“Rodney Street is…” is a Myrna Loy Creative Placemaking Project, in collaboration with the City of Helena. It’s an artist-led exploration of the unique creative and historic identity of our Rodney Street neighborhood.
This year, we are hosting two artist residencies:
The first features a design collective—Amanda Reese, Ashley Moon, and Elena Johnson—who are instigating a full spectrum of arts-based activities. Their work began last winter with a door-to-door survey (in 10 degree weather) 
asking neighbors what we all treasure and want to improve in the Rodney Street area. That catapulted the trio on a year-long series of activities, from neighborhood walkabouts to visioning sessions to visual art projects you can see on your own.
They’re transforming the facade of the 100-year-old Livery Building with works by a variety of local artists. (Thanks, L&C County and B&B Market, for your collaboration!) David Goodson created the works at the top of this page.
They’re working with artists to install some stunning benches, planters, and other pedestrian amenities to enhance walkability and livability in the neighborhood. (Thanks to an AARP Community Challenge grant.)
They helped us commission 5 artists to paint dumpsters in the area, to bring art even to the not-so-attractive surfaces of garbage bins. (The Myrna Loy’s motto: Art transforms everything.)
Sometimes something as small as installing a little free Blockbuster library – where people can trade videos and DVDs – makes our community more fun and friendly.
Stay tuned for more great art projects from this prodigious trio of creatives.
Our second artist residency is with videographer Jeanie Warden. Jeanie is producing a series of photo portraits of neighbors, called Faces of Rodney Street. As owner of Rodney Street Laundry, Jeanie is collaborating to transform the small business district into a creative hub for the neighborhood. She is also producing a series of short films that tell stories about people, historic houses, iconic buildings, and everyday lives on Rodney Street.
Her work will
culminate in a larger film about Rodney Street that will eventually premiere at The Myrna Loy, and will be broadcast on HCTV.
The result will be a comprehensive profile of the stories, people, places, and conversations that make Rodney Street a unique, treasured place.
Check out a few of Jeanie’s interviews about Rodney Street…
Historic Walking Tour with Ellen Baumler
Kevin Flatow-Helena Middle School Counselor
Operation Pay Phone-Ashley Anderson
Historic Walking Tour of Catholic Hill with Ellen Baumler
Stephen Maly-The Story of Louis Riel
Charlie Carson: The Mayor of Rodney Street
Marisa Diaz-Waian and Dennis McCahon
Andres Haladay_City of Helena Commissioner
Pam Attardo_Heritage Preservation Officer for Lewis and Clark County and the City of Helena
