Each year the staff determines areas that would be enhanced by encounters with authentic artists. Past arts residencies have offered powerful experiences in dance, visual arts, literary arts and music. Arts residencies are made possible through the Montana Arts Council, Montana State University and community arts organizations, with financial support from Hawthorne Parent Council.

The Hawthorne Drama Club is a program which offers 3rd through 5th grade students the opportunity to perform in full-scale theatrical productions, either as actors or members of the stage crew.

The Hawthorne Children's Choir is a show choir which is often invited to sing at community and state events. The Choir has received much recognition and in April 2004, sang with the Dreams of Montana Choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City. They have also been invited to sing at the Governor's special sessions of the legislature, the Montana Special Olympics and one of Montana's Winter Olympic Torch Celebrations.

Hawthorne hallways provide the setting for the Children's Permanent Collection. Each year the staff selects pieces to add to the hallway galleries. The selections for permanent display are powerful reminders to visitors of the continued integrated arts focus.