PULLMAN, Wash. — As the fall semester begins, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU is commemorating its 50th anniversary. From its origins as the Museum of Art to its transformation in 2018, the museum has been a vital cultural resource for the Washington State University community and people across the Inland Northwest. The public is invited to join in celebrations of the museum’s half-century milestone with a series of special exhibitions, programs and a commemorative publication.
“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at WSU, we reflect on a journey marked by visionary leadership, dedicated community support and a steadfast commitment to cultural enrichment,” said Ryan Hardesty, executive director of the museum. “From its inception to its current status, the museum has thrived through the efforts of countless individuals. Our mission remains to inspire, engage and educate through art. This milestone honors our past achievements while embracing an exciting future filled with possibilities.”
Kicking off the anniversary celebrations is a special reception and book release on Sept. 26. Enjoy live music and meet notable guests including Jordan Schnitzer. Attendees may purchase the museum’s commemorative publication. The following day, Sept. 27, join Jordan Schnitzer for a guided tour of The Art of Food exhibition. This event will also feature a discussion on student food insecurity, inspired by the exhibition and WSU’s Common Reading book. Engage with the Pop-Up Community Market, which will offer students free fresh produce and food, and connect with local organizations tackling student food needs.
The commemorative exhibition, Your Collection: Celebrating 50 Years, showcases the museum’s evolution through its permanent collection. It will highlight significant artworks and visual culture materials, tracing their acquisition and importance. The exhibition is a celebration of a collection that belongs to the public and is a reflection on its future growth.
Judy Chicago, Through the Flower #3, 1972
Print on paper, 22 x 22 in.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU Permanent Collection, Gift of the Friends of the Museum
Z. Vanessa Helder, Snow and Stubble, 1939
Watercolor on paper, 30.5 x 33.5 in.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU Permanent Collection, Gift of Charles and Virginia Orton to the Orton Collection
Katherine Ace, Cupid and Psyche with Cut Apple, 2010 circa
oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in.
Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer
(image by Aaron Wessling Photography, Courtesy of Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation).
Joseph Beuys, Capri Battery, edition AP 49/50, 1985
light bulb, plug socket and artificial lemon, wooden box with screenprint, 6 x 4 1/2 x 4 in.
Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer
(iImage by Aaron Wessling Photography, Courtesy of Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation).
Additionally, discover the many facets of food in the new exhibition, The Art of Food. Featuring over 100 works from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, the exhibition explores food’s cultural, communal and ethical dimensions. Experience how twentieth and twenty-first-century artists use food as a medium to express connections and stories.
All exhibitions and events will take place at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, located in the Crimson Cube on the WSU Pullman campus. The museum welcomes visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free and open to the public.
For more information about the exhibitions and events, please visit The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU website.
Media Contacts
- Debby Stinson, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, debby_stinson@wsu.edu
