Huckleberry Duck was founded by Chickie (Kaitlyn) Rich. She is an artist who understands firsthand how meaningful it is to have an inclusive platform to share artwork. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design and spent five years managing a community-focused art gallery while in college. The inclusivity of that gallery created a unique and welcoming atmosphere while displaying work from artists who often couldn’t be found elsewhere. Meeting the artists, hearing their stories, and then watching visitors connect deeply with their work left a lasting impression and sparked the dream of someday creating a similar space.

In 2024, she and her husband moved to Montana and settled in the Flathead Valley. At the time, she was working in the as an administrative assistant with a comic and pop culture distribution company. In early 2025, an unexpected shift in her career left her at a crossroads; unsure of what direction to take next. Instead of stepping away from creativity, she chose to return to it.

After years of setting her own art aside, she began creating again and revisiting the dream she had carried since college—opening a gallery that focused on community, accessibility, and supporting artists who might not otherwise have a place to show their work.

In mid-2025 she met another wonderful local artist who became not only a mentor, but a close friend. Along with the unwavering support of her husband, friends, and family their encouragement helped give her the confidence to pursue her dream.

Today, Huckleberry Duck carries forward the same spirit that inspired it years ago: a place where artists are welcomed, creativity is celebrated, and visitors can discover something authentic, handmade, and deeply connected to Montana.