Before It Was Montana

The nomadic people of the Plains created art that was both functional and beautiful.   Each item was an expression of  how life was lived, cultural values, tribal beliefs, and artistic vision. Aesthetic taste changed and evolved as people arrived from other areas, but before it was Montana this part of the world had a rich artistic tradition. In 2006, the Hockaday Museum of Art began amassing a collection of art created by members of the Blackfeet and other tribes in order to share the art and culture of the Plains Indians with schools and community groups.  Significant pieces from the Hockaday Museum’s Traveling Medicine Show outreach program have been paired with paintings from the permanent collection to best tell these stories. A presentation about the Travelling Medicine Show outreach program will be hosted by Director of Education Kathy Martin and Blackfeet tribal educators Smokey and Darnell Rides at the Door on Thursday, February 4 from 6:30-8:00pm.