This site requires Javascript to be turned on. Please enable Javascript and reload the page.

Embracing a Western Identity + The Jewish Oregon Story

The Shape of Community

“For the Oregon Jewish Community 1971 was a banner year. In the Portland metropolitan area, home to over 85 percent of the state’s Jews, the highlight was the completion of an expensive new Jewish Community Center. In advance of the opening, tours were offered of the ‘magnificent’ new building. Community leaders touted the new JCC as ‘more than just a beautiful , impressive edifice,’ claiming it would be ‘the spirit and hub of Jewish activities, Jewish cultural and social functions, and Jewish education,’ and ‘the symbol and the reality of Portland Jewish Community life . . . filled with fun, warmth and innovation.’” - Ellen Eisenberg

This page has paths:

Contents of this path:

Contents of this path:

With her mother, Helen Director, and good friend, Edna Brigham, Arlene Schnitzer opened one of Portland's first art galleries. Schnitzer, an art student at the time, recognized that Portland lacked exhibition space and sales opportunities for local artists. The Fountain Gallery, named in honor of the nearby Skidmore Fountain, quickly became one of the region’s largest and most influential commercial galleries. The Fountain Gallery distinguished itself as one of the first galleries in the Northwest to exhibit artworks by internationally recognized artists, Northwest artists, as well as special exhibitions of African art and Japanese prints.