Festival of Art draws nearly 50 vendors

Kirstin Baker of Dragonfly Pottery in Belgrade brought her own fan to the Flathead Lake Festival of Art, where temperatures were in the low 90s Saturday afternoon.

“Last year it was 100 degrees,” she said. “This is much better.”

Margery Christensen, membership coordinator for Sandpiper Gallery and Gifts, which hosts the two-day art show, said 47 artists and craftspeople offered their wares this year – twice as many as last year.

“The word’s gotten out,” she added.

Artists traveled from across Montana, including Bozeman, Belgrade and Laurel, and beyond, including South Dakota and Colorado, for the ninth annual juried show at Sacajawea Park in Polson.

Fortunately, the often-pervasive west wind was a gentle breeze – enough to cool vendors without tearing apart their tents. “Not having the wind blowing is a blessing,” said Christensen.

Kallie Gatzemeier and her family had driven up from Missoula to peruse the offerings, and took home handsome prints by South Dakota artist David Harding.  

At another booth, Colorado metalsmith Jenny Kenyon sized a delicate silver bracelet for Jamie Gralapp of Polson, while further down the corridor of shady booths, girls waited in line for a fanciful face-painting by Nicki Gell. Ceramics, stained glass, paintings, photographs, fabric art and hand-forged sculptures were also among the offerings. Several food purveyors were on site too.

The Sandpiper also hosts the Courthouse Art Festival, Aug. 10 on the lawn of the Lake County Courthouse. Now in its 53rd year, the annual show features fine art, crafts and music, and coincides with the Cruisin’ by the Bay car show and the Rotary Brewfest.

    The Drunkin' Blacksmith – Marty Green of Laurel – shared his hand-forged sculptures and artwork during last weekend's Flathead Lake Festival of Art in Polson. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Colorado silversmith Jenny Kenyon adjusts a bracelet for Jamie Gralapp during Saturday's Flathead Lake Festival of Art, sponsored by the Sandpiper Gallery in Polson. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Kallie Gatzemeier of Missoula looks at a raven print by South Dakota artist Jenny Kenyon during the Flathead Lake Festival of Art, held Saturday and Sunday in Sacajawea Park. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader