A Rare Chance to Enjoy Tribal Art in Missoula

While the Missoula Art Museum has been dedicated to displaying contemporary Native artists in the Linda Frost Gallery over the past 17 years, there are still tribal creators who haven't had their works displayed.

But over the next several weeks, you'll have a chance to see these additional works in an exhibit that celebrates the art that expresses the variety of backgrounds and tribal affiliations from the lands of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

And the works promise to provide an intimate look at the tribe's colorful past, and present, and their cherished traditions.

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For the Good of All Things features works in varied mediums

Artists include Dwight Billedeaux, Eva Boyd, Corwin Clairmont, Aspen Decker, Cameron Decker, Frank Finley, Jeneese Hilton, Stephen Hunt, Tailyr Irvine, Linda King, Josh Kraude, Buck Hitswithastick (Morigeau), Salisha Old Bull, Mars Sandoval, Persephone Sandoval, and Sarah Sandoval.

Tailyr Irvine photo; Courtesy Missoula Art Museum

Works by Frank Finley; Missoula Art Museum photo

The MAM exhibit is designed to show an "overlap" of artists and themes expressing community connections, ranging from Aspen Decker's historical scenes to Billedeaux's painted skull that pays tribute to a friend. Irvine's colorful photos are part of the work that was featured in an interactive feature, "Powwow Season in Full Bloom" for the New York Times.

Eva Boyd's exhibits include large format black and white photos and some of her baskets.

A community of deep relationships

MAM administrators hope the exhibit will show non-Indigenous viewers at how relationships are such a key part of life for the Native CSKT communities.

The exhibition was inspired by the words of Ql̓ispé (Kalispel) Elder and Culture Bearer, Pete Beaverhead: “Kʷmiʔn̓e tʔe pistem̓kʷx̣ssmill̓šesyaʔɫu a scnq̓eʔels —ɫu kʷnq̓aq̓ʔels ɫu x̣ʷl̓č̓x̣est.” (I really hope that someday things will turn out right for you in all the work you are given and taking on—you who are working hard at what you are good at for the good of all things.)

For the Good of All Things benefited from the work of Elder artists Corwin Clairmont and Linda King, along with Marie Torosian, program director at the Three Chiefs Culture Center, who helped identify the artists.