The arts and cultural pursuits are intensely vibrant and heartfelt in Whitefish. Take a walk around Whitefish and it becomes apparent how expressions of our history, culture and the arts are not just the pursuit of a few aficionados, but woven completely into the community.

Art adorns the sides of historical buildings, connecting generations. A vibrant arts community hosts monthly Thursday night gallery walks when the whole town seemingly turns out to walk the central district in summer. You can explore the galleries and connect with friends while pondering and admiring the work of local artists--most of whom live in the community themselves. Hundreds of sculptors, craftsmen, photographers, painters, authors and other artisans, call Whitefish home. The many shops on-mountain and in town are filled with their work. You'll also find antiques, knit shops, galleries, jewelry stores and other fine art establishments.

You can be a part of the Whitefish Art Community! No membership required. Just drop in on the non-profit community-supported Stumptown Art Studio for “Open Clay Nights,” bring out your inner child and have fun painting your own ready-made pottery, or let your kids' imaginations go wild in a class just for them. The studio is conveniently located on Central Avenue with a prominent store-front, and invites you to walk-in at any time to pursue a creative endeavor. Supplies are provided, all you need to do is show up!

As you stroll along, don't miss the historic plaques on many of the old buildings from Whitefish's yesteryear. The history of many of these businesses and the people who owned them are a town treasure.

But the arts and culture in Whitefish are not only manifested through visual art, pottery, sculpture and jewelry. Music and the theater have kept pace--with live music at local coffee shops and bars, and concerts with national recording artists.

Housed in the newly restored Whitefish Performaing Arts Center at the Whitefish Middle School, the Alpine Theatre Project is Montana's only professional equity summer theater, and is billed as “Broadway's Second Home.” The Project brings theater professionals and productions from New York City and other major cities, to the intimacy of Whitefish, Montana.

The community-based Whitefish Theatre Company is enjoying its 33rd year as a non-profit, community-based performing arts organization. Located in the O'Shaughnessy Center at the north end of Central Avenue, they host community plays, concerts, professional dance troupes as well as a variety of classic and independent films.