By TOM BENSEN
Applications for First Night Missoula – the annual New Year’s Eve community celebration of the arts – are available here. All artists of any medium are encouraged to apply. Call 541-0860 for more information. Application deadline is this Wednesday, July 15.
The Montana Museum of Art & Culture presents Human Condition: The Art of Ben Steele and Hometown: Images of Missoula from the MMAC Permanent Collection in the Paxson and Meloy Galleries, now through September 12.
The Missoula Downtown Association presents Out to Lunch on Wednesdays 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Downtown Tonight Thursday evenings 5:30-8:30 p.m. through the summer at Caras Park. This week features Jelly Bread on Wednesday and Jameson & the Sordid Seeds on Thursday. All events are free.
The Missoula Art Museum presents Jeneese Hilton: Raven Reviewing Modern through August 22; The Andy Warhol Collection from Museum Of Art at Washington State University through August 15; John Thompson: A Celebration through August 29; Montana Triennial: 2015 through September 4 (pictured here); American Abstract Artists through August 29; Chasing Time: Montana’s One-Room Schools, through September 19; Kathryn Schmidt: Seen In Broad Daylight, July 7 – October 24.
The Missoula City Band presents free concerts in Bonner Park beginning at 8:00 p.m. each Wednesday. This week’s program is Back to the Future.
Fact and Fiction presents Christine Carbo and Leslie Budewitz, two mystery authors from the Flathead, with an interview and signing of The Wild Inside and Butter Off Dead, 7:00 p.m. July 14 at F&F Downtown; Find Waldo Missoula continues throughout July. Grab a passport and look for Waldo in 25 Downtown businesses. When you find him, enter drawing for books.
Shakespeare and Co. presents Liz Carlisle and Josh Slotnick, reading and signing Lentil Underground and Homefarm, 7:00 p.m. July 16.
The Fine Grain Group is a small group of photographers who are committed to the art of photography. They meet regularly to share work and critiques. Nine of the members recently opened a group show at the Catalyst, showing a total of 21 images. 111 North Higgins downtown.
Ruby Jewel Jamboree in conjunction with Morris Productions are pleased to bring Hot Rize with Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers to Snowbowl Ski Resort in Missoula on July 14 as a part of the Snowbowl Mountain Music Series.
The Northside and Westside neighborhoods of Missoula are being celebrated once more in the 4th Annual Block Party hosted by the Zootown Arts Community Center. On July 18, Rock The Hood will close down North 1st Avenue and feature bands, non-profits, and street-vendors from 3:00-9:00 p.m. Call 549-7555 or e-mail Linds
On Wednesday, July 15, Rod Blackman performs at the Loft at 7:30 p.m.
The Missoula Outdoor Cinema is back at it for another summer at 1001 Worden Ave (Head Start) every Saturday evening at dusk. The July 18 film is To Kill a Mockingbird.
Sunday Streets Missoula returns to Higgins Ave from Crossings (XXXX) to 5th Street, July 19, from noon until 4:00 p.m. Visit the website to register.
The Missoula Writing Collaborative presents the Words with Wings summer camp. This week long intensive writing program is perfect for young writers ages 8-14 and will run July 23-17 and July 20-24. For more information or to register visit here.
Tangled Tones presents Summer Camps 2015, for various ages and interests. Summer of Rock and Digital Recording Camp. Visit here for more information.
Radius Gallery presents Scapes: Land, Sea, Mind, an exhibit featuring 80 artworks and 61 artists, now through August 8. This week features Mark Bohne, Untitled, Alkyd on paper. This piece was chosen as one of the Honorable Mention pieces for the exhibit.
The Clay Studio of Missoula presents Summer Camps for Kids and Teens. Clay Camps for Ages 5-8, Ages 9-13, an All Ages July Camp, plus a Teen Throwing Intensive. Visit here for more information.
The MCT Summer Day Camp presents Rumpelstiltskin day camp, July 20-26. Class size is limited. New this year: MCT is providing the option of aftercare for your kids M-F from 4:00-5:30 p.m. for an additional cost. Call 728-7529 visit the MCT Box Office or the website.
Summer Aikido Intro for Beginning Adults starts Saturday, July 11 from 2:00-3:30, followed by four guided basics classes Monday and Wednesday, 7/13, 15, 20, 23, 5:30-6:45. Pre-registration is required. Visit Aikido Missoula, call 549-8387, or come by 208 E. Main, Located on the 2nd floor of the historic Union Hall Building to watch a class and get started.
The 13th Annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is now accepting submissions for the February 19-28, 2016 event. Early Bird registration due July 1, and regular registration is September 1. Visit here for more information.
The Missoula Symphony Orchestra returns to Caras Park on Sunday, August 9 at 7 p.m. for its 11th annual Symphony in the Park concert. Music Director Darko Butorac will lead the orchestra through a lively program of movie scores, dance numbers and light classics. Food and beverage may be purchased from on-site vendors and lawn chairs are encouraged. The event is free and fun for the whole family. For more information on Symphony in the Park and the Missoula Symphony Orchestra, please call 406-721-3194 or visit the website.
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Tom Bensen has lived in Missoula since 1986, and has been the executive director of the Missoula Cultural Council since June 2004. He has directed First Night Missoula each New Year’s Eve since 1997. He is a member of Missoula’s choral ensemble Dolce Canto, and enjoys being outdoors, whether it is hiking, biking, skiing, walking the dogs, or mowing the lawn. His wife Susan works for Montana Public Radio, and their son Peter attends Hellgate High School.