A Eugene Jewel: The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon is a leading Pacific Northwest museum known for its historic and contemporary art exhibitions and collections. It opened its doors over 90 years ago and was designed by Ellis F. Lawrence, UO dean of Architecture & Allied Arts at the time.

The museum was built to house the Murray Warner Collection of Oriental Art—more than 3,700 works of art given to the University of Oregon by Gertrude Bass Warner. In addition to the prestige of the extensive collection, the JSMA is one of seven museums in Oregon. It is also Oregon’s only academic art museum, according to the American Alliance of Museums.

Since its beginning in 1933, the museum aims to support the academic objectives of the University of Oregon, while also encouraging public understanding and enjoyment of thought-provoking visual arts.

They have a number of initiatives dedicated to their mission of art accessible to all.

Art Heals and #JSMAcreates Programs

Participating in visual arts offers physical and emotional benefits for the individuals involved. Arts education and cultural engagement have the potential to contribute to an increased quality of life and well-being. Visual arts can be utilized as a tool for communication or a platform for self-expression. Engaging in art making activities can improve fine and gross motor skills, and increase strength, coordination, and endurance while expanding range of motion.

Creating art also has the potential to elevate mood, relieve stress and anxiety, and inspire positive growth.

Along with these workshops is their mindfulness meditation, a yoga session in their art gallery.

Shared Visions: From Donors to the Masses

With this initiative, the JSMA invites private collectors to share their masterworks to be on view for the public. The rotation program presents exciting works by internationally recognized artists and artworks from around the world (for example, Claude Monet’s “Glaçons, environs de Bennecourt,” on view now) borrowed from private holdings.

With frequent rotations of the works on view, the JSMA’s visitors and large K-12 and university audiences have the opportunity to enjoy and study examples by major artists and art periods not represented in the museum’s permanent collection.

World of Work Exhibition and Internship

During a 3-month, hands-on, paid internship program, high school students are exposed to life working at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. World of Work provides selected students with “ready to work” practical skills and essential 21st century skills by learning production, video editing, social media practices, and event execution.

Ducks Give!

Each year, the JSMA provides art experiences to more than 6,000 K-12 students from throughout Oregon. From guided tours to studio activities to classroom visits, the passionate staff and team of trained volunteers make certain that children in Oregon are exposed to a world of art.

Through the Ducks Give! Program, the museum calls upon donors to support programs like Fill Up the Bus, the field trip scholarship program, Art Heals, arts and healthcare program Professional Development for Teachers, after-school classes, camps and so much more.