Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square) invites the public to attend the Art of Christmas Open House & Artist Market Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13. The event is held at The Square, 1400 1st Ave North in Great Falls and is open to the public. There is a suggested donation of $5 to $10 per adult to the museum; families with children are welcome. Event hours on Friday are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday’s hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Artist Market: The artist market is open during both days of the event and features 20 local and central Montana-based artists and makers. Vendors include: Umoh Essiet Basketry; Smith River Canyon Jewelry & Art; Dresen Things Woodburning by Hand; Jake Duty Pottery; Maranna Dean Fiber Goods; Rhonda Addison Original Artwork; Ancestral Botanicals Skincare; S. Carlyle Smith Original Artwork; Julie Orso Watercolors; Sonja Andersen Original Artwork; Carol Keats Woven Rugs; Sara Vossen Crochet; Aithne’s Belly Dance; Lisa Botti Pottery; Carol Peterson Crochet Goods; Summer Davey Pottery; Louis Still Smoking Original Artwork; Jan & Jerry Hall Woodworking; Alexia Duncan Original Artwork; and Connie McCracken Original Artwork. The Square’s Education Department will also host a bake sale to raise funds for kiln equipment for the ceramics program.
The Square’s Gift Shop also features more than 60 Montana artists’ wares, with artwork, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, books, stationery, accessories, prints, and more.
Gourmet Lunch Fundraiser: Both days of the event, Pizazz will host a gourmet lunch fundraiser to benefit the museum. Tickets must be purchased in advance for 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 1:00 p.m. seatings. It will be a $25 prix fixe menu, and proceeds will directly support programs and free admission to the museum (gratuity for Pizazz staff is extra).
Diners are encouraged to pre-order their lunch tickets to secure their seating times and soup choices. Limited tickets may be available at the door. Diners can choose from a meat option of Zuppa Toscana with a chopped Italian salad or a vegetarian butternut squash soup with a winter salad option. Both meals include bread, cranberry cake with warm butter sauce, spa water, and iced tea. Wine service will be available for purchase from Pizazz during the event.
Those with dietary restrictions or allergies can list them on the online order form, email Sara Johnson, Operations Manager at sj******@********re.org, or call 406-727-8255.
Activities and Santa on Saturday: The Education Department will host art activities, face painting, and photos with Santa from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. These opportunities are offered free of charge by the museum.
About Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art: Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is north-central Montana’s only contemporary art museum. Founded in 1977 and located in Great Falls, 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 artists in conjunction with exciting exhibition programs and studio art classes to the community.
Exhibitions 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, Kelly’s Signs & Design, and an anonymous donor.
Press release By Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art: December 5, 2025 – Great Falls, Mt
