Carrie Richer & Susie Elliott, Open Air's Mini Golf Fundraiser "ENCORE!"

Mike Smith welcomes Susie Elliott and Carrie Richer of Open Air MT to the Trail studio to talk about the organization’s work supporting artists through place-based residencies across Montana. They discuss how Open Air brings together musicians, writers, visual artists, performers, and other creatives, giving them time and space to explore how Montana’s places influence their work.The conversation also highlights Susie’s own work as an artist, including her patchwork clothing and live sewing pop-ups, and Carrie's work creating dance films. Open Air has two exciting events coming up! First up is First Friday at The Florence, where Open Air will showcase artwork from its fundraiser and give visitors a chance to see pieces that will be part of the organization’s online auction. The First Friday gathering takes place Friday from 5–8 p.m. at The Florence in downtown Missoula.Then, on Sunday, September 13, Open Air brings back its popular Mini Golf fundraiser, this year at Bonner Park. The event runs 10 a.m.–7 p.m., with live music and a block party from noon–7 p.m. The course features 18 main holes plus a five-hole, all-ages “Lazy River” course, for 23 holes of artist-created mini golf. Food, beverages, and non-alcoholic options will also be available.The Open Air auction is already underway and culminates during the September 13 Mini Golf event. Proceeds support Open Air and the participating artists.Learn more about Open Air MT, its artist residencies, workshops, programming, and upcoming events at openairmt.org.