Art events are back in Flathead Valley in Montana in 2021!
After a year of cancellations and postponements due to COVID-19, art festivals and community events in the Flathead Valley appear to be moving forward as local organizers plan for a busy summer with lots of visitors.
Art Shows Resume in Flathead Valley
Many art shows were canceled in the Flathead Valley during the pandemic but they are now in full swing this summer in Bigfork, Kalispell, Whitefish, and other cities around the valley.
Whitefish Art Festival – July 2-4, 2021
Artists from across the country are represented in the Whitefish Arts Festival. Metal sculptures, paintings and photography, woodworking, pottery, jewelry, clothing, and home decorations are just some of the featured fine arts. There is always a variety of Montana-style art available. All of the art is handmade.
Kalispell Arts in the Park – July 16 -18, 2021
The Hockaday Museum of Art proudly presents the Annual Arts in the Park festival. Arts in the Park is the Flathead Valley’s premier arts, crafts and music festival held in Kalispell’s historic downtown Depot Park. Over 70 local and visiting artists and craftsmen offer their unique and quality works for sale. Food and beverage vendors from around the valley provide delicious treats. Live musical entertainment gives the festival a light mood.
Huckleberry Days Arts Festival in Whitefish – August 13-15, 2021
The 32nd annual Huckleberry Days Arts Festival takes place at Depot Park (Railway St. & Central Ave.) in Whitefish, Montana. With over 100 vendors of fine arts, crafts and great food, the festival also includes a mobile climbing wall for kids & adults, live music on the Community Stage and a Huckleberry bake-Off!
Bigfork Festival of the Arts – August 7-8, 2021
2021 celebrates the 43rd year for the annual Bigfork Festival of the Arts is a favorite among artists and visitors alike. The Festival fills the village of Bigfork with a fine selection of art, crafts, food, music and other entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday.
Whitefish Gallery Nights – To Be Announced – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On six dates throughout the year, the art community of Whitefish comes together to host an evening of featured artist exhibitions, entertainment, and light refreshments. Whitefish Gallery Nights includes 15 participating art specialty shops and galleries that celebrate the spirit of the community.
Galleries and Artists Turned To Online Presence
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many art galleries and auction houses to abandon in-person activities. This basically reduced or eliminated any foot traffic normally seen by these venues.
During the pandemic, many art festivals, fairs and other events were either canceled or postponed, which forced artists and galleries to seek other methods to keep their businesses going. Many sought an online presence or kicked up their online presence with more social media interaction. This kept art in front of their collectors.
According to the Art Basel annual report published in March 2021, the worldwide art market shrank about 22% in 2020 compared to 2019. However, the numbers are still above the 2009 recession low, when sales fell by 36% to $39.5 billion.
At Kelly’s Collectibles and Online Art Gallery, we have over 500 pieces of art to choose from by many talented artists from around the country and the world. Visit our online art gallery.
Online Art Sales Doubled in Value
The Basel study found that online sales doubled in value from 2019 to 2020, reaching a record high of $12.4 billion. The figure represented a record 25% share of the market’s total value – the first time the share of e-commerce in the art market has exceeded that of general retail.
Sun Setting on Whitefish Lake, Montana – Photo by Kelly Shaeffer
Whitefish Named 2021 Friendliest City
Whitefish, Montana was named the 2021 friendliest city in the U.S. by travel website Expedia. The list referred to Whitefish as “A gateway to Glacier National Park, outdoor enthusiasts will love the outdoorsy delights this Montana town offers.”
Exquisite Artwork By Talented Artists
If you are looking for artwork to fill your new home or office, browse our online art gallery, Kelly’s Collectibles and Online Art Gallery. We have over 500 pieces of exquisite art by many talented local artists.
Art Events Are Back in Flathead Montana 2021. Hope you are able to join us!
