🎓 The “Create It Forward” Scholarship
The Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead (ACF) believes in nurturing creativity at every stage—from first-time makers to future professionals.
Our Create It Forward Scholarship was established in 2019 to support students at Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) who are pursuing studies in Art, Welding, or Graphic Design.
This annual scholarship is designed to encourage creative growth, skill development, and the continuation of Montana’s strong handmade traditions. It also reflects ACF’s ongoing mission to “create it forward” by investing in the next generation of makers and artists.
Scholarship Details
- 💵 Award Amount: $1,000 total — gifted in two parts ($500 per semester)
- 🧑🎨 Recipients: Typically awarded to one or two students each year
- 🏫 Where to Apply: Applications are available through the FVCC Scholarship Portal
-
 Eligibility:
- Must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Must be enrolled in Art, Welding, or Graphic Design
- Must submit a short essay as part of the application
- Must include a photo of recent artwork or creation
A Legacy of Creativity
The Create It Forward Scholarship is one of several community programs supported by ACF through our fundraising events and markets.
Proceeds from projects such as the Spring Cleaning Market, Treasure Box Project, and Doodle Buggy art cart help fund this scholarship and other creative outreach efforts across the Flathead Valley.
By applying for or supporting this scholarship, you’re helping to ensure that creativity continues to grow and flourish in our community for years to come.
Learn more about ACF below:
ACF in the news:
See articles from the Daily Interlake that were written about ACF or its members.
11/24/2021 -Â https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2021/nov/24/artists-and-craftsmen-flathead-stronger-ever-after/
11/28/2021 -Â https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2021/nov/28/save-yourself-hassle-shop-local-season/
12/23/2021 -Â https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2021/dec/23/whitefish-woodcrafter-joins-kalispell-art-cooperat/
7/4/2019 -Â https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2019/jul/04/go-find-your-fun-this-fourth-of-july-weekend-6/
11/29/2019 -Â https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2019/nov/29/kalispell-artist-transforms-metal-into-works-6/
History of ACF
ACF was formed in May of 1981 as the brainchild of Kathy and John Harranon. John and Kathy were seeking alternative options for selling their products in the Flathead Valley since local art galleries were charging the artists 30% to 40% consignment fees. Farmers’ markets were another option but were very produce-oriented and did not seem like the right venue for artists and crafters at that time. Additionally, Kathy and John learned that the Hockaday Museum was focusing its promotional efforts on out-of-town artists which ultimately excluded local, Kalispell-area artists. The fact that ACF grew so quickly in its first few years is a testament to the need to a local organization dedicated to supporting Flathead Valley artists and crafters. Kathy and John gathered a Steering Committee of 12 members to help them get ACF off the ground and running. ACF’s logo was designed in 1981 by Vern Wyman.
In June of 1981, ACF had 31 members. By the following year, 1982, ACF had 118 members. In its largest membership years, ACF had approximately 180 members. Membership numbers have fluctuated over the years, ranging anywhere from 30 to over 180.
The original name of ACF was “Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Valley.” In 1992, the members felt that including the word “Valley” in the organization’s title and requiring members to “live in Flathead Valley proper” was misleading to members who live in Lake County rather than Flathead County. Thus, the name was changed to “Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead” and the Bylaws were amended.
In 2015/2016/2017, ACF was hearing concerns from its few-remaining members that ACF was not fulfilling its purpose, was not recruiting new members and had a bad reputation around the Flathead Valley. ACF formed a Reorganizational Committee to address these concerns and discuss ways to reinvigorate the organization. Today, new membership is back up and ACF hosts the largest two craft shows in the Valley each year!
Meet the Board Members
List of current ACF board members - click on each name to learn more.
| President | Lindsay Mena |
| Vice President | Christina Williams |
| Treasurer | Ashley Bishop |
| Recording Secretary | Shannon Longfield |
| Membership Secretary | Marcie Irwin |
| Show Committee | Beth Anderson |
| Sheryl Soderstrom | |
| Kristin Sandson | |
| Michelle Mclaughlin | |
| Gail Erickson | |
| Website Admin | Jay Beranek |
| Social Media Admin | Gayle Emberstone |
| Publicity Admin | Jenny Reed |