Zootown Arts Center celebrates grand opening

Published: August 13, 2008

The Zootown Arts Community Center in Missoula celebrates its grand opening from noon-8 p.m. Sept. 6 with an introduction to the center, which provides fine arts classes, workshops and events for all ages.

The all-day event offers an opportunity to tour the new community arts facility, which is available for classes, lectures and art parties, or sign up for fall art classes offered at ZACC’s Creative Community Classroom. Many of the classes are taught by artists working at the ZACC who are part of the Independent Artist Collaborative. Other classes are taught by ZACC volunteers and board members.

Live music, mini workshops, face painting, and an art show and auction at POR Gallery are also on tap, with food and beverages available from local retailers.

ZACC views art as an important vehicle and positive outlet for developing youth, a strong foundation for building cross-generational communities, and as an exciting way to celebrate and enhance local culture.

The center, located at 235 N. 1st St. W., houses an artist cooperative, a gallery space, eight studio rentals, a kiln, a classroom/event space that’s available for rent, a local artist retail shop for in-house artists, printmaking, book and zine-making facilities, and individual artistic instruction. Eventually, ZACC hopes to add a community print shop, photo lighting room and dark room.

For details, visit www.zootownarts.com or call 406-549-7555.