While we continue to navigate the waters of the COVID-19 pandemic and await the shift into phase 3 of reopening in the state, SLAM has determined that it is in the best interest of our community to present a series of alternatives in lieu of our summer festival.

We are excited to present the “Sweet SLAM Tour d’Arte and Auction” in collaboration with Sweet Pea!  Scheduled for August 8th, 2020 from 11 am-7 pm, the tour portion of this event will afford you the opportunity to shop with Montana artists at locations all over town. Much like stopping by an artist’s booth at SLAM or Sweet Pea, each artist will have their work set up in a booth outside their home or studio. A handful of Montana artists from out of town will be co-located in small groups. Maps with participating artists and their locations will be available on our website at the end of July. In addition to the physical tour, we will host an online auction comprised of amazing works by Montana artists. If your situation prohibits you from visiting artists in person, this virtual auction is the perfect opportunity for you to bid on artwork and own a piece of original work from some of Montana’s premier artists!

For our festival patrons who look forward to the community yoga class we have traditionally offered on Sunday morning, we are proud to once again host this on August 9th, 2020 at 9 am in Bogert Park!  Similar to years past, the dynamic crew from Bend Beyond Yoga and Inferno Pilates will be guiding us through a morning routine to get us energized for the day. Registration is required for the 50 spots available in the park, and we’ll be live streaming the event on our social media pages so you can join in from anywhere!

Continuing our commitment to public art projects, we’ll be hosting a community-created mural at Bogert Park on August 9th, 2020. We invite you to lend your artistic energy to this uplifting project!  In concert with local 2-D artists, you’ll be able to paint on large panels that will become long term public art installations in our community.  Observing recommended guidelines pertaining to physical distancing, community members wishing to take part in this activity will be limited and scheduled.

Did someone say music?! YES!!!! We’re working on the development of a few opportunities for our community to connect with local performers. Keep your ears peeled for updates on the music scene...they’re gonna be totally new and AWESOME!

We understand that this pandemic has disproportionately impacted the artist and musician community, and have developed a financial relief fund to support our community during this uncertain time. To date, SLAM has awarded 20 grants to Montana artists and musicians, and we look forward to continuing to be a resource while our funds allow. If you’re interested in donating to the relief fund, please email SLAM at info@slamfestivals.org.

We are genuinely excited to be able to responsibly continue our mission of “promoting the arts and art education in a manner that enriches and involves the community” in these new ways. We look forward to returning to our traditional models when the time is right.  Until then, stay happy, healthy, and creative!

For more information and registration links, please visit the SLAM website at www.slamfestivals.org.