As Executive Director, Brian manages the day-to-day operations of the Arts Council as well as securing the artists for all of our events. He’s been a leader in the Big Sky arts and nonprofit community since 2001 when he first joined the ACBS. Originally from western New York, Brian has a BA in International Studies from the University of Buffalo (SUNY) and attended the University of Montana Graduate School of Journalism. In addition to leading the ACBS, Brian is also an accomplished writer, musician and snowboarder, and father to two adventurous kids. He’s proudly lived in Montana for 30 years.
More than 30 years ago, Katie moved to Big Sky where she’s lived ever since, sinking deep roots and falling in love with the people and organizations that make Big Sky exceptional. She’s worked in government, academia, and the private sector, but after more than two decades of nonprofit work, helping organizations get things done has become her passion and specialty. With a BS in Soils and a MA in Education, she’s found that mastering a useful skill set and developing meaningful relationships has been her career path roadmap. Katie loves recreating outside, traveling, live music, building things, snapping photos, and being amazed daily at the beauty of the world around her with family and friends.
Julie has been passionately advocating for creativity within the realm of the public education system for close to 30 years, and is excited to bring her love of teaching to the Arts Council. The mountains, culture, art of México, especially the town of San Miguel de Allende, captivated her very early on in her career as an Educator. This inspired her to complete her M. Ed. in Spanish Dual Language (Curriculum and Instruction). Though a native of Illinois, Julie’s preference is mountain living, adventure, and taking in nature at every possible moment. She has resided in the mountains of Colorado, Utah and Montana and currently lives in Big Sky.
Jesine Munson was born and raised in Montana and has no intention of leaving - this special place will forever be her home. Hailing from Havre, she has lived in Bozeman since 2007. Jesine holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Art History and a BFA with a focus in Ceramics. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in American Studies and teaching as an adjunct professor at the Montana State University School of Art. Her research is in Pragmatist Aesthetics and Moral Imagination, and she profoundly believes that living more artistically is key to the survival of our species. She is the Board President of Compassion Project, a Bozeman non-profit whose mission is to teach and spread compassion through art and mindfulness. Jesine embodies these values every day and believes the key to community building is through compassionate dialogue and creative connection, the art of living, as she calls it. Public art is foundational in these beliefs, and she is eager to get to work in cultivating a strong community in Big Sky. Jesine loves art and the outdoors, and her dream day is to be out-of-service with her dogs (Lucy & Chester) and husband (Austen Sumanis), exploring and taking in all the wonder this great state has to offer.
Born and raised on a ranch out of Casper, Wyoming, Tamara grew up immersed in the Western landscape and community. She earned a BA in Geography (GIS) from the University of Wyoming and BFA in Graphic Design from Montana State University. She has spent her whole career working in the non-profit realm and supports several local organizations with volunteer service in her free time. She teaches dance for grown-ups, art and photography with kids, DJs at KGLT, is a third-generation 4-H leader, greatly admires the local comedy scene, loves horses, and is overwhelmingly proud of her two exceptional (and freshly adulted) children.
Yvonne's non-profit career began when her daughter's preschool asked her to join the board. She later worked at the Montana Outdoor Science School and found her passion in stewardship and fundraising work. She spends her free time volunteering for the Girl Scouts, fundraising for the art efforts at her children's elementary school, and of course doing all the fun outdoor Montana things. Originally from Hong Kong, Yvonne and her family moved to Bozeman 8 years ago. She had her first ever snowboard lesson at Moonlight Basin many years ago and now watching her kids learn to ski in Big Sky is very special!
Kate joined the Arts Council with a background in Communications, Advertising, and Digital Marketing from Appalachian State University. Recently relocating to Montana, Kate has been drawn to Big Sky for years, captivated by its natural beauty and vibrant community. With a passion for photography and videography, she brings her creative eye to capturing the arts in Big Sky, showcasing the talent and culture that the Arts Council supports. Outside of work, Kate loves hiking, camping, and immersing herself in the Montana outdoors.
Riley Oglevie moved to Big Sky 4 years ago with her parents. Riley was born and raised in southwest Kansas and has always had a passion for the arts as well as athletics. She played Volleyball and studied at Florida Southwestern State and Winthrop University, where she earned a degree in Criminology with a Minor in Art. She graduated in December of 2023 and officially moved full-time to Big Sky shortly after. Riley has had experience with art and athletic camps starting in her high school years. She spent her first two summers here working at Jake’s Horses and has also enjoyed painting and handy work when she can. Riley has love and passion for the youth and hopes to help the youth community of Big Sky grow, learn, and thrive.
Sierra is the newest member of The Arts Council Studio Instructor Team and has proven to be a dedicated and talented ceramic artist. We are excited to have Sierra on board at The Arts Council.
After graduating from Miami University of Ohio in 2002, with a degree in Sports Marketing, Katie decided to pack a bag and spend a winter skiing in Big Sky. After only one winter working at Big Sky Resort, and living at the base of Lone Peak, she knew this was home. Her experiences in the community eventually turned into a career with LTD Real Estate and owner-operator of Pinnacle Property Management. It only took one pottery class with Julie to reignite her love of pottery and the desire to be more involved. The access offered by ACBS and BASE has given her the opportunity to learn and share her passion with the community. Away from work Katie loves spending time outdoors, snowboarding, running, camping, and traveling.