Southeast Montana News

The alleyway east of the Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum and the Cali Building in Billings, Montana, has undergone a significant transformation. Known locally as 'Graffiti Alley,' it was once a popular spot for street art but had recently become a target for unwanted tagging and undesirable activities.

In response, the Downtown Billings Business Improvement District (B.I.D.), along with adjacent property owners and the City of Billings Code Enforcement, collaborated to revitalize the area. Their efforts focused on implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) best practices, which included cleaning up graffiti, adding lighting, and introducing new public art.

The revitalization began with city staff and Treatment Court members applying primer to over 200 feet of wall space in preparation for new murals as part of the Downtown Public Art Program. Joe Stout, Operations Director of B.I.D., emphasized the importance of quickly starting these murals to prevent taggers from seeing blank walls as canvases.

Two artists were commissioned through Triia, an organization supporting Native American artists. Melisa Trombley from Browning, MT created "Resiliency," inspired by the return of buffalo to the Blackfeet Nation at Chief Mountain in 2023. Trombley expressed her excitement about creating this piece on such a large scale.

Julianne Beaudin-Herney from Havre, MT completed another mural titled "Stay Together, Pray Together," located at the alley's south entrance. This artwork includes stylized self-portraits of Beaudin-Herney and her husband.

Further plans for additional murals are underway as property owners discuss future developments for this space. The Public Art Program is part of B.I.D.'s Clean and Safe Initiative aimed at enhancing public safety through engaging environments that deter crime while fostering community pride.