EUGENE, ORE.- The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon presents “Visual Magic: An Oregon Invitational,” from January 19 to May 12, 2019. A collaboration with the George D. Green Art Institute, the exhibition features recent work by forty-five artists who began their careers in Oregon during the 1960s and 70s.

“The George D. Green Art Institute has been organizing “Visual Magic” exhibitions in Portland and the surrounding area for the past three years” says JSMA McCosh Curator Danielle Knapp. “We were thrilled to collaborate with them on this larger manifestation of their concept, and to invite so many artists to participate”

“Visual Magic” explores how this generation of artists continues to represent the highest levels of creative accomplishment. Sixty years after their careers started in this state—in many cases, as students at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, or Portland’s Museum Art School (now the Pacific Northwest College of Art)—these artists continue to create art that inspires and expands the state’s artistic landscape. Most still live in Oregon, or have returned after spending time elsewhere for teaching jobs and other pursuits. A few of the artists featured still live outside the state.

Although previous “Visual Magic” shows included a variety of media and techniques, the JSMA’s Oregon Invitational is focused on painting. The checklist features paintings on canvas and board as well as sketchbooks, ceramics, and mixed-media works that incorporate paint by the following artists: Susan Applegate, Jay Backstrand, Robert Bibler, Sharon Bronzan, Sandy Brooke, Clint Brown, Karen Carson, Craig Cheshire, Margaret Coe, Jon Colburn, Bets Cole, Jon Jay Crusen, Robert Dozono, Robert Gamblin, Humberto Gonzales, Dennis Gould, Cie Goulet, George D. Green, John Haugse, Carol Hausser, Jeri Hise, George Johanson, Leland John, Kacey Joyce, Connie Kiener, Edwin “Ed” Koch (1937-2018), James Lavadour, Nancy Lindburg, Margaret Matson, Sue-Del McCulloch, Gary Meacham, Terry Melton, Kenneth O’Connell, Paula Overbay, Lucinda Parker, Janet “Jan” Reaves (1945-2018), Laura Ross-Paul, Sandra Roumagoux, Erik Sandgren, Isaka Shamsud-Din, Jim Shull, Susan Trueblood Stuart, Richard Thompson, Hugh Webb, and Phyllis Yes.

“Invitees submitted examples of their recent work” says Knapp “The exhibition will demonstrate the great diversity of work by painters with shared beginnings in Oregon.”

A series of public programs, including thematic tours with artists and a curator’s talk, accompany the exhibition.