Winston Publishing

portfolio • 13 the russell: the sale to benefit the cm russell museum Co-chaired by board secretary Anne Martinez and architect Steve L'Heureux, the group includes board members, museum staff, neighborhood residents, community advocates and artists to leverage a diverse and creative outlook. A draft plan is expected to reach the Board of Directors in 2020. "It's a deliberate thought process that will have ripple effects on the museum's physical attributes and our operational direction over the next two to twenty years," said Figarelle. Neighbor, architect and taskforce co-chair L'Heureux has been a part of many evolutions of the museum campus starting in the 1970s. L'Heureux finds his role on the task force to be both a "great opportunity and responsibility." He looks forward to shaping a future for a museum that exposes many new people to the history of the West and to the city of Great Falls. "I get excited for the group to think big and understand that we are creating something special, something with a sense of place that is unmistakable once you're here. It should be a place that our grandkids, our neighbors, and visitors will feel is unique and compels them to return to see what goes on next," said L'Heureux. Co-chair and board member Martinez added, "My hope in helping to assemble and facilitate the task force is that we grow the connection our amazing community already has with the museum. This is a chance to come together and impact the long-term future of a cultural center that is a jewel in the crown of Great Falls. We all want to see this institution thrive and succeed in the decades to come." Museum staff members are currently engaging neighbors with fliers, personal visits, and attendance at neighborhood council meetings for the areas involved. The museum is also working with the City of Great Falls. City planning staff is providing critical guidance on how to navigate through the public process to consider various proposals. "I appreciate the C.M. Russell Museum's desire to connect early with City leadership. We are excited about the project as the museum is a community gem. By working together we also hope to see a world class museum in Great Falls," shared City Manager Gregory T. Doyon. The Campus Master Plan Task Force meets monthly and includes: co-chair and board member Anne Martinez, co-chair and architect Steve L'Heureux, board chair Jim Peterson, board member Dan Fiehrer, docent Bob McClure, community members Brian Zellner and Jared Brown, artist Steve Seltzer, artist Tom Gileon, artist Phil Korell, former board members and neighbors Charlie and Sydne Abernathy, executive director Tom Figarelle, director of art and philanthropy Duane Braaten, collections and exhibitions director Brenda Kornick, and chief financial officer Justin Campos.

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