was formed when Diana Arnold invited two friends, Ken Bova and Vicki Fish, to meet and discuss the possibility of teaching art classes out of her private studio. From that meeting a partnership was formed to open a school that would foster community and support in the arts by providing a place to teach, learn, and make art in an inspirational environment. It was launched in Bozeman the weekend of Saturday, June 19, 2004 when it opened its doors for a solstice celebration and open house.

That summer the school offered a series of Saturday workshops in a variety of media. Schedules of the school's first workshops were available at the open house. During the open house visitors were invited to make their mark for art by adding to the school’s facade. An area on the side of the studio was reserved for a mosaic and materials were provided for visitors to add pieces of tile to create a unique and lasting addition to the studio. In the evening there was a bonfire provided to warm the visitors.

Located just past the three mile marker on Bear Canyon Road and along side Bear Creek, the school’s studios had been under construction for the previous two years. The school houses a fully equipped jewelry studio and facility with fabrication, forming, casting, and enameling capability. There is a classroom for presenting classes in painting, drawing, and 3-D arts such as bookbinding and paper making, stained glass, basket weaving and more.

Now in its third year of operation Bear Canyon School offers an ongoing schedule of a variety of art classes from beginning jewelry to mask-making, stained glass to hand-built ceramics, drawing, mixed media and more. The school hopes to continue growing and building community in the arts and to provide new and expanded opportunities to those seeking to learn.