WINTER HEARTBEATS:

An Open AIR end-of-year message

December 29, 2025

Greetings,

As winter settles in, I find myself wanting to pause for a moment — to breathe, to look back, and to say thank you.

This year at Open AIR has been full of movement, growth, and heart. Together, we supported artists across Montana and beyond in meaningful, tangible ways. In addition to the many forms of creative and professional support we provide, we put more than $30,000 directly into the hands of artists — an investment in time, materials, research, risk-taking, and creative livelihood that ripples outward into communities across the state.

We also tried something new and joyful: our artist-designed mini-golf fundraiser. It was playful, collaborative, and full of creativity — and it reminded us that fundraising can be fun, imaginative, and deeply communal. Watching artists, supporters, families, and first-time Open AIR friends gather around creativity in that way was a highlight of the year.

Behind all of this is a team I feel profoundly grateful for. Open AIR is held up by people who care deeply — who show up with creativity, professionalism, humor, and heart. The gift of working alongside such a thoughtful, committed team is something I don’t take lightly, especially in a year that asked a lot of all of us.

And then, of course, there is the house.

This year, Open AIR stepped into a new chapter with the purchase of our first permanent home. Having a place to land — a place for artists, ideas, gatherings, and long-term dreaming — is something we’ve been working toward for years. It’s both grounding and expansive. Each time I walk through the door, I’m reminded that this space exists because of community belief, shared vision, and trust built over time.

As we look ahead to the new year, we do so with intention. We know there are uncertainties in the world right now — and also enormous possibilities. Our focus remains steady: supporting artists, nurturing creativity as a vital force in healthy communities, and growing in ways that are sustainable, thoughtful, and aligned with our values.

Thank you for being part of this ecosystem. Your presence, encouragement, and belief make this work possible — not just in numbers or milestones, but in the quieter, deeper ways that truly matter.

Wishing you warmth, rest, and moments of inspiration this winter.

With gratitude,
Stoney

P.S. As the year comes to a close, many in our community choose to make a year-end gift to Open AIR. If you’re in a position to do so, your support directly fuels artist stipends, free public programming, and the care of our new home as we grow into it. However you show up — through giving, sharing, or simply cheering us on — we’re grateful to have you with us as we step into the year ahead.