10/1/2024 Press Release: Executive Director Sarah Justice Resigns from The Square

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

10.1.2024

Executive Director Sarah Justice Resigns from The Square 

“Dear Great Falls Community, 

Working for Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square) over the past seven years has been a highlight in my career and life as an advocate for the arts and artists. Bringing together an extraordinary professional team, assisting with board and committee development, growing museum membership and developing relationships and partnerships with donors and businesses, and restoring the Historic Building have been extremely fulfilling. All I have ever wanted to do as the past Education Director and present Executive Director of The Square is to breathe new life into things with hard work and dedication. I feel that the museum team has made great accomplishments. 

It is with a combination of sadness and excitement for a new career change that I share that I am resigning as the Executive Director for Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, effective October 31st, 2024. I have accepted an offer to be the new Executive Director for the Zootown Arts Community Center (The ZACC) in Missoula, MT. This is another amazing arts organization which serves its community through inclusivity using all facets of the arts: music, performance, art classes for youth and adults, artists' studios, and an art gallery. The Square prepared me for this new adventure, and I will forever be grateful for the learning opportunity to grow as a leader here in Great Falls. 

This decision has taken much thought and was not easy for me because I love The Square. I have come to realize that it is the best decision for me at this time in my career. Supporting The Square is easy because I believe in its mission, vision, and values; I plan to continue being a museum member and supporting fundraising efforts. 

The Square is in a very good place for this transition because the team of professionals and Board of Directors are capable, driven, successful and are doing good work for the museum. I dedicate the success to the museum team because without them we would have never been able to accomplish our goals, nor would the future look as bright as it does.  

Moving forward, The Square has submitted the Montana Historic Preservation Grant (Biennium 2025-2026) through the Department of Commerce to create two climate controlled permanent collection storage vaults, replace the deteriorating floor in classroom 18 in the education department, and for new window blinds for climate control and UV protection for the beautiful woodwork throughout the building. Please be willing to support The Square in this endeavor by donating required matching funds for this grant. Another project that is in serious need for accessibility at The Square is the replacement of the deteriorating parking lot.  Please support The Square with this endeavor as well, through letters of support, sharing at commission public hearings, or donating to the cause. It takes a strong community to support all the non-profits in Great Falls, and The Square deserves and is worthy of your continual support.  

With warm regards, 

Sarah Justice 

Statement from the Board of Directors: "It is with bittersweet feeling the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art says farewell to Sarah Justice as she departs as our Executive Director. Sarah has accomplished amazing things during her tenure at our institution. She will be greatly missed but we are excited for her future as well as the future of the Square."