ZEST
March 27, 2026
2027 Date TBA
ZEST is the Zootown Arts Community Center's signature annual fundraiser, a one-of-a-kind celebration of art, music, performance, and community. Each spring, the ZACC transforms into an immersive festival filled with live music, comedy, interactive art experiences, installations, local food and drinks, and the beloved Mini Show Art Auction, featuring hundreds of original works by regional artists. More than a fundraising event, ZEST is a celebration of Missoula's creative community, bringing together artists, supporters, and local businesses to champion accessible arts programming. Proceeds directly support the ZACC's galleries, Show Room, education programs, opportunities for emerging artists, and initiatives that expand access to the arts throughout Missoula and beyond.
Last Best Print Fest
July 2026
Last Best Print Fest is the Zootown Arts Community Center's annual celebration of printmaking, bringing together artists, students, and community members to explore the many possibilities of the printed image. Centered around the ZACC's Laura Grace Barrett Print Shop, the month-long festival features a curated exhibition, portfolio exchange, print auction, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, artist talks, and community art projects. Each year, a featured artist and unique theme inspire new work from regional and national printmakers, showcasing a wide range of printmaking techniques and creative approaches. Since its founding in 2014, Last Best Print Fest has become a cornerstone of Montana's printmaking community, fostering collaboration, education, and creative exchange while supporting the continued accessibility of the ZACC Print Shop.
Missoula Monster Project
October 2026
The Missoula Monster Project is one of the Zootown Arts Community Center's most beloved annual community art events, created in partnership with the Missoula County Public Schools Fine Arts Department. Each year, local kindergarten students dream up and draw imaginative monsters, which are then paired with adult artists who bring those creations to life in their own unique artistic styles and mediums. The original drawings and finished artworks are displayed side by side in a month-long exhibition at the ZACC, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the power of imagination across generations. The project culminates in a family-friendly opening celebration and serves as a fundraiser supporting arts education and providing much-needed art supplies for both MCPS and ZACC classrooms.
Indigenizing the ZACC
November 2026
Indigenizing the ZACC is an annual celebration of Indigenous art, culture, and community at the Zootown Arts Community Center. Through exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, and community gatherings, this event highlights the creativity, knowledge, and voices of Indigenous artists while creating opportunities for learning, connection, and cultural exchange. Each year, the program brings together artists community members to honor the rich traditions and expressions of Indigenous creativity, reinforcing the ZACC's ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming arts community.
