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Classes & Events

BACC offers a spectrum of Art workshops and presentations.  Year round workshops and lectures are available in the visual,  digital, dance and music arts.  We encourage you to join us for a wonderful learning experience led by our local Montana artisans.   "Through visual storytelling, art conveys complex cultural narratives that might otherwise be lost"

Weaving on a triangle loom

The first in our new weaving series

Learn the basic skills of weaving on a triangle loom to create triangle shape pieces of weaving that you can join together to make a scarf, or a bigger triangle piece for a larger shawl or plan to make purses, vests, blankets and skirts.
We will explore:
1) Creative texture, type and color of yarn to blend together
2) Discussion on how to build different sizes of triangle Loom
3) How to join smaller pieces to make a bigger triangle or rectangle scarf/shaw

Scholarships available.

Weaving on a triangle loom

Grace Larson book signing and local history discussion

Her book release- "An Emigrant, A Homesteader and Sheep" Free event!

"A wonderful glimpse into the lives of some strong, hard-working Montana pioneers.
Grace Larson writes about her family and life in a way that leaves the reader in awe of
their strength and struggles."

Grace Larson book signing and local history discussion

Paint 'n Sip

Fun art experience with Kiki and Susan!

With a little paint, a little time, and a little wine, you can take home a forever Spring Bouquet Painting. Enjoy lots of tips and tricks. Local artists, Kiki Kiana and Susan Mckay make it easy to personalize your painting with a favorite quote and color choices. This one features a painted wood frame, tulips, and arnica flowers. Paint it for yourself or someone special.

Paint 'n Sip

Rug weaving

W/ our popular fiber workshop leader Shauney Fisher!

Students will learn the basic techniques of  Twine weaving on   smaller sample Rug loom. This is the 1st class of a 3 part series on Loom Rug Weaving. We will have 2 more Separate Classes on other weaving techniques coming this summer. Class will include supplies to weave on the loom with instruction from Shauney Fisher who is a Montana Native living in Libby and owns and operates a Fiber Mill that processes alpaca and wool fiber.  She loves sharing the fiber arts with anyone who wants to learn.

Rug weaving

Moving through new techniques of painting

Art as a personal journey

Annie gently guides her audience and
students through the creative process which engages the mind,
body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone.
Her unique approach explores the interfaces of kinesthetic sensory,
perceptual, and symbolic opportunities. Through her
incredible play with color, figures, and even mystical characters,
Annie's audiences and students explore their visual and symbolic
expression. This journey could be considered art as therapy as it gives voice to personal
experience and empowers individual communal, and even for some art expressions; cultural or societal
transformation.

Moving through new techniques of painting

New Techniques with acrylics

painting workshop w/favorite Terrisa Olson

Learn to stretch your painting style or even as a first time learner with acrylics.  Terrisa brings her life-long passion as an art educator to BACC as she creates a fun, expressive journey with acrylic painting for her students!

New Techniques with acrylics

Stitched Stones

w/ Merrie Ford- the art of sewing

The designs in Rocks & Stones are endless.  Here in the Northwest we have an abundance of sources in River Rocks, Field Stones,  Lake Rocks & Pebbles.         In this relaxing hand-stitching class you will draw inspiration from real rocks, and learn to draw your own pattern, create the appearance of texture, achieve smooth edges, and embellish with both stitching and beadwork.

Feel free to gather a few favorite rocks and bring them to class for discussion and inspiration.

 

Stitched Stones

Oil Painting Workshop

Sip n' paint

Ever wonder how to oil paint?  Or just need to learn new techniques?  Join us this Saturday for Sarah Oursland's wonderfully fun and encouraging oil painting workshop!

 

Oil Painting Workshop

Stitched Pinecones

June 17th w/ Merrie Ford- the art of sewing

The Iconic Pinecone is our source of Inspiration in this Artful Handwork
class.
In this workshop we will explore different shapes of Pinecones, and learn 3
different ways to apply those shapes to fabric. We will discuss woven
texture in fabric, printed texture through design, and creating texture with
Stitches and Beadwork. Perfect as a small piece of Art or a Gift.
Take a walk and gather 2-3 Pinecones to bring to class for Inspiration –
everything else will be provided for you!

 

Stitched Pinecones

BACC Summer Camp

"Rooted in Nature" ages 6-10

Kids celebrate the beginning of summer right by rooting in nature and art making! We will explore nature and cultures based in nature and bring this inspiration and materials from the outdoors into the art studio. As we explore the flora and fauna found around us here in Bigfork,   we will also explore natures expressions through painting, printmaking, bookmaking, handbuilding with clay, and experimenting in an
exhibition at the end of each week! Projects include a handmade nature journal, a mural painting, upcyclying, and more!

BACC Summer Camp

Sumi-e Water color Painting

Asian-style water color - two classes available

Two classes: 10-noon  or  6-8 PM

Enjoy a HANDS-ON introduction to Sumi-e, an Asian-style watercolor
painting. Sumi-e is a Japanese word formed by the terms "sumi" (ink)
and "e" (painting). Experience the calming meditation effect while
practicing these painting techniques. This poetic art form will prove
helpful in all your other artistic mediums as well. It's easy enough so
that you may take home one or more small paintings.
Class Instructors: Susan A.McKay and Kiki Kiana.

Sumi-e Water color Painting

Felting home products

w/ Shauney Fisher

Learn how to make felted Soap and felted dryer balls.

Class will include materials to make one felted soap and one felted dryer ball with additional materials available for purchase to make more during the class or take home. You can make a simple one color or be creative in multi colors.

These simple items make great  gifts or for your own use at home. 

Felting home products
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Meet our Instructors

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William Smith

Graphic designer by trade. Artist and teacher by heart.

Vicky headshot

William Smith

I have been an artist my whole life. At a young age I would draw every day for hours. I experimented with pencil, charcoal, pen and ink and finally developed a passion for oil painting. I pursed my artistic passion through art classes in school and commercial art classes in high school where everything changed. After receiving a A.A.S. in Commercial Art from Ferris State University, my career took me from newspaper editorial illustration, to design agencies and eventually to owner and creative director of a successful marketing communications firm in Michigan, from which I retired. My wife and I moved to Montana where I began my latest career in Bigfork, designing full-time for an award-winning creative firm. In my spare time, I work in my home studio putting brush to canvas using the beauty that surrounds me for creative inspiration.

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Jennifer Bach

Artist & Transformational Coach

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Jennifer Bach

As an artist and Transformational Wellness Coach I have the unique opportunity to  provide creative workshops for small groups and work teams. Creating in a group format cultivates connection and collaboration. For many people painting and other creative projects are outside their comfort zone, at JB Inspired Living I implement a functional approach to wellness and living. Meaning, we work together to master the Art of Flourishing through Transformational Wellness; Inspiring health and wholeness in all areas of life. All systems of the body...mental, emotional, physical and spiritual, function in tandem with one another. Not one part of our wellbeing is isolated. Creating provides many health benefits to the mind, body and soul.

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Giovanna Carlson

Homeschool & Dance Consultant

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Terrisa Olson

Artist and workshop leader.

Terrisa headshot

Terrisa Olson

Terrisa is a popular artist and BACC workshop leader!

Terrisa was born and raised in Billings, Mt. As a child she spent summers visiting her Aunt and Uncle's farm in Pryor,Mt. on the Crow Reservation. 
She was greatly influenced  during these visits, gaining a love for the mountains, wildlife and farm life.
  Terrisa is an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe, with  roots  deep in Montana's history.
Terrisa's initial medium was watercolor but through the years has added pastels, acrylics, collage and inks. 
Terrisa has a line of greeting cards, " dipper Cards" and a line of stickers, " Montana Stickers" found at several retailers in Montana.
Terrisa is a Signature member of the Montana Watercolor Society and her work was selected to be in the up-coming Water Media Show at the Hockaday Museum of Art, Kalispell, Mt. She has recently been in the " Our Town Show", Dana Gallery, Missoula,Mt. and the "Resilience Show" at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center.
Terrisa is an art instructor, in the past she donated, time to teach art at the Rattlesnake  Elementary School. Missoula Mt.  and currently teaches from her home and ships lessons to rural area's in Montana.
 
 
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Grace Powell

Owner Cranky Goose Hill Farm

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Grace Powell

Welcome to Cranky Goose Hill Farm located on the west shore of Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana. We are a small urban farm located in the center of the community of Lakeside committed to providing locally grown cut flowers. 

Started in 2020, our farm was created to fulfill a lifelong desire to be able to farm and provide the beautiful blooms that have always brought me happiness to others.  This lifelong passion has resulted in a ever-expanding collection of annual and perennial blooms. The farm started as a way to provide blooms for ourselves and has grown into my dream job of providing fresh locally grown flowers to our community. 

Cranky Goose strives to provide affordable stunning arrangements and wholesale blooms for just about any occasion that are the epitome of fresh, sustainable, and organically grown. 

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Pamela Beer

Artist and workshop leader.

Pamela headshot

Pamela Beer

"Spacious Joy, with emotion, with humor, with love...always" is Pamela Beer's motto!

Pam grew up as a creative personality coming from a life that demanded more a focus on survival than the expression of her creativity.

Each feeling of excitement, burst of pleasure, or dreams of laughter were squelched by the need to navigate through the challenges of being raised rural and poor along with the challenges stemming from that environment.

Through sheer determination and a long career in technology, she finally burst onto the art scene in 2013 with a renewed spirit to make things that brought joy and completeness, not only for herself but to bring uplifting moments to others.

Each work takes many weeks to complete and begins with several layers of an oil paint and cold wax mixture applied with squeegees onto wood cradled panels. More layering and subsequent colors are applied with soft brayers for an effect that is simultaneously bold and subtle.

Her designs often begin chaotic and stormy only to end up in a very joyful dance that emanates from each work.

Life creates her work and she makes whatever resinates in the current.

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Chelcee Humphrey

Art experience leader

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Chelcee Humphrey

Chelcee, a Montana native, has nurtured her love for art since childhood. Exploring various mediums from a young age, she studied art in college and showcased her work at local coffee shops and small galleries in Oregon. Transitioning into the nonprofit sector after graduation, Chelcee continued cultivating her passion for art through teaching classes to underprivileged children and families. Even during the pandemic, her commitment to spreading artistic joy persisted as she conducted virtual classes. Art remains Chelcee's enduring passion and source of fulfillment.

Email: Chelcee@baccbigfork.org

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Schoolhouse Corner

Founded in 1893, The Swan River School has been a beloved landmark in the Bigfork community for over 125 years. In the spring semester of 2018, the students of Mrs. Emslie’s 5th grade glass undertook a project to tell part of their school’s rich history, in the form of short video documentaries that they researched, wrote, shot, and edited themselves.

Schoolhouse

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

406.837.6927