Flathead Valley not only provides artists with picturesque landscapes to explore with their brush and palette, but it offers a mini cultural Mecca for locals and out-of-town visitors. The valley is host to dozens of galleries, but we’ve compiled a list of prime locations to help you start off your art walk.
Electric Avenue, Bigfork
One stroll along this resort village’s main street will present you with an eclectic mix of shops. The galleries on this strip run the gamut from an impressive display of fine oil paintings and sculptures to colorful, handmade jewelry. Glass, bronze, fiber and wood pieces are also represented. Art collectors will respect the display of contemporary and fine art, while others will be entertained with the many wildlife and western-themed works.
Downtown, Columbia Falls
Given its location 18 miles south of West Glacier, this small industrial town has best been known as the “Gateway to Glacier.” But with a renowned golf course, large waterslide park and fast-growing antique market, Columbia Falls is carving out a destination spot of its own. A handful of fine art galleries can be found in the downtown area on or nearby Nucleus Avenue, where local artists and craftsmen and women are represented.
Main Street, Kalispell
Take a walk down Main Street in Kalispell for a taste of some of the city’s best local artists. The studios and galleries lining the main drag and a few of the side streets showcase colorful oil painting, watercolor and pastel originals. You will also find an art restoration services and custom framing, and a museum with a diversity of displays and exhibits.
Central Avenue, Whitefish
A top tourist stop, Central Avenue is a haven for upscale shops and galleries. Original fine art and framing, local and regional arts and crafts, and stoneware pottery are just a few things for the aesthete to muse over. Contemporary works in wood, metal and ceramics, as well as Montana-related art are also featured in shops at this downtown location.