Great Falls Students Ready to Showcase Artwork for Annual Event

Once school begins in the Fall across the Electric City, art students at all levels of grades begin to put thoughts to creations.  The hope for some is that their masterpiece will make the grade not just with their teacher, but also a featured event, held each Spring.

via GIPHY

The Annual Student Art Exhibition with Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) and the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (The Square) engages students and allows them to be stars of the show for an entire month in a professional setting for the public to enjoy.

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Great Falls Students Ready to Showcase Artwork for Annual Event

Beginning on April 17th, 2026, The Square welcomes teachers chosen students and their featured artwork to the 2nd Floor of the museum in the Community Gallery.  The event "highlights young artists’ talent and is a wonderful way to illustrate to the community the wonderful things that are happening in Great Falls’ schools" according to the press release through The Square.

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This year's exhibit will run through May 20, 2026, at the museum with artwork chosen from over 10,000 students in grades K-12 in the GFPS system.  The opening reception for the students and their artwork will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m., and the public is invited to attend at the museum.

Reception Features Presentation of Zach Culliton Merit of Distinction Award

During the opening reception of the student art installation, the presentation of the annual Zach Culliton Merit of Distinction will also be awarded.  This year's recipient is Alex Cole (they/them), Grade 12, from Paris Gibson Education Center.

via GIPHY

The esteemed award is given to a student "who demonstrates courage, determination, and resilience while overcoming significant challenges — whether physical, emotional, economic, developmental, or otherwise — and who inspires others through positive actions".  The annual Merit was established in 2008, after the passing of Zach at age 19, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; a degenerative disease diagnosed in early childhood.