Talented Missoula Artists Creating Works That Deserve A Spotlight

Opportunity Resources Inc, in Missoula is an organization that supports people with disabilities, in a number of different ways. They help them engage in meaningful employment, get stable housing and help support community involvement. They also help people express themselves artistically.

The "Artists of Opportunity" in Missoula

The "Artists of Opportunity" is a program that helps their clients express themselves in a creative and beneficial way. Not only do these artists get a chance to create art, but they also have an opportunity to sell their artwork and make money. I spoke with Jason Crouch of Opportunity Resources who helps oversee the art department about the selling of the artwork. He had this to say:

All of the art proceeds here, if a client sells a piece of art whether it's a piece of pottery, an oil painting, watercolor or a digital art production, they receive approximately 85% of the earnings of the sales. All that we ask is that they cover the materials... Many of  the clients generate a fair bit of income from these sales which is really great.

The Art is for Sale At Opportunity Resources

The best way to see the artwork that is available is to go to Opportunity Resources located at 2821 South Russell they are open Monday through Friday 8am-4pm. You can also visit the artist website. The artists work in multiple mediums including painting, pottery and digital art. I also spoke with Mariah Laughlin the Opportunity Resources Art Program Director about these special artists and the work they create. She said:

We have about 60 artists in the art program and everybody has their own unique style, which is really cool to see. You definitely get to see the creative expression. A lot of the artists may not be vocal or might not be able to speak. This adds a whole new communication to their life to express things that they probably wouldn't otherwise.

Artists With Freedom

This program works as art therapy, but the artists also get an income. This is a fantastic program for these amazing artists. There is something else that makes this program special. Mariah continues:

It's really cool to see how they are able to express and communicate themselves because it is really unfiltered. As an adult you are always kind of thinking about what other people are going to think about it, but for the artists in our program, it's really not there. It's totally unfiltered, they are just trying to express themselves. They don't really care what other people think, and I think it is beautiful. You see a whole different side of art. There's a whole other level of connection there.

Let's Support These Amazing Missoula Artists

You may see some of this stunning art hanging in businesses throughout Missoula. If you want to have your own piece of art for your home, stop by Opportunity Resources and purchase some. You will get a great piece of art and will be helping some awesome people at the same time.