Marie Watt (Seneca, born 1968), Stadium: Jim Thorpe and Relations, 2008, Reclaimed wool blankets, Pendleton stadium blanket, thread, shedded antlers, 73 x 63 inches, collection of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, Acquired with the assistance of the Ford Family Foundation and the Maribeth Collins Art Acquisition Fund, 2012.055. Photo credit: Dale Peterson.
Handmade Revolution: Craft in the Pacific Northwest
June 13, 2026 – March 13, 2027
Maribeth Collins Lobby and Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery
From June 13, 2026 through March 13, 2027, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon presents Handmade Revolution: Craft in the Pacific Northwest. The exhibition features over 60 artworks created in ceramics, textiles, glass, wood, and metal made by artists such as Rudy Autio, Frank Boyden, Dale Chihuly, Betty Feves, Heidi Preuss Grew, Linda Hutchins, Clay Lohman, George Rodriguez, Sara Siestreem, Ken Shores, Peter Voulkos, Patti Warashina, Marie Watt, Nancy Worden, and many more.
Alfred (Bud) Lane III (Siletz, born 1957), Acorn Mush Basket, 1999, Hazel and spruce tree bark, and beargrass, 3.5” x 7” x 7”, Collection of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, The George and Colleen Hoyt Acquisition Fund, HOY99.001
What Do We Hold? A Community Conversation
July 11 – November 21, 2026
James Nafziger Gallery
In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, What Do We Hold? A Community Conversation was created in collaboration with The Conversation Project and the Office of Civic Engagement at Willamette University. The project brought together students, faculty, and Salem community members from a range of backgrounds to explore themes in the Declaration of Independence and how to talk about our histories, present challenges, and hopes for the future.
Drawn from the Collection
July 11 – November 21, 2026
Print Study Center
Drawn from the Collection presents a selection of drawings from the museum’s collection of Northwest art. The works on view here offer a wide range of approaches to drawing.
Whether resulting in a tightly rendered figurative work or an expressive, process-oriented abstraction, drawing is a practice that allows for the artist to make a direct and immediate statement.
Marks in a drawing can be made in an infinite number of ways, using a variety of media and tools. For some artists, drawing is their primary form of expression, like Rick Bartow, Claudia Cave, or James Castle. For others in the exhibition, like Carl Hall, Tom Cramer, or Anne Siems, it can be used for exploring new ideas or experimenting with materials.