MAPS – Ravalli Program
Established: 2004
Location: 515 Madison Street, Hamilton, MT 59840
Our founding program, MAPS – Ravalli County, has provided free, year-round media arts education to rural Montana youth for two decades.
Based in the county seat of Hamilton, this comprehensive program serves students from five Bitterroot Valley school districts through engaging in after-school and summer sessions.
Students access professional equipment and licensed teaching artists to work on individual and collaborative projects in film, design, music production, and emerging technologies. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, creative expression, and community engagement while preparing youth for future educational and career success.
MAPS – Ravalli County 2025-2026 Autumn Session Afterschool Program
Classes run 4:00pm – 6:30pm on the dates listed below
• MAPS classes are always FREE-OF-CHARGE! •
• MAPS classes are for 8th to 12th graders •
• All abilities are welcome in all classes •
Mondays & Tuesdays, Sept 22 – Dec 9, 2025
In this creative twist on graphic design, students will flip the script—using digital tools to inspire traditional artwork. Students will collect and create image references, combining them through photobashing and digital drawing to develop dynamic compositions. These digital collages will then serve as the foundation for their final hand-painted artwork. It’s the perfect blend of tech and tradition, where media arts meet fine art in reverse!
Thursdays, Sept 25 – Dec 11, 2025
Level up your musicianship using cutting-edge tools like Rocksmith and Paradiddle VR, where you can practice playing instruments in a fun, interactive way. Then, take your skills to the next level by recording your own music and learning how to mix and edit using Reaper DAW on iMacs. Whether you’re jamming solo or collaborating with others, this class is all about making music your way with pro-level tools and tech.
Fridays, Sept 26 – Dec 12, 2025
Create your own 3D printed custom battle robot using CAD and VR sculpting tools—complete with wild defenses like flippers and spinners. Students will learn to wire and code their bots using Arduino, then control them via iPads or remote controls. Test your bot’s skills in a team-based robot soccer match (at the conclusion of AUTUMN Session). This session will prepare students for further upgrades and advanced challenges in the following Winter session. Creativity meets controlled chaos in this action-packed fusion of art, tech, and strategy.