About the Freeport Art Museum

MISSION: The Freeport Art Museum creates experiences that spark imagination and engagement in the arts for all people by presenting exhibitions and cultural events, advancing arts education and excelling in collections stewardship.

HISTORY: Established in 1975, the Freeport Art Museum (FAM) is housed in a converted brick school built in 1911. The building is owned by the City of Freeport and is leased to FAM. The Museum exhibits art from its large collection as well as regional contemporary artists, and brings traveling exhibitions to the community. FAM supports performing arts and develops art education programming for all ages.

The Freeport Art Museum is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that receives no direct tax support. Operating expenses are procured through fundraising events and individual donations. Proceeds generated from the fundraising events contribute to FAM's mission and ensure the future of the arts and art education in the community.

Staff

Jessica Modica
Executive Director

Jessica Modica began her tenure at the Freeport Art Museum in 2004 as a Collections Manager, providing for the care and interpretation of the museum’s extensive 4,000-piece collection. She became the executive director in 2012, leading the museum to build numerous partnerships in the community and establishing the Arts Plaza project, which marks the beginning of an exciting plan for an Arts and Cultural Campus located in the heart of the City’s downtown district.

Jessica’s background is in Art History and Museum Studies. She received an B.A. in Art History from Texas State University and completed graduate studies in Art History from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois. She also holds a graduate certificate in Museum Studies from NIU.

jmodica@freeportartmuseum.org

Sarah Tapper
Director of Programs and Exhibitions

Sarah Tapper joins the FAM staff in June, 2025. Her journey to working within museums, includes a BA in Art with a specialization in art therapy, enriching art history studies in Rome, and a Master's in Museum Studies. Sarah’s background has instilled in her a deep appreciation for artistic expression from around the world. She is passionate about igniting creative exploration, unveiling the rich narratives embedded within art, and connecting our community with the incredible tapestry of cultures represented in artistic traditions worldwide. Beyond the museum's walls, she finds joy in traveling, creating her own art, exploring nature through hiking, and savoring quiet moments with a compelling book.

stapper@freeportartmuseum.org

Stacy kutz deline
Assistant Director

Stacy Kutz-Deline joined the FAM team in May of 2023. She has been working with local nonprofit organizations for the last several years with a focus on Stephenson, Jo Daviess & Carroll Counties. Stacy comes to the Freeport Art Museum from the United Way of Northwest Illinois, where she was able to grow her skill set for nonprofit management and leadership. She is excited to join the amazing staff at FAM during such an exciting time of growth and expansion.

Stacy has been a resident of Freeport for 15 years with her husband and daughter.

skutzdeline@freeportartmuseum.org

Board of Directors 

Officers

Board President - Vanessa Hughes
Owner and President, Hughes Resources Staffing Agency

Board Vice President - Aaron Mercier
Superintendent, Regional Office of Education #8

Board Treasurer - Karen Kleckner
Risk Management Bank Examiner, FDIC

Board Secretary - Nancy Heyen   
Manager (Retired), Newell Brands

Members

Mark Durein
Owner & President, M45 Marketing Services

Josh Elliott
Artist-Owner, Elliott Graphix and Zealous Art Studio

Tim Mahoney
Principal, Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC

Joy Sellers
Parent Specialist, Boys and Girls Club of Freeport/Stephenson County           

Shannon Wenzel
National Vice President, Arbonne International  

Jon Palmer
Owner, Top Notch Tonsor

Andrew Reeter
Senior Project Engineer, Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental