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Staff & Board

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Executive Director

Our mission and programs are led by Julie Bottum. Julie has been with us since June of 2021. During that summer of 2021, Julie began the process of connecting with community, networking with our local organizations, and evolving the mission of BACC. With a background in education, animal facilitated learning, and nonprofit development, she brings a passion for creating inspiring programs and workshops that help both children and adults explore the amazing world around us.  Julie's goal is to continue the legacy of BACC to create extraordinary experiences and inclusive communities for you to connect with art, cultures, & shared stories from across time and place. 

Julie Bottum

Staff & Board Members

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Shelley Emslie

Starts June '26, Education Director

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Shelley Emslie

I have been in the world of education for over twenty-eight years. Based in Montana, I have dedicated my career shaping young minds in the classroom. I am a true believer in out-of-the-box teaching methodologies, and I continually experiments with a myriad of creative lesson plans to engage my students. I am an avid advocate for incorporating technology, 3D printing, and AI into teaching. Outside of the classroom, I pen children's books about my adorable Golden Retriever, Redgie, and design grief journals to guide people through the never ending journey of loss.

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Cormac Moore

Finance Advisor

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Cormac Moore

Cormac Moore is an experienced banking professional with a strong background in financial services, team leadership, and community engagement. Over his career in banking, he has developed expertise in operational management, lending services, and relationship building—skills that support clear decision‑making and strategic planning. His past experience as a real estate agent further broadened his understanding of local market dynamics, negotiation, and the economic forces that shape community development.

Cormac is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen culture, creativity, and community connection. He is deeply aligned with the mission of the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center and brings a collaborative, grounded approach to board service. His blend of financial acumen and community‑minded perspective allows him to contribute meaningfully to organizational growth, outreach, and long‑term sustainability.

Outside of his professional life, Cormac values time with his wife and their two daughters. He enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and especially pursuing his passion for elk hunting. He brings a balanced, family‑centered outlook to every role he serves.

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Rchard Janisse

Vice-chair

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Rchard Janisse

Rick specializes in business development. 

He is President RMJ & Associates, LLC and resides in Bigfork MT

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Email: rickjanisse@outlook.com

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Nancy Kuhn

Board Secretary

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Nancy Kuhn

Nancy is a long time resident and former business owner here in Bigfork.  Nancy has been an integral part of BACC's success!  Her passion for community, the arts, and education is an inspiration to us all!

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Molly Cumming

Board Member; Communications & Outreach

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Grieg Fahnlander

Board member

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Will Smith

Makerspace- advisor to the Board

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Shauna Gibson

Gingerbread Competition / Scholarship Committee

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Giovanna Carlson

Program Consultant

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Giovanna Carlson

Giovanna comes to us from Vermont where her family's farm is located deep in the Green Mountain Range.  She received a full scholarship to attend the University of Vermont at Burlington.  While maintaining a full schedule of community art and dance therapy activities, Giovanna completed studies in dance, nutrition, and experiences in community leadership.  At BACC Giovanna will continue to assist in developing educational history and cultural arts programs which will now include dance and music.  Growing up in a community steeped in the value of heritage arts, Giovanna is excited to share and learn alongside Bigfork residents and visitors!

Email: giovannacarlson@baccbigfork.org

Bigfork Art / Cultural Center

We are an creative and educational hub in Bigfork that inspires people of all ages through a wide variety of workshops, lectures, and learning opportunities. BACC shares cultures through art and story stewardship. This is BACC’s way of bridging the connection between our past and the future we wish for our children, ourselves, and our world. As determined by the Internal Revenue Service Code, Bigfork Art and Cultural Center is a 501(c)3 organization, exempt from federal income tax. Bigfork Art and Cultural Center's tax identification number is 366212000. 

525 Electric Avenue
Bigfork, Montana

406-885-9010 | director@baccbigfork.org