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.
Jesine Munson was born and raised in Montana. Hailing from Havre, she has lived in Bozeman since 2007. Jesine has gone to school for far too long and has a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Art History and a BFA with a focus in Ceramics. In 2023, she completed her PhD in American Studies and occasionally still teaches as an adjunct professor at Montana State University. 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 based her research 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 with the idea that Public Art is Public Health. Jesine loves art and the outdoors, and her dream day is to be out-of-service with her dogs (Lucy & Chester) and brand new baby, Monte Edgar.
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.
Sierra is the newest member of The Arts Council Studio Instructor Team and has proven to be a dedicated and talented ceramic artist. Sierra teaches pottery and manages the art classroom/studio in the BASE community center, and also runs the open studio program.
Shannon joined the Arts Council studio staff in the fall of 2024 and is teaching our beginner and intermediate stained glass classes. Shannon is excited to be back in Big Sky after leaving in 2021, and in addition to teaching art she works full time as the Center Director of Morningstar Learning Center. Having lived in many different mountain towns throughout the west from Leavenworth, WA to Breckenridge, CO, Big Sky has always been the one that felt most like home. You can often find Shannon in the mountains skiing, climbing, rafting, hiking, or sitting in her hammock with a cup of tea and a good book.
Zach Stephens lives here in Big Sky teaches beginner pottery classes as well as certain open studio sessions. Zach joined the ACBS team in the fall of 2024 and we're excited to have him in the studio!