Cooley Gallery Activities and Mission

The gallery was established by a generous 1988 gift from Sue and Edward Cooley and John and Betty Gray "in support of the teaching of art history at Reed College, as part of an interdisciplinary educational experience that strengthens the art history component of Reed's distinctive humanities program." Exhibitions are coordinated in collaboration with Reed faculty members and courses, with attention to the needs and interests of the larger Portland and Northwest arts communities. A schedule of four exhibitions during the academic year brings to Reed and the Portland community work that would not otherwise be seen in the region.

Reed College Art Collection

The Cooley Gallery's staff manages a permanent collection of works from America and Europe of the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection began with the founding of the college in 1909 and has been maintained and supplemented ever since. Works are made available to students and faculty members on request for independent research and study, according to the needs of their course work. Periodic exhibitions of the permanent collection are held in the gallery, and pieces can be seen throughout Reed's campus.

Slide collection

Each exhibition held in the Cooley Gallery is documented with printed material as well as with a thorough collection of slides that remain on file indefinitely. These resources are made available when appropriate for student and faculty research.

Cooley Gallery hours and directions

The Cooley Gallery is open every day except Monday from noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is in Reed’s Hauser Memorial Library (view the campus map). Parking is available nearby, and the #19 bus stops on Woodstock at the campus entrance near the library. Special group tours can be arranged. The exhibition and accompanying events are free and open to the public.

Contact Information