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Senate Education Committee holds confirmation hearing for five Montana Arts Council nominees
Summary
The committee heard from five gubernatorial appointees to the Montana Arts Council and supporters from the governor’s office and the Arts Council; committee questioned terms and appointment timing; no confirmation vote appears in the transcript.
The Senate Education Committee opened a confirmation hearing on Senate Resolution 9 to consider five gubernatorial appointments to the Montana Arts Council: Angela Ahn (Bozeman), Corwin/"Corky" Claremont/Clermont (Ronan), Kat/Catherine McIntyre (Glasgow), Jay Payette (Havre) and Steve Zabel (Bozeman). Chair Fuller introduced the resolution and urged a do‑pass. Hannah Slusser (governor’s boards & appointments advisor) described the Arts Council as a 15‑member volunteer board that represents geographic and disciplinary diversity across Montana; Chris Holmes, executive director of the Montana Arts Council, explained the council’s staff and committee structure and passed out informational handouts.
Nominees and proponent testimony: Several appointees spoke about their service and perspectives: Corwin Clermont (representing tribal and rural interests), Jay Payette (Havre), Angela Ahn (Bozeman; violinist and university professor), Kat McIntyre (Glasgow; professional artist) and Steve Zabel (Bozeman; gallery owner). Testimony emphasized statewide reach of modest grants, committees that meet regularly (strategic investment grants, arts education), and volunteer commitments.
Committee questions and clarification: Senators asked about the length and start dates of terms, interim appointments, and board membership counts. Hannah Slusser explained some appointments began in 2023 and run through 2028; vacancies and resignations account for the board not appearing at full complement. Staff said statute allows members to continue serving until reappointed or replaced.
Outcome and next steps: The hearing concluded with Chair Fuller urging confirmation, but the transcript does not record a committee confirmation vote in this excerpt. The matter will proceed per committee scheduling.
