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In Passionate Pursuit

Painting of a still life table with newspapers, art supplies, food, flowers, paintings tacked to the wall
Katherine Ace, Self-Portrait Somewhere Else, 2004, Oil, alkyd and mixed media/collage on canvas, Collection of Arlene and Harold Schnitzer.
Oct 18, 2014 - Jan 11, 2015

The Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Collection and Legacy

Overview

In Passionate Pursuit explores the richly diverse collection of Arlene and the late Harold Schnitzer, their promised gift to the community, and the profound impact they have had as philanthropists on cultural patronage in Portland.

For more than half a century the Schnitzers have collected art. This exhibition will allow visitors to see more than 100 works from the internationally renowned collection of one of our region’s most legendary couples.

The exhibition will includes selections from the Schnitzers’ magnificent collection of Han dynasty Chinese art, 19th and 20th century silver, Native American ceramics and beaded bags, international glass works, and paintings and sculptures by Northwest and West Coast post-war masters.

Painting of a vase with red and white flowers. Behind is a green sky and a tree with birds in it.
Sherrie Wolf, Tulips with Concert of Birds; Reference: Frans Snyder, 1579–1657, 2008, Acrylic on canvas, Oil on canvas, Collection of Arlene and Harold Schnitzer.
Abstract painting of bright colors and swirls of black
Lucinda Parker, Rumpus Jump, 1982, Acrylic on canvas, Collection of Arlene and Harold Schnitzer.

In Passionate Pursuit will explore themes of collecting, legacy, and civic engagement through a series of associated lectures and discussions, a fully illustrated color publication documenting the collection with an interview between the curator and the collector, essays by Museum curators, and a signature video program featuring Museum Director Brian Ferriso in conversation with Arlene Schnitzer.

In Passionate Pursuit is organized by the Portland Art Museum and curated by Bruce Guenther, Chief Curator and The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Resources

Chief Curator Bruce Guenther discusses “In Passionate Pursuit”

Acknowledgments

PRESENTING SPONSOR: Jordan D. Schnitzer and The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation in honor of his parents, Arlene and Harold Schnitzer. LEAD SPONSOR: The Trustees of the Portland Art Museum. SPONSORS: The Goodman Family; Lucy Matthews Buchanan in memory of Harold J. Schnitzer and John E. Buchanan, Jr.; Harold Matzner; Lois Schnitzer; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Warren, Jr.; Diane B. Wilsey. SUPPORTERS: Margueritte H. Drake; Ann and Mark Edlen; Hampton Family Foundation of the OCF; Jim and Susan Winkler; Sharon and Keith Barnes; Dr. Richard H. Edelson and Ms. Jill Schnitzer Edelson ; Gwyneth Gamble Booth; Alix Meier Goodman and Tom Goodman; Carol Schnitzer Lewis; Kathleen Lewis; Joe Robertson and Patricia Fisher; The Wyss Foundation; Jonathan and Pearl Yu; Robert and Rita Philip Family Fund; Jean and Ray Auel; Helena and Milton Lankton; Lucinda Parker and Steve McCarthy; Donivee and Merrill Nash; Norris, Beggs & Simpson Companies; Richard and Deanne Rubinstein; Marta and Ken Thrasher; PADA: Portland Art Dealers Association.