Portland, OR. Opening in September 2025, the Portland Art Museum (PAM) presentsGlobal Icons, Local Spotlight: Contemporary Art from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer, an exhibition that shares works from Oregon’s foremost fine art collector by some of today’s leading artists with local Portland audiences. The exhibition opens September 6, 2025, and will be on view through January 11, 2026.
Highlighting recent acquisitions from the collections of Jordan Schnitzer and his Family Foundation, the exhibition includes more than 75 works—some of which have never previously been exhibited—by celebrated artists of the 20th century, such as Louise Bourgeois, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, and Robert Rauschenberg, in addition to contemporary luminaries such as Nick Cave, Jenny Holzer, Mickalene Thomas, and Hank Willis Thomas.
Schnitzer, who has been named an ARTnews Top 200 art collector globally, is a lifelong Portland resident, local business owner and Oregon’s foremost fine art collector. His collaboration with PAM to exhibit these collections is an extension of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation’s mission to share art with audiences across the globe.
“Instead of having to travel to New York City to go to the Museum of Modern Art or the Whitney, all you have to do is visit the Portland Art Museum to see exceptional artwork by some of today’s biggest artists,” said Jordan Schnitzer. “Each year, when I collect new works, I think about how to share them with museums across the country through the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation exhibition program. My hope is that they will inspire audiences who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see works by these amazing artists.”
The exhibition features works across various media including paintings, textiles and tapestries, sculpture, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed media, and more, many of which will be shown publicly for the first time. Additional artists in the exhibition include Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, Helen Frankenthaler, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Dinh Q. Lê, Julie Mehretu, and Tschabalala Self. The wide array of artists represented in this presentation includes numerous women, Native American and Black artists, and other artists of color, building on PAM’s own work to spotlight underrepresented artists who represent the myriad communities that comprise Oregon.
“Portland Art Museum is a vital cultural resource for the region, which is why we are thrilled to partner with the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation collection to provide our community more opportunities to access and find inspiration in the art that brings the world to Portland,” said Brian Ferriso, Director. “Jordan and his family have long been ardent supporters of the Museum and our city, and we are grateful for his collaboration with PAM to further our mission to engage and enrich Portland’s diverse communities through art.”
Other notable works in the exhibition include Christopher Myers’ immersive and mesmerizing installation Let the Mermaids Flirt with Me, on view for only the second time since debuting at Art Basel Miami in 2022. Featured in the Museum’s grand Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Sculpture Court, the installation is a suite of stained glass paintings in lightboxes installed within a freestanding octagonal architectural structure, creating a chapel for contemplation of the illuminated compositions.
Several of the artists featured in the exhibition have previously exhibited works at PAM or are represented within PAM’s encyclopedic collection, including Hank Willis Thomas, with whom PAM organized a traveling solo exhibition in 2019, and Jeffrey Gibson, whose work PAM commissioned and exhibited at the Museum in 2023 before serving as co-commissioner for his exhibition for the U.S. Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia (the Venice Biennale).
Here’s a video from Oregon Arts Beat
PAM has also previously featured works from the collections of Jordan Schnitzer in its exhibitions including En Suite: Contemporary Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation (2001), Location/Dislocation: Recent Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation (2003), Minimalism/Postminimalism: Selections from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation (2007), Ellsworth Kelly Prints (and Paintings) (2012), Anish Kapoor: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer (2015), Andy Warhol Prints (2016), Josiah McElheny’s Cosmic Love (2018), and Jeffrey Gibson: To Name An Other (2022).
Global Icons, Local Spotlight will be on view during the opening in late 2025 of PAM’s larger campus expansion and renovation project, which will add almost 100,000 square feet of new or upgraded public and gallery space, provide new ways to experience the Museum’s robust collection, offer updated amenities that address the needs of more diverse audiences, and increase access to exhibitions and programs.
Portland, OR. An annual fundraiser called “Impact Oregon’s Future” raised a record $270,000 for the Children’s Institute. Marta and Ken Thasher (above) celebrated Ken receiving the Children’s Institute’s 2020 Alexander Award for his long-standing passion is to make a difference for children and families in Oregon.
The virtual event, held on October 20th, was emceed by CI’s Senior Early Education Advisor Soobin Oh. It highlighted the nonprofit’s work across Oregon to increase access to critical early childhood programs including preschool, home visiting, child care, and many other services. The virtual benefit included recorded messages from VIP supporters.
Jordan Schnitzer toasts Ken Thrasher on receiving the 2020 Alexander Award.
Governor Kate Brown congratulates Ken Thrasher on receiving the 2020 Alexander Award.
Cindy and Duncan Campbell stepped up as presenting sponsors for the 2020 Impact Oregon’s Future event. Duncan founded Children’s Institute over 16 years ago and served on the board for many years.
Children’s Institute CEO and President Swati Adarkar reflects on the nonprofit’s achievements.
Swati Adarkar commented, “It’s really incredible to witness the growth of the movement to support Oregon’s children. Strategic investment in our youngest Oregonians is a sure way to impact our state now and into the future. We’re pleased and grateful that so many people, parents, leaders, and community partners see the value of the work we do and have donated critical resources to fuel our work forward.” Swati Adarkar explained why the nonprofit is grateful. “Every dollar helps us continue the work we’ve been doing for more than sixteen years, connecting young children across Oregon to vital programs and services that support their healthy development and early school success.” The Children’s Institute honored Ken Thrasher with the Alexander Award at the event.
The award was named for Richard C. “Dick” Alexander, one of Oregon’s foremost business and civic leaders, who was committed to improving the lives of Oregon children with a focus on early childhood.
“Ken truly embodies the spirit of the Alexander Award,” Adarkar said. “His commitment to children and families has been exemplary and he has had an extraordinary imprint on advancing Oregon’s early childhood agenda. Ken’s deep, long-standing passion is to make a big difference for children and families in Oregon, and he has. I was thrilled to celebrate him.”
Others who added their gratitude and thanks for Ken’s service and commitment to Oregon’s children during the event included Governor Kate Brown; Martha Richards, Executive Director of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation; philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer; and Beaverton School District Superintendent Don Grotting.
From Children’s Institute:
Founded in 2003 by a group of business and philanthropic leaders, the Children’s Institute brings Oregonians together to support the early learning and healthy development of young children, prenatal to eight years old.
We believe in starting early because investments in young children’s education, health, and safety are proven to improve lifetime outcomes for children who experience barriers to opportunity due to poverty, race, disability, and/or geographic location.
Through advocacy, research, policy, and practice, Children’s Institute works to ensure that young children have the programs and services they need to nurture their love of learning and prepare them for success in school and beyond.
Join us to make sure every child in Oregon has the best start in life.
Portland, OR. Noted philanthropist Arlene Schnitzer died on Saturday, April 4th in her home. Her son Jordan reports she was suffering from some intestinal issues, she was 91. Arlene Schnitzer was responsible for a plethora of major philanthropic gifts, most recently a record-breaking $10 million to Portland Art Museum. Arlene Schnitzer and her son, Jordan, created the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. Both stayed up to date with social causes, even recently releasing a statement on the impact of the COVID-19 virus.
This is an excerpt from the recent message by Jordan Schnitzer:
My mother and I are deeply concerned about the impact the COVID-19 virus is having on our community. First and foremost is the concern we have for the health and safety of all of us and our families. Nothing is more important than our health.
My mother has often said “this too shall pass”, and hopefully we can start rebuilding our non-profits that have served our community and state so wonderfully for years!
Arlene is survived by her son, Jordan, and four grandchildren. (Jordan and Arlene Schnitzer in 2015 at the PNCA Grand Opening.)
Barbara Hall, who directs the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation, told OPB that people in Portland know Arlene Schnitzer as the woman whose name is on the concert hall downtown, but in addition to their public gifts, the Schnitzers funded many causes anonymously. In particular, programs that gave financial aid to families caring for critically ill children. Below are several articles from the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation website about the work of the foundation. Harold Schnitzer died in 2011.
“My father, Harold Schnitzer, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 42 and spent the rest of his life managing his illness. He followed the latest developments and supported diabetic research but was most passionate about patient care. He knew many were not as fortunate as he was to receive the best care available. In 2007, my father and … Read More
$1 Million Gift from Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer to Support Judaic Studies at PSU Contribution will provide new scholarships and fund a visiting scholar from Israel Portland State University today announced a $1 million grant through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Family Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF), on behalf of Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan D. Schnitzer. The philanthropic investment will … Read More
On July 17, the Beaverton Arts Foundation announced the anonymous lead donor, Patricia Reser, who pledged $13 million to the new center for the arts in Beaverton, and the official name, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, which was previously referred to as the Beaverton Center for the Arts. “The dream of a vibrant stage and central gathering place … Read More
The above articles explore just a few of the recent contributions of Arlene Schnitzer. Many people in Portland’s nonprofit community will remember Arlene Schnitzer with fondness and gratitude.
Portland, OR. These are the renderings for plans to turn the Wapato facility into a place called the Bybee Lakes Hope Center (BLHC). Owner, Jordan Schnitzer and the nonprofit Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers are hoping to transform the never-occupied, 155,000 square foot Wapato Corrections Facility into a trauma-informed, transitional housing facility to support Multnomah County community members experiencing homelessness. The Helping Hands organization has been successfully providing transitional housing since 2002. The organization has grown to include eleven facilities in four Oregon counties. Now it’s taking on Wapato.
Photos from Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers. Credit: Designer Stuart Emmons, Artist Craig Holmes.
Photos via Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers. Credit: Designer Stuart Emmons, Artist Craig Holmes.
The 15-year-old Wapato Jail – about 20 minutes northwest of Portland – has never been used. The $58 million facility was built as a prison in 2004, but never opened. On October 10th, Facility owner Jordan Schnitzer said the building would be demolished in the next few months unless political leaders could come up with a way to use it. In December, the Helping Hands plans for the facility were announced.
Helping Hands was founded by Alan Evans, who was homeless for over 25 years. Evans started Helping Hands to give other homeless people what he himself had needed: a helping hand to a sustainable life.
Jordan Schnitzer, (fourth from right) has said in the past he’s willing to invest $1 million to help Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers run a reentry program and emergency shelter out of the facility, but $2 million to $3 million is still needed to launch the operation.
For more information about the fundraising effort, here is a link to the program:
Beaverton, OR. The Beaverton Arts Foundation announced a $13 million dollar pledge from Pat Reser, through the Reser Family Foundation, to help fund a new center for the arts in Beaverton. Chris Ayzoukian, Jordan Schnitzer, Lani Faith, Pat Reser, and Mayor Denny Doyle were on hand for the announcement on July 17th. It brings the private fundraising goal down to a little over $9M. With this news also came the announcement of the official name of the facility, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Patricia Reser poses with the sign stating that the official name of the facility will be the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.
Geno Biggi and Beaverton City Councilor Mark Fagin
Mark Reser, David Vernier, Christine Vernier, Francesca Kim, Julie Vigeland, Roy Kim, Bill Westphal
Vocalist Julianne Johnson with Mayor Denny Doyle and the ACMA Jazz Band
A large crowd gathered to hear the announcement
Here’s more information about the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts;
The Vision
Art has the power to transport us and inspire our imaginations—it enables us to imagine the unimaginable.
Art connects us to the past, the present and the future, sometimes simultaneously.
Art lets us see ourselves and our own community through a different and more compassionate lens.
Art dares us to dream.
Beaverton has always been a city where anything is possible and for years, our community has dreamed of a dedicated performing arts center in the heart of the city—a world-class destination that makes the arts possible for all and celebrates a thriving arts community.
With thought-provoking performances, stunning visual arts, educational programming and unique multicultural expression, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be a breathtaking leap forward for our entire community.
As a state-of-the-art facility, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will present the best in local, regional and national concerts and touring productions. The center will welcome all and serve as a catalyst for personal, cultural and economic growth, as well as increased civic pride and engagement.
Features include:
Modern, well-equipped multipurpose theatre
Classrooms, meeting and conference rooms
Art gallery and exhibit space
Café
Outdoor plaza
Lobby and gathering areas
Visit the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts page on the City of Beaverton’s website to learn more.
The Location
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be nestled adjacent to The Round, between SW Cedar Hills Boulevard and SW Hall Boulevard, accompanied by a public parking garage and just steps away from light-rail transit.
Why Now?
Greater Beaverton is an ethnically diverse area with so much to share, truly an international community poised to be the artistic and cultural jewel of Washington County. That’s why building a modern performing arts center is a key component of the Beaverton Community Vision action plan — and it’s why various partners and stakeholders have been planning for the Center for the Arts since 2004 (see The History below).
Together, we’ve created a vision that values connection to the arts and healthy collaboration, community access — so that every resident feels ownership — and excellence in design, amenities and impact. The time to make it happen is now.
“We know that arts impact communities in deep, meaningful and measurable ways. Arts of all types help to educate, entertain, bring together neighbors, newcomers and tourists, and ultimately celebrate the immense and beautiful assets of our diverse and culturally rich community. “
– Lorraine Clarno, ACE, President/CEO, Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce
The Campaign
A unique public-private partnership was created to fund the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, and 80% of the funding has already been secured. The Beaverton Arts Foundation is proud to serve as the project’s private fundraising partner, leading the drive to secure $9.6 million in remaining private capital needs. Ready to be a partner with us?
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! info@portlandsocietypage.com
