The University announced Wednesday that the University Museum of Art has been renamed the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art after the University alumnus and Portland philanthropist who donated several million dollars to the renovation effort, the largest private donation given to the museum.
Choking back tears, Schnitzer gave an emotional thanks to his parents during his speech at the press conference to announce the name change.
“Finally (I thank) my parents … whose example of both being surrounded by art and giving back to one’s community helped shape and form my values that continue to guide my cultural and civic interests,” he said.
Schnitzer’s mother, Arlene, opened an art gallery featuring contemporary Northwest art when he was in second grade.
“I grew up in a house surrounded by art,” Schnitzer said.
He first got involved with the museum 27 years ago and was president of the Art Council from 1981 through 1983. In the late ’70s, the museum began “to dream a larger vision to eventually fulfill the original plan when the museum was built,” Schnitzer said.
The museum’s original design was meant to accommodate a renovation to double the museum space. The renovation was realized 70 years later with the groundbreaking ceremony in 2002.
The $14.4 million renovation will add 38,154 square feet to the museum. The completed structure will contain 10 times the gallery space it had before, and nine different gallery spaces, Schnitzer said.
Those who know Schnitzer call him generous and kind-hearted.
“Jordan recognizes … that art has the capacity to transform lives,” University President Dave Frohnmayer said.
Arlene Schnitzer, called him “kind and generous-spirited.”
“(I’m) very proud to see him continue the legacy that his father and I started,” she said. “It’s very important that the next generation steps up.”
Museum Director David Turner commented on Schnitzer’s extensive art collection, which includes several Andy Warhol prints, as well as pieces from artists Bruce Naumann, Richard Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns.
“He likes how art can generate ideas in people’s mind and make them think in new ways,” Turner said.
Schnitzer will loan some of his collection to the museum for its inaugural exhibit and for the “Andy Warhol’s Dream America” exhibit, which is currently on tour and will make its stop at the museum in January of 2005.
In addition to his initial donation to help with construction, Schnitzer has established an endowment fund to continue to support the museum in the long-term.
“Jordan’s gift continues to contribute both to the oyster’s shell and to the pearls we will place within,” said Susan Papé, president of the museum’s board of directors.
Trumpet fanfare accompanied the unveiling of a banner announcing the new name of the museum in the facetiously regal ceremony.
“In a reverse of the battle of Jericho we’ll have the trumpets salute the raising of the walls,” Frohnmayer said.
A mildly embarrassed Schnitzer expressed his thanks for the acknowledgment.
“I’m deeply honored,” he said. “I’m humbled by the recognition.”