Fourth annual Fiber Festival next week

The annual Fiber Arts Festival is returning July 18-19.

Local artisans, Kami Noyes and Betty Kujawa, are teaming up with artisans to host the fourth annual Fiber Arts Festival, located outside Whitehall, MT, at the beautiful Copper K Barn.

The Fiber Festival is similar to Art in the Park--only with textile arts. People interested in purchasing products directly from producers are welcome to come browse items such as hats, scarves, socks, pottery, soaps, yarn, art and more, all in a friendly environment. Red Apron Catering will be on sight for food options.

"For the person interested in producing fiber arts, there are eight classes to choose from," says Kami. Options range from beginner to advanced. Prices and registration are available on Kami's website: https://www.ranchingtraditionfiber.com/2020-festival-workshops. If you'd like to take a class, registration is required. This year, there is the addition of an art class, as well as fiber arts classes.

One of the fiber instructors, Tammy Jordan, is a fourth-generation fiber artist who enjoys sharing her passion with everyone she meets. Her love of sheep, wool, writing, and inspiring others to learn led her on the path of running her own business, Goldieknots Montana, which specializes in Montana grown wool, locally processed yarn and spinning fiber, and Made in Montana handmade gift items, as well as educational programming in fiber arts, ranging from fiber preparation to completed projects, which she lovingly refers to as "Fleece to Fashion."

Fleece fashion is a passion held by the event founders. Betty Kujawa, a Butte resident, raises alpacas and uses their fleece to create. "When I sit at my wheel to spin yarn or take up needle and thread to hand stitch a soft toy, I often find myself reflecting on the past and the women whose actions I am repeating. Due to the textual element, fiber as a medium is a boundless source of inspiration. From hand sewn teddy bears, to felting, to spinning yarn from my own alpacas, fiber calls to me. Having a finished piece made by own hands only encourages me," says Betty.

Betty's goal is to preserve the traditional techniques of past generations by keeping them alive in today's technological world. Her hand-crafted pieces reflect her evolution as a fiber artist and a modern day pioneer woman.

Being connected to the land, the animals, and the arts is an integral part of life for all the artists involved and they are happy to be able to continue with their passion, especially after a tough start to 2020. "Fiber art gives many people an outlet for stress, so we felt it was very important to continue hosting the Copper K Fiber Festival. We will be planning for a simple and safe weekend," Kami shared. During a year of uncertainty, the festival provides an opportunity to reduce stress and enjoy craft in a safe environment. "Our message has always been: 'a weekend of fiber fun in the countryside.' We are keeping it the same but adding 'simple and safe.'"

The Fiber Arts Festival crew is providing space in the barn by moving a few vendors outdoors. There will be wash stations outside, along with outhouses. Workshops will have plenty of space. "We are just asking everyone to use common sense and stay home if they feel sick. Give each other room when needed. Since this festival is held in the countryside in July, there will be plenty of wide-open space for everyone," says Kami.

The beauty of the wide-open countryside is the perfect place for artisans to collaborate, sharing their creations and their talent. The Fiber Festival provides fun for all-come grab gifts for you or your loved ones in a friendly country environment. "This festival is more than just a place for those interested in producing fiber arts. We'd love for people to come see the vivid colors and beauty in the work," invites Kujawa and Noyes.

Vivid colors continue to be central to Kami's niche of growing, spinning, and creating with natural fibers. Kami creates products like hats and scarves with the very wool she's grown on her ranch. Kami's personal line is titled, The Tobacco Root Valley Yarn, which mimics the colors of the Montana landscape. She sells fleeces, mostly to other artists, along with a variety of other fiber products.

To see the process from beginning to end is a treasure. "It's a gift to connect to products and know where something comes from," Kami says. "There is a dramatic difference between synthetic blends and pure wool. Pure wool has remarkable breathability, making it functional year-round. It also lasts a long time and the texture and feel are completely different."

These handmade treasures and more are available at The Fiber Festival. The Fiber Festival runs July 18-19, 2020 at the Copper K Barn. Saturday hours are 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-3pm. The event is free and open to the public. The Copper K Barn is located outside Whitehall at 786 Point of Rocks Road. Come celebrate the arts.