing them steps for achieving specific goals for greater realism, exploring new effects, unusual mediums and outcomes.126 Upper Deer Creek Road
(406) 932-5346 or (406) 290-4690 | lavoldstudios@gmail.com
www.sjlavold.tumblr.com
Retta Leaphart
Theatre and Puppetry
Theatre is collaboration and discovery. I am constantly honing my observation skills, striving to build connections between people, ideas, moments, and works of art. There is always more to learn, and always a new direction in which to grow. Most importantly, as a favorite teacher of mine used to constantly remind us, “You’ve got to have fun to be in the game.”348 Clancy St. | Helena, MT 59601
(406) 459-9073 | rettaleaphart@gmail.com www.rettaleaphart.wordpress.com
Robert Lee
Novelist and Poet
Teaching young people gives me hope for the future. Coaxing creations from new writers will always enthrall me .” Robert,” asks a fourth grader, “May I write a sad poem, today?” My ,oh, my. Writing opens doors. We can fly away from the day or meet it head on. Come along!1045 S. 1st West | Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 552-3451 | troutpoet@blackfoot.net or fishmtpoet@gmail.com
Don Matlock
Choral Storytelling
All music is a story. To connect with the audience, the story and underlying emotion(s) must be believably conveyed. There are simple ways to help the singer be in the place of storytelling. People don’t remember what you said but they DO remember how you made them feel.280 Cartwright Way | Hamilton, MT 59840
(406) 363-5778 or (406) 369-0706 | matlock@csinet.net www.mtacappella.com and www.youtube.com/user/mtacappella
Allison McGree
Visual Art
A native Montanan inspired by the diverse textures of the western landscape, I paint in a contemporary style using bold colors and thick brushstrokes. By focusing on the light and reflections of the natural world, I strive to amplify the ordinary. A gallery artist, a public commissioned artist, and a teaching artist, my goal is to share my experience and vision of the world through shared art making and personal creation.234 E. Babcock Ste. 2J | Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 431-6911 | amcgree@gmail.com www.allisonmcgree.com
Alan McNiel
Visual Art
I like to provide opportunities for students to expand creative skills, developing confidence in their ability to succeed and a greater understanding of how professional artists go about it.1578 Tamarack Lane | Troy, MT 59935
(406) 295-5185 | info@alanmcniel.com www.alanmcniel.com
Tarn Ream
Dance
I have a deep commitment to teaching/performing traditional African movement and conveying information on cultural importance of rhythms/dances. This tradition includes individual and communal healing, life transitions, honoring ancestors, and celebration. I am drawn to this form as a path for individuals to gain courage and a sense of community, process personal issues, and articulate new forms of self-expression.1250 Harrison | Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 549-7933 | tarn.ream@umontana.edu www.facebook.com/unitydancedrum
Red Lodge Clay Center
Visual Art
It is our mission to support artists, the creative process and to provide a place for professionally minded ceramic artists to create new work. Red Lodge Clay Center will host Visiting Artist workshops, lectures, demonstrations, gallery exhibitions, and educational programming to share with our resident artists and the general public the importance of art in our everyday lives.123 S. Broadway Ave. | Red Lodge, MT 59068
(406) 446-3993 | info@redlodgeclaycenter.com
Sassafras Stomp | Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis
Traditional Folk Music and Dance
We offer a physically active, multidisciplinary exploration of folk music and dance. Guiding students through the background of traditional music and social dance, we demonstrate fiddle and guitar technique and teach New England contradance, squaredance, Appalachian clogging and French Canadian foot percussion.4002 Spring Hill Road | Helena, MT 59601
(207) 380-1171 | newrootmusic@gmail.com www.sassafrasstomp.com
Stoney Sasser
Visual Art
I am a multidisciplinary artist and like to bring different materials and approaches into the classroom. I seek to listen carefully, respond empathetically, encourage questioning and foster positive group dynamics in the classroom. I encourage students to be visionaries of their projects through creative expression and problem solving.PO Box 792 | Philipsburg, MT 59858
(406) 868-5596 | stoney.sasser@gmail.com
Ruth Schwarz McDonald
Visual Art
I believe through the teaching of the arts we promote to our students the idea they can do anything. Nothing is beyond their reach, but it takes discipline, creativity and perseverance. You take on these three things, and you will demonstrate an aptitude to create.PO Box 252 | Philipsburg, MT 59858
(406) 360-7681 | jrmcdonald132@gmail.com
Nancy Seiler
Visual Art
Nancy Seiler encourages children to observe the world around them through nature journaling. Kids learn to focus more on the subject than the results. Nancy believes that when a student can begin to let go of trying to create the "perfect drawing" they will begin to see improvement and want to continue to draw and observe. Nancy also teaches experimental painting with Golden paint and mediums (gels, pastes). Kids learn to take creative risks and become more comfortable when they see exciting results.330 Brooks St. | Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 370-1254 | nancy@nancyseiler.com www.nancyseiler.com
Chelsea Smith
Visual Art
Sharing the value of creating art fill my days. My teaching style fosters the delight of making artwork. I create a climate of creativity, relaxation and awareness, where students develop observational, artistic, and verbal skills. My instruction possesses great breadth and depth of experience, assuring that students see progress and feel motivated. I want each student to have a positive experience, resulting in each student wanting to create more artwork.111 South Grand Ave. Ste. 211 | Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 587-8424 | chelsea@artsplot.com www.artsplot.com
David J. Spear
Photography
It is my goal as a photographer and educator to share the power of photography, to bring the excitement of making and sharing pictures. A residency can involve many aspects of photography: history, viewing photos and practice. Most important is the sharing and discussion of work produced by student participants.PO Box 832 | Pablo, MT 59855
(406) 675-0858 | david_spear@skc.edu
Jennifer Thompson
Visual Art
I believe in art as a way to increase self-esteem and to connect with self. I teach awareness through a combination of art-making and writing methods. Through using natural materials in a sculptural form, a sense of belonging to the natural world develops. Our place in the greater ecosystem is reinforced in the course of making impermanent art.30 S. Hoback | Helena, MT 59601
(406) 594-1095 | jennifer@jenniferlthompson.com
Salinee Vanichanan-Meek
Dance
As a credentialed dance teacher, I wish to show students the tools to create dance are easily accessible, even fun! The units of study will use Montana dance standards to create guiding lessons. Alternative instruction is also offer in Dance Integration with your preferred subject.44 W. Ashley Hills Dr. | Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 210-7000 | salinee@yahoo.com
Janaina Vieira-Marques
Visual Art
I believe that teachers are responsible for guiding students to new levels of awareness of their world, for creating spaces for freedom, critical thinking and creativity, sparking a love for learning and instilling the courage and self-confidence to transform the world into a better place to live.530 N. 3rd Street W. | Missoula, MT 59802
(301) 775-6978 | janainavmarques@gmail.com www.janaina-vieira-marques.com
Marina Weatherly
Visual Art and Dance
Through visual art, I express relationships and beauty found in the natural world. As a teaching artist, I integrate the arts with all subjects, and place art at the heart of learning. The arts are a powerful tool towards understanding Indian Tribes of Montana, World Cultures, and the Natural Sciences.PO Box 565 | Stevensville, MT 59870
(406) 777-3546 | marina@bridgemail.com
Art is the River: Integrating Indian Education for All: Part I Part II
Montana Arts Council | 830 N. Warren Street, Helena, MT 59601 | P.O. Box 202201, Helena, MT 59620-2201
P: (406) 444-6430 | F: (406) 444-6548 | mac@mt.gov Contact Us
The Montana Arts Council is funded by the State of Montana and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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