“Movement, creativity and expression are all part of the connection that a person has to themselves and to their community, both of which are vital to helping people find their best life. We are thrilled to be joining forces with the Holter Museum of Art to create a space where people can nurture their bodies, minds, and creative spirits all in one inspiring location.” – Robyn Lund, Founder Gentle Healing & Wellness Center
Frequently Asked Questions
The Holter Museum of Art is excited to enter into a long-term lease of its Weigand Creativity Center (the “W”) with Gentle Healing Studios (GHS) beginning April 1st, 2025. The staff and board at the Holter believe this partnership could be an innovative and unique public-private partnership that will benefit both organizations and the Helena community. We have developed “Frequently Asked Questions” to clarify important information that might be of interest to the Helena community.
Why is the Holter partnering with GHS for a long-term lease of the “W”?
The vision for the “W” is for it to be a creative space available for the community as well as to provide a steady revenue source for the Holter to ensure long-term sustainability. By partnering with GHS, the Holter believes that it can accomplish this mission and open new opportunities for creative collaboration.
When was the decision made to identify a long-term renter of the “W”?
In the summer of 2024, the Holter staff and board began discussions about how to reactivate the “W”, which went through long phases of being empty, despite it being a big, beautiful space. The idea of identifying a long-term renter quickly rose as a way to make real the vision for the “W”.
Who made the decision to find a long-term renter of the “W”?
Throughout the fall of 2024, Holter leadership considered potential paths forward, including returning the “W” to a gallery space or a classroom, before determining that a long-term lease was the best option. Holter leadership conferred with the Weigand Foundation to ensure alignment with grant intent, and then engaged in over 40 conversations with community members to identify possible partnership opportunities.
Why Gentle Healing Studios?
The Holter believes in the transformative power of the arts, and that art heals. GHS is a community leader in providing safe, accessible and inclusive spaces for people to heal through yoga, meditation and community. This unique public-private partnership allows both entities to expand their reach and service to the greater Helena community.
Why did Gentle Healing Studios choose to partner with the Holter?
aGHS believes that there’s more to life than exercise and has long been a leader in cultivating community. GHS recently opened a second studio in downtown Helena and was looking for a bigger space in order to deepen its presence and commitment to providing healing classes and connections for the Helena community.
Were other organizations or businesses or ideas considered?
The Holter engaged in over 40 conversations with community members to identify possible partnership opportunities, and explored potential long-term leases with a few entities before concluding that a partnership with GHS was a natural fit.
Will I still be able to rent the “W” for my events?
Yes. The “W” remains open to the public and available to the community for rental opportunities. Please contact the Holter to discuss rental opportunities.
What benefits will there be to Holter staff? To Holter members?
GHS has graciously offered free classes for permanent Holter staff from participating teachers. Holter members will receive 10% off GHS 10 punch cards.
What kinds of collaborations between Gentle Healing Studios and the Holter are planned?
These are still in the beginning stages of development. But brainstorming has commenced! Some ideas we have already gotten excited about include: Museum/Exhibit-Inspired Yoga Classes, In-Gallery Meditation Workshops, Creative Aging Series, Yoga/Art Summer Camps for Children, Yoga/Art Retreats, Sound Bath Programs in the Galleries, etc.. Do you have ideas for the Holter and GHS to explore? We would love to hear them. Better yet, we would love to make these programs as accessible to the public as possible, and many health-art-wellness programs make excellent candidates for grant proposals.
What do you mean that this will be a public private partnership?
GHS is a private business and the Holter Museum of Art is a non-profit 501 ©3. Non-profits need to do everything they can to be self-sustaining and good stewards of the funds that are entrusted to them by their donors and grantors. The Holter receives just about 3% of its funding from the state of Montana and beyond that, the rest is earned, donated or granted. Partnering with a private business that not only provides a steady revenue source for the museum, but also opens new opportunities for both organizations. This just makes common AND creative sense. Some goals GHS and the Holter hope to see out of this partnership are: expanded audience engagement, unique art-integrated wellness programs, revenue growth, enhanced community impact, brand visibility and cross promotion, and expanded grant and sponsorship opportunities.
