The Depot Center's Festival of the Arts attracts shoppers of all ages.
The Livingston Depot will host its 36th annual Festival of the Arts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 2-4. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday at Depot Rotary Park.
The juried fair showcases more than 100 fine artists and crafters from Montana and the western region. Past and new vendors will present oil paintings, photography, woodwork, ceramics, jewelry, metal work, apparel, repurposed antiques, stained glass, herbals, toys, and more. This year, to allow more vendors the opportunity to present their fine work, the Depot continues to expand art, craft, and food offerings into the gorgeous courtyard adjacent to the Depot Museum.
“The festival is so much fun and a great way to support local artists,” said Depot director Laura Cota. “We are so impressed with the quality and diversity of the artists and crafters this year – between our returning favorites and a new crop of outstanding creators, I think it’s the best mix of work yet.”
The event also includes a variety of food vendors who offer mouth-watering barbecue, freshly made crepes, tasty burgers, smoothie bowls, stir-fry combos, chocolates, specialty lemonades, flavored ices, espresso and more.
In addition, the popular event coincides with the community’s 100th Roundup Rodeo and parades, as well as evening fireworks displays.
Visitors can also enjoy the adjacent Depot Museum’s historic rail and Yellowstone exhibits, as well as this year’s special exhibit, “Wondrous West: Art, Tourism and National Pride.” The curated collection of vintage imagery features advertising campaigns from railroads and travel bureaus spanning nearly a century of America’s romance with Western tourism.
The Depot Museum exhibits, on display through Sept. 7, are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a nominal admission. Group tours are also welcome, and more information is available through the Depot office at 406-222-2300 or its website, www.livingstondepot.org.