The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art opened to the public this month after a series of events showcasing the impressive array of fine art from the renowned Schnitzer collection and will also showcase pieces from PSU students and others.
The gallery inside the renovated Fariborz Maseeh Hall occupies more than 7,500 square feet on two floors overlooking SW Broadway. It offers rich educational and collaborative opportunities and free art experiences to PSU and the public. Its galleries will feature art by Northwest artists, faculty and students as well as exhibitions by national and international artists.
Interim Museum Director Linda Tesner previously served as director and curator at the Ronna and Eric Hoffman Gallery of Contemporary Art at Lewis & Clark College from 1998 to 2019. She was formerly the assistant director of the Portland Art Museum and authored numerous exhibition catalogs, monographs and critical reviews as well as a lecturer and panel moderator.
“The city of Portland is home to one of America’s most vibrant arts communities,” says PSU Provost Susan Jeffords. “The museum’s location at the center of the PSU campus symbolizes the importance of the arts to PSU’s educational mission and vision and creates opportunities for PSU students, faculty, and staff to engage with the broader arts community.”
The museum — the first art museum at PSU — is created through a $5 million contribution by businessman and philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer through the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. This is the third university art museum in the Pacific Northwest to be named after Schnitzer, with others at the University of Oregon and Washington State University.
“Many people view museums as someplace for someone else, but I firmly believe art is for everyone. I’m trying to take down those perceived walls. A university campus is just the place to do it,” Schnitzer said.
“The arts are the highest ideals of every society. They are the ultimate legacy we leave for future generations. This new museum will reach out to every student on campus, every young person in the surrounding counties every adult within the Portland metropolitan area — providing activities that will enrich their hearts, minds, and souls.”
Photos by Andie Petkus. Bottom photo: (from left) Provost Susan Jeffords, Interim President Stephen Percy, Audria Schnitzer, Jordan Schnitzer, Interim Museum Director Linda Tesner and PSU Foundation President William Boldt celebrate the opening of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.