Art has always been a bridge that connects people, whether through shared experiences, emotions, or struggles. It can transform spaces, elevate moods, and inspire change within communities. This idea is vividly embodied in the work of local Montana artist Rilie Tane.
Tane’s love for art began in her childhood when she was doodling for her parents or dreaming up new projects. However, when it came time to choose a career, she was convinced that making a living solely through art was impractical; so she studied education and became an art teacher in Billings. For three years, she inspired young minds, all while applying for mural projects on the side – only to face rejection after rejection. She persisted in her efforts and her perseverance paid off when she was finally selected to create a four-story mural titled “Bufalo” in downtown Billings. With its completion, the demand for her art skyrocketed.
Now a full-time muralist, Tane has brought her artistry to several locations across Montana. Her latest creation, a mural of Black Eagle Falls at Malmstrom Air Force Base, took four days to complete and stands as her third mural on the base and her fourth in Great Falls. One of her previous standout pieces in downtown Great Falls is “The Owl,” a mural that transformed a once drab alleyway into a vibrant, frequently visited site. Her work not only adds aesthetic value to urban spaces but also encourages community engagement and revitalizes forgotten areas.
For Tane, the most rewarding aspect of her work is witnessing the reactions of those who encounter her murals. “It’s nice to see how it impacts a person’s day when they stop and look at it,” she says.
Looking ahead, Tane is set to participate in the Billings Mural Festival, where she will collaborate with her friend Ruby to paint an 80-foot long mural of running horses on the walls of Montana Liquor in downtown Billings.
While murals are her passion, Tane also extends her artistic talents to signage and commissions. To see more of Rilie Tane’s work or to commission a piece, you can connect with her through Instagram, Facebook, or her website. She will also be attending the Legends West Art Show in Great Falls in March.