Helena's arts scene was on full display Wednesday as local galleries and museums put on their best faces for a tour by representatives from foundations across the country.

Some two dozen foundation officials took a one-day trip to Helena from Missoula, site of this week's conference on philanthropy in rural America, sponsored by the Council on Foundations, the Montana Community Foundation and the Northwest Area Foundation.

The focus of the summit is on developing philanthropic ties between some of the country's largest charitable foundations and organizations in some of the least populated states. Montana non-profits and those in other states at the low end of the population spectrum view themselves as being on the wrong side of what's been dubbed the "philanthropic divide," as a small percent of giving and grantmaking takes place in the more rural regions of the country.

Wednesday's tour kicked off at the Myrna Loy Center and included the Holter Museum of Art, the Turman Larison Contemporary gallery, the Grandstreet Theatre and the Archie Bray Foundation, with guest speakers filling time on the bus to and from Missoula.

"The arts are being focused on in the three-day conference as part of what's important about rural America," said Linda Reed of the Montana Community Foundation.

The Holter has benefited from grants from several foundations, director Liz Gans said.

"Helena is a case study for what a vibrant arts scene contributes to community-building and to the health of the community as a whole," Gans said. "For us, it's an opportunity to show off what we're doing, and to show people in these decision-making positions what tremendous value they have."

Gans told the group that grants to organizations in small communities can make a big difference, and that museums like the Holter afford volunteer and community opportunities that may not be as readily available as in museums in bigger cities.

Architect Susan Bjerke told the group that Helena's semi-adopted slogan as the "best small arts town in America" is something the community takes seriously.

"It strikes me that we need to continue to nurture all of these elements or we could lose them," she said. "We have an energy here that's tied to the arts that runs through every thread of our lives."

One representative who didn't have to be sold on the value of grants in smaller states was Sue Coliton of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation in Seattle, which has supported several Helena organizations in the last several years.

"I'm particularly interested in this trip because of the strength of the arts community in Helena," she said. "We have been supporting a number of these organizations, and it's wonderful to be able to share their strengths with my colleagues from other national foundations."

John Harrington can be reached at 447-4080 or john.harrington@helenair.com.