Spotlight on The Square 2026
feat. Students, Instructors, & Staff

February 6 – May 30, 2026

Exhibition Celebration
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Live music by Cale Younce
Free and open to the public

Spotlight on The Square focuses on the staff, students, and instructors who make the museum a creative community. This gallery celebrates the outstanding artwork from artists representing eight decades, countless years of experience, and a wide breadth of expertise in a variety of mediums.

The Square’s team comprises accomplished and recognized sculptors, painters, potters, printmakers, and artisans. We are thankful for the knowledge and commitment these individuals contribute to The Square. This is also an opportunity for the community to view the works made by our amazing art instructors and their dedicated students of all ages. Through their efforts, our museum fosters an artistic community and exudes a passion for the arts. Art is for Everyone!

About this Exhibition:

The exhibition was originally conceived in 2020 by Nicole Maria Evans, Chief Curator/Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Rob Kellenbeck, former Ceramic Technician, who together developed its concept and purpose: to show our community the connection between the museum and art education. In 2022, the museum presented the first iteration of this biannual showcase, making the current presentation the third of its kind.

In addition to celebrating the exceptional outcomes of the Education Department and the artwork created by our community and staff, the exhibition was designed to be a hands-on learning opportunity in exhibition management for the museum’s Curatorial Assistant and/or Curatorial Intern. This year’s exhibition was organized by Jaymi Jones, Curatorial Assistant. Today, Spotlight on The Square continues to fulfill this dual role, supporting both museum and artistic educational development.

This exhibition was organized by Jaymi Jones, Curatorial Assistant at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. Exhibitions presented by Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art are supported in part by the Montana Arts Council, a state agency funded by the State of Montana, and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are funded in part by coal severance taxes paid based upon coal mined in Montana and deposited in Montana's cultural and aesthetic projects trust fund. Additional funding is provided by museum members and the citizens of Cascade County, Davidson Family Foundation, D.A. Davidson, Montana Credit Union, Hotel Arvon, First Interstate Bank, an anonymous donor, and Kelly’s Signs & Design.

Cover Artists
Top Row | Celia Carpenter Rangitsch, Ron Crowder, Sara K. Johnson, Graham Kerwin
Middle Row | Frankie Stockman, Robin Morrow
Bottom Row | Natalie Woodson Nicolson, Conal Baker, Kay Feist, Linda Walters

Artist Statements & Bios

Several artists submitted statements about their artwork in Spotlight on The Square. Read more below:

  • “I've been making ceramics since October of 2023.”

  • “I'm a 4th grade Montana student with A-B Honor Roll, and an art girl.”

  • “I try to use my favorite things as inspiration for pottery. I use the piece as a canvas to decorate the surface. My aim is to amuse the viewer.”

  • Bio: “Aaron Hexom studied classical figurative drawing and painting at academies in Seattle and New York. Upon completing his Master's in Fine Art, he went on to create a body of work to illustrate the dichotomy of the physical and metaphysical realms.”

  • “I've been creating wheel-thrown and altered pottery since 2016. I enjoy working in series, but each piece is a one-of-a-kind piece of art. I enjoy trying a variety of subject matter, glazes, and clay bodies.”

  • Statement for “15 Bluegills”

    “When I was four or five years old, my dad and my grandpa took me fishing at the Badger Creek Reservoir, near my hometown of Sheridan, Wyoming. Legend has it that I caught and released 15 tiny bluegills that day. I remember being so proud of all my catches, even if it could have been the same bluegill every time. The legends of our childhoods are usually full of hyperbole.”

  • Statement for It’s About a Marriage: “There was no expensive wedding dress, no three layer cake, no reception hall with a DJ. This gathering was about a marriage.”

    Statement for What Big Joy in Giant Springs Park Today: “The beginning of a trip to this magical place is so exciting! What people, animals or natural wonders will I see today? This painting near the entrance is the most colorful and intuitive painting of the series.”

  • “Pottery is my therapy. It creates such a place of joy, happiness and friendships.”

  • Natalie has worked at The Square as the Facilities Specialist/Exhibition Preparator since 2023. She began her journey as an artist at the age of 5 and graduated from The School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2011. She began her series Skulls & Souls in 2017 and has participated in over 20 group shows and one solo show in NYC since 2019. This series was created during several major life changing events in her life and became a form of prayer, mediation, surrender, and peace while facing uncertain life and death circumstances.

    “This piece was created for and during The Square’s Arts on Fire event where our ceramic department gives a live raku demonstration. Using a common element-fire- through different mediums allows the artist and her series Skull & Souls to grow into a limitless garden of creativity. This piece was made possible with the amazing support and guidance of fellow artists and friends; thank you Dan Price, Sara Johnson, Jaymi Jones, Graham Kerwin, Jon Price, Rob Kellenbeck, and Cameron Nicolson.”

  • Statement for XL Die: “I took a beginner class on pottery and was hooked. This die was one of the many things I've made since then.”

    Statement for Raku Sculpture: “I heard The Square was going to do raku, so I was interested. Here it is!”

  • Bio: “Celia has a BFA in sculpture from BYU-Idaho. She resides in Great Falls with her five children, husband and two cats and a lizard. She loves sculpture, travel, printmaking, illustration, and folktales.”

  • “When I was younger, I saw my mom drawing and decided I wanted to draw like her. It took time and tons of effort, but I've improved so much. I am currently in Honors Art for GFHS. I hope to improve my art more and never stop drawing.”