Local artists reimagine everyday items in Missoula museum exhibition

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula celebrates its 50th anniversary with "Treasure Trove" exhibit

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is launching a new art exhibition titled "Treasure Trove" that celebrates the museum's 50th anniversary and Missoula's history through the eyes of local artists. Participating artists like Chris Alveshere selected artifacts from the museum's "Everyday Treasures" gallery and reimagined them through their own artistic mediums and expertise.

Why it matters

The "Treasure Trove" exhibition allows the museum to showcase local artistic talent while also highlighting its own 50-year history and collection of everyday artifacts that reflect Missoula's past. By inviting artists to reinterpret these objects, the museum aims to engage the community and spark new perspectives on the city's history.

The details

Artist Chris Alveshere, who works in porcelain clay, was drawn to the museum's antique toys and decided to create his own reimagined versions, including an apple truck and a race car. Alveshere said he was inspired by the quality and craftsmanship of toys from the 1950s through the 1980s, as well as broader pop culture and historical influences.

  • The "Treasure Trove" exhibition opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Chris Alveshere

A local artist who works in porcelain clay and was inspired by the museum's antique toys to create his own reimagined versions for the "Treasure Trove" exhibition.

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula

A museum in Missoula, Montana that is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the "Treasure Trove" exhibition, which features local artists reimagining artifacts from the museum's "Everyday Treasures" gallery.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe not in like a broader sense of American history, but history of toys maybe from the 50s through the 80s. I've always been nostalgic to a fault, something about the quality of craftsmanship from those awesome like Schylling, and Playskool, and Fisher-Price toys. So like historical art, historical paintings, pop culture-- that kind of stuff definitely plays into my daily practice.”

— Chris Alveshere, Artist (MTN)

What’s next

The "Treasure Trove" exhibition opens to the public on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 5 p.m. and will be on display at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.

The takeaway

The "Treasure Trove" exhibition at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula showcases the creativity of local artists while also celebrating the museum's 50-year history and collection of everyday artifacts that reflect Missoula's past. By inviting artists to reinterpret these objects, the museum aims to engage the community and spark new perspectives on the city's history.