New Initiative Brings Contemporary Jewish Artists Into the OJMCHE Collection
November 6 – January 12, 2025
Collecting Forward: New Works By Oregon Jewish Artists celebrates the creative contributions of Oregon Jewish artists, both through a diverse array of contemporary artworks and a dynamic new acquisitions initiative for OJMCHE. This initiative allows the museum to actively support Oregon Jewish artists by acquiring their work, adding new voices and perspectives to our collection. From works on paper to three-dimensional pieces, the Collecting Forward initiative ensures a dynamic and ever-evolving museum experience that engages our community in ongoing artistic dialogues.
This exhibition showcases the inaugural acquisitions made under this initiative, featuring prints, drawings, photographs, and paintings. We are proud to introduce artworks by Oregon Jewish artists Emily Ginsburg, Roger Kukes, Stu Levy, Dana Lynn Louis, and Daniela Naomi Molnar into our permanent collection.
OJMCHE is committed to representing the depth and diversity of our community. The works featured in Collecting Forward have been thoughtfully chosen to reflect a wide range of conceptual and material approaches. In addition to artworks with identifiable Jewish themes, the museum also seeks to enrich its collection with pieces by artists that reflect contemporary Jewish art in Oregon today.
Alongside newly purchased pieces, the exhibition also proudly features donated works. These donations and acquisitions together highlight OJMCHE’s ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive artistic dialogue and ensuring that our collection remains dynamic and relevant.
“We want to highlight the broader context of this work,” said Director of Collections and Exhibitions Alisha Babbstein. “None of this would be possible without our Collecting Forward project, which marks a new initiative to actively collect (through purchase or donation) and showcase the work of contemporary Jewish artists. In addition to holding the largest collection of Jewish artifacts in the Pacific Northwest, OJMCHE holds an extensive collection of fine art by Oregon Jewish artists. Over the years, our fine art collection has grown thanks to the generosity of our donors. Here I would like thank the guidance of our Collecting Forward Committee. This group, made up of artists and community members with expertise in art history and practice, has played a key role in launching this new initiative. A warm thank you to the Collecting Forward committee, Sylvia Engleman, Shelley Jordan, Barry Pelzner, Jennifer Rabin, Wilder Schmaltz and Sue Taylor.”
About Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education explores the legacy of the Jewish experience in Oregon, teaches the enduring and universal relevance of the Holocaust, and provides opportunities for intercultural conversations.