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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.



 

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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.


 

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All Artists

All Artists

Visual Artists

Visual Artists

Performing Artists

Performing Artists

Literary Artists

Literary Artists

 

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AISC Registry | All Artists


 

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Annie Allen

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

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

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

 

 

BJ Buckley headshot

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

 

 

CoMotion Dance Project

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

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

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

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

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 Terwilliger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 photo

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

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

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 Sieler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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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

"State of the Arts" Newspaper | eNews | Montana's Arts Calendar | Montana's Cultural Treasures Guide

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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