Paula Hamilton has served as Executive Director of Sanctuary for Sacred Arts since its founding in 2004. Her leadership has shaped S4SA into a leading resource for sacred arts documentation, education, and preservation in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Paula brings a rare combination of expertise to her role, drawing from her background in art history, theology, and library science. This interdisciplinary foundation allows her to approach sacred art as both a scholar and a practitioner — understanding its historical roots, theological significance, and practical role in contemporary worship and community life.
Under Paula’s direction, S4SA has catalogued thousands of sacred artworks and spaces across the Pacific Northwest, maintained one of the most comprehensive photographic archives of Catholic churches in Oregon, and created educational resources connecting artists, parishes, and the broader community to the living tradition of sacred art.
Paula continues to be the driving force behind S4SA’s mission to document, preserve, and promote the sacred arts as a vital expression of faith.