I had never heard of Artemisia Gentileschi until I saw one of her stunning paintings exhibited at the University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA). I was so moved by her dramatic portrayal of Susanna and the Elders that I started reading everything I could find about her and her life in Italy in the 17th century. It was almost unheard of for a woman to be an established artist at the time, but Artemisia was breaking glass ceilings over 400 years ago.

This is one of the things I love most about the JSMA. It inspires me to learn more about other people, cultures, and times. What was Artesmisia’s life like? What inspired her to paint the subjects she chose? Art is one way to see the world from someone else’s perspective. It sparks curiosity, wonder and joy. 

The Asian art collection in the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

Wan Koo and Young Ja Huh Wing and Jin Joo Gallery of Korean Art

I have always loved the JSMA and appreciated having a museum of its caliber in a city as small as Eugene. After I retired, I started training to be an Exhibition Interpreter (EI), a volunteer tour guide. I guide tours of all ages around the museum, including students from schools all over Oregon. On tours, we ask open-ended questions to engage visitors in the artwork. This process has helped me to see in a new way also. The “slow art” movement, as detailed in a recent New York Times article, suggests spending more time looking at a single piece of art that intrigues you, rather than trying to see everything in a museum at one time. Art is more impactful when viewed this way. I love seeing visitors light up when they see a new exhibition or a painting that captures their interest.

People look at the 24 Seasons exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
: Kelly Lyon / Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

Twenty-Four Seasons: Critical Temporality and Qui Zhijie's Light Writing

Being an EI and frequent visitor has given me the opportunity to recognize even more what a treasure the museum is. Its ever-changing exhibitions mean there is always something new to see—a Basquiat or Chagall, a vessel from 2600 BCE, or a collection of original Calvin and Hobbes cartoons from the 1980s. Because of the museum’s unique Shared Visions program, I have seen master works from Van Gogh, Monet, Rothko, Titian and many others. The Asian collection is wonderful, with original pieces donated by founder Gertrude Bass Warner, mixed with modern pieces from China, Japan and Korea. The Barker and Schnitzer galleries feature new exhibitions from around the world.

Stone statues above a pool of water in the courtyard.
: Jonathan B Smith / Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

Prince Lucien Campbell Memorial Courtyard

Here are my tips for visiting the JSMA:

  • Check the website before visiting for hours and special exhibitions

  • Weekdays are less busy than weekends

  • Take your time. Don’t try to take in everything in the museum at once. Instead focus on one or two pieces that grab your interest.

  • Let yourself get an impression of the artwork before diving into the written labels

  • Don’t miss the beautiful courtyard

  • Check out the events on the JSMA website. Great opportunities for all ages. Artist talks, art making events, etc.

  • If you need assistance, call in advance to get a parking space right behind the building. Mobile seats and hearing assistance is also available.

Pablo Picasso said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Take the time to visit the JSMA on the University of Oregon campus. I’ll see you there!