Ken Bjorge (1943-2025)
In 1988 when a sculptor friend challenged Ken to make something out of a piece of clay, he didn’t realize it would forever change the course of his life. He found he was instantly attracted to the medium which resulted in his eventual decision to pursue his newfound passion full time and leave behind a 20 year career as a law professor at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He made the move to Bigfork, Montana later that same year and opened Bjorge’s Gallery & Studio where he began his path to becoming a noted and sought after sculptor, respected gallery owner and valued member of the Bigfork community.
In the thirty-five plus years of Ken’s career as a sculptor, visitors to the gallery would frequently find him at work on his latest piece, a vision of wildlife, a western scene, or a commissioned portrait or monument. Sharing his passion for sculpture was one of his greatest joys and he would frequently send visitors home with a chunk of clay. He loved visiting with everyone who ventured into the gallery and as a result, developed many lasting friendships. He will be sorely missed in the art community and beyond.
Ken’s work was widely collected and can be found across the country in public spaces and in businesses as well as on private properties. Some of his clients Included: Auburn University; California State University of Los Angeles; Montana State University; The University of Texas; The University of Washington; St. Francis Highschool in La Canada, CA; Central Catholic High School in Grand Rapids, MI; Wellfield Botantic Gardens in Elkhart, IN; Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.; Dayton Hudson/Target Corp.; Westinghouse Corp.; The City of Dothan, AL; The Living Desert Wildlife Park of Palm Desert, CA; Trademark Acquisition & Development Co. of Fort Worth, TX; Lincoln Harris Corp.; The International Order of St. Hubertus; First Interstate Bank of Bigfork, MT; and Majestic Valley, LLC as well as numerous private individuals.