HSAS holds first craft show

HOT SPRINGS – In an effort to bring more art to the town of Hot Springs, the local artists society is putting on their first juried craft show.

President of the Hot Springs Artist Society, Marla Brown Robbins, said the event includes a variety of different crafts, ranging from fabric to woodworking and sculptures.

Robbins said the categories are vast and the only requirement is for the craft to be original and handmade.

“We are not looking for things that are bought in a box and put together,” Robbins explained. “We want good, unique stuff.”

With the show being the first of its kind, the event may be a learning experience. Robbins explained she purchased plenty of ribbons and set up a variety of different categories.

“If we don’t have something on the list, we’ll find a category for it,” Robbins said.

The event encourages artists to bring whatever talent they possess. Robbins explained not all artists are painters or photographers. This show helps cater to the many different artists who do not fall into one of those two categories.

“I think this will grow well because not everyone paints but everyone does crafts,” Robbins said.

For the first show of its kind, so far the turnout has been good. The show will feature approximately 50 crafts with around 20 individuals entering in numerous pieces. The entries span from Sanders County to Polson and Kalispell.

“The majority is local right now but as word gets out, we draw more from outside areas,” Robbins said. “We have a pretty good list of entries for a first show.”

Robbins explained that anyone can enter, even people who live internationally. Although the different juried shows don’t always include nationwide entries, HSAS has received some from as far as Maryland in previous showings. The hope is that once the craft show catches on, people from both near and far will send in entries.

Judge Olivia Olsen traveled from Ronan on Monday to judge the entries.

Olsen owns the Red Poppy in Ronan and Robbins deemed her as a great craftsman.

The show will also feature a son and father musical group. Matt and Nick Pavelich will entertain guests with a musical mix of flute, guitar and vocals.

According to Liz Fee, Matt’s mother, the group appeals to a variety of generations.

“Their music is intergenerational. There’s some blues, some rock, a few original songs – it’s just very eclectic,” explained Fee.

Robbins is excited for the combination of talents.

“It’s kind of neat to mix those things together,” Robbins said, explaining that artwork and music go well together. “It will be fun to have them perform.”

Prizes will include a best in show, a people’s choice award, reserve in show as well as first, second and third place. Cash prizes will be handed out to the top in each category.

The reception will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 23rd and will begin at 6 p.m. The half hour musical performance will take place once the awards are presented.