About
The mission of the Douglas F. Cooley Memorial Art Gallery is to enhance the academic offerings of 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ with a diverse range of scholarly exhibitions, lectures, and colloquia in its role as an academic teaching museum, and the professional steward of the 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Art Collection.
The Cooley was established by a generous 1988 gift from Sue and Edward Cooley and John and Betty Gray "in support of the teaching of art history at 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, as part of an interdisciplinary educational experience that strengthens the art history component of 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's distinctive humanities program." Over the last three decades, the Cooley's mission has expanded to include: supporting 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's Studio Art program; working with local K-12 public schools; and reintroducing the study of Italic calligraphy to 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ through the Cooley's Calligraphy Initiative in Honor of Lloyd J. Reynolds—established in 2011.
Cooley exhibitions are organized by curator and director Stephanie Snyder (2003–present), often in collaboration with 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ faculty, and occasionally with guest curators. The Cooley also seeks to support the needs and interests of the larger Portland and Northwest arts communities. A schedule of two to three exhibitions during the academic year brings to 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ and the community, work that would not otherwise be seen in the region.