About Hungry Hill
Hungry Hill was created as a way of upholding the legacy of regional artists and volunteers crafting bowls for the Butte Emergency Food Bank’s Empty Bowls program. What started as a modest communal endeavor soon revealed the potential for Hungry Hill to evolve into something greater – a community-centered art hub for Southwest Montana.
The origin of Hungry Hill goes back to 1972 when Mike Kujawa Sr. began teaching pottery classes in the sub-basement at what was then West Junior High. Over the next 50 years, pottery became a fundamental part of both the high school art program and the adult education night school program. Because of these educational programs, the number of people in the community who have experience in and enjoy working with clay lent itself to the success of Empty Bowls in our area.
Since its official launch in 2022, Hungry Hill has diversified its services to include pottery classes, workshops, clay-centered birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and support for community fundraising events. In addition, our studio memberships provide round-the-clock access to studio space, tools, and supplies.
Our plans include expansion into other mediums such as drawing, painting, glassblowing, fiber arts, and metal smithing as space allows.
For more information about what Hungry Hill is doing in the community, sign up here.
"Art is not a thing; it is a way"
-Elbert Hubbard
What We Do
Art. Originating as a pottery studio, our art center is poised for expansion, encompassing diverse offerings such as painting, glass blowing, fiber arts and more. Stay tuned as we transform our pottery studio and membership program into a comprehensive hub for artistic exploration and expression.
Education. We are dedicated to empowering students to explore their creative possibilities. Our studio launched pottery courses in 2023 including basic and intermediate wheel throwing and hand building in addition to project-specific workshops.
Outreach. In 2023, we showed that outreach is central to our mission during one standout event called Empty Bowls. Our team of artists contributed over 1200 bowls and pieces of artwork to support our local food bank. Its more than art, its a tangible expression of our commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Partners & Friends
We could not do what we do without the support from our partners and friends. Thank you for you continued support.
Butte School District Number 1
National Affordable Housing Network
Our History
In 1972, Mike Kujawa Sr. began teaching pottery classes in the sub-basement at what was then West Junior High. Over the next 50 years, pottery became a staple of the curricula in both the high school art program and the adult education night school program.
Because of these educational programs, the number of people in the community who enjoy working in clay exceeds the capacity of the available facilities. The idea for Hungry Hill sprang from a vision to provide greater access to pottery equipment and instruction in the community.
Planning began in January 2022 and by April 2022 Hungry Hill Center for Art, Education, and Outreach gained non-profit status and sat their board of directors.
The National Affordable Housing Network partnered with Hungry Hill to provide temporary space for a community pottery studio in the basement of the Phoenix building in uptown Butte. The temporary pottery space opened at 14 South Dakota Street in October 2022.
.jpeg)
Our Vision
To develop an art center in Southwest Montana that not only embodies the principles of sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement but also fosters a vibrant community through the transformative power of art.
Our Mission
To ensure equitable access to art resources, provide quality art-based programming, and foster colleborative opportunities for community growth and enrichment through art.
How we intend to reach our goals
Art. Providing southwest Montana with access to adequate space, medium specific equipment, and a growing community of artists.
Education. Providing a variety of quality art-based educational opportunities to meet the needs and wants of Southwest Montana’s diverse population.
Outreach. Providing Meaningful support and enrichment to the greater Southwest Montana community using art as a catalyst to create connection.
Partners & Friends
Butte Emergency Food Bank
Butte Native Wellness Center
Butte School District #1
Main Street Uptown Butte
Montana Arts Council
Montana Non-Proft Association
National Affordable Housing Network
