HandMADE Montana shop opens
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News from HandMADE Montana
POLSON – The newly renovated 212 Main Street in downtown Polson is filling with modern handcrafted goods from more than 50 past and present MADE fair artists.
The space, which once was home to Jackie M’s shoe store, is now filled with vibrant colors and a wide variety of art from functional to heirloom quality pieces.
The building has seen significant upgrades and renovations with help in part from a grant provided by the Polson Redevelopment Agency.
“All of the artists participating in the shop are some of my favorites, and I hope others agree. Lots of fun, fresh, and hip products will fill the shelves and walls of the front half," said Carol Lynn Lapotka, owner and manager.
The back area is home to REcreate Designs, a clothing and accessory line made from upcycled goods. You can watch your clothes being made and see first hand the work that goes into every product they produce.
A majority of the displays and build-out for the retail area used recycled materials from local reuse stores like Home Resource (Missoula) and the Restore (Kalispell), as well as product salvaged during the remodeling process.
Shelving, once used to hold shoe inventory, was cut down and made into displays up front. The building and space are filled with new energy and enthusiasm that is infectious.
HandMADE Montana is looking forward to serving as a resource for artists and creating additional opportunities to help with business development.
Doors officially opened July 1 with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Polson Chamber of Commerce. Come shop and support local and regional artists.
HandMADE Montana is an event and community resource organization for artisans and makers. It provides selling opportunities for artists, offers workshops in small business development and continues to increase awareness for the integrity and viability of modern art and craft. It is known most notably for organizing the award-winning MADE fairs, Montana’s largest art and handcrafted markets.
REcreate Designs, founded in 2005, is a line of adult and children’s clothing, accessories and home goods made from upcycled materials. Grove Outdoors is its sister brand of outdoor and technical apparel.
