Canvas on Campus: Northcutt Steele Gallery at MSUB

October 1, 2024

Article by Brooke Wagner and photos by Renata Haidle

Nestled in the heart of the MSU Billings campus lies a hidden gem: an art gallery that invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world where creativity, community, and conversation converge. Northcutt Steele Gallery is located on the first floor of the Liberal Arts Building. Named for former art professors Helene B. Northcutt and Benjamin C. Steele, the gallery features the work of local, regional, and national artists. It opens its doors to the community free of charge. Divided into three sections, one for rotating exhibitions, one for student work, and one for a more permanent art collection, the gallery offers more than a venue for displaying artwork. It serves as a cultural hub to nurture talent and bring people together.

Robin Earles, Gallery Director, says the gallery is “really special in that it invites community members to come be a part of the art that is being created by students, as well as art from a broader, national scope.” Unlike commercial galleries, which often focus on high-profile or high-value pieces, Northcutt Steele emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility. This approach allows emerging artists and those without extensive networks to gain exposure and connect with their audience. The diversity of artistic expressions found in these galleries, from traditional painting and sculpture to modern digital art and mixed media, reflects the vibrant creativity within the community.

Don’t mistake the laid-back Montana vibe for a small-scale show, however! Northcutt Steele has hosted distinguished artists from around Montana AND the world, showcasing high-quality artistic offerings that rival big city displays. The gallery is more than just an exhibition space; it is a cultural dialogue and exchange venue. Hosting various art forms and styles creates opportunities for people to engage with different cultures and perspectives. Exhibitions might feature works from local artists of various backgrounds or collaborative projects that highlight community issues and experiences. This exposure broadens the understanding of art and fosters empathy and appreciation for the diverse narratives within a community and beyond.

In addition to visiting and viewing the art on display, community members are invited to attend several special events around each new installation. Exhibitions change about every six weeks, providing 3-5 experiences every semester. With each new exhibition, the gallery invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to attend catered receptions, artist talks, master classes, and various other workshops and hands-on demonstrations. Earles says, “This is actually one of my favorite parts about the work we do at the gallery!” By truly inviting attendees to participate in the process, art itself comes to life and becomes demystified in a way; accessible to all.

Late in the summer of this year, the gallery hosted Artist in Residence Eunkang Koh. Koh hails from Seoul, South Korea, and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from California State University. In her work with lithography, book art, and installation, Koh draws from “human circumstances that flourish between reality and perception.” Her offering to MSU included a work entitled Primal Urge, which explored the primitive culture and instincts of animals living in the Sierra Nevada wilderness.

October brings a Faculty Exhibition to the gallery, showcasing the diverse talents of MSUB Art Department faculty. Two new faculty members, Assistant Professor of Ceramics Stephanie Dishno and Assistant Professor of Art History Brian Leahy, will be featured. Dishno brings a broad history of fine art and ceramics to the group. Leahy’s extensive experience with print and wood blends nicely with the rugged Montana landscape. This exhibition allows students and community members alike to see a different side of the art faculty at MSU and allows them to flex their creativity both in and out of the classroom.

Earles is also excited to announce an out-of-the-box artistic offering coming to the gallery, featured from September 2nd through December 12th. Artist Emmit Bartsch brings his collection called Almost There, a vertical exhibition that matches visual art with a musical album. Photographs and drawings showcased in the stairwell of the building will pair with songs from the album, “giving a visual to hooks and verses that attempt to reconcile with the past, looking forward to what’s next, and appreciating the current environment.”

From an art novice to a master professional, Northcutt Steele Gallery offers something for everyone. Participants can truly move from casual onlookers to participants in the artistic process, learning from the artists themselves and being inspired by a showcase of art from across the world, the country, or even just across the road. With its diverse exhibitions and innovative showcases, it not only celebrates the artistic achievements of today but also inspires future generations of artists and enthusiasts alike.

Originally printed in the October 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

Brooke Wagner

is a Southern girl at heart, but a Montanan by choice. She lives just outside of Billings with her husband and three children, ages 13, 11, and 6. She is a board-certified music therapist who enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and hiding under the covers with a good book.

The Artistic Journey of Mural Mamas'

Mommy’s job is painting, and daddy’s job is working,” says four-year-old Daisy, daughter of Kaitlyn Plenger and big sister to Harper.

Nova Center for the Performing Arts - Bringing Local Art to Life

Frank Sinatra once famously crooned, "Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars…" He may have very well found many of those stars right here in Billings. The name of one of our most iconic performing arts centers pays homage to that rare astronomical event when a star suddenly and drastically increases in brightness, so much so that the name is the Latin word for "new," appearing to be a new star entirely.

Make This: Pumpkin Mousse with Biscoff Crumb Base

As the weather cools down, we are thinking of cozy sweaters, bonfires, and everything pumpkin: pumpkin-spiced lattes, pumpkin bread, and the much beloved and traditional pumpkin pie. Get ready to ditch the pie pan and dive into an elegant pumpkin mousse that will be the star of your fall festivities. This light and airy dessert is a modern take on a classic flavor. Pumpkin mousse has all the comforting, cinnamon-infused taste we love while adding a playful element with the Biscoff cookie base.

Kids in Construction COP Construction & Build Montana Bring Kids Back to the Trades

In Montana, construction is one of our long-running jokes: Montana has two seasons: winter and road construction. Jokes aside, the construction industry is critical to developing everything around us and provides some of the most rewarding and lucrative careers.