In 726 CE, the iconoclast controversy erupted in Constantinople, resulting in the systemic destruction of religious images and the prohibition of religious icons throughout Christian Byzantium. The next six decades of iconoclasm, followed by a brief resurgence in the ninth century, permanently shaped the development and divergence of Eastern Orthodox religious art from the developing religious painting traditions in Western and Central Europe. Pious Customs: Religious Painting in European Art examines a selection of Orthodox icons and religious painting from Italy, France, and the Netherlands, ranging from the 14^th to the 20^th century.  As a comparative exhibition, it aims to illustrate the diverging traditions of European religious art, but also the iconographic and stylistic similarities fostered by complex networks of trade, cultural exchange, and interaction between Christian Byzantium and Europe. This exhibition was curated by Alexis Garcia, Post-Graduate Museum Fellow in European & American Art, and Margaryta Golovchenko, PhD candidate in the Department of the History of Art and Architecture, using works from the JSMA’s icon collection courtesy of A. Dean and Lucile I. McKenzie and loaned objects from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The University of Oregon's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art celebrates 16 years of NewArt Northwest Kids, our annual K–12 juried student exhibition. This year’s theme, inspired by Strange Weather: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, asked students to think creatively about the fragility of earth and human relationships. Students were invited to use their imagination and problem-solving skills to represent solutions for improving our world, including addressing climate-based challenges in our present and future.

Teachers from across the region and state integrated art into their classrooms, and students were creative in their interpretations of the theme. This year’s body of work was created by Oregon K–12 students in homeschools, private, and public schools from Coburg, Crow- Applegate-Lorane, Eugene, Marcola, Salem, Sheridan, and Springfield. 

One of the JSMA’s priorities is to serve and to provide vibrant art experiences for the public, including K-12 students. The arts play an integral role in a child’s development and well-being and the JSMA creates opportunities for cultivating those experiences. In addition to this exhibition, the museum offers many enriching education programs, resources, and outreach offerings throughout the year for K–12 students, teachers, and families. We are committed to offering accessible and inclusive programming for our youngest visitors and sharing the impact art has on all of us regardless of age or ability.

Acknowledgments

The JSMA thanks the teachers, parents, and administrators from the following schools who submitted artwork. We recognize their efforts and advocacy in making art an integral part of their students’ lives:

Academy of Arts and Academics
Agnes Stewart Middle School
Awbrey Park Elementary School
Bridgeway House
Centennial Elementary School
Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District
Edison Elementary School
Henry D. Sheldon High School
Homeschool
Oak Hill School
South Eugene High School
Wilson Hill Academy (online)

We also offer special thanks to this year’s jurors. The jury panel included JSMA representatives John Weber, Executive Director, Lisa Abia-Smith, Director of Education and Senior Instructor at University of Oregon, Sherri Jones, Assistant Administrator of Education, Yeseul Lee, Museum Educator for Community Engagement and Well-Being, and Education Interns Christalee Kirby and Payton Jones.

NewArt Northwest Kids is made possible through support from The Cheryl and Allyn Ford Educational Outreach Endowment. Support for Strange Weather and related education and outreach programs has been made possible by a grant from the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation.