Bigfork Art and Cultural Center

Our History

Bigfork has always been an arts town. From its earliest days, Bigfork residents have been artists, artisans, craftsmen, art collectors and art enthusiasts. In 1977, a group of visionary citizens saw the need to build a community center focusing on the arts and ensuring a cultural legacy for Bigfork and the surrounding area. This forward-thinking group included Les and Ginny Averill, Sam Stephens, and Ruth & Joe Sliter, who purchased a gas station and converted it into Bigfork’s first art center!

BACC is still housed in the same spot and over the years we have undergone a number of transformations. One significant addition was the musical clock tower which graces the front of our building. The clock tower has become a local landmark and gathering point. Music emanates from the tower every hour playing melodies ranging from Amazing Grace to Moon River to I Got You Babe. The clock tower was funded through private donations – supported by a campaign led by Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork, “CFBB” – a local, nonprofit organization responsible for the majority of our village’s infrastructure and improvements.