Nonprofit Profile: Montminy Gallery

Columbia has had a rich tradition of art and culture for decades. If you have an interest in local art, there are a number of galleries owned and operated in the area. On the first Friday of each month, you can roam the galleries downtown while sipping wine, or you might spend an afternoon wandering through the historical busts at MU’s Museum of Art and Archeology.

Or, you may be surprised to know, you can see a local exhibit at the Montminy Gallery inside the Boone County History and Culture Center.

The Montminy Gallery is one of the oldest public galleries in Mid-Missouri, yet the gallery has remained undiscovered by many of Columbia’s residents. To help further develop the potential of the gallery, artist Kate Gray took on the role of gallery director and curator.

“I am thrilled and honored to lead the development of a plan that will showcase the artistic talent in our community,” Kate says. When curating the shows for the gallery, Kate has a focus on finding pieces and artists who have both educational and historical elements to their work.

The Montminy Gallery hosts four to five signature events per year. These events run for two months, and the artwork is available for purchase. Additionally, the gallery hosts smaller “pop-up” shows that feature art from local organizations and artisans in Columbia.

During these events, the Montminy Gallery features a diverse range of artwork. The gallery’s exhibitions include everything from photography to watercolor to pottery. All of the pieces are created by local, regional, or state artists.

The gallery is owned by the Boone County Historical Society, and is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays.