The Creative and Cultural Economy

Of all the country’s gastronomic competitions, from “Top Chef” to pies at the county fair, perhaps none compare to the challenge facing the harried chefs assembled here in a parking lot for the 18th annual International Comstock Mountain Oyster Fry.

For four decades, his deep, rich voice has resonated over the airwaves to communities throughout central Montana and southern Alberta, along with songs by the classic country artists he has championed through the years.

A federally funded nonprofit group that keeps offices on the University of Montana campus, Humanities Montana is responsible for – among other things – the Montana Festival of the Book, which occurs every autumn in Missoula.

A group of Montana musicians has revealed a nugget of state history that until recently was tucked away in a drawer of old photographs. And instead of the cowboy guitar, this history revolves around the mandolin.

"I’m pleased with how people are not stepping back because of the economy," Everett said.

Next week, people from all parts of the valley will converge in Hamilton to start talking about the potential of developing the groundwork needed to help visitors uncover the culture and natural beauty of the Bitterroot while protecting the lifestyle its residents have come to enjoy.

The recovery of the American bison is a remarkable story of conservation and stewardship, and the Yellowstone herds draw thousands of visitors every year. But visitors won’t be disappointed if they make the drive here to learn the bison’s full story. It’s an important addition to what was already one of America’s premier Western art museums.

"The Lodestone Gallery is a modern-looking gallery that looks like it could be on the trendy streets of San Francisco, Portland (Ore.) or Seattle," Gilleon said. "Yet, this forward-thinking gallery is located right here in central Montana. It’s the perfect place to showcase all of the co-op’s art."

Norman Maclean, the Montana native whose gin-clear prose makes “A River Runs Through It” an American treasure, certainly carried some of the Stegnarian chip on his western shoulder.

The festival "has demonstrated its potential to help build a large repeat tourism base for western Montana," said Deborah Doyle McWhinney, foundation chief executive officer and president. "And, we would like to see the festival grow and prosper as a signature summer event for all of western Montana."