FREEPORT, ILLINOIS — It is with a mixture of sadness and gratitude that the Freeport Art Museum announces the resignation of Jessica Modica as Executive Director for the Freeport Art Museum and her transition to Project Manager for the Arts Plaza project. “After seven years as director of the art museum, it is time for me to take on a new focus” said Modica. “I am confident in the ability of the museum to attract new leadership that will be able to build on our recent accomplishments.” Modica joined Freeport Art Museum as director in July of 2012 after seven years of curatorial and collections management work. Under her direction, the museum greatly expanded its outreach youth programs, created several new public murals in the downtown district, and helped host community-wide art events such as Art in the Park and Paint the Port. “I am most proud of the ways in which we’ve been able to create art experiences that reach beyond the museum walls and that help make art and culture more a part of our community’s daily life. We are helping develop future generations of art patrons and that is important work.”
Freeport Art Museum’s Board of Directors has instituted a search for a new executive director and has formed a committee to review applicants. Jessica Modica will remain on staff in support of the transition through September
It is with excitement that we announce a new agreement with Ms. Modica that will transition her from her role as Executive Director for the museum to Project Manager for the Arts Plaza. The year-long contract will allow Modica to lead the team and committees working to finish the Plaza in time to open it in the fall of 2020. “I’m grateful to be able to continue to be engaged in a project that will bring such a positive asset to our downtown” said Modica.
The Plaza project calls for the development of a multi-purpose stage, a splash pad water feature, walkways and landscaping, and several pieces of temporary and semi-permanent works of art. As project manager, Jessica will lead the general fundraising campaign, act as liaison between building contractors, and will facilitate the committees working on each aspect of the plaza.
Adam Schulz, President of the Freeport Art Museum board said “We cannot thank Jessica enough for the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm she has given to the Art Museum over the last seven years. She will be greatly missed in her current capacity by the staff, board members, and partners alike but we are all excited about her new role, which will spearhead the new Arts Plaza and allow Jessica to focus on this project successfully coming to fruition.”
The Freeport Art Museum is a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create experiences that spark imagination and engagement in the arts for all people by presenting exhibitions and cultural events, advancing arts education, and excelling in collection stewardship.
The Executive Director position posting can be found on the American Alliance of Museums, Illinois Association of Museums, and Indeed. Links for those are below, if interested.
https://aam-us-jobs.careerwebsite.com/job/executive-director/49572827/