Announcement
In early March, Batoul Khoulani and her family arrived in Missoula from Egypt through the Refugee Admissions Program. Soon after her arrival in Missoula, an International Rescue Committee (IRC) staff member noticed her artistic skills. Batoul submitted her artwork and after spending about five years caring for her craft of art, her hard work paid off. This soon sparked a series of events for not only Batoul and her family, but the community.
Batoul and her family were resettled by the IRC in Missoula in May 2023
Photo: The IRC in Missoula
Meaghan Gateley, a Health Navigator at the IRC has two traffic signal art boxes herself shown in Missoula. Gateley saw this year's Public Missoula Art Committee (PAC) call for the boxes and knew Batoul would make an excellent contender. The PAC is dedicated to fostering a community filled with accessible art for all members of Missoula to enjoy. Well-known by members of the community, these traffic signal boxes give people the ability to view art that showcases the artists’ voices. Often garnering the attention of folks when walking downtown and exploring what else Missoula has to offer.
Batoul’s traffic signal box was displayed on September 1st. A cause for celebration and joy as this event meant a lot to Batoul. “I was so happy, [being selected] encourages me to keep creating art and to improve my skills,” Batoul stated.
Batoul’s piece was a cohesion of her culture and the things she admires about Montana.
“I really like Montana because it is beautiful. So I like to create an artwork which represent my view of Montana. I choose 3 thing people see very often in Montana. The first is the bear, the second is the deer, the third is Ponderosa pine tree. Then I add Mandala to them which represents my culture, to add creative ideas for the art work,” She continued.
Batoul shows off one panel from her traffic box design at the Dana Art Gallery in Missoula alongside Health Navigator, Meghan Gateley
Photo: The IRC in Missoula
Batoul’s art makes for a lively addition to the community. Certainly, Batoul’s traffic signal box piece is an alluring representation of the Treasure State. You can find her traffic signal box on the corner of Hwy 10 West and the Southbound Reserve St. Entrance.
Batoul and her family have already made a positive impact on the enrichment of Missoula. With her piece added to Missoula’s collection of art, we’re able to have more voices shared throughout Missoula, providing the city with a one of a kind treasure for all Missoulians to experience. We look forward to seeing what she focuses on crafting next.