A native Montanan, Michelle grew up surrounded by the landscapes and heritage of the West, experiences that shaped her lifelong appreciation for fine art and craftsmanship. She earned a degree in Business Management from Montana State University, driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Her passion for both business and the arts led her back to the Bitterroot Valley, where she took ownership of the gallery in 2019.
 

Michelle curates with a personal, intentional approach, building lasting relationships with artists and collectors alike. She’s committed to ethical business practices and supporting both emerging and established voices in Western Contemporary and Landscape Art. Many artists she represents are exhibiting in a gallery setting for the first time. 

Outside the gallery, Michelle enjoys skiing, hiking, and time outdoors. She grew up riding horses on her family’s property and remains deeply connected to the Western lifestyle that continues to inspire her work. She and her husband, Bridger Biggins, are raising their son, Jace, in the heart of Montana.

Jenny Drake is a recent transplant to the Bitterroot Valley, bringing with her a lifelong passion for the arts and seven years of experience teaching art in Colorado. In her previous role, she focused on demystifying artistic techniques and creating a supportive, creative environment for her students. That experience naturally evolved into her position as Gallery Manager, where she continues to share her enthusiasm for the creative process while engaging directly with the gallery’s talented roster of artists.

Surrounded by the grit and grace of Western contemporary art, Jenny feels a meaningful connection to her Wyoming roots. She takes pride in helping visitors navigate the gallery and find pieces that connect with their personal stories. Outside the gallery, she enjoys the Montana lifestyle by exploring Bitterroot trails, reading whenever she can, and continuing her own artistic practice.

Dane Watt is the Lead Custom Framer at Cassens Fine Art, where he works all custom framing projects with a hands-on approach and a deep attention to detail. Born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley, Dane first learned the craft on the job and quickly developed a strong passion for it, one that’s grown with every frame he’s built since.

Though his main focus is on the framing workshop, Dane is also an essential part of the larger gallery team. He brings thoughtful ideas to gallery planning and plays a key role in redesigning the space, especially when it comes to moving the heavier, more ambitious pieces. His appreciation for both the artistic and structural sides of the gallery makes him a quiet but invaluable force behind the scenes.

Presley is the Marketing Coordinator at Cassens Fine Art, where she leads our digital outreach efforts and helps share the gallery’s vision and artists with the world. From managing social media to developing marketing strategies, Presley plays a key role in how we connect with our community both online and in person. Originally from out of state, Presley moved to Montana at age 14 and quickly came to call the Bitterroot Valley home. She later earned her degree in Public Relations and Marketing from the University of Idaho.
 

Presley began working with the gallery during her fourth year, managing our social media platforms remotely from Moscow, Idaho. After graduating in December 2024, she joined our team full-time. Presley brings a fresh perspective, strong communication skills, and a passion for narratives that help bridge the gap between artists and audiences every day.