Our Story
Birdhouse Collective was created where all good things start: in an Instagram group chat.
Local Bozeman Artists Mia, Maren, and Aubrey spent the 2023 Montana market season shootin’-the-shit with booth neighbors and found that most artists had the same questions, fears, and hopes for building their creative business but struggled to find the right resources. They created an online chat between Bozeman artists that quickly grew into a robust community of small business owners sharing their depth of knowledge and passion for creative community and career.
The three founders knew that if there was a dedicated “home” for Montana artists to find resources, build a creative network, and grow their business, all artists could benefit from the collective success of the thriving Bozeman art community. Thus, Birdhouse Collective officially launched in March 2024!
Our Mission
Birdhouse Collective is dedicated to empowering artists and makers to thrive in their creative community, business, and beyond. By cultivating community among art makers and art lovers, providing business resources and opportunities, and hosting curated pop-up markets, Birdhouse Collective is the go-to resource for artists turning their creativity into a career.
Who We Serve
Artists and makers who take pride in their craftsmanship, emphasize handmade art, and are eager to join our local community and commerce. Birdhouse is for those just starting a creative side hustle, wanting to break into the Montana market scene, long-term full-time artists and makers, and everyone in between! No matter where you are on your journey, Birdhouse Collective has crafted resources to connect you with the Montana arts community and help you reach your next business goals. We see artists and makers as painters, illustrators, ceramicists, potters, apparel designers, metalsmiths, jewelers, printmakers, quilters, and more!
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
MIA THOMAS
Mia is an upcycle artist and community organizer. She has endless passion for all things creative, especially sewing and vintage fashion. After moving to Bozeman in 2017 to attend MSU, Mia fell in love with the community and has since been deepening her roots in the local artist/maker community. She believes there's nothing quite like bringing people together to strengthen our connection to one another and this beautiful place. When she isn’t selling goods at a market or stitching up pieces in her studio, you can find her sipping a good dirty chai, playing in the mountains, or cuddling up to her cat Benji.
MAREN STUBENVOLL
Maren is a fine artist and illustrator who creates bold paintings, prints, and apparel. Inspired by the characters and cultures she grew up with in the Rocky Mountain West, her work incorporates bright colors and elements of humor and whimsy. After a stint in the mental health field during the peak of the pandemic, Maren left her corporate job in the spring of 2023 to dive head-first into her creative career. She started selling her work at the Bozeman markets and freelance illustrating for local and national companies. When she’s not painting in her backyard with her pooch, you can find her exploring the mountains, climbing at Spire, or set up in the corner of a coffee shop.
AUBREY FITE
Aubrey is an illustrator and printmaker whose work is inspired by her stoke for the outdoors and passion for protecting public lands. Originally from West Texas, she set up camp in Bozeman, Montana at the beginning of 2021. She’s here for the familiar big skies, snow-capped peaks, and bustling rivers. In her free time, you’ll find her kayaking, hunkered down at a coffee shop, or at home with her cat Theo. Aubrey joined the Montana market scene in 2021 and quickly found her people in the Bozeman art community. She loves meeting and collaborating with other makers and is passionate about bringing artists together.
We’d love to have you!