10/28/24 Press Release: New Interim Executive Director Announced for The Square
Great Falls, MT., October 28, 2024 – Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square) gladly announces the appointment of Nicole Maria Evans as its Interim Executive Director starting October 31st. Evans is the Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at The Square and brings exceptional exhibitions, publications, and expert lectures to the community. She was appointed to the position of Curator by the museum’s Board of Directors in June of 2019. She has graciously agreed to also serve in the interim position until a new Executive Director is fully appointed. With her extensive background in museum and arts management, and the support of an experienced museum team, The Square is positioning the organization for continued success.
Evans’ leadership is rooted in collaboration, understanding, and communication. She has a proven record of building strong museum relationships, fundraising, and engaged communities through her work. Evans is an art historian, curator, writer, researcher, and educator. She oversees the programming initiatives for exhibitions and collections at the museum. Evans has led the curatorial direction and collections care efforts for the museum since 2019. She secured the needed Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) national award for the museum in 2022, and the resulting report paved the way for the current strategic planning projects for the museum. Additional professional accomplishments for Evans include establishing the museum’s outstanding exhibition publications which have received rave reviews, as well as furthering the museum’s traveling exhibition portfolio.
“I’m entrusted to continuing to work closely with the dedicated staff, the board, and the broader community to sustain the institution and promote a strong welcoming environment for the permanent Executive Director so that they may succeed and continue to make the museum flourish,” said Evans.
Evans holds a Master of Arts in Art History and Museum Studies from Tufts University; and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History from University of California Los Angles (UCLA). Evans holds a seat on the Board of Trustees of the Montana Art Gallery Directors Association (MAGDA). She has served in curatorial, fellowship, research, collections, and educational roles at museums and universities across the United States including and not limited to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Tufts University, deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, The Smithsonian Institution (Latino Museum Studies Program/National Museum of the American Latino, National Museum of the American Indian, and SITES Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services).
Evans will serve as Interim Executive Director until the position is filled, ideally by February 2025. The Board of Directors has engaged in the search for permanent ED. More details on this position are available at https://www.the-square.org/careers.
About Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square) is north-central Montana’s only contemporary art museum. Founded in 1977 and located in Great Falls, Montana, the museum resides in and stewards the original 1896 building of the historic Central High School. The Square is known for exhibitions that feature intriguing outsider and contemporary living artists in conjunction with exciting exhibition programs and studio art classes to the community.
General Information
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is located at 1400 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, Montana. Admission is FREE to the public, donations are greatly appreciated. Visitor hours: Tuesday 10am to 9pm, Wednesday through Friday 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10pm to 3pm, Sunday and Monday closed. Closed on select holidays. Visit www.the-square.org or call 406.727.8255 for further information.
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