Art Missoula reaching out to start artists’ cooperative – "Got Hot Glass?"

Lisa Hofman of Art Missoula wants to start an artists’ cooperative in her space at 219 W. Broadway.

"This gallery is an experiment," she said. "I fund it for profit and for fun."

By ROBERT STRUCKMAN of the Missoulian

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2004/09/03/entertainer/ent02.prt

Hofman already works with a number of related arts businesses, sharing space with the Missoula School of Hot Glass Phone: 406-360-4055 , among others.

Her goal, she said, is to establish a full art school. Last year the gallery offered some art classes; Hot Glass also offered some. Together, and with the talents of other regional artists, a cooperative could build an institution worth traveling to.

She cited the Rocky Mountain School of Photography as a model. That school attracts students to Missoula from around the nation.

"They do a good job," she said. "And we’ve got Hot Glass," which Hofman believes could bring in students from around – and even outside – the country for glass-blowing workshops.

"That’s down the road aways," she said.

With a large space, about 6,000 square feet, Art Missoula is begging to grow, she said.

"We have so much potential," she said.

And the area has no lack of artists, many of whom struggle to get their work into galleries, she said.

"Together we can get bigger jobs done, we can take advantage of more opportunities," she said.

Since opening, Art Missoula has had 25 shows featuring the works of about 60 local artists, professional and amateur. Some of the shows have raised money for local nonprofits.

Copyright © 2004 Missoulian