About BDAC
At Bountiful Davis Art Center (BDAC) our mission is to engage the community through quality artistic and cultural programs, provide educational experiences, and encourage the growth and expression of art.
Our History
In 1974, Bountiful Davis Art Center (BDAC) was founded through a partnership between Bountiful City and the University of Utah’s Department of Arts and Division of Continuing Education. This collaboration addressed the growing need for accessible arts in Davis County, where suburban development had brought thousands of new residents seeking community and culture.
Anton “Tony” Rasmussen, a Coast Guard veteran, artist, and polio survivor, became BDAC’s first director. With a passion for art’s transformative power, Rasmussen helped shape BDAC’s focus on community-centered artistic expression.
Over the decades, BDAC evolved to reflect Davis County’s growth and Utah’s vibrant arts landscape. We provide free opportunities to engage with art through year-round exhibitions, hands-on art-making programs, and our beloved Summerfest, which invites people to celebrate art, music, and traditions from cultures around the world. These experiences bring art to life and inspire creativity for everyone.
Community Engagement
At BDAC, we believe that experiencing and creating art is a human right, which is why we are committed to accessibility. Our exhibitions are always free, and we provide art-making opportunities for all ages, ensuring that anyone—regardless of background or income—can engage with art in meaningful ways. By bringing high-caliber exhibitions and programs to Davis County, BDAC eliminates the need to travel into metropolitan areas, offering a space where people can explore, create, and be inspired close to home.
BDAC also plays a vital role in strengthening our community and energizing Main Street in downtown Bountiful. As a creative and cultural anchor, we welcome thousands of visitors each year who not only enjoy our galleries and programs but also support local businesses, restaurants, and shops. Our beautifully restored facility has become a nexus of activity, contributing to the vibrancy of Bountiful’s historic Main Street and fostering a sense of connection, pride, and economic growth in our city.
Empowering Artists
BDAC is committed to empowering artists at every stage of their careers. We provide opportunities to showcase their work in our beautiful, professional gallery spaces, helping them build exhibition resumes and share their creative voices with the community. Programs like artist residencies, juried exhibitions, and solo shows allow artists to experiment, develop a cohesive body of work, and gain meaningful exposure.
By connecting artists with engaged audiences, BDAC fosters a thriving ecosystem of creativity in Northern Utah. Emerging and established artists alike benefit from the platform BDAC provides, gaining visibility, support, and the chance to grow as professionals. Our mission is to uplift artists, celebrate their work, and ensure they remain an integral part of our community’s cultural fabric.