(American, 1907-1983)
Gerald Robinson, Portrait of Louis Bunce, 1955, gelatin silver print, collection of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University, gift of Mutsumi and Gerald Robinson.
Hatfield Library Willamette University
A small selection of Louis Bunce's work from the permanent collection of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art will be on view as well as a selection of books that relate to Bunce and modern art between January January 27, 2016 and March 26, 2017.
Louis Bunce in Salem
During 1938−1939, Louis Bunce lived in Salem, working as instructor and assistant director at the WPA Federal Art Center located in the old Salem High School on the site currently occupied by Macy’s department store. It was in Salem that he met Eda Hult, and on Christmas Day 1938 they were married at the American Lutheran Church on North Church Street.
North Salem High School
At the Art Center, Bunce directed students in designing two murals for the library at Bush Elementary School. Working from studies by Clifford Gleason and another student, Bunce executed the murals Alice in Wonderland and Arabian Nights. When the Bush School was razed in 2005, the murals were moved to the auditorium at North Salem High School, where they may be seen during school events or by appointment.
Salem Public Library
More recent works by Bunce are on permanent public view at other locations in Salem. At the Salem Public Library, his painting View (1973) hangs in the audio-visual room on the ground floor. At the Oregon Capitol, Midway No. 4 (1975) is displayed just inside the south entrance as part of the state’s Percent for Art Collection.
Salem Art Association
In addition, several Bunces from Salem private collections are on view at the Salem Art Association’s Bush Barn Art Center from January 21 through February 26. The Salem Art Association is the descendant of the Salem Federal Art Center with which Bunce was closely affiliated.
Louis Bunce in Eugene
In conjunction with the exhibition Louis Bunce: Dialogue with Modernism here at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the Karin Clarke Gallery in Eugene is presenting an exhibition of works from the Louis Bunce estate. Dates for this exhibition are February 1−25, 2017.
Louis Bunce in Portland
Many paintings and prints by Louis Bunce are in the collection of the Portland Art Museum, which has kindly loaned a number of these to our exhibition here at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Also in Portland is the Bunce Estate collection, portions of which can be viewed by appointment at the Laura Russo Gallery (now Russo Lee Gallery).
Works by Bunce permanently on public view in Portland include his mural from 1958 at the Portland International Airport and his Mural of Portland (painted in 1958−1959 for a doughnut shop) at the Portland Convention Center.