Giving Art to Missoula was born from a simple idea: making art accessible to everyone in our vibrant community. Conversations about the rising cost of art supplies, limited creative spaces, and the challenge of storing materials sparked the vision for a shared resource hub where artists of all kinds could find support and inspiration. Inspired by free art supply closets and creative hubs from around the world, we knew it was time for Missoula’s artistic community to come together, share resources, and celebrate creativity in every form.

The name GAM, short for Giving Art to Missoula, reflects both purpose and playfulness. A gam is a group of whales, and it is also a word for friendly conversation, which captures the spirit of connection we strive to create. With a whale as our logo and a commitment to fostering local talent, we aim to provide opportunities, education, and support for artists while promoting collaboration and community growth. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every shared idea helps GAM continue to evolve into a hub where creativity, generosity, and community thrive.