Big Sky Artisan Festival

A couple weeks ago, I participated in the first annual Big Sky Artisan Festival held in the Meadow Village Center in Big Sky. It was a collection of vendors showcasing handmade, one-of-a-kind products. I was delighted to take part in the festival and chat with the many people that decided to come out for the event. A wide range of products were available, including essential oils, furniture, stained glass, art, and a variety of other unique items. The weather was unpredictable to say the least but I'm grateful for those who braved the on and off rains to come see what we had to offer and especially those who chose to support my art by making a purchase! I have a feeling this festival will grow exponentially in the coming years and turn out to be a event that people look forward to.

Here are some links to information about the festival:

http://bigskyartisanfestival.weebly.com

http://www.explorebigsky.com/first-annual-artisan-festival-showcases-montana-goods-and-art-in-meadow-village/22159

During the two days I was there showcasing my art, I chose to start a plein air painting and work on it throughout the time I was there. "Plein Air" is a French word and refers to painting outdoors. This method contrasts with studio painting or academic rules that might create a predetermined look. I chose to paint a scene of our lovely Lone Peak with a view from the community park. I added a bit of imagination in painting a moose in the willows and omitting the many houses that you can see from that park vantage point. It was a great way to occupy my time during the day while in my booth and also for people to see me painting in action. The painting was almost completed by the end of the day on Sunday and after finishing the edges, the painting was auctioned off in a silent auction at our local Music in the Mountains concert on the following Thursday night. I was happy to see such interest in the piece and thrilled to see what the painting actually went for, with all of the proceeds going to support the Arts Council of Big Sky. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to support the arts in any way I can.

In a column she writes for the local paper, Tallie Lancy has something to say about the importance of the arts... "In a place where it’s easy to feel isolated on a cold, dark, wintry night, the arts are all the more important. Art, with a capital A, gives us meaning, understanding and connectivity. If that sounds touch-feely, then keep in mind that only 5 percent of the Big Sky Resort Area District resort tax goes to the arts. Cultural events are a major economic engine, which makes people happy too." ... "the Arts Council, which is now best known for its weekly outdoor concert series. But Music in the Mountains isn’t their only gig. They’re responsible for the Classical Music Festival, the Auction for the Arts, ArtVenture, the Madrigal Dinner, public art projects, and bringing the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival to Big Sky."

Supporting the Arts Council helps us to have the wonderful events we do in our great mountain community and I'm happy contribute to support the arts any way I can!

My booth at the Artisan Festival