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Visit Opportunity Resources, Inc.

Art is where we meet

The world of disabilities is such a bubble — but it doesn’t have to be. Art is a really easy way to pop that bubble.

How it started

Our Story

The art program at Artists of Opportunity grew out of Opportunity Resources’ broader day programs more than 20 years ago, starting small with basic arts and crafts before growing into pottery, drawing, painting, and digital art. And we’re not done growing just yet!

Part of our goal with the Art Center is to expand the mediums we offer, to break that barrier for individuals with disabilities to try out new fine art mediums. You never know what art form might click with someone, how it might help them communicate or express themselves. Limitations are often in the environment around us, not in the artist themselves. We built this place with universal design in mind, and with our amazing staff’s guidance, we’re ready to push the art program beyond those limits — into something the first of its kind.

Our even larger goal is to enhance community inclusion. The vision for Artists of Opportunity is to be a creative hub, where artists of all walks and abilities can come together to make alongside each other, building a bond and connection with the Missoula community. To make this happen, we’re opening our doors to the public with lots of opportunities to get involved. Community members can take art classes alongside ORI clients, become members, check out the gallery, visit for First Fridays, become resident artists, or even volunteer.

An instructor and an artist laugh together as they work clay on a pottery wheel, beside a glazed mug and bowl. A smiling instructor holds a stack of freshly thrown clay pots on a wheel, next to a laughing artist in a teal apron.

Every time we taught a new skill, people were so proud of what they’d made — and just wanted to learn more.

– Mariah O'Donnell, Artists of Opportunity Director

Built for the community

The Third Street Art Center exists because our clients kept surprising themselves with what they could make, and because this community believed in them. Now it’s our turn to give back. Come learn something new right alongside us, and see what you can make.

As far as we know, we’re the only fully inclusive disability art center in the country. Classes are open to the public and Opportunity Resources’ clients alike, all creating side by side.

It all started 71 years ago, when nine parents of children with disabilities refused to accept a state institution as the only option. They hired a teacher and started a school instead. Artists of Opportunity carries that instinct forward: no limited box for what people with disabilities can do.