anabel perez

A space for makers: Bozeman MADE Fair shines a spotlight on local artists

Porcupines, bison and other critters shine on a row of handmade cups and mugs carved by Christine Sutton, owner of Little Bird Painting's booth. / Katy Sestay

More than 190 Montana artists and makers set up shop under the dome of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse this weekend for the fall Bozeman MADE Fair. This year’s fair featured handmade work ranging from ceramics and jewelry to felt taxidermy sculptures.

Inside, the fieldhouse smelled of lavender, candles, and leather. Booths filled the floor, and attendees moved through unhurriedly, perusing all the different handmade products. Featured creators came from every corner of the state, and each maker had something different to offer.

Kelsey Wickwire, an artist, based north of Missoula, used colored pencils, pastels, and pens to craft her surrealistic western landscapes and mystical designs. Adjacent to her art was a rack of t-shirts and hoodies featuring her designs. I couldn’t walk away without snagging a mini print and being sure to follow her Instagram @coyotewest_.

Beautifully Rooted was another booth with vibrant, unique pieces. Owner Anabel Perez describes her products on her Instagram page @beautifullyrooted_ as “retro ’70s with a twist”. Her pieces ranged from hand-wrapped rings to plant-shaped wooden wall hangings.

“Everything is handmade,” Perez said, including a collection of various colorful containers and boxes at her booth. “They are made out of a mix of plaster and dye. I like to experiment, depending on the day. Sometimes I’ll use food coloring, and other days I’ll try and mix acrylic paint in. You have to just hope for the best result.”

Perez said the MADE Fair shines a light on local artists.

“To me, it means our community is growing closer and seeing the artistic side of Bozeman,” she said. “As a whole, I love that it gives us as the artists the chance to connect together and build each other up”.

Across the way, David Goodson of Goodson Designs offered a wide range of western-inspired prints, stickers, and even playing cards. Goodson’s pieces have vibrant colors and stunning detail. Ornate borders frame his drawings of magpies, horses, and cowgirls. All prints are screen printed by hand out of his home in Helena. David is also a freelance designer. You can check out more of his work through his Instagram @goodsondesigns.

This year’s fall fair had something for everyone, and I left the Fieldhouse with a substantial dent in my bank account. Events like these bring artists across this vast state together and highlight some immense talent. Follow @handmademt on Instagram or check out its website www.handmademontana.com to be notified of future fairs and events.