Written By: Carrie Richer – Open AIR
Open AIR, Montana’s statewide artist-in-residence program connecting artists with place-based experiences across the region, has reached a joyful milestone with the purchase of a permanent home at 300 Evans Avenue in Missoula.
Affectionately dubbed the Blue House, the property offers exactly what the organization has long envisioned—reliable housing for visiting artists-in-residence and a dedicated office and community space for its growing team. Sitting peacefully across from Bonner Park, the Blue House will serve as a creative hub and gathering place, welcoming conversations, collaborations, and the kind of interdisciplinary exchange that fuels Open AIR’s mission.
“For years, we’ve dreamed of a place that embodies Open AIR’s mission—rooted in creativity, connection, and community,” said Executive Director Stoney Samsoe. “This home brings that vision to life. It’s artful yet modest, with inviting living spaces, a peaceful yard, and even a carriage garage we hope will one day transform into a long-envisioned alley gallery.”
The Blue House already carries a rich legacy of creativity. Conversations with longtime Missoulians and enthusiastic neighbors reveal a long history of artful play, love of travel, and curiosity woven into its walls. The Anderson family stewarded the home for decades—Karine and Robert Anderson Jr raised their family here, and one brother, John P, later purchased the home from the family estate and filled it with a vibrant community of artists, activists, and travelers. John P’s thoughtful updates created the current layout that will allow artists to live and work comfortably while Open AIR staff work from bright, welcoming offices on the third floor.
A sense of calm—almost a creative hush—seems to linger in every corner. Open AIR is honored to carry the home’s legacy forward into a new era: the Blue House, the Open AIR chapter.
This milestone is a testament to the remarkable generosity of the Beck Family, the Patt and Terry Payne Family, the Baldridge Family, and the Laura Barrett Family, as well as many friends, board members, and partners who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life.
“As we settle in, we’re eager to invite the community to help shape what the Blue House will become,” added Samsoe. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who believes in Open AIR and continues to make moments like this possible.”
Artwork is already being hung, corners are being made cozy, and Open AIR looks forward to hosting future art happenings—from artist talks to tea gatherings. Those with stories of the Blue House’s past, or who hope to join future events, are warmly invited to connect and be part of what unfolds next. Join us, for events and to apply to be an artist-in-residence – openairmt.org
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