Article by Brooke Wagner

Photo courtesy of Crooked Line Studio

“Everyone can draw a crooked line!” So says Julie Durrett, owner of Crooked Line Studio in Billings. Crooked Line is located in the heart of the west end and offers a vibrant, welcoming environment for budding artists and seasoned creators. Let’s dive into what makes the studio the perfect place to embark on your artistic journey!

Art Classes for Everyone!

With a motto of “No rules – no mistakes – no judgment,” Crooked Line welcomes artists of all levels to nurture their creativity and hone their craft. Owner Julie had never dabbled in art until she attended an art retreat to expand her horizons as a former chemical engineer and homemaker. By breaking key artistic concepts down to make them accessible to anyone, Julie strives to remove the fear of getting it “just right” to enjoy participating in the creative process. This month, Crooked Line will be offering classes like “Chocolate Tasting with Color,” canvas and acrylic floral arrangement painting called “Floral Trio,” and “Art Journaling,” a combination of painting, collage, drawing, writing, and stamping to create a one-of-a-kind art journal. There are rarely empty seats in these unique classes, so Julie encourages attendees to sign up online or in person at the studio in advance. 

Building Community through Artistic Exploration

Crooked Line Studio is more than just a space to create art; it's a community where imagination thrives. The studio features a well-lit, spacious environment designed to inspire and facilitate artistic expression. Whether you’re interested in painting, drawing, sculpting, or mixed media, the studio offers the ideal setting to explore various art forms. They feature “Open Art” on Mondays from 6:00 – 8:30 pm and Fridays from 10:00 am-noon, where you can peruse the current art supply stock, work independently on a project from home (using your own supplies OR supplies from the studio!), or simply hang out with other budding artists, sipping a coffee and drawing inspiration from the sights and sounds around you. 

Paint Parties and Other Events

Nearly every day of the week, something new is found at Crooked Line Studio. However, if it's a personalized experience you crave, look no further than private parties at Crooked Line. Whether it’s a birthday party, a family event, a bachelorette or bridal shower, or even a corporate team-building event, Crooked Line is sure to create the right environment to make even the most reluctant artist feel right at home. Crooked Line fosters creativity from a young age, so no artist is too young or old to participate. The studio also has several summer camp opportunities, with half and full-day options. The camps are designed to be fun and engaging, introducing children to art through interactive projects. With themes like Time Travel, Enchanted Forest, and Artistic Oddities, these events will be the highlight of your kiddo’s summer as they tap into their creative outlets. 

Julie highlights how special the instructors are at Crooked Line, saying, “Our teachers are just great!” You’ll learn from experienced artists who are skilled in their craft and passionate about teaching. Each instructor brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to their classes. They are dedicated to helping students develop their skills, offering personalized feedback, and encouraging each participant to explore their creative potential. Whether you prefer evening classes, weekend workshops, or one-on-one sessions, there’s something for everyone. 

Crooked Line Studio isn’t just a place to take art classes—it’s a creative sanctuary where you can explore your talents, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or looking to refine your technique, Crooked Line offers the resources, instruction, and community support you need to thrive as an artist. Visit Crooked Line Studio today and let your creativity take flight.

For more information, visit Crooked Line Studio’s website (www.crookedlinestudio.com) or call (406) 927-8041. 

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