From the Leadership Council President

It’s an honor to serve as the President of the Leadership Council (LC) with an extraordinary group of dedicated volunteers and staff. We are gathering in person in the newly renovated Ford Lecture Hall, a welcoming environment that can also host remote attendees via the stellar technology in this space.

We are grateful to the staff who tirelessly manage the myriad jobs from behind the scenes to the opening nights. And a shout out to the staff and volunteer Exhibition Interpreters who are again bringing University classes and K-12 school groups through the exhibitions on a regular basis.

The work of the LC continues in its advisory role by supporting the JSMA’s mission and Long Range Strategic Planning goals. Special thanks to Ken Kato for his commitment to ensuring we are in strategic alignment with the University. Additional wisdom comes to the LC from the extensive expertise of individuals serving at the committee level. I want to acknowledge the Committee Co-Chairs, Sarah Finlay

(Communications and Engagement), Doug Blandy (Education), Doug Park (Development) and Ina Asim (Collections). In addition, Paul Peppis convenes a Faculty Engagement Working Group that informs and enriches our capacity to be a great academic museum.

The LC, with John Weber’s wonderful encouragement, will be participating in Action Teams again. These ad hoc planning groups connect JSMA exhibitions with community and civic organizations; schools and teachers; UO faculty, staff, and students; artists and arts partners. Our first Action Team is tasked with networking with these groups to inform and engage them in the upcoming installation of Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass, a multi-channel video installation about Frederick Douglass coming this fall.

Lastly, I want to personally invite all of you to join us to celebrate the Art of the Harvest: JSMA at 90, a grand event on September 22nd highlighting great food and great art (for 90 years)!

On behalf of the entire Leadership Council, thank you for your ongoing membership and support,

Patti Barkin Leadership Council President, 2022-2024