Our Story

Living Art of Montana's mission is to use the arts and nature to support healing. We have been active since 1993. In 1998 Living Art incorporated and became a 501 c 3 organization. Prior to that time we worked under the umbrella of Montanans for Quality Television and then Very Special Arts Montana. Living Art has offered hands on opportunities for expression and connection for over 4,200 people facing illness and loss. Our programs are offered to people in Western Montana who have an acute or chronic disease, are suffering the consequences of treatment, have a significant loss in their lives, family members who are affected by a loved one’s illness, and caregivers. Because so many of our participants are carrying heavy financial burdens due to their illnesses, Living Art is committed to making our service programs free of charge.

Our service programs effectively combine structured expressive experiences with supported group interaction. 

• Cancer, Courage & Creativity ~ An 8-week closed (not drop-in) sequential workshop offered in the fall and the spring for people who have or have had cancer. CCC integrates writing, art, movement, and mask- making as tools for self exploration. No art experience necessary! Living Art has offered these workshops since 1993. This workshop offers a circle of support for expression and connection.

• Creative Connections for Cancer Survivors  ~ This once a month drop-in, 1½  half hour workshop is an opportunity for cancer survivors to express themselves through the arts and to find connections to self, to other’s who have or have had cancer and to the natural world. It began in Agust 2011 and is offered the third Wednesday of each month year round from 12 – 1:30pm.

• Creativity for Life ~ A drop-in expressive arts and nature-based 2-hour workshops (10:30am – 12:30pm) to support healing for people facing illness and loss. They take place three Saturdays each month, year round.

Our service programs provide participants an occasion for social interaction in a safe non-medical environment. Participants have an opportunity to make connections with others who have some understanding of what it is like to deal with illness or loss. Making art offers a reflection of self that is about life. Living Art honors the truth of a person’s experience and at the same time recognizes and encourages each person’s strengths, creativity and potential.

The benefit to participants is expressed by the following quote.  "I had no place for my emotions roiling below the surface. The poems, metaphors and different creative explorations gave me a vehicle to let them out... The jump from confusion to resolve and vision in my work shows how the act of expressing my despair and pain, free me to take the next step to images of hope."