Meet Elisha Harteis: Allez Missoula’s Assistant Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisha Harteis, Allez Missoula’s Assistant Director, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisha, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At Allez!, we offer a public-access venue to promote the globally emerging art form of mural art with an innovative lighted alley-wall mounting system to offset muralisic art panels against a traditional brick narrative. Allez believes publicly displayed fine art softens the edges of industry and reminds us all of our humanity.

Allez’s innovative programming of fine arts in an urban alleyway setting of Missoula downtown sows more seeds of imagination and creation; fostering inclusion and ownership that leads to individual happiness and a thriving community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your program, can you tell us more?
At Allez!, we believe in providing a rotating, well-lit alleyway gallery that is equitable and inclusive for not only our amazing artists to display their public art, but for the public to be able to participate in and enjoy the beauty of art and different perspectives.

We have three shows a year. In October we put together a fall /winter show that exhibits 1 to 3 artists. In our Spring show we showcase a larger themed group show. In the summer we have started a show that highlights our local non-profits, who choose an artist to represent them in out alleyway.

Allez is a fairly new outdoor mural gallery. We had our grand opening in June of 2020, right at the start of the pandemic. Although it was an unsure time for a lot of people, this outdoor mural gallery became a comforting place for people to view anytime. There are always new challenges to starting a new program, but we have a great team and are constantly refining our process. We learn something new every show. We have been so lucky to work with such an amazing community and artists.

We are always looking for new and exciting work whether you are an up and coming artist, or a seasoned muralist, we would love to see your work and hear your story. We will be announcing our 2023 art calls in late January 2022!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many exciting things to do, art driven businesses and non-profits, and beautiful scenery to see in Missoula Valley. Monday, I would start with coffee and croissants at Le Petite Bakery, and walk over the river to give a tour of our current exhibition at Allez. Then we would go into the spectacular Radius Gallery and Relic Gallery. Then we would have lunch at the Catalyst and admire the public art painted in the alley way. Then we would head over to the Missoula Art Museum for some more artistic delights, and finish the day with dinner at Scotty’s table. Tuesday, we would start with breakfast at the Shack Café, and then go to the Zootown Arts Community Center and see their two galleries and artist shop. After viewing all the art we would paint a ceramic piece there and Head over to Biga for lunch. After lunch we would cross over the river again and walk along Missoula’s river trail to visit the 28 foot abstract public art piece by George Ybarra. Then we would loop back to have dinner at the Top Hat. Wednesday we would drive up to Flathead lake area and spend the day driving around the Lake, making sure to stop at the Hand Made Store in Polson. On the way home we would take the VanBuren exit to see the spectacular mural by local artist Lillian Nelson.

Thursday we would start with a breakfast burrito at Market on Front, and head to the new Missoula Library and Spectrum. Then we would get ice cream at the Big Dipper and hang at downtown tonight, which has live music and food carts!
On Friday we would start the morning with snacks and coffee at Drum Coffee, and then hike Mount Sentinel to reach the large M for a view of the city. After we would go to the Old Post for lunch and walk around downtown to check out more galleries and shops, then ending our night at El Diablo for burritos.
On Saturday, we would head to the farmers market to find some breakfast and coffee. We would walk through all the vendors and people’s market. We would end at the Carousel, and then on to a Show at the Kettle House Amphitheater.
On Sunday we would just relax from all the activity and eating. Maybe go on another hike and/or spend a day at the river. Then we would end the night with a movie at the Roxy theatre.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to all the amazing Mural Arts programs around the country, like the Philadelphia Arts Program for example, which have been championing the artform for decades. They are an inspiration, and have allowed us and others to think outside the box and try new methods to bring the Arts to our communities, and enhance the public way of lif. And, of course, shoutout to the local artists of our region, for their inspirational talent which needs more platforms to sustain their work and visions.

Website: Www.Allezmissoula.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/allez.missoula

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allezmissoula

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmPPSD6iPcn1RHwjqkaRFFQ

Image Credits
Artists featured: Kelly Bourgeois, Eric Carlson, Michael Dinning, Monica Giles-BringsYellow, Elisha Harteis, Cameron Kline, Michelle Postma, Jonathan Qualben, Jessie Smith, Courtney Blazon, Marlo Crocifisso, Anne Cruikshank, Jesse DeRosier, Theo Ellsworth, Lillian R. Nelson, Jenna Parker, and James Todd..