special events

A Young Professionals’ Wine & Art Fusion

A Young Professionals’ Wine & Art Fusion
When: May 31, 2025 // 4 – 6 PM at YAM’s Visible Vault
Cost: $15 YAM Members, $25 Not-yet Members

Join YAM’s Artist-in-Residence, Manette Rene Bradford, and Ashley Neutgens, Sommelier and General Manager at City Vineyard, for an evening at the Visible Vault filled with exquisite wine samples paired with captivating art. Guests will be guided through a curated selection of Manette’s artwork. For each piece, Manette will share insights about her creative process, while guests enjoy a specially selected wine sample that complements the work.

Tickets are available for purchase at YAM’s front desk, either by visiting in person or by calling 406-256-6804. Please note that capacity is limited.

The Art of Moving Over Land

The Art of Moving Over Land
Friday, May 9, 2025 // 3 – 5 PM

Mark your calendar for an engaging discussion hosted by the Yellowstone Art Museum, where we explore the intersection of art, creativity, and personal growth through a profound connection with the landscape. Whether you’re an artist, adventurer, or simply curious, this event will offer fresh perspectives and spark your imagination. We look forward to seeing you there!

Doors open at 3 PM, with the conversation starting at 3:30 PM.
Free to the public!

Featured Young Professional Speakers:

Ben Hoiness, Alpine Guide & Custom Cabinet Maker
Ben Hoiness is a skilled cabinet maker, mountain guide, and founder of Tendaro Customs, a Montana-based workshop specializing in cabinetry and custom millwork inspired by the mountain west. Drawing from his deep experience as a skier and guide in the Greater Yellowstone region, Ben brings precision, craftsmanship, and a love for wild places into every piece he builds. Based in Red Lodge, MT he continues to blend form and function through Tendaro, where adventure meets artistry in wood.

Parker Pearsall, Climber, Routesetter, and Engineer
Parker is an avid rock climber & head routesetter at Steepworld Climbing and Fitness here in Billings, where he brings inspiration from the outdoors and a love for movement into every climb he sets. When he’s not setting or sending, Parker works as a mechanical design engineer at a local refinery, applying precision and problem-solving to complex systems. Balancing technical expertise with a passion for adventure, Parker thrives both on the rock wall and in the engineering world.

Joel Anderson, Climber, Architect, and YAM Trustee
Joel Anderson is a dad, a YAM Trustee, an architect, an avid climber, skier, and snowboarder. He is also the founding coach of the Steepteam climbing non-profit and the author of “Super Sand Land,” a climbing guide focused on Billings, Montana.

first fridays

Come to the YAM to enjoy a unique artistic experience every First Friday of the month!

Meet a local artist, listen to the sounds of a talented musician, participate in a stimulating lecture — every First Friday is different.

First Fridays at the YAM

Opening Reception for Yellowstone Art Auction 57
Friday, February 7, 2025 | 5 – 8 PM

Mingle with the auction artists and place first bids on Silent Auction items while enjoying music, dancing, quick finish art, and hors d’oeuvres.

Monster Drawing Rally

Monster Drawing Rally
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Artist Sign-Ups: July 15, 2025
Tickets on sale: August 4, 2025

Part live art-making performance, part art-bazaar, part live auction, the YAM’s Second Annual Monster Drawing Rally (a play on a monster truck rally) is a fast-paced, lively fundraising event! During a Monster Drawing Rally artists create artworks from start-to-finish using their preferred quick-drying medium, while under a 1-hour time limit and in front of a live audience, who can bid on the works once they are created. Monster Drawing Rally offers a rare and exciting opportunity to watch artists in action and a chance to take home their completed pieces for $50 each, all while supporting a good cause! The YAM’s “Monster” Drawing Rally benefits both the participating artists and the Yellowstone Art Museum and is an event for the whole family.

Art Auction 58

Yellowstone Art Auction 58
February – March, 2026

Artist Submissions Open: July 20 – November 2, 2025

The Yellowstone Art Museum is excited to announce that the 58th Annual Yellowstone Art Auction will take place February to March, 2026. The Art Auction is one of the YAM’s most treasured opportunities to spotlight celebrated regional artwork, introduce emerging artists, and inspire patrons at every stage of collecting. The YAM’s juried Art Auction exhibition showcases a diverse range of artworks available Silent Auction, including a Small Works subset, in addition to a select grouping of Live Auction- only pieces. Participating artists are generously donating a percentage of the sale of each piece in support of the YAM. The Art Auction will again feature several events and artist talks during the run of the exhibition. The signature museum fundraiser will open with a free to the public artists’ celebration and culminate with The Night- Gala & Live Auction. As the YAM’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Art Auction raises crucial support for the exhibitions and educational programs that the Yellowstone Art Museum presents annually.

For Art Auction 58 sponsorship information:
 406.256.6804 x223
 development@artmuseum.org

masquerade at the yam

Masquerade at the Yellowstone Art Museum

The most creative and awe-inspiring Halloween party in town, Masquerade at the Yellowstone Art Museum, returns annually for an enchanting night of entertainment, dancing, mystics and so much more! Guests will be wowed by live performances, tarot and mystic readings, Billings’ most creative costume contest, photo booths, and a packed dance floor. Party goers will also enjoy cocktails, local brews, and festive appetizers from Raven’s Café.

To inquire about event sponsorship, contact us at development@artmuseum.org.

WinterFair
WinterFair 2024 at Yellowstone Art Museum

WinterFair
When: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 10 AM – 8 PM
Vendor Applications Open: Monday October 13, 2025 | Due: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

The Yellowstone Art Museum is excited to host the annual WinterFair, an Arts and Craft Market taking place throughout the museum on Friday, December 5th, 2025. WinterFair will coincide with the annual Holiday Stroll and December ArtWalk in downtown Billings from 4-8 PM. Vendors will offer a variety of handmade goods, ranging from fine art, fiber work, artisan foods and body products, ceramics and more. The Yellowstone Art Museum also offers gift wrapping, festive activities for visitors of all ages, and seasonal refreshments. WinterFair is a cheerful opportunity to start your holiday shopping locally with one-of-a-kind gifts that directly support our creative community.

To inquire about event sponsorship, contact us at development@artmuseum.org.