Big Sky’s Artisan Festival reaches new heights

Artists, musicians and food vendors gather to celebrate fine artisans and craftspeople in the Mountain West while supporting the Arts Council of Big Sky

By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR

The eighth annual Big Sky Artisan Festival took place at Len Hill Park on Saturday, July 20. With more than 100 artists, local musicians and food vendors attending, the event was one of the biggest and most successful since the event debuted in 2017.

Many artists who attended in previous years said it was the best they’ve experienced and enjoyed being in Town Center during Big Sky’s busy PBR weekend.

While vendors sold their art and mingled with locals and tourists about the inspirations behind their work, a variety of local musicians each played a set for the event on the Len Hill Park stage, and local restaurant vendors served food and drinks to the bustling crowd. The Arts Council of Big Sky also had an inspiring booth that offered kids the opportunity to create their own art while attending the festival.

“I came last year and sold several pieces and also had customers reach out after the event to purchase custom sculptures,” said Benjamin Breuckman, a metal sculptor from Harrington, Washington. “It’s a great event to visit with people who appreciate art and share some of my larger pieces in person.”

Breuckman creates customized life-size sculptures that can change dynamically with a variety of sections or accessories added or removed from the piece to make each piece one-of-a-kind. He was recently commissioned to create several sculptures for the city of Billings, one of which was on display at the Artisan Festival.

Artist Gregg Anderson displayed paintings for sale that were mostly Montana-themed. Based in Hudson Valley, New York, Anderson and his wife spend a lot of time in southwest Montana with their son who lives in the area and Anderson said while his art covers a range of locations, he always finds his best inspiration amongst the mountains and wildlife of Montana.

Each year the event lures artists from a variety of mediums and locations, which is part of the draw for many attendees, but it’s also an opportunity for the Arts Council of Big Sky to raise funds for more educational programming within the community.

Artists such as Meghan Hanson from Missoula sold a variety of pieces while also educating passersby on her medium and unique style. And like many artists who attended the festival, she made connections with collectors who identified with her distinctive techniques and materials.

“I’m an artist first, that’s my real passion, and then an architect second,” Hanson said. “My art is inspired by humans and their connection to the natural world but also has a lot of inspiration from my work as an architect around the West.”

One tent that was busy with customers most of the day was Belgrade-based Kirsten Kainz who was joined by her daughter to sell a variety of metal sculptures, clothing made with vintage textiles, and paintings. Kainz is the artist who created the celebrated Bison, Waldazo, located on the northeast corner of Fire Pit Park in Big Sky, and has several commissioned pieces displayed in Bozeman as well.

“It’s fun to come to Big Sky for this event and see familiar faces,” Kainz said. “And what a beautiful day with a great turnout. I always love coming to Big Sky.”