The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art has a “Virus.” And more than 900 art enthusiasts enjoyed it Friday night at the public preview of “Eye Contact,” the first faculty exhibition since the museum’s $14.2 million renovation.
“Virus,” by digital arts professors Chris Coleman and Michael Salter, is a flow chart of digital prints that spread across the wall and affect each other. It’s the first thing museum-goers see when they enter the building.
“We really wanted to do something site-specific,” Salter said. “We noticed that the foyer has been completely ignored – it’s just there for people to stomp their feet before entering. It’s a beautiful transition to the main space of the museum.”
Eighty percent of “Virus” is located in the entryway, Salter said. The rest is spread throughout the museum. Museum Director David Turner said pieces like “Virus” add a whole new element to the museum experience.
“The way that it spreads throughout the whole museum is wonderful,” Turner said. “It makes the building speak.”
The contemporary art exhibit features works from 26 professors. The exhibit provides visitors with a wide range of artistic media, including painting, sculpture, video production, jewelry, metalsmithing, photography and more. Some pieces traveled from museums across the United States, while others were created specifically for “Eye Contact.”
“This is a prominent group of artists that are nationally and internationally known, though they all exhibit their skills in different ways,” said Kate Wagle, head of the art department. “We decided to call it ‘Eye Contact’ because it is all about the visual experience.”
One powerful visual comes from ceramics professor Sana Krusoe’s “Agitation,” which was also created for a specific place in the exhibition hall. Krusoe’s clay, polymer clay and plastic creation fits in a small space between the wall and a divider.
“She interpreted that space and made something special that will only be seen by people here,” Turner said.
University students Casey Campbell and Meghan Peterson said “Agitation” was their favorite.
“It evokes so many bodily emotions with the contrast of colors and the contrast between the big and the little,” Peterson said. The piece features nine long, black spikes connected to the divider, and many small white spikes connected to the wall.

“It’s cool how she uses that specific space. It’s not just something hung on the wall,” Campbell said.
Another favorite of many people at the preview was sculpting professor Kevin Yates’ “Extension Cords,” which looks like coiled-up extension cords stretched across the floor. A closer look reveals that the cords are carved out of wood.
“This exhibit is all about getting people talking. I think there will be a buzz going around about the uniqueness of some of the pieces,” Turner said. “People really shouldn’t miss it.”
Art major Brian Walker said he hopes the exhibit will attract more students into the museum.
“There isn’t enough respect for the arts by much of the student body,” Walker said. “Most students walk by the museum every day having no clue what is inside. There is so much knowledge to be received here.”
“Eye Contact” will be on display until April 9. A series of events are scheduled related to the exhibition, including a lecture by Bruce Guenther, chief curator of modern and contemporary art at the Portland Art Museum on March 15. For the complete schedule of events, go to the museum’s Web site: uoma.uoregon.edu.
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