The 6th annual SLAM (Support Local Artists and Musicians) Winter Showcase is returning to downtown Bozeman. This event will highlight the talents of artists from around the state of Montana in an environment encouraging shopping locally for the holidays. SLAM’s “pop-up” gallery style Winter Showcase will be held in two locations this year, at the Eagles ballroom, 316 East Main Street, and in the Legion’s ballroom, 225 East Main Street, both in Bozeman. This year’s event will be held Saturday, December 3rd from 11am–8pm, and Sunday, December 4th from 11am–5pm.

Artists from around the state will fill these two spaces with amazing hand crafted wares, perfect for all your gift giving needs! Live musicians will grace attendees with their talent during the weekend at both locations. The SLAM Winter Showcase is the perfect place to buy great gifts with that handmade touch from Montana artists! Featured at SLAM are one-of-a-kind jewelry, eye-catching ceramics, fashionable textiles, stunning photography, and fabulous art for all tastes and budgets. A silent auction featuring a plethora of items from local businesses and participating artists will help raise funds to keep SLAM going in Montana. This family friendly event is free and open to the public.

Here’s a look at the featured artists on display at the 2016 event. Jo Newhall, Meredith Rivers, and Marianne Robilotta will bring the handmade Ceramics, while showcase attendees looking for Painting/Fine Art selections can choose from works by Cristina Marian Albin, Carol Barmore, Peter Jones, Angie Mangels, Darla Myers, Kelley Sullivan, and James Weikert. Discover some gold, silver, precious stone, and other Jewelry by Emily Barge, Stacie Costello, Morena Garcia, Beth Gregory, Jo Jones, Marina Kessler, and Sue Savage. Glass creations will be available from Sara Orchard and Daniel Van Antwerp, while John Person will help you score some Metal art. Perhaps you’re looking for some new Photography pieces for some open wall space. Check out work from Zach Hoffman, Trevor Nelson, Rowan Nyman, Mike O’Connell, and Scott Wheeler. Splurge on Body Products by Jesse Solon and Woodwork from Todd Gardenier and Chris McIntosh. Finally, get your feelers on some Textiles by Adrienne Cash, Tina Halvorson, Jill Johnson, Sarah Medeiros, Carolyn Nealen, Mallory Ottariano, Margaret Stewart, and Sharie Williamson.

SLAM is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts and art education in the state in a manner that enriches and involves the community. SLAM hosts events to showcase the artistic talent of Montana residents, funds scholarships to community members seeking education in the arts, and spearheads community art installations. Artist participation in SLAM festivals is open only to Montana residents, but everyone is welcome to attend, experience, and support the talents of our artist community!

More information about this event can be found at www.slamfestivals.org/. If you would like to receive information about future SLAM events, please send an email to slamfestivals@gmail.com and you will be added to the mailing list. SLAM on! •