Great Falls recently bid a heartfelt farewell to Sarah Justice, a beloved figure in the local arts scene, as she embarks on her new journey leading Missoula’s Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC). Before her departure, Justice shared her reflections with me, the “other Sara(h)” at The Square, on the vibrant creative community she has called home.

Creative Beginnings

Beyond her leadership role at the museum, many in the community know Justice as a skilled ceramic figurative sculptor, whose artwork has been exhibited across the country, particularly in the southern U.S. and Montana.

“I come from a long line of artists on my father’s side of the family,” Justice said. “Growing up, we did a lot of art projects together. When I spent time with my father, we painted oil canvases as a family instead of watching TV.”

It wasn’t until college that Justice even considered becoming an artist. When she started at Georgia State University, she initially had her sights set on a career in interior design (an art-adjacent field). However, drawing for coursework reconnected her with her creative side.

“I said to myself, ‘This is what I love!’ I realized I was going to be in the arts for life,” she explained.

The Leap into the Arts Profession

Before her degrees were complete, Justice pressed pause on her studies to open Living with Art Studios, focusing on decorative arts, wall murals, and furniture refinishing in Atlanta and Tampa, Fla. Her clients were primarily residential, and her projects ranged from home theaters and wine cellars to cigar rooms and two-story foyers. At 36, she returned to school as a non-traditional student to complete her degree.

The Right Mentor at the Right Time

A mentor’s encouragement can change the trajectory of one’s life, and Justice attributes much of her inspiration and career path to a particular college professor.

“I remember sitting in one of my professor’s offices, when Christina West happened to be walking by. She told me ‘you should take my ceramics class!’ I did, and the rest is history,” Justice said. “She was my biggest artistic influence of anyone in my life.”

West’s class was the first time Justice had worked with clay. “I enjoy drawing and painting, but nothing hit me quite like ceramics and sculpture. I found my passion and my professor believed in me.”

Justice discovered a latent talent for sculpture that might have remained unknown without West’s encouragement.

 “I had no idea I had the skill; I never would have known if she hadn’t convinced me to take her class,” Justice said, “She later encouraged me to pursue grad school, and we’ve stayed good friends ever since.”

Now, Justice’s artwork delves into the human condition, exploring the emotional and psychological realms of consciousness through time. It weaves in “personal experiences that resonate with many women,” while also acknowledging the masculine’s role in developing the psyche.

“The history of classical sculpture forms an important foundation for my topics surrounding beauty and the abject,” Justice explained.

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Building a New Life in Our Arts Community

Justice came to Great Falls in 2017 after earning her MFA in ceramic sculpture from the University of Montana in Missoula. She started as the education director at the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. In 2019, she transitioned from Interim Executive Director to Executive Director, a role she held until October 2024. Justice understands what it’s like to be “new in town.”

A Community that Feels Like Home

“When I moved to Great Falls, I instantly felt like part of a family in the arts,” Justice said. “I was welcomed with open arms, which I hadn’t experienced in other moves.

“Some think that, because we’re a relatively small town, there’s not much happening,” she said. “That’s absolutely untrue, any night of the week there’s something going on!”

Justice believes that arts and culture are essential to any strong community.

“Community is the heartbeat of any city,” Justice said. “In the arts, we encourage and inspire one another. I see my role as connecting people and championing artists. Community keeps us healthy and supported, like a family.”

Though excited for her next chapter in Missoula, Justice is already nostalgic for Great Falls.

 “I will miss this amazing community and the wonderful friends that I’ve made,” she said. ”It’s hard to leave people who have been so supportive of The Square, the team, and me personally in my artwork. I don’t see this as a ‘goodbye,’ but a ‘see you later.’ I’ll always support The Square however I can!”

Sarah Justice instructs a student during a Ceramic Portrait Bust Workshop at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, Fall 2022

Words of Wisdom for Great Falls Newcomers

“Visit all the cultural institutions, attend events,” Justice suggests. “If you attend events, you will meet new people and make friends. Many of those events are free!” 

Most of The Square’s events throughout the year are free to the public, such as artist talks, opening receptions, the annual Arts on Fire Festival, and more. Admission to the museum is always free, so it’s a great place to bring friends and family, or just to take an art break for yourself.

We also have 11 museums and cultural institutions in Great Falls that offer a wide range of exhibits on different topics such as history, anthropology, literature, religious history, railroad history, western art, and more.

“Get involved with civic organizations like Rotary, and the Junior League,” Justice advises. “Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself and let folks know you’re new. People are welcoming and willing to share their stories and suggestions. It’s an easy place to meet friends, especially if you’re a creative person.”

How does Sarah Justice describe Great Falls? “Easy livin’! Welcoming community, very supportive of all people. The community here wants the best for everyone. The city is working their best to support underserved populations, and there are many impressive organizations also doing that work.”

Looking Forward

As Justice heads to Missoula, she’s ready to bring her vision to ZACC: “I’m excited to jump into strategic planning, boost fundraising efforts, and create more free art programs. Great Falls taught me the power of a connected community, and I’ll carry that with me.”

Nicole Maria Evans, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at The Square, is serving as Interim Executive Director. Evans brings exceptional exhibitions, publications, and expert lectures to the community. 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.