Who is AAM?

IT ALL STARTED IN 1948…
Arts Association of Montana (AAM) in Great Falls, Montana as the MIA Great Falls branch of the Montana Institute of Arts. It was started in 1948 by Dr. Harold Guy Merriam the head of the University of Montana English Department in 1919. He had a vision of a statewide arts organization of writers,musicians, visual artists and potters in Helena in 1948. The MIA Great Falls association was one of 18 branches. 
Many AAM members were founding members. Over the years the other branches became independent associations. In 2013 the Great Falls Arts Association took over MIA’s 501(c)(3) as the Arts Association of Montana.
 
AAM's MISSION
 “To promote appreciation, awareness and enthusiasm for all art forms in the State of Montana by bringing together adults, youth and groups interested in sharing common artistic endeavors.
 
WHAT IS AAM?
AAM has general meetings September through May. These meetings include an update about the organization,
followed by a talk from a local artist, mini hands-on programs, visits to local museums or paint outs.  AAM holds annual exhibitions
in the community. AAM sponsors the Missouri Falls Arts Show & Sale during Western Art Week in Great Falls. Participating members have the opportunity to be part of their first professional show.Each year
 
WHAT IS THE VAL KNIGHT SCHOLARSHIP?
The Val Knight Scholarship is an annual monetary award given to three senior public high school students in Great Fall, Montana. Val Knight was a local artist whose passion was to expose and encourage youth to the arts. An award fund was established in her honor. It is supported by a portion of the annual dues and other fundraising. Some recent students have been children of past winners!
 
BECOME A MEMBER OF AAM!
Go to the Membership page for more details.