Thursday, May. 14th, 2026

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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Bozeman Creator Launches Weird-West Fantasy Card Game on Kickstarter

Bozeman-born creator Tyler Johnson has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Goblins & Gunslingers, an independent Wild West fantasy trading card game built around frontier duels, goblin chaos, fantasy factions, and tactical card play.

Goblins & Gunslingers blends the grit of a western with the imagination of fantasy. Players build decks around the strange characters, factions, monsters, magic, and gunslingers of the Wild Frontier, then face off in fast-moving card battles where outlaws, goblins, deputies, beasts, and spell-slingers all collide. The project began as a personal creative experiment and has grown into a larger world spanning physical cards, online play, and a broader tabletop setting.

Johnson, who was born and raised in Bozeman, designed the game as an original Montana-made creative project. The core rules and game systems are already built, and the Kickstarter campaign is focused on funding the next stage of production: final card artwork, physical card printing, packaging, and getting the game into the hands of players.
“I wanted to make something that felt familiar and completely strange at the same time,” Johnson said. “The western genre has this great sense of danger, dust, and frontier myth, and fantasy adds magic, monsters, and weird factions. Goblins & Gunslingers is where those
ideas meet.”

The game is designed for players who enjoy collectible and tactical card games but want a setting that feels different from the usual high fantasy or sci-fi worlds. Instead of castles and knights, Goblins & Gunslingers leans into saloons, sheriffs, bounty hunters, goblin tricksters, frontier towns, and black-powder magic. The result is a weird-west card game world with room for humor, strategy, lore, and big dramatic showdowns.

In addition to the physical card game, Goblins & Gunslingers has an online presence at goblinsandgunslingers.com, where players can learn more about the world, explore the game, and follow development. The project also connects to a broader Wild Frontier setting, giving Johnson room to expand the world beyond a single deck of cards.

The Kickstarter campaign is currently live and invites backers to help bring the first full version of Goblins & Gunslingers to life. Supporters can follow the campaign, pledge, and share the project with tabletop fans, card game players, western enthusiasts, fantasy readers, and anyone interested in seeing an original Bozeman-made game reach production.

For Johnson, the campaign is about more than launching a card game. It is a chance to prove that an independent creator from Bozeman can build a strange, ambitious world and bring it directly to a community of players.

Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gngtcg/goblins-and-gunslingers-the-wild-west-fantasy-card-game

Website:
https://www.goblinsandgunslingers.com

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Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation funds $1 million endowment to support Montana students attending Montana State University

BOZEMAN – A new endowment at the Montana State University Alumni Foundation aims to support Montana students for generations to come, thanks to a $1 million investment from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.

The endowment will permanently fund the D.A. Peressini Legacy Scholarship, named for father and son Donald and Daniel Peressini. Both attended MSU and later worked for the company Dennis Washington founded, Washington Construction Co.

“On behalf of Montana State University, we are deeply grateful to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for their extraordinary $1 million gift establishing the D.A. Peressini Legacy Scholarship Fund,” said Fran Albrecht, president and CEO of the MSU Alumni Foundation. “This scholarship ensures that future generations of students will have the same opportunity to pursue their dreams. We are honored to carry their story forward.”

The scholarship will be awarded annually to an incoming MSU freshman who is a Montana resident and will cover four years of tuition and fees.

“The D.A. Peressini Legacy Scholarship Fund is named in honor of two individuals, Don and Danny, a father and son who not only shared the same initials but also a lifelong commitment to education, civic engagement and hard work,” said Jon Bennion, executive director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. “Both began their academic journeys at MSU and pursued careers in civil engineering, overcoming financial and generational barriers to higher education. Their legacy includes supporting and investing in the transformative power of learning.”

Donald Peressini was born in Great Falls and raised in the Mission and Bitterroot valleys.  He graduated from Missoula County High School (today called Hellgate High School), where he met Dennis Washington. After two years in the Army, Don Peressini attended MSU to study engineering and later was invited by Washington to work for Washington Construction Co., where he remained for more than 30 years, ultimately serving as corporation president.
Peressini and his wife, Betty, had three children, and the endowment is also named for their son, Daniel. Danny Peressini was also an engineer and began working for the Washington Construction Co. in 1997. He died in 2021.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Denny and Phyllis Washington Foundation for honoring our family and investing in the future of Montana students,” Donald Peressini said. “This scholarship reflects a shared belief in the power of education and the importance of making college more accessible for Montanans. Knowing that this support will help open doors for future generations is something our family will always cherish.”

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has provided funding and support in Montana and beyond since it was founded in 1988. That support is often focused in the areas of education, community service, arts, culture and health. This latest endowment is the sixth gift or grant made by the foundation in the past year aimed at supporting higher education at MSU. Last March, the foundation gifted $4.8 million to MSU to support the construction of a new building for Gallatin College MSU, and in October 2025, it made a $1.1 million gift to Montana Tech to establish an endowed scholarship similar to the D.A. Peressini Legacy Scholarship at MSU.

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Tuesday, May. 12th, 2026

The Downtown Bozeman Association Presents – 2026 Art Walk Series

The Downtown Bozeman Association, Downtown Bozeman art galleries and retailers, and Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture are proud to present the 2026 Downtown Bozeman Art Walk Series. This year’s Art Walks will occur on the 2nd Friday of the month; June through September from 6 to 8 PM, with a special Winter Art Walk in December.

Over 35 participating businesses will feature local artists and often provide hors d’oeuvres and complimentary refreshments to the visiting community members. All business participants and their monthly featured artists will be available on our robust website https://downtownbozeman.org/artwalks - please stay tuned! This go-to guide will be updated frequently throughout the Art Walks season and features a printable map for planning purposes.

Along with supporting this community tradition, our business sponsors help provide live performances by local musicians! A special thank you to Bozeman Daily Chronicle, First Security Bank, KBZK, Outside Bozeman, and 94.7 "The Moose". Look for live performances from local bands and musicians throughout downtown!

Art Walks are open to the public and will take place rain or shine! For more information, please visit https://downtownbozeman.org/artwalks or ring the DBP Office at 406-586-4008.

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Christmas lights for business: Best practices and safety


Nothing captures the festive spirit quite like the warm glow of Christmas lights, transforming your business into a winter wonderland that attracts customers and enhances their shopping experience. But before you dive in, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your display is both captivating and safe.

This guide is tailored to help you navigate the world of commercial Christmas lights, offering insights on design, safety, and maintenance. From choosing the right lights to understanding essential safety practices, we'll cover everything you need to create a stunning display. 

1. Plan Your Design
Ready to make your business shine this holiday season? Start by getting clear on your design. First, understand your space. Take a good look at your building's architectural features and the surrounding environment. This will help you create a cohesive design that complements your space. Next, choose a theme that aligns with your brand. Whether it's a classic red and green or a modern monochrome look, your color scheme should reflect the message you want to convey to your customers. Finally, map out the layout. Sketch where you'll install each type of light to avoid last-minute changes and ensure a seamless setup. 

2. Choose the Right Lights
As a business owner, selecting the ideal Christmas lights can transform your space into a holiday wonderland. Start with commercial-grade LED lights like 5mm, C7, and C9. These are not only energy-efficient but also boast a long lifespan, saving you money in the long run. Learn more.

For a more interactive display, consider RGB and smart lights. These allow you to change colors and patterns, creating a dynamic atmosphere that captivates customers. Additionally, ensure your lights are durable and weather-resistant. Outdoor-rated lights withstand harsh conditions, safeguarding your investment.

3. Safety First
As a business owner, you want your holiday displays to dazzle without the risk of electrical mishaps. Prioritizing safety while installing Christmas lights is essential. Start by securing electrical connections with outdoor-rated extension cords, keeping moisture at bay. To prevent overloading circuits, calculate the total wattage of your lights, ensuring it doesn't exceed the circuit's capacity. This holiday decorating safety tip is a must-follow to avoid potential hazards.

Additionally, using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets can prevent electrical shocks, adding an extra layer of security to your festive setup. For high-quality options, explore commercial Christmas lights from brands like Christmas Designers. Stay diligent with your safety measures, and your business will shine brightly and safely this holiday season.

4. Installation Essentials
As a business owner, setting up your holiday display can be both exciting and daunting. To start, use clips, hooks, and stakes specifically designed for outdoor lights. These tools will secure your lights safely and maintain a professional appearance. If your display is complex, consider hiring professionals for the installation. They ensure safety and compliance with local regulations, saving you from potential headaches.Don’t forget regular maintenance! Inspect your lights regularly for damage or wear, and promptly replace any faulty bulbs to keep your display shining bright. For more tips on using commercial Christmas lights, check out Christmas Designers.

5. Do's and Don'ts
Decorating your business with Christmas lights can draw in customers and create a festive atmosphere, but it's important to approach the task with a plan and safety in mind. Here are some practical do's and don'ts to guide you:

Do's:
Use LED Lights: They're not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. LED lights consume 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Learn more.

Plan Your Layout: A well-thought-out design will streamline the installation process and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Secure Your Setup: Ensure all lights and cords are properly secured to avoid accidents and keep everything looking tidy.

Don'ts:
Avoid Indoor Lights Outdoors: Indoor lights are not built to withstand the elements, which can lead to safety hazards.

Don't Overload Circuits: Overloading can cause power outages or even fires, so keep an eye on electrical loads.

Never Leave Lights On Unattended: This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of fire.For more insights and options, check out commercial Christmas lights from Christmas Designers.

Conclusion
Safety should always be a top priority, so ensure you use outdoor-rated equipment and follow proper installation guidelines. Regular maintenance checks are essential to keep your display running smoothly throughout the season.

For more insights and a wide range of products, check out Christmas Designers. Make your business the highlight of the holiday season by combining creativity with safety and efficiency. Happy decorating!

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Navigating the Challenges of High Volume Production for Election Cycles

The intensity of the final weeks before a major election is unlike anything else in the printing world. Orders pour in as candidates realize they need a final boost in visibility to cross the finish line. The pressure is immense and constant.

Factories that usually handle standard commercial work often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of these sudden requests. It takes a specialized setup to keep up with the demands of thousands of candidates all wanting their materials at the same time.

Successful teams rely on statewide & national campaign fulfillment to navigate the seasonal chaos without missing a single deadline. Having the right infrastructure in place prevents delays that could otherwise derail a promising run for office. This level of reliability is vital for everyone.

Scalable Printing Hardware and Technology

Modern printing technology has evolved to handle massive workloads that were once impossible to manage in a short timeframe. Flatbed UV printers provide the flexibility to print directly onto rigid surfaces with incredible speed and accuracy. This hardware is the backbone of production.

When the order numbers reach into the tens of thousands, high speed screen presses become the most efficient tool for the job. These machines are built for repetition and consistency, ensuring that every board looks identical to the first one off the line

.Scalable manufacturing means having a fleet of machines that can work in parallel to meet a sudden surge in demand. It allows a facility to pivot between small custom orders and massive national rollouts without slowing down. Technology makes this output possible.

Managing the Raw Material Inventory

Raw materials like corrugated plastic and metal stakes are the lifeblood of the industry during the peak season. If a warehouse runs out of these basics, production comes to a complete halt regardless of how many printers are available. Managing inventory requires planning.

Shortages often occur during the busiest months when every printer in the country is looking for the same supplies. A smart partner stocks up well in advance to avoid the price spikes and delays that plague the market. This stability protects the client.

Keeping a steady flow of materials ensures that the factory can remain operational even when the global supply chain faces challenges. It requires strong relationships with vendors and a deep knowledge of the market trends. Reliability starts with having the right supplies now.

Workforce Agility and Shift Management

Machines are only half of the equation when it comes to meeting tight deadlines during a rush. A dedicated workforce that can adapt to changing schedules is what truly keeps a facility running at peak performance. This agility is essential when orders arrive late.

Implementing twenty four seven production schedules allows a factory to maximize its output during the busiest weeks of the cycle. Teams work in shifts to ensure that the presses never stop moving, even in the middle of the night. This dedication wins.

Skilled technicians understand how to maintain the equipment while pushing it to its limits to meet a delivery date. They are the silent heroes who make sure every package is labeled correctly and shipped on time. Human expertise remains the core foundation.

The Rapid Response Manufacturing Model

The landscape of a political race can change in a single day, requiring new messaging almost instantly. A rapid response model allows a team to turn around new designs and get them into the field within forty eight hours. Speed is a advantage.

This process requires a streamlined workflow that connects the design phase directly to the production floor without any friction. Every minute counts when a candidate needs to respond to a new development or an attack from an opponent. Efficiency is the goal.

Having the ability to print and ship new materials on such a short timeline provides a level of flexibility that most campaigns lack. It allows for a dynamic approach to outreach that responds to the actual needs of the voters. Agility saves campaigns.

Partnering for Long Term Campaign Success

Choosing a partner with experience in high volume production is one of the most important decisions a team can make. It provides the peace of mind that the materials will arrive on time and in perfect condition. This reliability is the foundation.

A proven track record in handling the unique stresses of an election cycle is worth the investment. It prevents the costly mistakes that happen when a shop is overwhelmed by the scale of the work. Experience counts when the stakes are high.

Final reflections on the process show that the right infrastructure is a silent partner in any victory. By focusing on capacity and speed, an organization can reach its goals and connect with the community effectively. The right choice makes a difference.

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Capturing Your Bozeman Adventures: A Guide to Documenting Mountain Life

Bozeman's landscape demands to be shared. Whether you're summiting the Bridgers at sunrise, floating the Gallatin River, or catching live music at the Rialto, the moments that define life in the valley are worth preserving. Yet capturing these experiences authentically—without lugging professional equipment or spending hours in post-production—remains a challenge for most residents and visitors alike. The gap between what we see and what we can easily document has narrowed considerably in recent years, thanks to advances in portable camera technology that make high-quality video accessible to anyone willing to learn the basics.

For outdoor enthusiasts and casual documentarians alike, the question isn't whether to capture your adventures, but how to do it in a way that feels natural and unobtrusive. Modern action cameras and smartphone accessories have evolved far beyond the early days of grainy footage and limited angles. Today's tools offer stabilization, versatility, and intelligent features that let you focus on the experience rather than the mechanics of filming. Whether you're documenting a bike camera ride through the valley, a ski run at Bridger Bowl, or a quiet evening at a local brewery, the right equipment can transform how you preserve and share these moments.

The Evolution of Adventure Documentation

A decade ago, capturing quality video during outdoor activities meant choosing between bulky camcorders, limited smartphone footage, or expensive professional setups. Today's landscape is radically different. Compact action cameras have become standard gear for athletes, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Smartphone accessories designed specifically for video stabilization have made mobile filmmaking accessible to anyone with a phone in their pocket.

This democratization of video technology has changed how communities like Bozeman document themselves. Local climbers, skiers, and mountain bikers now regularly produce content that rivals professionally shot material. The barrier to entry has dropped so significantly that the question is no longer "Can I make quality video?" but rather "What story do I want to tell?"

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs

Not every filming situation requires the same equipment. A casual hike demands something different than a technical ski descent or a fast-paced mountain bike ride. Understanding your primary use case helps narrow the field considerably.

For hands-free recording during high-motion activities, compact action cameras excel. They're designed to withstand impact, stabilize footage automatically, and mount securely to helmets, chest harnesses, or handlebars. For those who prefer keeping their smartphone as their primary device, gimbal accessories provide professional-level stabilization without requiring a separate camera system. These tools track movement intelligently and smooth out the jittery footage that typically results from handheld mobile recording.

The choice between dedicated cameras and smartphone accessories often comes down to lifestyle. If you're already carrying your phone everywhere, a stabilization accessory adds minimal bulk. If you're seeking a dedicated device built specifically for rugged environments, an action camera offers durability and specialized features that phones can't match.

Stabilization: The Game Changer

Shaky footage is the most common complaint among amateur videographers. Even slight camera movement becomes obvious when played back, making otherwise compelling moments feel amateurish. Modern stabilization technology has largely solved this problem through a combination of hardware and software.

Optical and electronic stabilization work together to counteract movement. Gimbals use motorized arms to keep the camera level regardless of how you're moving. Software-based stabilization analyzes footage in real time and makes micro-adjustments to smooth out vibration and jerky motion. The result is footage that looks intentional and professional, even when captured during genuinely chaotic moments like mountain biking or skiing.

This stabilization matters especially in Bozeman's terrain. The rough trails of the Bridgers, the variable snow conditions at local ski areas, and the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventure all create movement that would render unstabilized footage unwatchable. With modern stabilization, these challenging environments become opportunities rather than obstacles.

Audio and Perspective: Often Overlooked Elements

Video quality depends on more than just image stabilization. Audio captures the essence of an experience in ways that visuals alone cannot. The sound of wind on a ridge, the roar of the Gallatin River, or the ambient noise of a crowded downtown street all contribute to authentic documentation.

Most built-in camera microphones struggle in outdoor environments. Wind noise becomes overwhelming, and distant sounds disappear. External microphones designed for action cameras or smartphone accessories help capture cleaner audio without adding significant bulk or complexity.

Perspective matters equally. Wide-angle lenses capture expansive landscapes and immersive environments, while narrower focal lengths isolate subjects and create intimacy. Many modern cameras offer multiple lens options or software-based reframing that lets you adjust perspective during editing. This flexibility means you're not locked into a single visual approach when you're out capturing footage.

Editing and Sharing Your Story

Capturing footage is only half the process. Editing transforms raw material into a coherent narrative. Fortunately, modern editing software has become increasingly intuitive. Many cameras and accessories include companion apps that handle basic editing tasks automatically, using AI to identify highlights, synchronize audio, and apply transitions.

For those willing to invest more time, dedicated editing platforms offer granular control over every aspect of your footage. Color grading, sound mixing, and precise timing all become possible with relatively modest learning curves. The Bozeman community has embraced content creation enthusiastically, with local creators regularly sharing polished videos across social media platforms.

The key is recognizing that editing doesn't require professional expertise. Simple cuts, basic color correction, and thoughtful pacing can transform ordinary footage into something genuinely compelling. Many of Bozeman's most engaging local content comes from residents who've invested minimal time in learning editing fundamentals.

Building a Documentation Practice

The most successful content creators treat documentation as a habit rather than a special project. Carrying a camera or stabilization accessory becomes as routine as bringing water on a hike. This consistency builds skill naturally and ensures you're never caught without the ability to capture unexpected moments.

Start with simple projects. Document a familiar trail, a favorite restaurant, or a local event. Review your footage critically and identify what worked and what didn't. Gradually expand your ambitions as your comfort with the equipment grows. The learning curve is far less steep than it appears from the outside.

Bozeman's community thrives on authentic storytelling. Whether you're documenting personal adventures or contributing to the broader conversation about life in the valley, your perspective matters. The tools to share that perspective have never been more accessible.

Conclusion

Documenting life in Bozeman no longer requires expensive equipment or specialized expertise. Modern camera technology and stabilization tools have made quality video accessible to anyone willing to learn the basics. The mountains, rivers, and vibrant community around us deserve to be captured and shared. Your unique perspective on this place, preserved through thoughtful documentation, contributes to the ongoing story of what makes the valley special. Start simple, practice consistently, and let your adventures speak for themselves.

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Monday, May. 11th, 2026

Gallatin College MSU brings Law Enforcement Academy to Bozeman

Montana State University police assistant chief Adam Pankratz, left, and Gallatin County Sheriff department Sgt. Mike Chickos instructors with the new Gallatin College Law Enforcement Academy talk with MSU students Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Bozeman, Mont. MSU photo by Colter Peterson

BOZEMAN
— Law enforcement in Montana takes a village.  

As the fourth largest state in the U.S. with the sixth smallest population, each agency relies on another for niche expertise, whereas bigger agencies can potentially accomplish everything on their own, said Adam Pankratz, deputy chief of Montana State University’s police department. These relationships start to form during basic training, which 14 future officers from across Montana will undergo this summer at Gallatin College MSU’s new Law Enforcement Academy. 

Whether they are just starting their journey in law enforcement or are entry-level officers sponsored by Montana agencies, students will work alongside each other for more than 570 hours in pursuit of a Certificate of Applied Science in law enforcement before entering the field. The academy’s inaugural class starts on May 11.  

“We're sending these officers out there not just to be police officers, but to be active members of whatever community they join,” said Pankratz, who is also program coordinator for the academy. “In our profession, you don't have to wear a rank insignia to be a leader. Every law enforcement officer is a leader within their community.” 

Gallatin College MSU’s Law Enforcement Academy is only the second law enforcement training school in the state. The first is Helena’s Montana Law Enforcement Academy, which was previously housed at MSU from 1959 to 1976.  

As the number of entry-level officers requiring basic training increases in Montana, so does the need for infrastructure to accommodate that growth, Pankratz said. In the last 10 years, Montana has added more than 400 new law enforcement officers, according to the Montana Board of Crime Control.  

A statewide law enforcement advisory committee identified a two-year college setting as a practical option for additional training space and instruction, based on a national trend of academies becoming housed in such settings. The committee selected Gallatin College MSU to host the academy, which received $320,000 in federal funding this year for startup costs.  
Students will spend 14 weeks in training, receiving instruction from active officers employed at MSU’s police department, the Bozeman Police Department and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, among other Montana agency representatives and MSU faculty. The local agencies will host students for mock scenarios, firearms training and internships, though most classes will take place on the MSU campus.  

“You want to make sure that the person behind you is going to be better than you were,” said Clint Harper, captain at the Gallatin County Sherrif’s Office who oversees the academy’s curriculum. “So that's our goal: When we leave this profession, we leave it in good hands.” 

That’s why students’ coursework will emphasize the value of public trust with Montana criminal code, ethics and communication, Pankratz said. Then, students will apply their knowledge in mock scenarios, such as responding to theft calls or domestic disputes. The scenarios will build in complexity, from a case-based discussion to an on-campus virtual simulator to acting out a scenario with volunteers.  

Gabe Saunders, a newly hired deputy sheriff in Gallatin County, is looking forward to learning case law and investigation strategies from the individuals he will be working with in the future, especially since they helped design the program’s curriculum. Saunders, a 24-year-old from Bozeman, joined the sheriff’s office to serve his community after leaving the U.S. Marine Corps.  
“This community was very good to me when I was growing up, and it would only be right to try to give back and better it in any way I can,” said Saunders, whose long-term career goals include joining the Missouri River Drug Task Force or Gallatin Valley SWAT team. 

Jacob Gamnerdsiri, a 19-year-old from Henderson, Nevada, felt a similar pull to community service when joining the Law Enforcement Academy. His parents both work in the medical field and raised him to “be a good human,” he said. After graduating, he plans to work for a local agency while being a full-time student at MSU in mechanical engineering technology and pre-law, with the long-term goal of attending law school.  

“When you're in a position to help others, you do it,” Gamnerdsiri said. “I want to be part of something that's bigger than me and create the relationships officers have with the community.” 

Students like Gamnerdsiri, who are not already employed by a law enforcement agency, will intern for a Gallatin County department toward the end of their 14 weeks while taking their final classes online. They will also have opportunities to network and job search during a career fair.
Entry-level officers will complete training at their home department in place of an internship.  

Once students complete in-person courses on Aug. 7 and are hired in Montana, they will be eligible to pursue a state-recognized Public Officer Safety Training certification within five years. Certificates from Gallatin College MSU are applicable only to Montana agencies. In Bozeman, police officers often earn about $76,500 annually. 

“Gallatin College is proud to support and train officers responsible for protecting and serving their communities across Montana,” said Stephanie Gray, dean of Gallatin College MSU.

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Wednesday, May. 6th, 2026

Graduating student pursuing medical career excels during two years at Montana State

BOZEMAN – From an early age, Bailey Mainolfi was so accustomed to family members requiring inpatient care that she began to envision herself working in a hospital someday. She made a plan to become a doctor, and when she graduates from Montana State University with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry on Friday, she will have passed a significant milestone on the way to reaching that goal.

“I grew up with exposure to medicine quite young, because my grandparents had a lot of complex health conditions,” Mainolfi said. “As I’ve gotten older, I want to be able to reciprocate back to the community, so that’s kind of where I belong. My heart is in medicine.”

Mainolfi began her studies at MSU as a junior after transferring from Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, where she earned an Associate of Science degree. From the very beginning, though, she planned to become a Bobcat. She followed the course plan from MSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to ensure that all her credits would transfer seamlessly.

Mainolfi’s organized approach has contributed to her noteworthy success, said her professor and research mentor Mary Cloninger. For her academic and research achievements, Mainolfi was named the Outstanding Graduating Biochemistry Student at the department’s annual award ceremony last week.

"Bailey pays attention to the details in her course curriculum, and she has demonstrated her ability to relate subjects she learns in her coursework to her research projects on multiple occasions,” Cloninger said. “She has made important contributions to my research group for the entirety of her time at MSU.”

In Cloninger’s group, Mainolfi worked to isolate the protein galectin-3 from various types of cancer cells. A main goal of the research was to learn more about the protein’s involvement in cellular aggregation and tumor formation. Mainolfi and her undergraduate teammates also formulated a research procedure so that students who succeed them in the lab will be able to achieve consistent results.

“Our project has gone hand-in-hand with graduate student projects, so I really enjoyed the lab,” Mainolfi said. “As opposed to one undergraduate working under one grad student for one project, we all worked together as one big happy family.”

Finding that dynamic particularly rewarding, Mainolfi said she wants to work as part of a care team rather than as a sole practitioner once she finishes her medical training. At her hometown hospital, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, she participated in the student observation program, shadowing doctors in specialties ranging from cardiology to anesthesia. When she was selected for Logan’s Neuroscience and Spine Sorini and DeBartolo Internship last summer, she was able to closely observe team dynamics between physicians.

“For example, with neurosurgery, there’s a certain number of neurosurgeons and they all work together,” she said. “It’s not just about you being able to treat patients – it’s about being able to hear other ideas. I got to observe more of the relationships that go on behind the scenes versus just the patient-physician relationship.”

At MSU, Mainolfi has pursued both academic and non-academic opportunities to work in team situations. She is a member of the student Pre-Med Club, Phi Kappa Phi honor society and Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national honor society for pre-professional health students. During her senior year, she served as a student ambassador for the College of Letters and Science, representing the college at orientation and recruitment events and working to build connection between the letters and science sides of the college.

“In the chem and biochem department, we’re such a tight-knit family. But being a student ambassador, I got to meet a lot more people and be involved in the college. We plan a lot of different activities and ways to bring students together,” she said.

Her mentors say she brings humor and kindness to all her interactions. Judi Haskins, assistant dean of the College of Letters and Science, said Mainolfi’s work as a student ambassador has contributed directly to the success of the program.

“She willingly goes above and beyond to take time to connect with people, whether it be high school students and their families visiting campus, encouraging peers to be the best they can be or meeting with alumni on the CLS Advisory Council,” Haskins said. “She is a true joy to have as a CLS ambassador, and she and her humor will be greatly missed when she graduates.”

Rob Walker, head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said, “Bailey has been a pillar of our department for two years, and I’m both thrilled and saddened to see her graduate.”
In her free time, Mainolfi indulges her artistic interests by drawing and playing piano and violin. She has illustrated three soon-to-be-published children’s books by author Carla Chapin, who presents serious themes that help young children understand themselves and their place in the world through animal characters and human companions.

As Mainolfi has demonstrated, such understanding can inspire children to channel their talents for good.

“I’ve wanted to go into medicine ever since I was little,” she said.

After graduation, Mainolfi plans to work in medicine for the next couple of years to gain more experience before applying to medical school.

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