Team

At Arts Missoula, we believe that art and culture are vital to the strength and growth of our community. We are dedicated to seeing strong arts and cultural programs in our schools, to increase public and private support for local arts and cultural activities, and to connect and engage our community through these creative and educational experiences.

Heather Adams, Executive Director

Ms. Adams started her artistic journey in Phoenix dancing at South Mountain Center for the Performing Arts High School, Lydia Torea Spanish Dance, Phoenix School of Ballet and Ballet Arizona before venturing to Philadelphia, PA, where she earned her BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts.

Embracing the vibrant energy of New York City, Heather embarked on a journey of professional growth, training at Alvin Ailey and Paul Taylor. However, the allure of the Montana mountains beckoned her in 1999. Since then, she has been an unwavering advocate for arts education, performance, and cultural enrichment within the Missoula community.

She directs and choreographs musical theater productions both locally and regionally and has produced non-profit fundraisers.

Heather’s love for the arts transcends the stage, sharing her expertise in various styles at local studios and the University of Montana as well as across the region and as far as South Africa and Malawi. Recognizing the transformative power of dance, she founded the Downtown Dance Collective and served as its Executive Director for 13 years, nurturing budding artists and fostering a thriving dance community, producing an Artist in Residence series, and creating an inviting space for people to engage in and support the arts.

She currently serves on the University of Montana College of Arts and Media Advisory Council and is in the role of State Captain for Montana in the esteemed Americans For The Arts organization based in Washington, DC. In this capacity, she actively champions the importance of the arts on a national level, advocating for the preservation and advancement of creative expression in communities across the country.

Maddy Gilbert – Marketing and Communications

Maddy is a Western Washington native and a proud graduate of the University of Montana College of Business. With a background in event management, marketing, and social media, she has been worked closely with a variety of organizations and community events throughout town like the Missoula Downtown Association, Missoula Makers Collective, Missoula Paddleheads, and Missoula Broadcasting Company. She is excited and passionate about supporting the art and artists that make Missoula so special and unique. Outside of work, she enjoys running the river trail, playing tennis at Fort Missoula, and snowboarding in the surrounding mountains.

Fiona Harris – Membership and Sponsorship Coordinator

Originally from Oregon, and most recently from British Columbia, Fiona has been an avid supporter and appreciator of the arts since she was putting on one woman plays in her parents’ basement. With a background in stage management, event coordination, and community outreach, she has been involved in the arts scene in Missoula for as long as she has lived here. When not at work or calling shows from the booth at MCT, she can be found skiing, reading a book, birdwatching, or going on walks that turn into reading a book outside. Possessing the unshakeable belief that the arts are the basis for a strong, connected, and empathetic community, she is honored to be a part of such a vibrant and diverse community here in Missoula.

Andy Nelson – Sponsorships and Partnerships

Andy has had a passion for the arts since “before he could talk,” as they say. Growing up in rural northeastern Montana (Culbertson), his early upbringing was fortunately rich with arts and culture. His mother started taking him to Suzuki piano lessons in North Dakota at the age of 3 after his daycare lady told her “He’s got an ear for music!” He had his first experience with Missoula Children’s Theatre when the tour came to his school and his entire Kindergarten cast as rats in the Pied Piper. Throughout his early years, he took advantage of every opportunity he could when it came to participating in the arts, including band, choir, summer theatre programs in Williston, ND, piano camp, and Speech and Drama.

Upon graduating high school, Andy ventured west to Missoula where he attended college at the University of Montana. He immediately fell in love with this beautiful community, its people, and culture. After receiving his bachelor’s degrees in history and political science, he had a brief stint in the hospitality industry and then found himself working in the nonprofit sector, starting as a volunteer and eventually Executive Director of the Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center. Through this work, Andy found his voice in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and during his tenure created safe, affirming spaces for the community; from beloved events like Missoula Pride to overseeing the move of The Center to their new location at 500 N. Higgins.

His passion for community runs deep. You can often find Andy participating in a community event or volunteering for a fundraiser. He is active in the Missoula Sunrise Rotary Club, serves on the board of Run Wild Missoula, and is the Chair of the Missoula County Democrats. One of his favorite places in the world is Missoula Children’s Theatre, where he enjoys performing in their community productions. Andy is thrilled to be able to couple his love of community with his passion for the arts in his new role at ARTS Missoula.