Sandstone Gallery

Billings Arts Association
2025-10-03 - 2025-11-26 | Sandstone Gallery, 2913 2nd Avenue North, Billings, MT, 59101, United States
For October and November, 2025, our featured Billings Arts Association members are Kassi Strong and Jean Posusta.

Welcome to Sandstone!

25 Year Anniversary Celebration
2025-10-03 17:00 - 21:00 UTC
You are invited to join us on Friday, October 3rd as we celebrate this momentous occasion! Free mini print by one of our talented artists to the first 100 households through the door!
Read all the details in our press release below:
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2025
Contact: Sandstone Gallery: (406) 256-5837
Web: https://sandstonegallerymt.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sandstone Gallery Celebrates 25 Years in Downtown Billings
(September 12, 2025 – Billings, MT) – 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Sandstone Gallery, a long-standing hub of local creativity and artistic expression in downtown Billings. Officially opened in October 2000, Sandstone Gallery has proudly showcased the work of over 85 member artists, countless guest artists, and special art events throughout the years.
To commemorate this milestone, the gallery will host a special 25th Anniversary Open House during ArtWalk on Friday, October 3rd, from 5–9 PM. Many of the gallery’s 17 current member artists will be present to exhibit their work, share insights about their creative process, and celebrate with the community. All past artists who have shown with Sandstone over the years are warmly invited to stop by and join the celebration.
“On behalf of all of our artists, I would like to thank Billings and the surrounding communities for supporting our gallery and shopping locally,” says Susan Martinez, gallery director. “We offer a curated selection of affordable original artwork, handmade jewelry, distinctive pottery, fine photography, and one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by local artists. When you shop at Sandstone, you’re not only finding something truly unique—you’re also investing directly in the creative community that makes our region vibrant and culturally rich.”
Sandstone Gallery operates as a member-run cooperative. Each partner member plays an active role in the day-to-day operations—whether it’s marketing, hanging exhibitions, painting walls, changing lightbulbs, or greeting customers. The gallery’s success is a direct result of the hard work, creativity, teamwork, and resilience of its members. Active participation by all has been essential to both the vibrancy and sustainability of this beloved local art space.
Mary Hopper, one of the original founders—and the only one who has continuously exhibited her work at Sandstone Gallery for 25 years—recalled, “We had to rush to get everything ready in time for the October ArtWalk. We had just four to six weeks to pull it all together and prepare the gallery. Everyone pitched in, brought finger food, and the turnout was fantastic. The response from visitors was so positive that we decided to keep the gallery open.” And the rest, as they say, is history!
When asked about her experiences with the gallery, 20-year member Lana Bittner recalls, “After a career in Banking, I decided to follow my passion for art & painting and joined Sandstone Gallery. Leo Olson & Sue Hammersmark brought me in, as they were looking for an artist with a mix of contemporary and abstract art. I’ve seen many talented artists join and leave Sandstone Gallery in the 20 years I’ve been here, and I still value many of their friendships today!”
The gallery currently features 17 artists: Jennifer Baretta, Lana Bittner, Teresa Brown, Dick Cottrill, Christine and Ken Denning, Mary Hopper, Peter Herzog, John Kennedy, Susan Martinez, Donna Moore, the Leo Olson Estate, John Roberts, Lynn Shield, and the Billings Arts Association. We are thrilled to welcome our two newest members: Cecil Pegram and Charlene Wilson.
Each artist maintains a personal display area within the gallery. Every other month, during ArtWalk, two members are featured. This October, Susan Martinez will showcase her stunning acrylic paintings, while Lynn Shield will exhibit her dynamic Brusho watercolor works, and we will showcase art and pottery from the Leo Olson Estate. The Billings Arts Association artists for this round are Kassi Strong and Jean Posusta.
We are also excited to feature guest artist Ruby Hahn, known for her striking acrylic and mixed-media artworks. Ruby creates large-scale, statement pieces using self-made fluid acrylics combined with a variety of mixed media. Her work explores the subtle, often unnoticed relationships in the natural world, offering a personal and interpretive lens on nature’s hidden connections. Her bold compositions and organic textures invite viewers to look closer—and feel deeper.
Sandstone Gallery is located at 2913 2nd Avenue North in downtown Billings and is a Made in Montana-designated co-op gallery featuring original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, photography, cards, and unique handmade gifts.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays
For more information, call (406) 256-5837, email sandstonegallerymt@gmail.com, or visit sandstonegallerymt.com.
Sandstone Gallery Partner Members: Back Row (L-R) Dick Cottrill, John Roberts, Lynn Shield, John Kennedy, Teresa Brown, Susan Martinez. Front Row (L-R) Ken Denning, Christine Denning, Jennifer Baretta, Mary Hopper, Lana Bittner, Peter Herzog, Charlene Wilson, Donna Moore. Not pictured: Cecil Pegram and Bonnie Olson for the late Leo Olson.

Mary Hopper is one of our founding members. She joined the gallery in 2000.

Some images inside the gallery:

Art Walk-October 3
2025-10-03 17:01 - 21:00
Art Walk featuring
Lynn Shield and Susan Martinez
with Special Guest Artist
Ruby Hahn
Friday, October 3
Sandstone is Celebrating 25 Years!
For the October ArtWalk, Sandstone Gallery is holding a grand open house to celebrate our 25th year in Billings Get all the details HERE. We will be showcasing beautiful Brusho watercolors by Lynn Shield, gorgeous acrylics by Susan Martinez, and Bonnie Olson will be showing stunning watercolors and pottery by the late Leo Olson. Our guest artist is Ruby Hahn. The Billings Arts Association will highlight the work of Kassi Strong and Jean Posusta for the months of October and November.
Join us for an artists’ reception with light refreshments from 5-9 PM. Many of our 14 featured artists will be present to display their work and discuss their artistic process. We invite you to come enjoy a lively evening in downtown Billings!
Click on the links above for more details about our featured artists and to view samples of their work.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Shop Local – Shop Small

Jingle & Mingle
2025-11-01 - 2025-11-09
Join us for JINGLE & MINGLE, happening November 1–9!
Kick off your holiday shopping early with one-of-a-kind “Made in Montana” art and gifts at Sandstone Gallery, and enjoy browsing the many unique shops throughout downtown all week long!
19 local stores are joining in on the fun to celebrate the start of the holiday shopping season. Gather your friends for a festive shopping spree in Downtown Billings! Be sure to stop by each participating store to enter for a chance to win an incredible “Downtown” gift basket, now valued at over $1,500 – courtesy of our local merchants.
ORNAMENT PAINTING PARTY!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Downtown Shops Include:

YARN BAR
THIS HOUSE OF BOOKS
TOAD & WILLOW
GYPSY WIND
SOMETHING CHIC
CRICKET CLOTHING CO.
MONTANA VINTAGE CLOTHING
MONTANA DRESS CO.
ZEST BILLINGS
YESTERYEARS ANTIQUE MALL
SANDSTONE GALLERY
MONTAGUE’S JEWELERS
GLOBAL VILLAGE
BROCKELS CHOCOLATES
BIG DIPPER
FRAE COLLECTIVE
CONFETTI HEART
EMPIRE SALON

Support local businesses and shop small!
Happening Next Door at Yarn Bar:
Screenshot

Ornament Painting Party
2025-11-07 17:00 - 19:30
🎨✨ ORNAMENT PAINTING PARTY! ✨🎨
📅 Date: Friday, November 7
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
👩‍🎨 Hosted by: Teresa Brown & Jennifer Baretta
Get into the holiday spirit with a fun, hands-on evening of creativity! Paint and personalize 3 beautiful ornaments — all supplies included — for just $10.
Bring your friends, enjoy some laughs, and leave with your own custom creations.
🎟️ Space is limited! Reserve your spot now by clicking the link below.
🖌️ Drop-ins welcome if space allows.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Support local businesses and shop small!

Peter Herzog - Featured Artist
2025-11-29 - 2025-12-31
Peter Herzog
Featured Artist
Dates: December, 2025
Peter Herzog was born in Coburg Germany in 1943. In 1952, he moved to the United States, when his mother married a US soldier, making him an Army brat that moved around to different places such as Virginia, Louisiana, Texas and eventually to Ohio where he graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland. He then decided to follow in the footsteps of his Stepfather and joined the Army in 1964, in 1968 he served with the 10th Cavalry in Vietnam.
After returning home to the United States in December 1968, changed forever, in 1969, he visited a friend whom he had served with in Germany, here in Montana and moved here a month later.
He attended Eastern Montana College (now MSU-B) and during this time met his wife, Carole, and they settled down for the next 30 years. In the summer of 1999, Pete took a job in Seattle, WA as the Controller of a Mechanical Insulation Company until he retired in February of 2011, when he moved to Maricopa, Arizona. Three years later, Pete and Carole moved back to Billings, Montana. They have been married 50+ years. They have two amazing children and 3 grand kids, all boys.
Asking Pete what draws him to photography he said “About 18 years ago I received a black and white portrait for Christmas, and it was of my younger nephew and that is what got me started in photography. At that instant, I formed a connection with that image and decided that I wanted to be a photographer and shoot images that will allow me to freeze those moments and feelings in time.” He went on to say, “Photography is all about the subject, composition and light. In addition to that, I want my images to convey emotion. The world we live in is not a perfect place and some of my images will show that very thing. I try and tell it like it is through my photography. I want to bring out the beauty that we find in nature. The feeling in your soul when looking at a majestic landscape as our heart slowly beats when experiencing the Southwest’s amazing colorful Sunsets, when the blue-green ocean waves crash into the rocky shores we feel alive, and the simplicity of puppies, kittens and babies. A lot of us look at the world around us through rose-colored glasses and only see what we want to see. Hopefully through my images people can see and feel the world the way it really is.”
Suffering from PTSD, photography is my therapy. I can go out to take pictures in the morning and the next thing I know it is afternoon. Time just seems to fly, I love it.
One final word from the photographer: “Talk is cheap, it cost money to buy Whiskey.”
SOME OF PETER’S WORK

ABOUT PETER

“Christmas Magic” Members’ Holiday Shop
2025-11-29 - 2025-12-24
CHRISTMAS MAGIC: Members’ Holiday Shop
November 29th – December 24th
Art | Gifts | Pottery | Sculpture
Step into a world of enchantment! Our 15 artist elves have been hard at work crafting a magical showcase filled with holiday treasures just for you. From exquisite art pieces to charming gifts, one-of-a-kind ornaments, pottery, and stunning jewelry, explore a wonderland of creativity perfect for yourself or your loved ones.
Large and Small, Prices for Every Budget
Find the ideal gift that speaks volumes without breaking the bank. Every purchase supports local artists and small businesses, fostering a stronger, more vibrant community.
Join us in celebrating the joy of the season through artistry and support for our talented community. Let’s make this holiday season truly magical!

Featured Artist - Christine & Ken Denning
2025-11-29 - 2025-12-31
Christine & Ken Denning
Featured Artist
Dates: December, 2025
Christine takes the ordinary and turns it into extraordinary jewelry!
“I have always had an interest and desire to discover new ways to reuse items both functional and artistically, hence my newfound passion for making jewelry from repurposed tin. I seek inspiration from vintage tin like Canister sets, Serving Trays, Tea boxes, etc. And often include found objects from other sources, I also enjoy the versatility of combinations using cuffs/ bracelets and earrings and necklaces. Hope to see you there!”
Ken Denning, Christine’s husband, was a career Art teacher at Billings West High School where he was Department Head and taught a variety of subjects but specialized in Jewelry and Ceramics. He enjoys the design process and technical aspects involved in creating jewelry. “It’s all problem solving” within the confines of the piece one is creating. Jewelers, like other artists, like to push the boundaries of what jewelry is or can be. I would like to depart from the high value materials typically used in jewelry and divert one’s attention to the creativity and craftsmanship involved in a piece, but unfortunately patrons prefer intrinsic value with design.

PORTFOLIO

Art Walk-December 5
2025-12-05 17:00 - 21:00
ArtWalk featuring Ken & Christine Denning and Pete Herzog
with “Christmas Magic” Art and Gift Show
Friday, December 5
For the December ArtWalk, we will be showcasing beautiful photography of Peter Herzog, and stunning jewelry by Christine and Ken Denning. Our members will have a special “Christmas Magic” Art and Gift Show in the guest gallery.

Join us for an artists’ reception with light refreshments from 5-9 PM. Many of our 15 artists will be present to display their work and discuss their artistic process. We invite you to come enjoy a lively evening in downtown Billings!
Click on the links above for more details about our featured artists and to view samples of their work.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Shop Local – Shop Small

Call for Art - 2026 Spring Art Challenge
2026-01-12 - 2026-03-28
Sandstone Gallery is excited to announce the 2026 SPRING ART CHALLENGE! If you’ve ever wanted to unleash your creativity and showcase your art, now is the perfect opportunity.
Create your masterpiece using the 6” x 8” canvas provided with your $15 entry fee. You may use any medium or materials of your choice, but the artwork must be created on the provided canvas.
Important Dates:

Purchase Canvas at Sandstone: Beginning January 12th
Submission Period: March 24th – March 27th
Grand Opening/Art Walk: Friday, April 3rd
Show Dates: April & May
Pick-Up Dates: May 27 – 29th (10 AM – 5 PM) or May 30 (10 AM – 2 PM)

Please Note:

All artwork must be available for sale.
Awards will be given, including a special children’s division.
The People’s Choice Award voting will begin during the Art Walk on April 3rd and will be announced at the end of the evening.
Other award winners will also be announced during the Art Walk on April 3rd, and prizes will be presented then.

We can’t wait to see your incredible work!

Featured Artist: Lynn Shield
2026-02-03 - 2026-03-25
Lynn Shield
Featured Artist
Dates: Feb/Mar 2026
“As a Western artist, I strive to capture the essence of the West in my bold and vibrant paintings. Inspired by the beauty of Montana, my artwork features wildflowers, horses, wildlife, cowgirls, and cowboys. With non-traditional materials like Brusho® crystal colors and alcohol inks, I achieve unique color variations that reflect my love of color and passion for painting. I infuse energy and excitement into my pieces by incorporating techniques such as splashing, splattering, and dripping paint. I’m always excited to see what’s next!”
ABOUT LYNN

Featured Artist: Mary Hopper
2026-02-03 - 2026-03-25
Mary Hopper
Featured Artist
Dates: Feb/Mar 2026
Mary Hopper is one of our artists that creates beautiful functional art. Her pottery pieces are one of a kind and the mugs make for a perfect cup to sip your morning coffee from. Mary changes her pieces throughout the year so new things are always being added.

ABOUT MARY

Billings Art Association - Miniatures Show
2026-02-06 - 2026-03-28
Billings Art Association “MINIATURES”
FEATURED EXHIBIT
Dates: Feb – March, 2026

Over 25 artists of Billings Art Association are exhibiting “Miniatures”. All art will be less than 144 square inches. Awards will be announced at ArtWalk, Friday, February 6th from 5-9 PM. All artwork will be for sale. Please support these artists by visiting the exhibit.

ABOUT BIILLINGS ART ASSOCIATION

Shan Graf - Billings Arts Association
2026-02-06 - 2026-03-28
For October and November, 2025, we are featuring Shan Graf of Billings Arts Association.
Artist Statement
I create my artwork as a means of both reflection and escape, constructing spaces where memory, identity, and emotion exist in flux. Working primarily in oil paint, I blend impressionism and realism to explore emotional states through vivid, atmospheric color. My use of saturation heightens memory and abstraction, enabling each piece to transcend fixed narratives.
Influenced by ideas of performative and fluid identity, my work examines the tension between interior and exterior selves. Themes of mental health, personal history, and environment recur throughout my practice, shaped by my upbringing in Montana’s expansive landscape.
Through painterly experimentation and emotional resonance, I aim to create spaces that invite contemplation and connection—works that mirror the shifting nature of self while contributing to a broader conversation about identity, place, and presence within contemporary art.
——
Welcome to Sandstone, Shan!

Geraldine Dunham - Billings Arts Association
2026-02-06 - 2026-03-28
For October and November, 2025, we are featuring Geraldine Dunham of Billings Arts Association.
Welcome to Sandstone, Geraldine!

Art Walk-Feb 6
2026-02-06 17:00 - 21:00
ArtWalk featuring Mary Hopper and Lynn Shield
With Billings Arts Association Miniatures Show
Friday, February 6th
For the February ArtWalk, we will be showcasing beautiful pottery and paintings by Mary Hopper and stunning watercolor and acrylic paintings by Lynn Shield. In our guest showroom, we are hosting the Billings Arts Association Miniatures Show featuring small works by over 25 artists. Our Billings Arts Association featured artists are Shan Graf and Geraldine Dunham.

Join us for an artists’ reception with light refreshments from 5-9 PM. Many of our 15 artists will be present to display their work and discuss their artistic process. We invite you to come enjoy a lively evening in downtown Billings!
Click on the links above for more details about our featured artists and to view samples of their work.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Shop Local – Shop Small

Featured Artist - John Kennedy
2026-04-03 - 2026-05-30
John Kennedy
FEATURED ARTIST
Dates: April / May 2026
John Kennedy is featured through the months of April and May. John paints in watercolor, pen and wash, pencil, and in words. His beautiful works speak volumes about him, and his wonderful urban sketches show life among the streets of Billings.
When asked about his art, John says: “I’m trying to tell you something about my life.” That is what I really want in my art, and in my life. By reflecting myself honestly in my art, words, and life, I hope to connect with people who share some common values. If I can show you something that I created, thought, and felt, and that touches you in some way, I think that connects us.”

ABOUT JOHN

Featured Artist - Christine & Ken Denning
2026-04-03 - 2026-06-26
Christine & Ken Denning
Featured Artist
Dates: December, 2025
Due to its diminutive size, jewelry has historically struggled for legitimacy in the art world, even though it is as traditional as painting and sculpture. This “Queen of Crafts” incorporates the same principles and elements of design as other art forms, plus a whole additional set of specialized mechanical and motor skills. Though it is basiclly decorative in nature, jewelry can also serve a variety of other functions such as symbolism, magical and curative powers, storage of wealth and as status symbols.
Christine and Ken Denning have teamed up as the “E. S. J.” AKA Tin Pixie Jewelry Company, creating a variety of jewelry but specializing in repurposing metal and other found materials into jewelry. The pleasures of collaboration and creative innovation are the driving forces that keep things fun.
more information

2026 Spring Art Challenge
2026-04-03 - 2026-05-30
Our Spring Art Challenge features 6 x 8 miniature masterpieces created by various artists, available for purchase.
Show Dates: April & May

Awards will be given, including a special children’s division.
The People’s Choice Award voting will begin during the Art Walk on April 3rd and will be announced at the end of the evening.
Other award winners will also be announced during the Art Walk on April 3rd, and prizes will be presented then.

Scott Waddington - Billings Arts Association
2026-04-03 - 2026-05-30
For April and May 2026, we are featuring Scott Waddington of Billings Arts Association.
Welcome to Sandstone, Scott!

Leigh Morrison - Billings Arts Association
2026-04-03 - 2026-05-30
For April and May 2026, we are featuring Leigh Morrison of Billings Arts Association.
Welcome to Sandstone, Leigh!

Art Walk-Apr 3
2026-04-03 17:00 - 21:00
Art Walk featuring Christine & Ken Denning and John Kennedy
With Spring Art Challenge
Friday, April 3rd
For the April ArtWalk, we will be showcasing beautiful jewelry by Christine & Ken Denning and paintings of various mediums by John Kennedy. The Spring Art Challenge will be featured in our guest showroom, with over 50 original artworks by local artists. Awards will be announced at ArtWalk including a children’s division. Our Billings Arts Association featured artists are Scott Waddington and Leigh Morrison.

Join us for an artists’ reception with light refreshments from 5-9 PM. Many of our 15 artists will be present to display their work and discuss their artistic process. We invite you to come enjoy a lively evening in downtown Billings!
Click on the links above for more details about our featured artists and to view samples of their work.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Shop Local – Shop Small
