UO's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art names executive director

EUGENE, Ore.--(May 1, 2008)-- An art museum expert with more than 20 years of experience acquiring major collections, working collaboratively with faculty and students and increasing endowments has been selected as the new executive director at the University of Oregon's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA).

Jill Hartz brings extensive museum experience to JSMA, the largest museum between Portland and San Francisco. She assumes her new role in August.

Most recently, Hartz served as the director of the University of Virginia Museum of Art for 11 years. While there, Hartz curated and managed staff in connection with collections and traveling exhibitions in the midst of major facility improvements. Under her guidance, the museum earned national accreditation from the American Association of Museums (AAM) in 1999.

"The University of Oregon is proud to welcome an exceptional museum professional to advance the mission and goals of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and to position it as a model of regional and national significance," said UO President Dave Frohnmayer. "Jill Hartz's background and extensive experience in university-based museums will help to realize the potential of this cultural treasure."

As executive director, Hartz will oversee all aspects of the museum's operations including exhibits, educational programs and special events. She will also draw on her expertise in building endowments.

"We’re thrilled to have Jill join the museum at a pivotal time in its history," said Allan Price, vice president for university advancement. "She has the proven ability to work with many different constituencies, both on- and off-campus, to build community and broaden support and participation in the museum."

Prior to working at the UVa Art Museum, Hartz served as the exhibitions coordinator and director of public relations and publications at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University.

"I am excited about joining the University of Oregon and having the honor of directing the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art," said Hartz. "I look forward to getting to know the campus and the community and everyone committed to the museum's strong future. Together we can strengthen its leadership role among university art museums and further broaden the regional and national presence for its innovative and ambitious programs."

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is set to launch its 75th anniversary celebration in June. The JSMA features approximately 23,000 square feet of exhibition space and is one of six museums in Oregon accredited by the American Association of Museums.

"During the extensive national search the museum has continued to operate at a high level of excellence due to the efforts of Robert Melnick serving as interim executive director," said Price. "Because of his leadership, we have a vibrant and lively museum for Jill to guide into its next 75 years."

JSMA board members are pleased to welcome Hartz, a high-caliber professional, said Connie Huling, board president.

"Jill comes to us with a history of effectiveness in building broad support for the arts both on and off campus," Huling said. "We’re delighted that she will be joining us as we celebrate this milestone in the museum’s existence, its 75th anniversary year."

Hartz is an extraordinary choice for director with great vision about the strength of the JSMA as a rich cultural center on the campus, said Frances Bronet, dean of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts (AAA).

"Jill sees the museum as a catalyst for our students, faculty and community - leading in the northwest and the international arena," Bronet said. "I am very excited about increased partnerships with AAA and the campus at large. Our faculty is poised to collaborate on ambitious intellectual and creative ventures."

The 75th anniversary exhibitions include: Faster, Higher, Farther: The Spirit of Track and Field, June 14 to Sept. 1; Edward Burtynsky: The China Series, June 26 to Sept. 7; The Thinking Body, June 26 to Sept. 7; Cuba Avant-Garde: Contemporary Art from The Farber Collection Oct. 4 to Jan. 4, 2009; Looking Forward/Looking Back, Jan. 24 to April 12, 2009; Master of Fine Arts 2009 Exhibition, May 2 to June 14, 2009.

About the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
The University of Oregon's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is a premier Pacific Northwest visual arts center for exhibitions and collections of historic and contemporary art. The JSMA features significant collections galleries devoted to art from China, Japan, Korea, America and elsewhere as well as changing exhibition galleries.

About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of 62 of the leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. Membership in the AAU is by invitation only. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact: Julie Brown, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu
Erick Hoffman, 541-346-3162, erickh@uroegon.edu
Link: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, http://jsma.uoregon.edu/
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