To begin our new  2022 - 2023 season of First Saturday PDX programs, we've made arrangements for a visit to the JORDAN SCHNITZER  MUSEUM of ART (JSMA) at the University of Oregon in Eugene.  

Renowned for its large and important assemblage of Chinese art, the JSMA’s holdings include one of America's most impressive collections of court textiles, along with superlative examples of traditional Chinese painting, sculpture, ceramics, jade, glass, lacquer, metalwork, furniture, and a small, but growing selection of contemporary Chinese objects.

When the museum first opened in 1933, founder Gertrude Bass Warner (1863-1951) dedicated its largest gallery to the display of a core selection of superb Chinese works evoking the splendor of the Qing-dynasty      (1644-1911) imperial court. With the renovation, expansion, and reopening of the museum in 2005, the exquisitely updated Betty and John Soreng Gallery of Chinese Art still features many of the same objects, in addition to more recently acquired artwork.

​One highlight is a modern interpretation of a traditional Chinese treasure wall featuring an array of precious decorative objects in various media spanning over six hundred years.  Also on view are examples from the museum’s sumptuous collection of imperial court garments and accessories, a rare nine-foot-tall jade pagoda, Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and brightly colored ceramic roof tiles from the Forbidden City.

Following the recent First Saturday PDX programs on the history and restoration of the Soreng Gallery of Chinese Art in the JSMA by Curator Anne Rose Kitagawa and Professor Ina Asim, we are pleased to schedule a group visit to enjoy the special treasures of the Gallery now on exhibition.   We will also have access to JSMA's insightful collection of Korean and Japanese art galleries. 

The drive to Eugene is beautiful, taking about 90 mins to 2 hours.   You may want to carpool with family and friends.  The Admission Fee is $5 per person, $3 per senior and Free for college students and children.  Donations are  also welcome.  

To help us keep JSMA informed of the size of our group, please leave your name and number of people in your party by emailing us at FirstSaturdayPDX@gmail.com or by completing the form above by September 7.
JSMA Gallery Guide
Meet us at 11:30 am at the MUSEUM ENTRANCE for a casual tour of the  Soreng Gallery and adjacent Asian galleries. There are various eateries nearby which can accommodate very small groups.
​Short tour video here
Nearby parking is available at the rear of the JSM.   Campus police can provide any needed directions. ​
​Our educational program series has been developed in collaboration with PSU’s Institute for Asian Studies, and is free and open to the public.​  First Saturday PDX  current full season schedule and descriptions available HERE.  

View our regular monthly location by clicking on the address below for directions:  
Portland State University, Academic & Student Recreation Ctr (ASRC),  Room 230
1800 SW 6th Ave, Portland OR 97201
Excellent MAX and bus transportation is right by the venue; plan your Trimet trip HERE.   There is also a nearby parking structure at SW 6th and Harrison with an entrance on 6th Avenue is also available.
View PSU Parking info:  
https://www.pdx.edu/transportation/hourly-visitor-parking​​​