Rocky Mountain Gardens

Rocky Mountain Gardens is a project of the Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension (MCDEE).

Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension strives to cultivate resilience and inspire growth by empowering Missoula County residents through hands-on education and sustainable practices.

Installation of the gardens began in the fall of 2023. Previously a parking lot, the site now includes over 20 distinct growing areas reflecting various gardening styles, natural landscapes, and the incredible diversity of plant species well suited to Missoula’s climate. A space for education and contemplation, the gardens are free and open to the public.

Rocky Mountain Gardens Website

The fall is a particularly beautiful time or year at the gardens, offering an inspiring backdrop for creative exploration. This site offers a unique opportunity for artists whose practice centers on outdoor, site-specific, or environmental installation work. 

Depending on the artist's needs, a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces are available for use as workspaces. Indoor spaces include a shared office space and the Lupine Lab, which, despite being intermittently reserved for various meetings and events, could provide a workspace with running water and durable floors for easy cleanup. 

Outdoor spaces in the gardens include unique architectural elements like our structural kiwi trellis—offering ideal frameworks and settings for installation work.

The garden space and the aforementioned indoor spaces are available to the artist in residence. With MCDEE consent, artists could use tools, plants, and other materials from the garden. The MCDEE staff is friendly and happy to provide assistance if needed.

Rocky Mountain Gardens is located on the Missoula County Fairgrounds in the heart of the Missoula. 1075 South Avenue West. Missoula, MT 59801. With views of the mountains in all directions, the gardens are part of the G.W. Marks Exploration Center, which houses the rest of MCDEE, the Missoula Butterfly House, and the Missoula Conservation District.

Missoula is located in a mountain valley at the confluence of three rivers. The town features contemporary museums, independent galleries, a variety of restaurants and grocery stores, and an active downtown anchored by the University of Montana. With riverfront parks, mountain trails, extensive bike paths, and a zero-fare public bus system, visiting artists can easily navigate the city and explore the surrounding region.

Artists coming from out of town will stay at Open AIR’s Blue House—a beautiful, fully furnished residence located in Missoula's vibrant University District, just one mile from downtown. Each artist will have their own bedroom and will share two bathrooms, the kitchen, dining room, living room, backyard, and laundry facilities. Applicants will have the opportunity to share their housing needs in the Artist-in-Residence application.

For more information: About the Blue House

Rocky Mountain Gardens has a steady flow of visitors. The artist will have an opportunity to engage with the public during open hours:

• Monday - Friday 9-5 pm

• Saturday 10-5 pm

In addition to an artist presentation, the artist will have the opportunity to teach a compensated workshop on-site if interested.

• READ ADDITIONAL FAQ’s document

• Open AIR is committed to accessibility. If the application process or fee poses a barrier,  please reach out to Rachel at program@openairmt.org

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