Read an overview of our Public Art Program here.
Our latest sculpture, nicknamed “Wolfie” is a playful bronze by Montana born artist Brad Rude that tells the tale of a wolf on his own quest. Looking ahead on her journey, the wolf strides forward with the aid of two wheels and a walking stick. Ears up, erect, with slightly tilted head she appears to hear or see something. The vintage, red bicycle wheels show a folk art influence. The color and animated texture of the animal’s coat adds an element of intrigue. Richly layered bronze patina finishes the sculpture in a most magical way. The wolf captures the spirit of each of us as we look forward to our next adventure.
The Arts Council of Big Sky in collaboration with Crucible Design Studios has installed a new viewing bench for the Gibbous Kinetic sculpture titled STRATA along with a donor appreciation sign outside of the Franklin. This bench consists of 350 pieces inspired by the mountains and culture of Big Sky. This collaboration is hopefully the first of many in making an 'adopt a bench' program.
We welcomed Big Sky’s first large-scale mural in the Little Coyote/Lone Peak Hwy Pedestrian Tunnel by Bozeman-born artist,
Stella Nall. This mural was inspired by community feedback from the following prompt;
“Think about the landscape/environment of Big Sky and the wonderful plants and wildlife that live here. If you could imagine a make-believe ‘Big Sky Being’, what would it be like?
10 Haikus written by local students displayed on plaques at Big Sky's local trailheads
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.
Locations
1. Southfork
2. Uplands
3. Hummocks
4. Uplands/Hummocks trail kiosk
5. Little Willow Way start of trail sign
6. "Little Willow Way to Black Diamond Trail" sign
7. Small Crail Ranch sign at beginning of trail
8. Spruce cone sign at beginning of trail (showing town center one way and firelight condos the other)
9. Spruce Cone sign behind firelight condos
10. Sign on trail leading to Ousel Falls (about halfway from town center to ousel)
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.
In 2024, ACBS partnered with Grow Wild to create a pollinator garden surrounding the moose pair, enriching our community through artistic expression and educating the public about the importance of pollinators and providing essential habitat for these threatened creatures. The pollinator garden serves as an inspiration for all Big Sky residents to create their own pollinator havens. By incorporating native plants into our landscaping, we can all contribute to a healthier ecosystem and a thriving community for these vital insects. We hope that this is the first garden of many creating a pollinator pathway through our public art program.
Big Sky Blooms: Celebrating Art and Nature at the Ousel Falls Pollinator Garden Ribbon Cutting!
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. Originally installed at the roundabout in 2006, Menhir has seen Big Sky literally grow around it. Now it has settled in its new home, in a pocket park with a stunning view of Lone Peak, outside of BASE Community Center on the NE corner of Simkins Drive and Aspen Leaf.
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.