A Little More About Us
The BSBAF makes its collections of art, from a variety of eras to the present, accessible to the widest possible audience by presenting exhibitions, thus furthering an understanding and interest in local traditions, heritage, and arts. There are also musical performances by local and national beginners to professionals thus encouraging creativity with music. We also provide art classes in different areas of art at various times of year.
The Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation (BSBAF) was formed in 1976 consisting of the Butte Silver Bow Bi-Centennial Commission as its Board of Directors to promote the arts for residents of Butte and Southwest Montana. Originally, there were 18 members of the Bi-Centennial Commission, who raised the funds to purchase the Charles Walker Clark Mansion in 1976 and gave it to the county of Butte Silver Bow. A non-profit organization was formed in 1977 known as the Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation under IRS Code 501 (c) 3 status to promote the arts using the Charles Walker Clark Mansion under the name of The Arts Chateau as its base of operations. BSBAF made an agreement the Butte Silver Bow government to have the chateau as its home of operations into perpetuity. Each year the BSBAF leased the Charles Walker Clark Mansion, built in 1898, from the Butte Silver Bow County for area residents to use as a cultural center for the arts. Today, the chateau has some other purpose with another organization which is the agenda of Butte Silver Bow County Government.
BSBAF (Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation) moved the organization to 113 N Hamilton, (the historic Smither's Photography building). At this location, we are able to advance our mission by providing quality arts and humanity activities through our new gallery and increase community involvement at the arts center.
During the past 40 years, the Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation(BSBAF) Board of Directors, volunteers, and members have worked to provide art, culture, heritage, and historic opportunities to an international audience.
“Chateau History”
