How Half a Century Shaped the Vision and Voice of One of Utah's Oldest Arts Organizations.
In 1974, the American art scene embraced experimentation, pushing beyond galleries into performance, conceptual work, and immersive installations. This creative wave reached Utah, where a budding arts organization was ready to make its mark. Fifty years later, it stands as a testament to art’s power to inspire and unite.
Origins and Vision
In 1974, the Bountiful Davis Art Center (BDAC) was established through a partnership between the city of Bountiful and the University of Utah’s Department of Arts and Division of Continuing Education. Created to meet a need for accessible arts and community engagement, BDAC became a pioneering space for artistic expression and cultural enrichment. The city provided a building, and Anton “Tony” Rasmussen, a 32-year-old polio survivor and Coast Guard veteran, was appointed director. With a BFA and a passion for art’s deeper processes, Rasmussen’s background in abstract and figurative murals influenced BDAC’s early focus on community-centered, accessible art.
Meeting the Needs of a Growing Population
After WWII, Davis County’s population surged in line with the national suburban boom. Between 1940 and 1950, the population nearly doubled, and by 1960, it had doubled again, reaching about 65,000. By the 1970s, more than 99,000 residents called Davis County home. As families settled in the area, the demand for accessible community resources—especially in the arts—grew significantly. The establishment of the Bountiful Davis Art Center (BDAC) responded to this rapid growth, helping foster a sense of community and cultural enrichment. BDAC quickly became essential, providing residents with the unique, connecting experiences that only the arts can offer.
Building a Legacy of Arts Education
Over the years, BDAC has expanded its mission and programming to reflect changing artistic trends and the evolving needs of Davis County’s growing community. Today, we offer a range of programs to engage the public and support artists. Art classes and free exhibitions in the Main, Front, Annex, and Underground galleries invite the community to explore diverse art forms. The artist residency fosters experimentation, culminating in a solo exhibition in the Annex Gallery. BDAC also hosts annual Plein Air Competitions, inviting Utah artists to create in the plein air tradition, and the Statewide Annual, a juried exhibition celebrating Utah’s artistic talent. Featuring traditional and contemporary works, the Statewide Annual provides exposure for emerging and established artists—57 total artists in all in 2024—fostering professional growth within Utah’s arts community.
Enhancing Utah’s Cultural Landscape
BDAC has established itself as a vital community hub, welcoming creatives and audiences from all walks of life. To further sustain and grow our mission, we are launching a strategic five-year plan (2025-2029) aimed at expanding our reach to new Bountiful residents and diverse creative voices. This plan will focus on enhancing community engagement, developing programs to attract emerging and underrepresented artists, and strengthening partnerships throughout Utah. By adapting to the evolving needs of our community, BDAC aims to inspire even greater participation, ensuring that art remains an accessible, transformative force for everyone in the years to come.
Looking Forward: The Next 50 Years of BDAC
As BDAC looks to the future, our vision is to encourage individuals in our community to engage more deeply in art-making while fostering the growth of artists and expanding our reach to serve a broader audience of art lovers in the surrounding areas. Through ongoing conversations with artists, art educators, elected officials, and the public (you!), we are gathering valuable feedback to shape a future where BDAC becomes an even more impactful nexus for creativity, inspiration, and connection.
Join us for our next strategic planning meeting
December 13th, 2024
10AM – 11:30AM
All are invited, everyone shapes the future of the arts.
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