Bozeman Magazine

A stylish gathering of fine art, inventive crafts, and fun is back again…this time online. 
 
The Livingston Depot’s VIRTUAL Arts Fest is live. The Livingston Depot website and Facebook page will connect visitors with local artists and craftspeople. Visitors can explore the work of numerous artists and support a vibrant creative economy.
 
Although the physical experience of perusing the crafts at Festival of the Arts in Depot-Rotary Park is on hiatus, shoppers and art connoisseurs can browse an online marketplace. The VIRTUAL Arts Fest will let guests connect with local artists on social media and shop online, as a way to support local artists and (really) small businesses. Many of the artists are offering sales in conjunction with the virtual fair.

This is the first time in its 33-year history that the Festival will not take place in person in July due to health concerns and COVID-19. For thirty-two years, thousands of people have come to the Depot Rotary Park for the 4th of July holiday. Handmade items from local artisans will be available, including ceramics, furniture, jewelry, paintings, photographs, and more. Many of these artists will demonstrate their creative processes during the festival.

The Depot sees the VIRTUAL Arts Fest as particularly important this year, as customers have the power to help keep artists in business during the crisis. “Buy-local events, like the Festival of the Arts, are more important than ever as we support those in our communities and work together to recover our small businesses and nonprofits. Putting our 33rd annual Festival of the Arts online is one way we can stand together by staying apart,” said Depot director Laura Cota.

“We are committed to the health and safety of everyone in our community including our artists and event guests. We want to support local artists while keeping the community safe. That’s why we need to do things a little differently this year,” said Depot director Laura Cota.