Montana Folklife
The theme for the Montana Folk Festival focuses on attributes and qualities of life in Montana. These qualities have aptly been labeled folklife, where the land and the people of Montana are showcased for your enjoyment.
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The Influence of Wild Lands and Waterways on the Culture and Heritage of Montana
By Rayelynn Brandl Montana’s iconic landscapes are shaped by the waterways that course through her mountains, valleys, and plains. Water…
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Fly Tying – Tom Mocilac
Tom Mocilac is a genuine old fart, retired from state service, and has worked as a National Park Ranger in…
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Montana Wetlands & Waterfowl
Wetland ecosystems are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. They support native plants and animals and provide…
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Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Our mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and our hunting heritage. We provide funding…
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Montana Climate Stories & Resilient Butte
The Resilient Butte Project and Families for a Livable Climate bring personal stories about climate change to the forefront. All…
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Clark Fork Watershed Education Program
The mission of the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program is to expand environmental literacy and stewardship through field-based science and…
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Building a Longer Table
The Contributions of Immigrants to the Heritage and Traditions of Montana and the West By Aubrey Jaap, Director, Butte-Silver Bow…
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Chip Carving
Ed Ronningen, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Chip Carving is an international tradition, although Scandinavia has the preponderance of carvings. It is…
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Tiernan Irish Dancers
The Tiernan Irish Dancers were founded in 2001 when a local céilí club was adopted by the Trinity Irish Dancers of Chicago. Trinity arrived…
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Pysanky—Ukrainian Easter Eggs
Pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated with traditional folk designs using a wax-resist method. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, “to write” or “to inscribe,” as…
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The Big Sky Lace Guild
The Big Sky Lace Guild was started in the fall of 2014 and is the only lace guild currently in…
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Montana International Folk Dancers
The Montana International Folk Dancers join together from communities around the state to share an appreciation of the music, dance,…
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Finnish Rag Rugs, Finn Town
LuWaana Marjamaa Johnson and Norma Pylypuw | Butte, Montana The tradition of weaving rag rugs was brought to Butte in…
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The Celtic Quintet
The Celtic Quintet brings Gaelic musical cultures from both Ireland and Scotland together with strong Iberian and Nordic influences. They…
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Women’s Work: Celebrating the Influence and Contributions of Women on Montana’s Heritage and Culture
Women’s Work Making Montana By Mary Murphy, Professor of History, Montana State University Montana women are nothing if not resourceful.…
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Beth Judy
Montana Folklife Presenter | Author, Radio Producer | Missoula, MT Beth Judy grew up in Chicago, graduated from Harvard College in…
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Sheila and Ericka Kirkpatrick, Hatmakers
Montana Folklife Demonstrator Montana Mad Hatters | Twin Bridges, MT The story of Montana Mad Hatters began with Kirkpatrick Custom…
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Mariah Gladstone, Indigenous Chef, Food Activist
Montana Folklife Demonstrator Indigikitchens | Kalispell, MT Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet, Cherokee) grew up in Northwest Montana. She graduated from Columbia…
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Alexandra Paliwoda, Blacksmith
Montana Folklife Demonstrator Backcountry Blacksmith Inc. | Driggs, ID Born in the Rocky Mountains and raised in the backcountry of…
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Bev Gilger
Montana Folklife Demonstrator Metal Engraver | Dubois, ID Thirty-four years ago, Bev Gilger started Dubois Leather, a leather shop in…
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Callie Kellem, Leatherworker
Montana Folklife Demonstrator Kellem Custom Works | Sheridan, MT Callie Kellem is a custom leatherworker currently residing in Sheridan Montana.…
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Cassie Ubaldo, Backcountry Outfitter/Packer
Montana Folklife Demonstrator Upper Canyon Outfitters | Alder, MT Cassie Ubaldo is a fifth generation Montanan who grew up at…
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Julia and Dan Schwarz, Bootmakers
Montana Folklife Demonstrator Schwarz Custom Boots | Dillon, MT Julia Schwarz was born and raised in Idaho, a stone’s throw…
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Dana and Tracy Eklund, Cinch Makers
Montana Folklife Demonstrator Big Sky Mohair Cinches | Bozeman, MT Big Sky Mohair Cinches is a two-sister team based out…
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LaVonne Stucky, Shepherdess and Wool Spinner
Montana Folklife Demonstrator The Wool Mill and Serenity Sheep Farm Stay | Belgrade, MT LaVonne Stucky lives on a farm…
