Wednesday, May. 20th, 2026

Researcher on Indigenous bison stewardship receives Montana State’s 2026 Distinctive Collections Travel and Access Award

BOZEMAN — A researcher on Indigenous bison stewardship has received the Montana State University Library’s Distinctive Collections Travel and Access Award, which he will use to support his research.

Josias Agustin Mendez, a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University whose work draws on both geography and history, received the $3,000 honorarium. The award, which is being given for the sixth time, will help fund Mendez’s summer travel to Bozeman, where he will use the MSU Archives and Special Collections’ considerable materials related to bison in Montana and the region.

Specifically, the award will support research for the second chapter of Mendez’s dissertation, “Herds on the Range,” which analyzes how members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes responded to the cultural, political and spatial consequences of the establishment of the National Bison Range in 1908 on reservation land.

The award is a collaborative effort between the MSU Ivan Doig Center for the Study of the Lands and Peoples of the North American West, the Archives and Special Collections at MSU and the Friends of MSU Library. It is jointly funded by the Friends of MSU Library and the Doig Center.

The MSU Library offers research and information resources to university students and employees, as well as to Montana citizens and interested scholars. Its Archives and Special Collections contain manuscripts on the West and the Greater Yellowstone region, including collections focused on agricultural history; trout and salmonids; select records of MSU; area-focused books; angling; and more. For more information, see www.lib.montana.edu/archives/.

Named for writer Ivan Doig, MSU’s Doig Center fosters the study of the American West, emphasizing connections across the humanities, arts, social sciences and natural sciences. For more information, see www.montana.edu/doig/.  

Friends of Montana State University Library was founded in 1994 and helps develop the library’s collections, spaces, programs and community presence. For more information, see www.lib.montana.edu/about/friends.

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Bozeman Police Remind Drivers to Plan Ahead for Memorial Day Weekend

 BOZEMAN, Montana (May 20, 2026)— Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer travel for many Montanans, but it’s also the beginning of what safety officials call the “100 Deadliest Days.” This is the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities typically spike. 

To help prevent impaired driving crashes, the Bozeman Police Department is increasing patrols over the long weekend. In coordination with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Belgrade Police Department, Montana State University Police Department, the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), Gallatin County 911 and the Montana Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero initiative, Officers, Deputies and Troopers will be focused on stopping impaired drivers and keeping roads safe for everyone. 

“While this weekend is about honoring and remembering, it also brings heavy traffic on our roads,” said Bozeman Police Patrol Captain Hal Richardson. “If you’re taking advantage of the long weekend, remember to be responsible. Arrange a sober ride so we can all make it home safely.” 

Montana consistently ranks among the states with the highest percentage of traffic deaths caused by impaired driving. Law enforcement is urging everyone to help change that trend by planning ahead.

 “Impaired driving remains one of the most avoidable risks we face,” Richardson said. “Planning your ride before you drink can be the difference between a safe night and a tragedy.” 

Tips for Staying Safe This Weekend:
Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone in your group who will not be drinking.
Find a Ride: If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, use a rideshare app, or ask a sober friend for a ride.
Be a Responsible Host: If you’re hosting, make sure your guests have safe ways to get home.
Speak Up: Don’t let friends or loved ones drive impaired. Take their keys and help them get home safely.
Buckle Up: Seatbelts are your best defense against impaired drivers.
Report Dangerous Driving: If you see a suspected impaired driver, keep a safe distance and call 911. 

For more information about Vision Zero, contact Tammy Ross, Montana Department of Transportation, 406-444-9192, or tross@mt.gov.   

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Tuesday, May. 19th, 2026

Bozeman Symphony Welcomes New Board Members


BOZEMAN
– The Bozeman Symphony has appointed six new members to its Board of Directors to serve two-year terms through 2027.

The new Board members are Alysia Andrikopoulos, strategic and community stewardship leader; Page Armstrong, English literature professor; Sharon Eversman, retired biology and botany professor and longtime violinist; Matt McCormick, business vice president; Foster Mobley, executive coach and leadership consultant; and Penelope Pierce, nonprofit consultant.
“I’m extremely pleased to welcome these outstanding new members to the Bozeman Symphony Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Jacob Blaser. “Their leadership, professional expertise, and passion for the arts align perfectly with the Symphony’s strategic vision and continued growth. Their insight and collaboration will help us further our mission of inspiring and connecting our community through live symphonic music.”

Andrikopoulos brings more than 30 years of leadership experience at global organizations, including Apple, Google, Visa, and PayPal, and is also a dedicated student of violin and piano. Armstrong serves as an adjunct professor at Montana State University and previously taught at the University of Toledo’s Jesup Scott Honors College. Eversman taught at Montana State University for nearly 40 years and performed with the Bozeman Symphony as a violinist for 55 years.

McCormick has more than 35 years of experience in senior leadership roles managing multi-billion-dollar nuclear cleanup and operations projects. Mobley is an executive coach, author, professor, and founder of FMG Leading, where he has worked with Fortune 500 CEOs and Olympic coaching staffs. Pierce, former Executive Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, is a nonprofit consultant with extensive experience supporting mission-driven organizations and community initiatives.

The Bozeman Symphony is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission to engage, unite, and uplift the human experience in Montana through music and the arts. Board members serve as ambassadors for the Symphony and play a vital role in supporting its long-term sustainability through leadership, advocacy, philanthropy, and community engagement.

The new Board members join current Board members Paul Bertelli, Tom Bray, Gary Kunis, Nina Jaeger, Mark Juranek, Ken May, Ben Phinney, Liz Richards, Dr. Charles Rinker, Robert Ritchie, and Sara Jayne Steen.

For more information about the Bozeman Symphony and upcoming performances, visit Bozeman Symphony

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The Smarter Way to Move Trailers in Tight Workspaces

Moving trailers in confined work areas can turn a routine task into a slow, awkward process. In busy yards, shops, storage areas, and loading zones, there is often limited room to line up a vehicle, make wide turns, or reposition a trailer safely.

The challenge usually comes down to control. When several trailers, pallets, vehicles, or materials share the same space, teams need a way to move trailers with better visibility, slower handling, and more precise positioning.

The Challenges of Moving Trailers Without the Right Equipment

Many workplaces still rely on pickup trucks, manual repositioning, or improvised methods to move trailers around tight areas. These approaches may work occasionally, but they can create delays, increase the risk of damage, and place extra strain on workers.

Tight spaces leave little room for error. Operators may need several adjustments to line up trailers with loading docks, storage spaces, or service bays. Visibility can also become a concern, especially when workers guide trailers by hand around uneven surfaces, narrow lanes, or crowded work zones.

How a Forklift-Based Trailer Moving Solution Works

One practical way to improve trailer movement in confined areas is by using a trailer mover forklift attachment. This type of equipment connects to a forklift and allows operators to move trailers with greater precision in spaces where larger vehicles may be difficult to maneuver.

Instead of bringing in a separate truck, operators can use existing forklift equipment to relocate trailers around loading areas, storage yards, workshops, or service spaces. Forklifts can often turn in tighter areas and provide more controlled movement at slower speeds.

This setup can reduce unnecessary vehicle traffic inside busy work zones while giving operators better visibility during positioning.

Safety and Efficiency Benefits for Busy Work Areas

In active work environments, trailer movement should be predictable and controlled. A forklift-based setup allows operators to make smaller adjustments with greater accuracy, which is useful around loading docks, narrow lanes, storage rows, and crowded yards.

Better control can also support safer daily operations. Reducing blind spots, limiting repeated movements, and keeping traffic organized can create a more manageable environment for workers and equipment. Many facilities follow established workplace safety guidelines to improve material handling practices and reduce operational risks.

Efficiency improves as well. When trailers can be moved using equipment already available on site, businesses can reduce downtime, avoid unnecessary vehicle use, and keep daily tasks moving more smoothly.

Where This Type of Attachment Makes the Biggest Difference

Trailer moving attachments are especially useful in places where space is limited and equipment movement happens throughout the day. Warehouses may use them to reposition storage trailers near loading areas without bringing in additional vehicles.

Repair shops and maintenance facilities can also benefit from improved maneuverability when moving trailers into service bays or inspection areas. Outdoor storage yards present similar challenges, especially when multiple trailers are parked close together.

Construction suppliers, agricultural operations, distribution centers, and equipment rental facilities can use this type of setup to manage trailer movement in crowded work areas where precision and flexibility matter.

What to Consider Before Using One

Before using trailer-moving equipment with a forklift, the setup should match the demands of the workspace. Forklift capacity is one of the first details to review, since operators need to confirm the equipment can safely handle the trailer weight and towing requirements.

Hitch compatibility is also important. Different trailers may use different connection styles, so the right fit helps create stable, controlled movement.

Surface conditions should be considered as well. Uneven pavement, gravel, wet surfaces, and slopes can affect traction and maneuverability. Clear visibility and proper operator training are also essential when moving trailers in confined spaces.

Practical Tips for Moving Trailers in Limited Space

Efficient trailer movement often starts with a clean, organized work area. Keeping routes clear of unused equipment, pallets, and materials gives operators more room to maneuver and reduces the need for repeated corrections.

Designated staging and parking areas can also improve workflow. A clear layout helps workers understand where trailers should be placed and reduces confusion when several pieces of equipment are operating nearby.

Regular inspections matter too. Checking hitch connections, tires, and attachment points before movement can help prevent issues during repositioning. Businesses can also find broader community business insights that support smarter planning, safer operations, and better use of available space.

A Smarter Approach to Trailer Movement

Moving trailers in tight workspaces does not have to be slow, difficult, or dependent on extra vehicles. With the right equipment setup, businesses can improve control, reduce congestion, and make better use of the space they already have.

For busy shops, yards, warehouses, and service areas, smarter trailer handling can make a meaningful difference in productivity, organization, and daily workflow.

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Monday, May. 18th, 2026

Montana State named one of top design schools in U.S.


BOZEMAN
— Graphic Design USA recently named Montana State University one of the top design schools in the nation. 

MSU received recognition in April for cultivating innovation and critical thinking skills in its students, who leave MSU equipped to make a lasting impact in the graphic design field. MSU is one of 78 universities awarded for championing personal, professional and societal growth in design. Earlier this year, GDUSA also selected three MSU seniors from the College of Arts and Architecture to receive design awards. 

“With more than 60 years of recognizing excellence in American graphic design, GDUSA's acknowledgment carries real significance, and we're proud to be among the universities named as top design schools,” said William Culpepper, assistant professor of graphic design, who spearheads MSU submissions to GDUSA. “That pride deepens knowing three of our graduating seniors earned individual design awards this year, alongside Sasha Maguire's selection as a Student to Watch. Together, these honors affirm that the design work and thinking coming out of MSU's graphic design program, shaped by strong faculty mentorship and an ever-evolving curriculum, is relevant at a national level.” 

MSU’s graphic design degree gives students experience in both digital and hand-printed media, with courses including motion graphics, sustainable design, printmaking and guerilla advertising. Instructors balance illustration art with the principles of business and marketing, connecting coursework to the professional world, said graphic design instructor Grace Washko.  
In Washko’s spring packaging design class, she introduced students to Julia Hammerer, senior art director of global brand partnerships for the brand Crocs, who reviewed their mockup shoe boxes and brand packages. Washko is Crocs’ art director for licensing package design, alongside her teaching role. She said having one foot in the real world and one foot in academia is a leg up for her students breaking into the industry.  

“Graphic design is a massive world, right?” Washko said. “We design things from billboards to light projections to your CatCard. It’s inextricable from the life that we all live. For everyone in MSU’s graphic design department to provide a different lens into that for our students is really, really special.” 

This effort is not lost on students, said Nick Schneider, a junior from Billings studying graphic design with a minor in business entrepreneurship. He receives at least one email a week from professors identifying organizations that need freelance graphic design work or on-campus opportunities, such as MSU’s annual Gold Rush T-shirt design contest in advance of its home-opener football game — Schneider was a finalist last year. 

“The graphic design program is really good about finding local people who need work done,” he said. “They’re helping you do the professional stuff and break into the industry instead of sitting back and letting you figure it out.” 

Culpepper connected Schneider to his current internship for MSU Athletics. Schneider has created more than 140 graphics this semester — spanning several teams’ Instagram accounts and jumbotron displays during games — and he’ll continue working for MSU Athletics through the summer into his senior year. After graduating next year, he hopes to work for a professional athletics team.  

Emma Poole, a senior graphic design major from Rifle, Colorado, said the graphic design program shaped her career goals, sparking her dream to work for an agency that develops brand identities for other organizations. She came to college without any graphic design experience and will leave having completed multiple internships, on-campus design work and a term as a senator for the Associated Students of MSU. On May 1, she finished her most recent internship with Bozeman’s Blue Collar Restaurant Group, where she helped rebrand The Well Juicery’s website and provided art direction for its photoshoots.  

Poole also won a national GDUSA award in 2025 with her smartwatch app for outdoor recreationists. She credits her professors with motivating her to submit work to competitions and reach for “lofty goals.” This support was especially meaningful, she said, as a first-generation student whose immediate family members do not have four-year degrees.  
“I don’t think anything can really prepare you for that culture shock of being on a large university campus for the first time, but my biggest support system has been my parents and my professors,” Poole said.  

Within the School of Art, students also discover the impact of graphic design on the community. 
In March, 20 students designed and auctioned skateboards alongside more than 40 local artists and 30 high school students to raise funds for the Ennis Lions Club Skatepark and Skate Alliance of Montana. Proceeds from the 2026 Deck Show, organized and co-curated by professor Jeffrey Conger and Patrick Hoffman, head of Bozeman High School’s art department, totaled $13,556. 

In 2024, MSU students’ impact expanded statewide. Students instructed by assistant teaching professor Bruce Barnhart designed a 988+1 suicide prevention coin minted by the state of Montana, which is listed among states with high suicide rates in veteran communities, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The state distributed 100 coins to military veterans across Montana to help them start conversations with fellow service members in distress.  

“There are few limits to what design can do at MSU,” said Josh DeWeese, School of Art director. “I’m so proud of our faculty and students who represented our program on a national scale with recognition from GDUSA this year.”

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KettleHouse Amphitheater Announces 2026 Summer Concert Season Along the Blackfoot River


BONNER, MT
– Logjam Presents will launch its biggest concert season to date this month, bringing 37 nights of live music to the stunning banks of the Blackfoot River for its ninth season at Montana’s iconic riverside venue, the KettleHouse Amphitheater, located at 605 Cold Smoke Ave in Bonner, MT. Nestled in one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the country, the Amphitheater is ready to deliver world-class live music under the big Montana sky, kicking off on Monday, May 25, with the explosive Claypool Gold featuring Primus, Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade and The Claypool Lennon Delirium.

With 37 shows scheduled — the busiest season to date — 2026 brings an eclectic mix of genres and must-see artists. This year’s lineup includes several marquee two-night stands, including Lord Huron (June 6–7), Widespread Panic (July 7–8),  LCD Soundsystem (August 12–13), Caamp (August 17–18) and Alison Krauss & Union Station (August 20–21).

Returning for its second year, the Symphony on the River on August 28 will pair the Missoula Symphony Orchestra with the infectious funk and grooves of Lettuce for a one-of-a-kind symphonic collaboration.

Additional highlights include feminist rock icons Liz Phair & Sleater-Kinney, jamtronica pioneers STS9 with Dirtwire, folk troubadour Jesse Welles with Ratboys, metal giants Killswitch Engage with Machine Head, Rivers of Nihil and Judiciary, alt rock mainstay O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw, pop-country star Maren Morris with Scout Willis, country-rock icons Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge, platinum hitmaker Andy Grammer with Walk Off The Earth, indie-rock favorite Young the Giant with Cold War Kids and many more.

Guest experience enhancements remain a top priority in 2026. The popular 2-Person Premium Boxes deliver comfortable semi-private seating with superior views, cocktail service, dedicated entry and more. 

For added lawn comfort, Crazy Creek rentals will be available throughout the season and can be reserved in advance or on-site.

The west patio will feature the Groove Lounge courtesy of Groove Solventless, where patrons can relax on patio furniture overlooking the river.

Concessions from Top Hat Catering and Worden’s will once again delight fans in addition to an expanded vendor section near the main entrance. Full bars on both sides of the venue will continue to offer KettleHouse beer, liquor, wine, seltzers and plenty of non-alcoholic choices.

Thanks to our partners! Toyota returns as the Official Automotive Partner, and new partners include Montana Knife Company, Tito’s Vodka and White Claw. Expect ticket giveaways all season long with exciting activations and other surprises.

The Groove Shuttle returns, running between downtown Missoula’s Top Hat Restaurant & Bar and the Amphitheater, giving fans a hassle-free ride before and after the show. Limited advance parking passes are also available through individual show pages.

Logjam Presents continues its strong commitment to a safe, welcoming and sustainable concert environment. The venue maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, violence or disrespectful behavior. 

This year brings continued environmental efforts, including ample composting and recycling bins, as well as on-site staff support at key shows to boost diversion rates.

A new line of 2026 KettleHouse Amphitheater merchandise, including hoodies, tees, hats, koozies and more, will be available at the venue and online while supplies last.

“With 37 shows on the calendar, this is the biggest season we’ve ever presented at KettleHouse Amphitheater and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome fans back to the banks of the Blackfoot River,” said Ryan Torres, VP of Marketing at Logjam Presents. “People travel from all over the country to experience shows here and once you do, you understand why. From world-class artists to unforgettable Montana scenery, the KettleHouse Amphitheater offers a live music experience that feels both uniquely local and unlike anywhere else in the country.”

For the full lineup, tickets, policies and more, visit logjampresents.com.

2026 KettleHouse Amphitheater Summer Concert Lineup

MAY

Mon, May 25 – Claypool Gold featuring Primus, Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade & The Claypool Lennon Delirium

JUNE

Sat, Jun 6 – Lord Huron (Night 1) with Fightmaster

Sun, Jun 7 – Lord Huron (Night 2) with Fightmaster

Sat, Jun 13 – The Dead South with Amigo the Devil

Thu, Jun 25 – Dierks Bentley with Mountain Grass Unit & Cole Goodwin

Fri, Jun 26 – Turnpike Troubadours

Sun, Jun 28 – Ziggy Marley with J Boog

JULY

Tue, Jul 7 – Widespread Panic (Night 1)

Wed, Jul 8 – Widespread Panic (Night 2)

Fri, Jul 17 – Tape B x Levity with Effin

Sun, Jul 19 – The Avett Brothers with Shane Smith and the Saints

Thu, Jul 23 – Jordan Davis

Sat, Jul 25 – Maren Morris with Scout Willis

Tue, Jul 28 – Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge

Wed, Jul 29 – Young the Giant with Cold War Kids

Thu, Jul 30 – Josiah Queen Fri, Jul 31 – Andy Grammer with Walk Off The Earth

AUGUST

Sat, Aug 1 – Simple Plan with 3OH!3 & Bowling for Soup

Sun, Aug 9 – Jesse Welles with Ratboys

Mon, Aug 10 – Dirty Heads with Rome

Wed, Aug 12 – LCD Soundsystem (Night 1) with Victoryland

Thu, Aug 13 – LCD Soundsystem (Night 2) with Victoryland

Fri, Aug 14 – STS9 with Dirtwire

Mon, Aug 17 – Caamp (Night 1) with Blind Pilot

Tue, Aug 18 – Caamp (Night 2) with Blind Pilot

Wed, Aug 19 – O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw

Thu, Aug 20 – Alison Krauss & Union Station (Night 1) feat. Jerry Douglas & Theo Lawrence

Fri, Aug 21 – Alison Krauss & Union Station (Night 2) feat. Jerry Douglas & Theo Lawrence

Sun, Aug 23 – NEEDTOBREATHE with Drew & Ellie Holcomb

Mon, Aug 24 – Goose

Wed, Aug 26 – Mt. Joy

Fri, Aug 28 – Symphony on the River with Lettuce ft. Missoula Symphony Orchestra Sun, Aug 30 – Bonnie Raitt with Jon Cleary

SEPTEMBER

Sat, Sep 12 – Liz Phair & Sleater-Kinney

Fri, Sep 25 – Killswitch Engage with Machine Head, Rivers of Nihil & Judiciary

OCTOBER

Fri, Oct 2 – Big Thief

(and additional dates to be announced)

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The Little Mermaid: With Fiona Lee of the Royal Danish Ballet


Yellowstone Ballet Company (YBC) presents The Little Mermaid on Thursday, June 18th 6:30 p.m. at the Willson Auditorium, Bozeman. Kathleen Rakela, YBC Artistic Director and recipient of a prestigious Montana Arts Council Fellowship in the Performing Arts, has created an enchanting multi-media production that will delight all ages, with magical costumes, delightful choreography, and projected ocean images. 

Daniel Parker, former conductor of the Hartford Ballet, composed the compelling score interwoven with moving narration of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale (not Disney version) by orator Robert Worobec. 

The title role of the Little Mermaid will be danced by Fiona Lee of the world renown Royal Danish Ballet. Ms. Lee started training at the Yellowstone Ballet Academy at age five and danced at the school for nine years. She then received a full scholarship for the School of American Ballet’s (SAB) summer program in New York City and was invited to continue at the school year round. She packed her bags, left her carefree Montana childhood behind and moved to the Big Apple to learn the rigorous Balanchine-style ballet technique.  During the Covid lockdown she auditioned for the Royal Danish Ballet and was accepted into the world famous company.

The role of the “Prince” will be performed by Marko Micov.  Mr. Micov began his ballet education at the State Ballet School in Skopje and was awarded the Special Prize at the International Ballet Competition. In 2011, Micov danced as a guest artist with Croatia Ballet in a co-production with the Madrid Ballet on an international tour in South America. In 2012, he was invited by the legendary Gelsey Kirkland to join her company, where his performances were noticed by major publications, including The New York Times, Huffington Post and Ballet. In 2016, Micov joined Ballet San Antonio where he was promoted to Soloist. He then joined Milwaukee Ballet and received the national award, Menada, for Young Artist of the Year. 

One child goes free with every adult ticket purchase and all children receive a free seashell. After the performance, parents may take pictures of their child with Fiona Lee. The company will supply various costumes such as Little Nemo, jelly fish, gold fish and a starfish.

Reserved seating tickets for The Little Mermaid are $30, $40, $50, $65 and $80. Please do not purchase tickets from third parties who charge more than our box office prices and may sell seats that do not exist. Real priced tickets can only be purchased online at YellowstoneBallet.info  or at the door. For more information or group rates, email yellowstoneballetco@gmail.com.

 

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Thursday, May. 14th, 2026

Transparent Election Initiative Launches Website for Voters to Self-Submit Signature/s for “The Montana Plan” Ballot Initiative

HELENA — The Transparent Election Initiative (TEI) today launched sign.montanaplan.org, a website that walks Montana voters through self-submitting their own signatures for ballot measure I-194, also called “The Montana Plan,” that aims to eliminate corporate political spending and dark money influence in Montana elections. The “Print, Sign, Submit” process is designed to make signature gathering more accessible to rural voters & households across Montana.

The new website provides a printable page and detailed instructions on how to sign and mail signatures. Registered Montana voters can review the initiative text, print out the official I-194 petition form and unsworn declaration, sign the petition, complete an unsworn declaration, then mail their signed form and declaration to TEIʼs P.O. Box in Helena. TEI has confirmed that self-witnessed and mailed signatures are legal and valid with the Secretary of State.

“Every Montanan deserves to have their voice heard. ʻPrint, Sign, Submitʼ allows rural communities to stand up to dark money without having to travel to an in-person signing location,” says Jeff Mangan, founder of the Transparent Election Initiative. “This process represents TEIʼs commitment to accessibility and representation of all Montana voters.” And it also allows those who simply want an easy way to sign & participate in direct democracy as afforded by Montanaʼs Constitution!

Signatures are necessary to put I-194 on the statewide ballot in November; they are not a vote for the measure. If passed, The Montana Plan would redefine the powers granted by the state of Montana to corporations and other artificial entities, preventing them from spending money to influence elections.

ABOUT THE TRANSPARENT ELECTION INITIATIVE

The Transparent Election Initiative is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring democratic integrity by eliminating corporate and dark money influence in elections through constitutional reform and public education. Mail to The Montana Plan, PO Box 1953, Helena, MT 59624

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Print Has The Lasting Impact You Want For Your Business

Sure, social media is in front of people multiple times a day — but are they truly engaged, or simply scrolling to numb their brains?

When someone picks up Bozeman Magazine from a rack at their favorite grocery store, restaurant, hospital, or hotel, it’s an intentional choice. They are choosing to engage with a tangible storytelling publication, one that creates a lasting impression, carries credibility, and offers a far more meaningful experience than a fleeting doom scroll.

Unlike a digital post that disappears in seconds, Bozeman Magazine stays with readers. It moves from countertop to coffee table, nightstand to vehicle, and is referenced again and again over time. Our publication isn’t mailed randomly only to end up in a recycling bin; it is actively sought out by engaged Bozemanites looking for local information, experiences, and community connection.

It also reaches newcomers to the area — people actively searching for businesses, services, and brands they can trust.

If you've been thinking print marketing is no longer an effective method of advertising, please think again. It's the most tangible, sought-after, and trusted form. Sometimes the old-fashioned way is still the best. And, our website isn't bad either; it has all of the print content and more! We also keep up on social media; our channels have over 19,000 followers, and we post daily to stay top of mind and give scrollers interesting local info and event updates.

We are always hearing from readers about how much they love Bozeman Magazine, Bozeman's Choice, and the Food Scene Dining Guide:

“I appreciate your magazine tremendously. Thank you for doing it.” KZ

“All around, just a high quality publication.” – NE

“You rock! Appreciate all your work fostering the community in Bozeman!” – EL

“Thanks for this awesome community resource.” – AM

"Like most people in town, love the magazine!" DT

“Thank you for including our restaurants in the latest Food Scene Dining Guide — there is always a copy in our home, car or both!” – MP

"I have to say I so love the Bozeman magazine, and all of the work and love you guys put into it! My family and I look forward to each new monthly edition, the articles about restaurants to try, learning info about old Bozeman, and so many events in the area. The calendar is so jam packed full of events, so much greatness to check out locally. Thanks for all you do." AB

If you are looking for a way to get in front of an audience that is engaged, excited about new information, and hungry for more, we'd love to be part of your marketing strategy this year! Email us today at info (at) bozemanmagazine.com, or call 406-219-3455. We look forward to hearing from you.

Cover art by John Henry Hasseltine and Javier Moreno. Bozeman Magazine features the art of Montana artists on EVERY cover.

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Wednesday, May. 13th, 2026

Chisel & Razor: The Artistic Legacies of Edmonia & Samuel Lewis An Exhibition in Two Acts, Opening in Summer 2026

BOZEMAN – In 2026, Tinworks Art will present Chisel & Razor: The Artistic Legacies of Edmonia & Samuel Lewis. This two-part exhibition unites, for the first time, the stories of Mary Edmonia Lewis, the first internationally acclaimed Black and Anishinaabe sculptor, and that of her brother, Samuel W. Lewis—a Bozeman-based performer, entrepreneur, and community leader who was central to Edmonia’s success.
Portrait of the American sculptor, Mary Edmonia Lewis, also known as "Wildfire" (1844-1907)

Featuring artists responding to the Lewis siblings’ lives, work, travels, and cultural worlds, Chisel & Razor explores how creativity, ambition, and collaboration can shape communities and endure across generations. It includes new commissions by Edgar Arceneaux and Auriea Harvey as well as works by Sanford Biggers, Sonya Clark, Andrea Carlson, Athena LaTocha and others.

The Tinworks exhibition will foreground contemporary artists inspired by the biography and historical context of the Lewis siblings through a wide range of media, revealing the ongoing relevance of their lives and creative practice. Both Edmonia and Samuel expertly navigated the first wave of American identity politics in the nineteenth century and its reactionary aftermath, by using art, self-fashioning, and entertainment to build communities across difference. A master of the neo-classical style, Edmonia upended many artistic and cultural norms. She infused American themes of freedom and individuality in her practice, sculpting subjects ranging from literary figures to her abolitionist peers. Her most famous sculptural subjects—Cleopatra and the biblical figure of Hagar—countered the era’s figurative stereotypes and connected these foundational stories of Western culture to the Black diaspora.

Chisel & Razor contributes to Edmonia’s growing art historical recognition by including Samuel, a foundational but largely forgotten figure in Montana’s past. Arriving to Montana in 1866, Samuel was a founding member of a Black settler community that flourished in Bozeman after the Civil War. A skilled barber and developer who became a prominent, respected community figure, Samuel was also an entertainer, who performed as a musician and magician delighting local audiences across the state. Tinworks is the first art institution to bring Samuel’s story to light, engaging contemporary artistic voices in dialogue with Montana’s local histories.

“Although an ocean apart—Edmonia in Rome and Samuel in Bozeman—the intertwined stories of these two figures reflect the creative resilience, migration histories, and cultural exchanges that shaped 19th-century America. Chisel & Razor will mark the first time the combined legacies of the Lewis siblings are explored on such a large scale,” shared Dr. Melissa Ragain, Special Project Curator at Tinworks and Professor at Montana State University. “By bringing Edmonia’s story into conversation with Samuel’s, this show repositions Montana within a global history of art, while underscoring art’s capacity to forge bonds of community and belonging. To this end, the exhibition aligns with Tinworks’ mission to support contemporary art while illuminating stories of the American West.”

Chisel & Razor, Act I
June 19, 2026 – October 31, 2026

The first installation of this two-part show brings together a selection of work, some newly commissioned, that celebrates the life and legacy of Samuel W. Lewis, who served as his sister’s benefactor and support system. Samuel’s life in Bozeman between 1868 and 1896 reveals a West shaped by the ideology of Manifest Destiny. The presence of Black settlers, whose participation in westward expansion has yet to be fully recognized, undermined the racial justifications for appropriating Native land. At the same time, Black settlers shared their neighbors’ aspirations to freedom and social mobility.

Los Angeles-based artist Edgar Arceneaux will present a theatrical reconstruction of the siblings’ lives, developed with local Bozeman actors over the course of two days during the opening weekend, June 20-21. His commission encourages audiences to reflect upon and imagine the lives of these adventurous figures and to consider broader Black histories of the West. After its presentation, the play will be reconfigured into an installation of painting and video, which will remain on view in the Warehouse space at Tinworks.

Additional artists whose work will be presented in the Tinworks Warehouse space, including Terry Adkins, Sonya Clark, Maud Sulter, and Nate Young, explore how the stories we tell about the past shape present realities.

Chisel & Razor, Act II
Oct 1, 2026 – April 4, 2027

The second exhibition installment centers on the life and work of Edmonia Lewis. Inaugurating Tinworks’ newly restored Mill Building on the Ida campus is a major commission by Auriea Harvey who, like Edmonia Lewis, is a Black, Catholic, expatriate artist living in Rome. Harvey’s immersive installation, Edmonia Triumphalis, memorializes an imaginary journey by Edmonia to visit her brother in Bozeman, a journey she was never able to make in her lifetime.

The work features a triumphal arch constructed from local rammed earth and a monumental fountain inspired by Edmonia Lewis’s classical and baroque influences. Through research- based storytelling and sculptural innovation, Harvey bridges Rome and Montana, illuminating the global networks that underpinned the siblings’ lives.

Other artists whose work will be presented in the Mill building, including Sanford Biggers, Andrea Carlson, Kelly Church, and Athena LaTocha, likewise consider how ancient traditions from North America, Northern Africa, and the Mediterranean remain vital to the practices of contemporary artists.

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Melissa Ragain in collaboration with a group of advisors, including Dr. Tiya Miles, 2011 MacArthur Fellow, author, and Professor of History at Harvard University who also serves on Tinworks Art’s Board of Directors; MSU Professor of Native American Studies Dr. Anita Moore-Nall; Montana-based filmmaker Nnamdi Kanaga; MSU professor in Sociology & Anthropology Dr. Jelani Mahiri; Montana-based artist Emily Gonzales; Montana-based writer Dr. Betsy Quammen; and Montana-based writer Dr. Anthony W. Wood.

Support

Tinworks Art gratefully acknowledges the generous support of VIA Art Fund for the production and exhibition of Edmonia Triumphalis by Auriea Harvey, and the Vilcek Foundation for their support of Sunflowers, to follow the wheat by Agnes Denes, an ongoing ecological intervention in Tinworks’ field. Major program support for Tinworks Art is provided by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Tinworks Founding Director’s Council. Additional support is provided by coal tax revenues allocated to Montana’s Cultural and Aesthetic Projects Trust Fund.

Related Programs

In addition to the works on view at Tinworks Art’s campus, Chisel & Razor will be a citywide celebration in partnership with Montana State University College of Arts & Architecture, who will present additional public programs including:

Exhibition: “Chisel & Razor: Art, Entrepreneurship, and the Lewis Family” Oct 12, 2026 – Sept 12, 2027, Museum of the Rockies

Featuring original artworks by Edmonia Lewis and historical artifacts related to both Lewis siblings, the exhibition tracks the movement of Black migrants abroad and to the American West in the 1860s. With a special focus on entrepreneurship and creativity, the show considers the shared goals of full citizenship and national belonging for those living on America’s geographic and social margins at the time. An exhibition copy of Edmonia Lewis’s celebrated centennial sculpture, The Death of Cleopatra, created in collaboration with students at Montana Technological University, will be a highlight of the exhibition and will be the first time Edmonia Lewis’s sculptures will be displayed in Montana.

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