Artists gather at FVCC

The annual gathering of Montana artists enrolled in the Montana Artrepreneurship Preparation program throughout the state will gather to show and sell their work at Flathead Valley Community College Sept. 28 and 29. 

The Sept. 28 opening from 4 to 9 p.m. will feature a welcome reception with remarks from FVCC President Jane Karas, art department Director John Rawlings and Cindy Kittredge, Montana Art Council’s folk art and marketing development specialist.

The sale and showcase will continue Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the Arts and Technology Building.

The event features a display of FVCC faculty artwork and the work of more than 90 Montana artists. These artists have distinguished themselves with the quality of their functional 3-D art as well as two-dimensional work throughout recent years.

Artists attending the event represent individuals who are gaining recognition outside their community, with many of them just completing participation in the prestigious Western Design Conference held in Jackson Hole, Wyo., during its annual Art Festival. 

The public is invited to attend and meet the artists who have worked hard to showcase their work in Flathead Valley this year. All work will be available for purchase.

Gallery and business owners are encouraged to visit and to speak with the artists if there is interest in making wholesale and gallery arrangements as a way of continuing support for the work.

The annual Montana Arts Council Gathering travels to a different venue each year to allow a diverse customer base to participate in the sale and showcase.

A program will be distributed Sept. 28. It will include pictures of sample art, artist contact information and a complete summary of the Montana Artrepreneurship Preparation program.

The program offers business-readiness instruction and workshops to artists who have an accomplished body of work and wish to expand their marketing efforts to include an audience that extends beyond Montana.

For more information, contact Jan Shanahan at 862-2363 or janshan@wildskyindustries.com.