The Memorial Union Gallery is one of the largest exhibition spaces on the OSU Campus showcasing 4-6 changing exhibits per year featuring the artwork of Northwest, regional, national & international artists. It is located in the heart of campus on the first floor of the beautiful and historic Memorial Union. The exhibition space measures over 120 sq. feet with the art work secure behind locked glass panels. With our art exhibits we try to line up a diverse schedule in a variety of genre to reflect the broad and diverse interests of the OSU and greater Corvallis community. The art featured represents an artist’s work, vision, ideas, and opinions. Some exhibits are educational, some display quality craftsmanship or artistic ability while others may depict artistic expressions that we hope enrich and deepen the appreciation and understanding of visual arts and the human experience.

 

History

OSU Students’ desire and commitment to display art in the Memorial Union has a long history:

The first year the building was open to students and the public, 1928, was also the same year the Memorial Union art collection was begun. Beginning as early as 1932, various collections were on display within the Memorial Union.

In 1943, a gift of 23 paintings was donated to the Memorial Union by Mrs. William H. Price, wife of noted artist William Henry Price. These beautiful works of art were valuable additions to the growing MU art collection. By the late 1940’s, many students expressed their desire for art have a stronger presence in the Memorial Union. Display boards were constructed and placed down the center of the Concourse for the exhibition of art. Former Recreational Director, Mrs. Leone Johnson and Dr. Gordon Gilkey, Former Chairman for the Art Department were key figures in the development of a traveling art print exchange program between OSU art professors and the Italian government. Dr. Gilkey expanded the program by inviting other college unions throughout the United States to join in. The program grew in size and prestige; it became known as the International Print Exchange, established OSU as a college art center and gained international recognition for the university.

In 1960, wings were added to the Memorial Union and two rooms were designated to be art galleries. A few years later, students decided that art should be located in areas of heavy traffic and not tucked away in hard to view places. They expressed that the educational importance of seeing and being affected by art, served the function of… “Education by osmosis.” Their decision and commitment to the importance of art in one’s environment lead to the construction of 17 portable cases and panels to exhibit art, which were placed in the main concourse.

In 1979 as part of Phase III of Memorial Union, to improve security and for insurance purposes, new enclosed cases were built to house art exhibits. These are the cases that feature 8-10 changing art exhibits and make up the Memorial Union Gallery today.

 

Contact

Susan Bourque

Exhibits Coordinator
(541) 737-6371  |  [email protected]

ANGE PURVIANCE

Exhibits Asst. Coordinator
(541) 737-2936  |  [email protected]

 

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