Read an overview of our Public Art Program here.
Our latest sculpture campaign is for Brad Rude's playful To the Skyland, which will be installed on a walking path across from Town Center Plaza in 2024.
Big Sky Haikus is a project presented by Lone Peak High School student Astrid McGuire. This public art installation is designed to bring students and locals together to convey what the Big Sky community and area means to them.
Lightning welcomes visitors to the BASE Community Center and serves as a beautiful memorial to Anne Buchanan and others lost too soon. Learn more about this amazing American artist here!
In October of 2018 we installed an outdoor sculpture by world-renowned sculptor Deborah Butterfield. Butterfield’s horses grace outdoor locations across the country, and Big Sky is honored to have the first outdoor Butterfield in the state. This installation in our community honors one of our state’s most accomplished artists and provide a spectacular anchor for all our public art efforts. Click here for an article on the installation.
Watch an inspiring video about the artist here: Deborah Butterfield: Dialogue with an Artist.
Blending in with his natural surroundings, it is easy to mistake the Bull Elk for the real thing as you approach the Uplands and Hummocks trails. The sculpture was a generous donation to the Arts Council by Lindy Adelmann, in memory of her husband Doug.
While studying at Montana State University, a young Jim Dolan made a pledge to spend his life contributing to the State of Montana. He remained true to his word and is now a prominent sculptor whose work has come to define Southwestern Montana. The Moose Pair greets hikers as they enter the Ousel Falls Trailhead. Thank you to Dave Dollinger and Tom Newberry for loaning this sculpture to ACBS. Click here for an article on the installation!
Jim Dolan’s Ram may be Big Sky’s oldest piece of Public Art. Prior to his new home near the corner of Ousel Falls Road and Lone Mountain Trail, the Ram resided at the entrance of the River Rock Hotel for nearly 30 years. Overgrown and hidden by aspens, the Ram was “re-homed” to a location where more people could enjoy him.
In the fall of 2018 we also installed Waldazo, by Bozeman artist Kirsten Kainz, in Town Center’s Fire Pit Park. The beautiful life-size bison was on loan to the Arts Council and is currently for sale.
“Waldazo” was the pen name of poet and teacher Steve Johnson, whose garage was the source of the materials that Kainz used to construct the sculpture. His daughter Katharine Johnson donated the items – countless artifacts used with love by her family for many years. Read her moving account here.
Click here for an article about Kainz and her work.
Gibbous was installed in October 2021 at the roundabout on Huntley Drive and Town Center Avenue. Gibbous is Big Sky’s first kinetic sculpture and is propelled into motion by the slightest breeze. Visit Max Davidson Gallery to learn more about Pedro.
Installed in 2019, Continuity is the Arts Council’s first installation of abstract art. The carved California Black Granite, organic shape, and viewing portal work in perfect unison with the surrounding architecture and landscape. It also marks a great resting point along the future town-wide connector trail. See more of Winslow’s work at his website.
At 13 feet high and over 2000 pounds, Menhir is a formidable installation of steel and stone. Installed at the roundabout in 2006, Menhir has seen Big Sky literally grow around it. For years it was a lonely sentinel in a field of sage and is currently in storage awaiting installation in a new location on the future sculpture trail.
A loving memorial to Big Sky’s Mitch and Janet Simkins, the Memorial Fountain is an intersection of artistry and functionality. Mitch Billis’s cleverly designed fountain dispenses water to people and their pets. This sculpture can be found near the playground in the Town Center Plaza. The location suits the artist, whose work is often inspired by the wonderful perspective of children.