photo by EricGjerde

As an artist who earns very little from the art I produce, I was happy to read an article in a Madison, WI newspaper about how independent, part-time artists contribute to the economy. The gist of the article is that the folks who make and sell art part-time contribute to the economy in that they make the area more attractive to tourists who then perceive the area as creative and in turn spend more money in other businesses as they buy the art made by the independents.

In Missoula during the summer there are many opportunities for people to buy art from an independent artist. On Saturdays, the Missoula Saturday Market runs on Pine Street off of Higgins Avenue downtown from 9AM until 1PM. There one will find an ever-changing variety of arts and crafts available for sale, ranging from photography and painting, to hand painted silk scarves, to soy candles, handmade jewelry and more. Known as “The People’s Market” locally, Missoula Saturday Market is a must activity for anyone in town during the summer on a Saturday.

When tax season ends, H&R Block moves out of 306 North Higgins Avenue and in moves The Missoula Artist’s Shop Co-Op. The Artist’s Shop has a huge selection of independent art available at very reasonable rates and shouldn’t be missed.

Read the article about independent art in Wisconsin and then get on downtown Missoula to buy some cool (and very affordable) local independent art.

I’d be interested to know how much money independent artists in Montana bring to the economy. Does anyone know? Hey, you tourists out there, when you see and/or buy art from an independent artist, how does that make you feel? What is your perception of a city as a result of the independent art available there? Let me know in the comments.