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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-26 Correspondence - C. Lapotka - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE_ handMADE MontaFrom:Carol Lynn Lapotka Subject:[EXTERNAL]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: handMADE Montana continues to support the creative economy Date:Wednesday, January 14, 2026 10:12:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carol Lynn Lapotka Phone: 406.201.9229 Email: info@handmademontana.com Website: handmademontana.com handMADE Montana Celebrates a Landmark 2025 and Looks Ahead to a Transformative 2026 Polson, MT — [DATE] — HandMADE Montana is closing the book on a landmark year while looking ahead to an ambitious 2026 season that continues to elevate Montana’s creative economy, expand opportunities for artists, and tell the deeper story behind the state’s handmade movement. In 2025, more than 600 artists participated across handMADE Montana’s juried MADE fairs, year-round retail store, and the Flathead Cherry Festival. Collectively, these events generated an estimated $2 million + in revenue for artists and small creative businesses, reinforcing handMADE Montana’s role as a significant economic driver for Montana’s arts and maker community. In addition, the organization raised $31,500 for Montana nonprofits through VIP ticket sales and community partnerships and donated more than 3,000 pounds of food to local food banks. “Every year we’re reminded that these events are about so much more than shopping,” said Carol Lynn Lapotka, founder of handMADE Montana. “They’re about supporting artists at every stage, keeping creative dollars in our communities, and creating meaningful connections between makers and the people who value handmade work.” Flathead Cherry Festival Continues to Grow The Flathead Cherry Festival in Polson marked its largest attendance to date in 2025, buoyed by beautiful summer weather and an abundant cherry harvest. The festival continues to serve as a major tourism draw and economic boost for the region. In partnership with the Polson Chamber of Commerce, handMADE Montana also introduced the Cherry-Picked Culinary Experience, highlighting local restaurants and businesses through featured offerings made with Flathead cherries—an initiative that will continue to expand in future years. Documentary Project Captures the Story Behind MADE HandMADE Montana is also in production on an independent documentary, MADE: The Hands Behind Montana’s Creative Movement (working title), a 45-minute film that follows a small group of Montana artists alongside the MADE fairs over the course of a year. Filming began in 2025 and will continue through 2026, capturing intimate studio moments, behind- the-scenes preparation, and the vibrant energy of event days. Produced in collaboration with Soul Craft Media, the documentary explores the creative process, economic impact, and community connections that define Montana’s handmade economy, preserving and amplifying the stories behind the work. “What feels most important to me is continuing to fuel handMADE Montana’s momentum as a cornerstone organization with clear potential for expansion—into additional cities, a larger team, national visibility, educational workshops, conferences, and grant opportunities that further strengthen the handmade community,” said Adriana Reid of Soul Craft Media. “Your shows are not only highly competitive and widely sought after; they are a defining force in Montana’s creative economy. It’s an honor to document such a pivotal chapter, and I see this work becoming increasingly important as the organization grows.” Looking Ahead to 2026 HandMADE Montana is preparing for a robust 2026 season, with events planned across the state: Bozeman Spring MADE Fair — May 1-2, Brick Breeden Fieldhouse Missoula Summer MADE Fair — June 21, Caras Park Flathead Cherry Festival — July 25–26, Main Street, Polson Bozeman Fall MADE Fair — Dates TBD Helena Holiday MADE Fair — December 4–5, Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds Missoula Holiday MADE Fair — December 13, Adams Center Applications for Spring and Summer 2026 events open January 15, with Fall and Holiday applications opening May 1. All events are competitive, juried shows prioritizing thoughtfully designed, handcrafted work and strong representation of Montana artists. About handMADE Montana HandMADE Montana is dedicated to supporting artists and makers through curated juried markets, a year-round retail store, and community-focused events. The MADE fairs have become some of the most respected and well-attended handmade markets in the region, providing professional platforms for artists while promoting handmade goods as a meaningful alternative to mass-produced products. For event information, applications, and updates, visit handmademontana.com -- handMADE Montana Team Carol Lynn Lapotka // handMADE Montana // REcreate designs Courtney Blazon // Courtney Blazon Illustrations Visit us on Facebook, check out our website, and see some behind-the-scenes action on Instagram FACEBOOK MADE fair MT // HandMADE MT // HandMADE MT Community Group WEBSITE & INSTAGRAM