Fair Artist Profile

Every three years, the Missoula County Fair Event Committee (MCFEC) selects a Missoula artist to design the annual Fair poster. The poster not only visually represents the Fair theme but also transforms into a historic relic for future generations.

Previous Fair artists include Monte Dolack, Josh Quick, Courtney Blazon, and more. This year, Heidi West, known for her skillful use of paper collage, brings the Fair theme ‘Lasso the Moon’ to life.

Q: What is your background as an artist?

A: Art has always been a part of my life. Creating and finding beauty is what has grounded me through challenging periods in my life. I accidentally got a studio art degree while pursuing a BA in Political Science because I always included a few art classes in my college semesters. I stumbled onto ceramics my junior year and then I thought I might as well finish my undergraduate career with a double major. I then pursued a Master’s Degree in Plant and Soil Science while teaching ceramics classes off and on in the evenings at a community art center.  Once I moved to Missoula, I found the Clay Studio of Missoula which allowed me to keep playing in the mud. 

While I have always enjoyed playing with scissors, paper and glue this was often limited to creating the occasional card or elaborately decorated gift. However, during the pandemic I spent an exorbitant amount of time stuck in front of the computer screen in back to back zoom meetings. Keeping my hands busy kept me focused and sane.  Eventually my papercuts evolved into a celebration of the little moments, of play, and place.

Q: Can you describe your creative process? How do you typically approach starting a new piece?

A: I often start with an idea and a very loose sketch.

Sometimes these ideas linger in my mind for months before I have the time to finally try and capture it in paper. I refine the sketch and then trace it onto tracing paper. The next step usually is to pull every piece of paper I own out, spread it across the floor, and pick the patterns and colors I think best meet my vision.  Then I use carbon paper to trace the flip side of each shape on the back side of the final paper….  Then I cut and glue it all together with the front side out. It is a giant mess, with a lot of paper flipping, and trying to not loose tiny pieces of paper.

Right now, I really want to create a papercut of a few kids working together, absorbed in the task of building a tree house.  It is still in the just-in-my-head stage.

Q: What was your inspiration for the 2024 Fair poster?

A: We spend all year investing our time and effort into projects we bring to the fair. Fair week is long and hot and exhausting – but it is also one of the most wonderful experiences. I think the fair is a space where we uplift skills, tasks, and traditions of daily life. It is a space where we share ourselves with others –in the form of home-grown tomato, a loaf of bread, a quilt, a Lego sculpture or staying up way too late riding rides.  Maybe most importantly, the fair is a space where kids can be kids, where they learn and grow, and rise to meet the moment. 

When I heard the theme “Lasso the Moon” the image that immediately came to my mind is what ended up on this year’s fair poster.  A child, in pajamas, standing on his unmade bed surrounded by favorite toys – somewhere between sleep and awaking – between here and now and a land of imagination.  A place where anything is possible: even lassoing the moon.

Q: What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art?

A: I hope viewers experience nostalgia for their own childhoods, find the beauty in every day, and pause to embrace the small moments.

Q: Are there any projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about right now?

A: There are – I am pretty excited about an upcoming show in September – but details have not been finalized yet. So stay tuned.  And, of course, I am looking forward to next year’s fair poster. 

Q: Where can people find out more about your creative work?

A: A few months ago I tried to niche down my social media and created several different profiles – I might be regretting that a bit.  I am on Instagram as BusyHandsHomestead (www.instagram.com/busyhandshomestead) for general life/animal/art updates.  My pottery can be found at SticknStonesWrkshp (www.instagram.com/sticksnstoneswrkshp) and my papercut art and surface pattern design is at ArtbyAdelheid (www.instagram.com/artbyadelheid). I have an etsy shop for my pottery: www.sticksnstoneswrkshp.etsy.com. I also have an etsy shop that currently sells notebooks and wrapping paper with my art: www.artbyadelheiddesigns.etsy.com. I hope to add my papercuts to this shop soon. My designs can also be found on fabric through spoonflower: www.spoonflower.com/profiles/artbyadelheid.