Our Story

About The Holter

At the Holter Museum of Art, we aspire to be a beacon of artistic excellence through curating innovative exhibitions, inspiring creativity in our engaging educational programs, and forging meaningful connections between artists, artworks, and our community. Committed to showcasing legacy, established and emerging artists, we aim to be a vibrant hub that celebrates the power of art, in all its forms and expressions, to transform lives. 

History of the Holter

The Holter opened in 1987, providing a space for the Helena community to experience contemporary art in central Montana. The museum has grown tremendously since that time, thanks to a successful capital campaign in 2002, adding 6,500 square ft. to create a dynamic 17,000 square ft. facility. Our museum is considered one of the finest in the state, consisting of five exhibition galleries, an education center, and a collections & research center. Offering between 15-20 rotating exhibitions each year, innovative art education for all ages, community-based events, artist residencies, lectures, receptions, and more – the Holter is among the premier cultural centers in the region.

Our Values

  • Exhibiting Excellence: We curate, amplify, and promote a diverse range of contemporary and traditional art forms, giving voice to artists who challenge boundaries and evoke emotion. Our exhibitions foster artistic dialogue, cultural appreciation, and critical thinking. 
  • Preservation & Innovation: We cherish the many traditions of the visual arts while embracing Montana artists. Through our permanent collections, we preserve the artistic legacies of exemplary Montana artists. Through new work from established and emerging artists, we explore the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. 
  • Education & Engagement: We are dedicated to making art accessible and approachable. Through a diverse offering of education programs, outreach initiatives, and interactive experiences, we empower our community to explore and understand the significance of art in their lives. 
  • Collaboration & Partnerships: We engage with local and global partners, both within and beyond the art world, to enhance our reach and impact. Collaborations with schools, artists, cultural institutions, and local businesses allow us to broaden our scope and create an integral network of support for the arts. 
  • Stewardship & Sustainability: We are committed to responsible stewardship of our resources, ensuring the longevity of the museum and our impact for future generations. 
  • Art is for ALL: We believe that art is for ALL, welcoming people from all backgrounds to engage in our programs and exhibits and celebrate the rich artistic and cultural tapestry of our community and world.

Our Staff

Christina Barbachano

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

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Anna Lund

EDUCATION DIRECTOR

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Gianna Sherman

CURATOR & EXHIBITIONS

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Hannah Harvey

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER & REGISTRAR

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Jolene Grieve

FINANCE DIRECTOR

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David Spencer

STORE ASSISTANT & HOLTER HISTORIAN

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Trent Emmart

FACILITIES & CUSTODIAN MANAGER

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Meghan Durant-Patton

EVENTS COORDINATOR, DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION ASSISTANT, MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEERS 

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The Holter Board

Officers

Board President: Robyn Kiesling, Helena College

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Vice President: Carley Smith, SMA Architecture + Design

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Secretary: Dawn Gallinger, Montana State Trust

Board Members

Katherine Anderson, MBAC

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Scott Deitle, CSHQA

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Andrew Page, Page & Co. Bookkeeping LLC

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Corey Palmer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana

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Carlos Joaquin Pimentel, RMCU

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Keith Meyer, Shodair Children’s Hospital Foundation

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Abigail Rausch, Helena College

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Murry Warhank, JMG Attorneys
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Land Recognition

Please note that this recognition is actively being worked on. 

The hope is that this verbal/written acknowledgement of indigenous lands goes beyond the intent of recognition and holds the Holter to actively working with Helena’s tribal communities to listen and respond to expressed needs and wants, and to have programming designed with and for native voices and for the greater Helena community. 

The Holter Museum of Art recognizes the land in and around Helena, Montana and the space upon which the museum stands as traditional Blackfoot and Salish Kootenai territories, and at one point in time, Shoshone territory as well. This recognition is meant as an acknowledgement of the space the museum holds within colonized lands and the significance, as a cultural and educational space, the museum must place on Indian Education for All and on the representation of Native voices within the contemporary arts world. 

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