MISSOULA – A community store in Missoula is breaking down barriers that prevent people from accessing instruments.

Giving Art to Missoula (GAM) hosted its first-ever instrument swap on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

“I think it’s extremely important to maintain that human interaction with artistic creative endeavors,” said GAM CEO Akhilesh Boehmler.

Giving Art to Missoula opened its store doors in March with the mission of supporting local artists and does so without charging a dime.

“It’s a free store. You can come in empty-handed and walk out with your hands full,” Boehmler said.

“It’s really cool that they’re trying to help people pursue what they want to do,” said shopper Adrian Zarate-Romero.

With beads, canvas and all kinds of craft materials, most creative people will find what they need.

“I make jewelry like my grandmother did. And before she died, she actually sold jewelry. So I’m trying to finish her work,” said shopper Briana Wood.

The store now also offers musical instruments.

“A lot of musicians came here and saw a record player and said, ‘Do you make music? Can we make music here?’ And it just kept going,” explained Amber Kurzenbaum, founder and CEO of GAM.

That’s why Giving Art to Missoula hosted its first instrument swap.

“Given the current situation and the associated costs of education, as well as the cuts taking place in many areas, including this one in the arts, we believe it is very important to expand our mission to include instruments, in particular to place them in young, inspired hands,” explained Boehmler.

People can bring an instrument to donate or find one that helps ignite their passion.

“We know how expensive instruments are. Not only can it benefit the children to grow up with an instrument they like, they can also return it and try another one if they don’t like it. But it also helps the parents,” Kurzenbaum explained.

Visit Giving Art to Missoula at 801 Sherwood Street on the west side for more events like this coming soon.