The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘Missoula Art Scene’

Main Reasons to Travel to Missoula as a Student

Do you want to visit Missoula and have a good time enjoying your holiday? Here are the main reasons why this city is suitable for any student.... more

14th Annual River City Roots Festival Begins Friday, August 23

River City Roots Festival is on Friday, August 23 featuring Honey Island Swamp Band as the headliner Friday night and Leftover Salmon will close out the festival Saturday, August 24.... more

The World of Broadway at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts

By MICHELLE NIGH - Nearly 200 kids to perform The World of Broadway Thurs., Aug. 10-Sat., Aug. 12 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

MAM Features Art Installation That Will Evolve Daily

Billings native Abbie Miller to create site-specific installation March 28-31.... more

Learning How the Arts are Being Integrated and Connected in Missoula

By TOM BENSEN -The Washington, DC-based Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) visited Missoula to learn how the arts are being integrated and connected with the Missoula community.... more

It’s Summertime in Montana

By TOM BENSEN-Gauging from the thermometer, summer is here. If you love concerts and summertime events, here are some MUST things to do in Missoula and Montana.... more

If Charlie Russell Painted Missile Silos

By MONTE DOLACK- What if Montana’s famous cowboy artist, Charlie Russell was living today? I have mused many times as to what shape his artworks would yield in today's world.... more

Missoula Art Museum: American Abstract Artists June 5 – August 29

In 1997 American Abstract Artists donated 40 prints to MAM, and a portion of this remarkable portfolio was exhibited. For the first time, MAM is thrilled to show all 40 prints. The Exhibit runs June 5-Aug. 29... more

Monte Dolack: Color, Light and Landscape

By MONTE DOLACK-After many years of painting with both oils and acrylics I find myself viewing the world and especially the landscape in descriptive terms of the colors on my painting palette.... more

Monte Dolack: Art and Travel

By MONTE DOLACK-Sometimes you don’t have to travel far for a change of scene. Traveling, even close to home sheds new light, not only on the eye but into the mind and heart as well. ... more

Monte Dolack: Painting On Location

By MONTE DOLACK-As a first year student at Montana State, I remember a painting and drawing class I had in the spring of 1969 that included a field trip away from the stuffy classroom.... more

9th Annual River City Roots Festival Aug 23-24 in Downtown Missoula

Grammy Award winner Sam Bush headlines the admission-free, 2014 River City Roots Festival Aug. 23-24 in downtown Missoula. Welcome Home UM students! ... more

Moksha Aerial Studio Collective (PHOTO GALLERY)

By BILL MUNOZ - Recently I was lucky enough to be introduced to Moksha Aerial Studio Collective (MASC) at the Missoula Farmers Market. Oh what fun it is to shoot these colorful artists. (PHOTO GALLERY).... more

Monte Dolack: Nature of Art

By MONTE DOLACK-My personal creative and restorative touchstone to nature is not far from our Missoula home. It is The Crown of the Continent ecosystem and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. ... more

Monte Dolack: Magic Light

By MONTE DOLACK - Evening. Morning. In the gloaming when the light is soft and low. Magic light is painter’s light. It's known as the magic hour when the sun is near or below the horizon.... more

MAM Presents Under Pressure Exhibit: Contemporary Prints from the Jordan D. Schnitzer Collection

Under Pressure is an exhibit curated by Omaha, Nebraska’s stately and prestigious Joslyn Museum from the inspiring collection of art collector Jordan D. Schnitzer, Portland, OR. ... more

Todd Snider: A Singer’s Life of Jest, Sarcasm and Politics

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Todd Snider, an alt-country, folk/rock, singer/songwriter plays this Tuesday, April 30th at the Elk's Club. He unapologetically cusses, parties, touts drugs, and hammers Republicans in hi... more

Missoula Art Beat: Photographer Jane Goffe’s Quiet Moments

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Goffe’s images – stark Missoula railways, poised barnyard and agricultural scenes, and windshield-shattered pickup trucks--express her primary manner of feeling, of communicating, of l... more