The InstigatorThe Hallie Ford Museum of Art has reopened to the public with three new exhibitions.
New Exhibitions
Jacob Elshin (American, born Russia, 1892-1976), Miners at Work (detail), 1937-38, oil on canvas, 5 x 12 ft., Collection of the City of Renton, Washington. Courtesy of United States Postal Service. ©2019 USPS.
“Forgotten Stories: Northwest Public Art in the 1930s” represents the first major exhibition to feature an extensive overview of the largely “forgotten stories” of the bounty and variety of work created in our region during the economic hard times of the 1930s through nationally supported art projects. The exhibition features approximately 72 artworks created in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana and includes paintings, murals, prints, drawings, photographs, and sculptures, as well as furniture created for Timberline Lodge. “Forgotten Stories” reintroduces a number of talented figures whose names are now unknown, and also includes early work by prominent figures like painter Morris Graves and photographer Minor White. This exhibition is on display in the Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery and the Maribeth Collins lobby and continues through March 27. More information can be found at willamette.edu/go/forgotten-
Silver dirham, Abbasid Dynasty
Date: 777–778
Mint: None
Ruler: Sa’id b. Dalaj (776–778), the Abbasid governor of Tabaristan
Collection of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Willamette University, Salem, OR, Gift of Gary Leiser, 2018.052.023.
“Gold of the Caliphs: Medieval Islamic Coins from the Gary Leiser Collection of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art” offers a fascinating glimpse into Islamic art, history, politics, economics, and religious beliefs as reflected in medieval Islamic coins minted in locations from Spain through Central Asia. The exhibition features approximately 75 coins of the more than 500 Islamic coins that Leiser donated to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art in 2017. As a special feature, the exhibition includes the world’s oldest coin, minted in the 6th century BCE in ancient Lydia on the southwest coast of modern-day Turkey. This exhibition takes place in the Study Gallery through August 14. More information can be found at: willamette.edu/go/gold-of-
Jovencio de la Paz, (American, born Singapore, 1986), “No future Homeworlds (Mountains),” 2020, monoprint, 16.5 x 29.75 inches, collection of the Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, CSP20-301 (CSPI 1).
“Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts Biennial” has been organized by the Hallie Ford Museum of Art in partnership with the Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts (CSIA), and curated by Rebecca Dobkins, anthropology professor and curator of Native American art. This two-part exhibition features a selection of contemporary prints created by Native and non-Native artists at the Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts on the Umatilla Reservation in northeastern Oregon. Founded by native painter and printmaker James Lavadour (Walla Walla) in 1992, CSIA seeks to create educational and professional opportunities for native artists to utilize their art as a vehicle for economic development. The exhibition will take place in the Print Study Center with Part I scheduled through April 24 and Part II opening May 8 and continuing through August 14. More information can be found at: willamette.edu/go/csia-2021.
Virtual and Online Viewing Options
For those unable to visit in person at this time, the museum has created a variety of virtual and online offerings that can be found at willamette.edu/go/hfma-
Be sure to check out special loans that can be found throughout the museum, including Auguste Rodin’s “The Weeping Burgher (Andrieu d’ Andres)” which was conceived in 1884-5 and cast in bronze in 1974, as well as special loans made possible through the Art Bridges Foundation which include Barkley Hendricks’ “Brenda P” and John Frederick Kensett’s “Beacon Rock, Newport,” and more.
Director John Olbrantz says, “We are excited to finally be reopened after being closed for the last three months due to the coronavirus pandemic and look forward to seeing you in the galleries one day soon.”
Timed entry tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.willamette.edu/go/hfma.
About the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University
As one of the finest academic art museums in the Northwest, the museum features works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, and includes a diverse collection of traditional European, American and Asian art, as well as artifacts that date from antiquity. Frequently changing exhibitions include lectures, special events, tours, artist demonstrations, educational opportunities for children and adults, as well as important publications.
The museum is located at 700 State St. in Salem. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The galleries are closed on Sunday and Monday. Timed entry tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.willamette.edu/go/hfma. Due to limited capacity, walk-ins and phone reservations cannot be accommodated at this time. General admission is $6, $4 for seniors and $3 for students 18 and older. Students 17 and under and children are admitted free. Admission is free for everyone on Tuesdays, but timed entry tickets are still required.
NOTE: Due to Covid-19 the museum’s hours and guidelines are subject to change as federal and state guidelines evolve. Please check the museum’s website for the latest information at willamette.edu/go/hfma or call 503-370-6855.
