Beyond the Vault: Staff Picks and Perspectives with Geoff Stocking

What happens when the people who care for a collection get to curate it? Beyond the Vault brings forward a selection of contemporary and non-Russell historic works chosen by museum staff, offering a fresh look at pieces that don’t always take center stage.

This event is free and open to the public.

Most people walk through Charlie Russell’s studio. Tonight, you get to pull up a chair.

Join us for an evening of drawing inside Russell’s historic workspace. We’ll have Western objects to sketch. plenty of inspiration, and absolutely no expectations. Can’t draw a straight line? Perfect. Draw every day? Perfect. This isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s about spending time in a remarkable place, looking a little closer, and having some fun.

To reserve your spot, contact Austin Haney at ahaney@cmrussell.org or call 406-604-4764. Come make yourself at home in Charlie’s studio.

Director’s Choice with Duane Braaten

Join Executive Director Duane Braaten for a look at some of his favorite works in the collection, along with stories and insights from his time at the museum.

This event is free and open to the public.

Charlie Russell’s Indians’ Art: Painted Horses, Painted Robes, and Painted Cliffs with Dr. Jim Keyser, American Rock Art Research Association.

Explore how Indigenous rock art appears in the work of Charles M. Russell. Dr. Keyser will examine what Russell captured accurately, where he missed the mark, and the real-world sites that may have inspired his imagery.

This event is free and open to the public.

Art of the Angle with Austin Haney:
Featuring illustrations from A River Runs Through It, Home Waters, and Big Two-Hearted River, this tour explores how a sense of place, memory, and personal connection shape art and storytelling.

Canadian Capers: A Return to Calgary Retrospective with Geoff Stocking, Cassie Strauss, and Austin Haney:
In honor of Stampede season, revisit the effort to reunite Charles M. Russell’s 1919 Stampede Exhibition in Calgary, exploring logistic, challenges, and international collaboration behind it.

Bison and Beads with guest docent Tawny Cale:
Explore the deep relationship between Indigenous Peoples and bison, and the artistic and cultural traditions that grew from those connections.

Charlie Russell knew a thing or two about a good gathering, and Saddles & Spurs keeps that tradition alive. Join us for a free afternoon of art, food, family fun, and Western adventure. From hands-on activities and creative projects to local food trucks and free Museum admission, there’s plenty to explore across campus. Come celebrate summer the Russell way: with good company, a little creativity, and a whole lot of fun.

Tracing Russell: CMR and his Boyhood Sketches with Sarah Adcock
A closer look at Charles M. Russell’s sketch work, offering insight into his process and the foundations of his larger pieces.

For ages 8 – 13. Four-day art and history camp at the C.M. Russell Museum with hands-on projects, games, crafts, and snacks inspired by Charles M. Russell. Campers bring lunch, snacks provided. Please email Austin Haney at ahaney@cmrussell.org or call 406-604-4764 to register.

“Paintbrush Historian” Legacy Gallery with Austin Haney:
Examine several of Russell’s masterworks and the Montana history that inspired them.

Unsettled Lands with Manette Rene Bradford

Join the artist for an in-depth look at Unsettled Lands, including her background, creative process, and the themes shaping her work. This conversation considers how landscape, masculinity, and myth continue to evolve in the contemporary West. This event is free and open to the public.

The Ranger, the Cook, and the Hole in the Sky by Norman Maclean. This event is free and open to all book lovers. Come be apart of the conversation. No registration is needed!

Hidden Art at the Museum with Tiffany Van Heel and Austin Haney:
Discover often-overlooked works in unexpected places and the artists who shaped Montana’s creative landscape.

Ansel Adams with Olivia Cotterman: A sendoff for the Adams exhibition with behind-the-scenes insights into how it came together, along with a look at a few standout works.

Restoring the Russell Home: Following strong interest in the Log Studio, this session takes a closer look at the restoration and reinterpretation of the Russell Home, including decisions and research guiding the project.

O.C. Seltzer Gallery with guest docent Steve Seltzer: An intimate look at the life and work of one of Montana’s notable western artists, shared by his grandson, Steve Seltzer.

The Metis Sash and Charlie Russell with Metis historian and craftsman Matt Hiltermann

For over a century, Charles M. Russell has been closely associated with his iconic sash. This talk explores the history of the Metis Nation, their connections to Montana, and the cultural significance of the sash through the perspective of a master weaver.

Join accliamed pastel artist Steve Oiestad for a two-day, in-depth workshop exploring the possibilities of working in pastel. Designed for artists with some experience, this class focuses on strengthening technique, understanding light and color, and developing a more confident, personal approach to your work.

With a small group setting, this workshop offers a more individualized experience giving participants time for one-on-one feedback, conversation, and guidance throughout the process. Steve will share insights from his own practice while working alongside participants as they build and refine their pieces. Whether you’re looking to deepen your skills or push your work in a new direction, this workshop provides a supportive space to learn, experiment, and grow.

***Class is full. To be added to the waitlist contact Austin Haney at ahaney@cmrussell.org or call 406-604-4764.***

$100 Members | $125 Non-Members
Materials and additional details will be shared upon registration. 

Join accliamed pastel artist Steve Oiestad for a two-day, in-depth workshop exploring the possibilities of working in pastel. Designed for artists with some experience, this class focuses on strengthening technique, understanding light and color, and developing a more confident, personal approach to your work.

With a small group setting, this workshop offers a more individualized experience giving participants time for one-on-one feedback, conversation, and guidance throughout the process. Steve will share insights from his own practice while working alongside participants as they build and refine their pieces. Whether you’re looking to deepen your skills or push your work in a new direction, this workshop provides a supportive space to learn, experiment, and grow.

***Class is full. To be added to the waitlist contact Austin Haney at ahaney@cmrussell.org or call 406-604-4764.***

$100 Members | $125 Non-Members
Materials and additional details will be shared upon registration. 

Evelyn Cameron: Photographer of the Western Prairie by Loma Milne: This event is free and open to all book lovers. Come be part of the conversation. No registration needed!