Biography
Jonathan Bucci is the Maribeth Collins Director of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University. Prior to his appointment to director in September 2026, Jonathan served as the John Olbrantz Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Hallie Ford Museum (2016 – 2026) and Collection Curator (2006 – 2016).
He earned his BA in Studio Art from Connecticut College and an MFA in Painting from American University in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the staff of HFMA, Jonathan was Assistant Director and Curator of Collections for eight years at the American University Museum (formerly the Watkins Collection and Gallery); his previous experience included work at the Maurine Littleton Gallery and a graduate-level internship at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Over the course of his tenure at HFMA, Jonathan has developed strategies and programs for the use, growth, and management of the museum’s broad collections, mentored student interns, collaborated with faculty from numerous departments on campus, and worked closely with faculty curators to help bring their exhibitions to life. In addition, he has sought to connect with the broader arts community and build relationships, serving as a board and committee member at Salem Art Association and Living Studios (Cornerstone Assoc.), as a member of several Oregon Arts Commission percent for art selection committees, and as a panelist or juror for other regional arts groups.
Jonathan’s personal research interests are in 20th century and contemporary American art, primarily in painting, and work by self-taught artists. To that end, he has conducted original research for special exhibitions and publications, curating thematic group shows and solo exhibitions featuring artists such as Russell Childers, painters Whiting Tennis, Rob Bibler, and Tom Prochaska and ceramicist George Rodriguez. These exhibitions have been drawn from the museum’s permanent collection or from artists, private collectors, and galleries.
Jonathan has lived, worked, and been an active member of the Salem and Oregon arts community for the past 20 years.