Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation
Artist in Residence Program

The artist's studio and living quarters are located on the second floor of the Historic Montana Leather Company Buildingwhich the foundation operates as an art gallery and espresso house and café known as the Venus Rising. This facility is at 122-124 South Main Street in the National Historic Landmark District of Butte, Montana.

Butte, Montana is a historic mining town located on the west side of the Continental Divide in the Northern Rockies at an elevation of 5,600 feet above sea level. In the late 1800's the city was once the largest in the west and was home tomore than 80,000 people. Butte is filled with incredibly diverse architecture and a unique and rich history. Access to unlimited and excellent outdoor recreation activities including: hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and water sports. Outstanding natural beauty is just outside Butte's back door. Pristine rivers, snowcapped mountains, and two national parks are the local backyard. The city supports a variety of artistic activities including the Mother Lode Theater, the Butte Symphony orchestra, several alternative performance troupes, summer art walks and fine art galleries. The city has a variety of entertainment venues, a great night life, and offers something for everyone. The local people are friendly and genuine. The old saying in Butte is "A mile high a mile deep and everyone's on the level."

Facilities include:

* 1200 square feet of floor space with 10 foot ceilings
* Kitchen, bath (with large tub), 1-2 bedrooms, living room and 15'x20' studio
* Great views in all directions, excellent light, in a creative atmosphere
* Heat, electricity, water, and wireless internet access included
* Open air front porch and enclosed back porch
* Recently renovated in 2003


The studio/apartment rents for $500 per month with up to $150 rent reduction per month (work rated at $15 per hr.) for community participation, projects, and activities.

Residencies for all visual, performing, or literary artists will be considered. Resident artists can develop her/his plans regarding what their interests and objectives would be for the program. One month to one year terms will be considered. We do encourage longer residencies over the winter months. Residencies include one scheduled exhibition in our 800sq. ft. Venus Gallery at 124 South Main. The artist in residence has the opportunity to work for the arts foundation by teaching classes and workshops or by performing a variety of other tasks.