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Summer in Montana is the time when a lot of art and craft shows are happening. After all, we want to catch all the tourist traffic we can get during our short summers, and show the visitors what we, Montanans, are capable of. This is also the time when county and regional fairs take place. So, what would happen if the two types of events were combined?

Oh, the things that can go wrong with an outdoor show! Wind that blows your art away, rain that soaks your jewelry down (hello, tarnish!), sun that burns you, the artist, to a crisp... That's why I've been avoiding outdoor shows like a plague for many years.

Those of you living in the South probably wish you could find a shady spot and hibernate with a cold glass of sweet tea during the months of July and August, but here in Montana, things are hopping. Our short Montana summers are the perfect time for outdoor art and craft shows, and Flathead Valley has no shortage of them. In this post, I'm giving you the list of five biggest and best shows in the area, so if you're visiting Glacier National Park this summer, you might want to time your visit around one (or more of these shows).

There comes a point for every artist and craftsperson when we start considering the value of exhibiting at live events. Art shows, craft shows, pop-up shops, trunk shows, wholesale trade shows, and in-home parties all fall into this category. On one hand, getting more exposure for our work is a no-brainer, but on the other, putting ourselves (and our work) out there and dealing with the expense and effort needed to participate in live events can be quite scary, especially if we are doing it for the very first time. So, what should be done?

When you visit an art show, can you even guess how many hours the vendors spend preparing before the show? If you have ever wondered what goes into preparing for a show, today is your day. I am taking you behind the scenes to show you what I did to prepare for Made In Montana Wholesale Trade Show.

Part of life as an artist and a maker is applying for shows. Although there are some similarities in the process, different shows have different rules and requirements, and sometimes, making sure one meets those requirements feels like jumping through hoops.