Art Exhibition Held on the 7th of March
The Missoula Public Library art show for 2023, held on March 7, showcased a variety of artistic creations from the students of Hellgate High School. The setup for the exhibition began on March 6 and was completed on the day of the show.
Each drawing and painting was displayed against a backdrop of black card stock, secured with tiny metal pins and velcro. The artwork submitted by students was accompanied by their name, grade, and the medium they used.
Among the standout pieces was the realistic yet abstract work of Sai Thompson. Meanwhile, Lauris Reintjes' art focused on the pressing issue of animal endangerment. Lucy Pino's art, known for its intricate patterns and feminine features, was also on display.
The show featured more than just two-dimensional art. There were bigger installations such as printmaking and sculpture. One collaborative piece was a monster-like bug character sewn into a puffy pillow and placed on a colorful quilt. This unique piece was strategically placed in front of the main South facing window on the fourth floor of the library.
Three boxes of ceramics pieces were set up for the art show, with some of the spheres from the sculpture classes' collaborative piece now being installed in the Hellgate High School Library. Other ceramic pieces submitted by students were showcased in glass cases.
The event was not just about visual arts. The Hellgate Jazz Band performed at the library art show, playing pieces they had been working on for the Missoula Jazz Festival.
A special highlight of the show was the "Dinner table" display. This main setup featured student-chosen cutlery, plates, bowls, pitchers, etc., each with a real-world problem inspiration.
This year's library art show was particularly special due to the participation of many new and younger artists from Hellgate. If you missed the event and would like to know more, we recommend checking the Missoula Public Library’s official website or contacting them directly for archives or event summaries. Alternatively, local art organizations or news outlets in Missoula might have covered the event.
[1] Missoula Art Museum: https://www.missoulaartmuseum.org/ [2] IndigiPalooza MT 2025: https://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/indigipalooza-mt-2025/
At the Missoula Public Library's art show for 2023, one could also find a section dedicated to home-and-garden art, showcasing creative ideas for decorative items such as hand-sewn pillows and quilts. To complement the visual art, the Hellgate Jazz Band played a selection of music, creating a fusion of entertainment and lifestyle that enriched the overall experience.
